Assessment Components

Assignment (20% of overall grade):

An externally assessed assignment based on geographical research. Pupils investigate a geographical topic or issue, gather and process information, and draw conclusions based on their findings. This component develops skills in research, data handling, analysis and decision-making.

Question Paper (80% of overall grade):

An external written exam assessing knowledge and understanding of physical and human geography. Pupils answer questions on topics such as physical environments, human environments and global issues. The paper assesses skills including description, explanation, analysis of sources (such as maps and graphs), and evaluation of geographical issues.

Assessment Components

Assignment (27% of overall grade):

An externally assessed assignment based on geographical research. Pupils investigate a geographical topic or issue in depth, selecting and processing information from a range of sources. They analyse findings, draw detailed conclusions and demonstrate higher-order evaluation and decision-making skills.

Question Paper (73% of overall grade):

An external written exam assessing knowledge and understanding of physical and human geography. Pupils answer extended and source-based questions on topics such as physical environments, human environments and global issues. The paper assesses skills including detailed explanation, analysis of geographical information, evaluation of issues and use of case studies.

Assessment Components

Project–Dissertation (33% of overall grade):

An externally assessed geographical investigation based on independent research. Pupils identify a focused research question, collect and analyse primary and/or secondary data, and present a sustained, evidence-based evaluation. This component develops advanced skills in research design, critical analysis, synthesis and academic writing.

Question Paper (67% of overall grade):

An external written exam assessing detailed knowledge and understanding of geographical concepts, theories and issues. Pupils answer extended essay questions on physical and human geography, demonstrating critical evaluation, use of case studies and the ability to construct coherent, well-supported arguments.

Assessment Components

Assignment (20% of overall grade):

An externally assessed assignment based on historical research. Pupils investigate a historical issue or topic, select and use relevant sources, and draw conclusions supported by evidence. This component develops skills in research, source use and explanation.

Question Paper (80% of overall grade):

An external written exam assessing knowledge and understanding of historical contexts. Pupils answer questions on Scottish, British and European/world history topics. The paper assesses skills including description, explanation, analysis of sources and evaluation of historical factors.

Assessment Components

Assignment (27% of overall grade):

An externally assessed assignment based on in-depth historical research. Pupils investigate a focused historical issue, analyse a range of sources and present reasoned conclusions. This component develops skills in analysis, evaluation and use of historical evidence.

Question Paper (73% of overall grade):

An external written exam assessing detailed knowledge and understanding of historical contexts. Pupils answer extended and source-based questions on Scottish, British and European/world history. The paper assesses explanation, analysis, evaluation and the ability to construct sustained arguments.

Assessment Components

Project–Dissertation (33% of overall grade):

An externally assessed independent research project. Pupils select a historical topic, formulate a research question, analyse primary and secondary sources and present a sustained, evidence-based argument. This component develops advanced research, synthesis and academic writing skills.

Question Paper (67% of overall grade):

An external written exam assessing advanced knowledge and understanding of historical themes and debates. Pupils write extended essays demonstrating critical evaluation, depth of knowledge and the ability to construct coherent, well-supported arguments.

Assessment Components

Assignment (20% of overall grade):

An externally assessed assignment based on research into a contemporary issue. Pupils investigate a political, social or international topic, select and use information from a range of sources, and draw reasoned conclusions. This component develops skills in research, analysis and decision-making.

Question Paper (80% of overall grade):

An external written exam assessing knowledge and understanding of contemporary political and social issues. Pupils answer questions on areas such as democracy in Scotland and the UK, social issues, and international issues. The paper assesses skills including explanation, analysis of sources and evaluation of viewpoints.

Assessment Components

Assignment (27% of overall grade):

An externally assessed assignment involving in-depth research into a contemporary issue. Pupils analyse political, social or international topics, evaluate information from a range of sources, and present justified conclusions. This component develops higher-order analytical and evaluative skills.

Question Paper (73% of overall grade):

An external written exam assessing detailed knowledge and understanding of contemporary issues. Pupils answer extended and source-based questions on democracy, social issues and international relations. The paper assesses explanation, analysis, evaluation and the ability to construct sustained arguments.

Assessment Components

Project–Dissertation (33% of overall grade):

An externally assessed independent research project. Pupils select a contemporary political or social issue, formulate a focused research question, analyse a wide range of sources and present a sustained, evidence-based evaluation. This component develops advanced research, synthesis and academic writing skills.

Question Paper (67% of overall grade):

An external written exam assessing advanced understanding of political systems, social issues and international relations. Pupils write extended essays demonstrating critical evaluation, depth of knowledge and the ability to develop coherent, well-supported arguments.

Assessment Components

Assignment (20% of overall grade):

An externally assessed assignment based on research into a religious, moral or philosophical issue. Pupils investigate a question or topic, select relevant information and viewpoints, and present a reasoned conclusion. This component develops skills in research, analysis and evaluation of beliefs and values.

Question Paper (80% of overall grade):

An external written exam assessing knowledge and understanding of religious and moral issues. Pupils answer questions on areas such as world religions, morality and belief, and religious and philosophical questions. The paper assesses skills including explanation, analysis of viewpoints and evaluation of issues.

Assessment Components

Assignment (27% of overall grade):

An externally assessed assignment involving in-depth research into a religious, moral or philosophical issue. Pupils analyse different viewpoints, evaluate arguments and present justified conclusions. This component develops higher-order critical thinking and evaluative skills.

Question Paper (73% of overall grade):

An external written exam assessing detailed knowledge and understanding of religious, moral and philosophical issues. Pupils answer extended and source-based questions, demonstrating explanation, analysis and evaluation of beliefs and arguments.

Assessment Components

Assignment (20% of overall grade):

An externally assessed assignment based on research into a philosophical question or issue. Pupils investigate ideas such as morality, knowledge or human existence, select relevant viewpoints and evidence, and present a reasoned conclusion. This component develops skills in research, reasoning and evaluation.

Question Paper (80% of overall grade):

An external written exam assessing knowledge and understanding of philosophical concepts and arguments. Pupils answer questions on key philosophical themes, demonstrating explanation, analysis of viewpoints and evaluation of arguments.

Assessment Components

Question Paper (100% of overall grade):

An external written exam assessing detailed understanding of philosophical theories and debates. Pupils answer extended questions demonstrating explanation, analysis, evaluation and the ability to construct sustained philosophical arguments.