Learning in Social Studies

Most teachers will be visiting Culloden to support ongoing work in achieving outcomes in Social Studies: people, past events and societies. In addition to these, a visit to Culloden can help support the development of the four broad capacities of the Curriculum for Excellence through work in Social Studies.

Developing successful learners
In preparing for and taking part in activities on site at Culloden, pupils’ horizons of time and place will be expanded. They will learn to access and use information from a range of sources and think critically about evidence and arguments in order to arrive at their own conclusions. They learn to justify these in discussions and debate, both at school and on site. The investigation of evidence is a key strand in learning at Culloden, as pupils will have access to contemporary objects, high quality replicas, reproductions of images, eyewitness accounts – and of course, to the primary object, the moor itself. They will learn to judge and assess evidence critically, and to back up their opinions with evidence-based proof.

Developing confident individuals
Learning through social studies will enable pupils to understand more about their own sense of identity. Examination of the evidence on site will challenge glib assumptions of Culloden as a battle between the English and the Scots. In learning about this key moment in Scotland’s past, they can develop an understanding of the political and social changes which have shaped Scotland we live in today. As they acquire a greater understanding of the battle and the events surrounding it, they will achieve the confidence to communicate their own views on issues arising from the battle and the battlefield.

Developing responsible citizens
Building on previous learning experiences, pupils will gradually construct a framework of historical, geographical and political knowledge and understanding. Many aspects of Culloden are still highly contentious, and the treatment of the Gaelic community in the years after the battle still provokes strong feelings. Through learning about the values and beliefs of societies at other times pupils can become more willing to question intolerance and prejudice and develop respect for other people. Visiting the moor and the exhibition centre will also develop a sense that our heritage is important and will demonstrate ways in which this heritage can be preserved and enjoyed.

Developing effective contributors
As their knowledge and understanding broadens through investigative, creative and critical thinking, pupils will gain skills which will be important for their life and work. They can plan and carry out a piece of research, and share their findings with others. They will learn to use ICT to help carry out and present their findings more effectively. They can assess and draw conclusions from evidence. They will see how important the tourism industry is to Scotland, and in what way the complex at Culloden contributes to this industry. All of these skills will equip pupils to be active contributors in their lives now and in their working lives in the future.