Social Subjects

An enthusiasm for seeking greater awareness and understanding of the human experience gives coherence to the work of the Social Subjects Faculty. As a faculty we aim to develop in children greater awareness and understanding by capitalising upon the natural fascination with the complexities and changing nature of the human experience.

The Social Subject Faculty consists of the following subject areas, Geography, History, Modern Studies and Religious Moral and Philosophical Studies

 

Geography...we would be lost without it!

The Geography department works with pupils on their relationships with the environment, and the people and places that make up these environments. Working with pupils to increase their interest in, and understanding of, decisions made about their environments on a local and global scale. As well as increasing pupils awareness of their responsibility for and the sustainability of their own and others actions in these environments

Geography is taught at PHS in order to:-

• develop an understanding of the environment from a local to global scale
• engender an enquiring attitude in pupils
• foster an acceptable work ethic among pupils
• encourage the use of available technology
• help pupils act in an informed and responsible way

Geography is a very special subject because it offers a unique combination of skills. Any trained geographer is expected to be able to interpret maps, photographs, tables and graphs. They can evaluate arguments, problem solve and make decisions. Geographers are used to writing extended pieces of work and gathering raw data through observation in a practical environment.

The Geography Department in PHS has two teaching classrooms M25 and M27, plus one shared tutorial room, one store room, equipment and computers.

We are located in the upper floor of the new millennium wing with a southerly aspect.

Staff

Faculty Head of Social Subjects - Mr J Lee (Room: M25)
Teacher - Mr A Anderson (Room: M27)

History

If we would learn from history, what lessons it might teach us!

Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Staff

 

Teacher Mr B Mahler (Room: M37)
Teacher - Miss F Dunlop (Room: M36)
Teacher - Mr G Moir (Room: M35)
Teacher - Mrs R Adams (Room: M33)

 

History is taught in PHS in order to: -

• to foster in pupils an interest in history, which will provide a life-long source of enjoyment;
• to develop pupils' knowledge and understanding of the variety of factors which have helped to shape the world in which they live; 
• to enable pupils to consider and evaluate change and continuity; 
• to enable pupils to detect bias and propaganda and to challenge prejudice; 
• to encourage pupils to debate issues and, on the basis of evidence, form views, as well as respect and tolerate the views of others; 
• to involve pupils in activities which will help to equip them with a range of skills appropriate to the study of the past; 
• to develop pupils' imagination and empathy with people living in other period.

 

Modern Studies

Modern Studies is the social, political and economic study of local, national and international issues. Modern Studies is unique to the Scottish Schools curriculum.
Teaching of Modern Studies is very varied and interesting.  A variety of teaching methods and resources are used which include: books, television, Internet, videos, guest speakers, surveys, fieldtrips, group-work, class discussions and debates.

Staff

Teacher - Mr A Moir (Room: M24)
Teacher - Mr T McColm (M26)
Teacher - Mr S Foster (Room: M 28)
Depute Rector - Mr C Hornell

The Modern Studies Department is based in the new Millennium Wing of the High School. The Department consists of 3 well equipped classrooms which all contain vital resources needed for the teaching of Modern Studies including television, video and computer with Internet access, and one room also containing a interactive whiteboard (M24).  We also have a tutorial room which has 5 computers linked to the Internet.  This room is used by the Advanced Higher Class and is also useful for pupils carrying out research tasks.

 

Religious Moral and Philosophical Studies

 

Welcome to the RMPS Department. You will find us situated in the Social Subjects area of the Millennium wing where we have two classrooms M30 and M31.

 

Staff

 

Principal Teacher - Mrs J McFadyen

Teacher - Mr G Murray

Teacher - Mr I Stewart

Depute Rector - Mr P Fagan

 

All students attend this subject for one period per week in S1-S4. In addition, S2 students attend Metacognition classes for one period per week which includes a twelve week input from RMPS on Philosophy for Children (P4C). Senior school students have the option of studying either RMPS or Philosophy at Higher/ Intermediate 2 level.

 

An unexamined life is not worth living.

RMPS focuses on questions of meaning, value and purpose in life and is concerned with examining the responses humankind has made to these difficult questions. We look to the major religions, famous thinkers, religious non-religious, for inspiration. Our aim is to develop an awareness of the ways that beliefs and values are central to the fabric of Scottish society. From this focus we help students sort out their own beliefs, values and priorities.

The RMPS department is working hard to produce informed, articulate, open-minded and tolerant students who are able to empathise with those who are different from themselves and who are also able to reflect upon their own experience of life.