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Social studies: fourth level experiences and outcomes

45 Es&Os, usually taught in S1 to S3. Choose "Plan this" to open a lesson plan linked to that experience and outcome.

People, past events and societies

  • SOC 4-01a

    I can evaluate conflicting sources of evidence to sustain a line of argument.

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  • SOC 4-02a

    I have developed a sense of my heritage and identity as a British, European or global citizen and can present arguments about the importance of respecting the heritage and identity of others.

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  • SOC 4-04a

    By studying groups in past societies who experienced inequality, I can explain the reasons for the inequality and evaluate how groups or individuals addressed it.

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  • SOC 4-04b

    I can describe the main features of conflicting world belief systems in the past and can present informed views on the consequences of such conflict for societies then and since.

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  • SOC 4-04c

    I can make reasoned judgements about how the exercise of power affects the rights and responsibilities of citizens by comparing a more democratic and a less democratic society.

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  • SOC 4-05a

    I can present supported conclusions about the social, political and economic impacts of a technological change in the past.

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  • SOC 4-05b

    I can evaluate the changes which have taken place in an industry in Scotland’s past and can debate their impact.

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  • SOC 4-05c

    I have investigated a meeting of cultures in the past and can analyse the impact on the societies involved.

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  • SOC 4-06a

    Having critically analysed a significant historical event, I can assess the relative importance of factors contributing to the event.

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  • SOC 4-06b

    I can express an informed view about the changing nature of conflict over time, appreciate its impact and empathise with the experiences of those involved.

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  • SOC 4-06c

    I can describe attempts to resolve an international conflict and maintain the peace and can present my conclusion about how effective these attempts were.

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  • SOC 4-06d

    I can assess the impact for those involved in a specific instance of the expansion of power and influence in the past.

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People, place and environment

  • SOC 4-07a

    I can explain how the interaction of physical systems shaped and continue to shape the Earth’s surface by assessing their impact on contrasting landscape types.

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  • SOC 4-08a

    I can discuss the sustainability of key natural resources and analyse the possible implications for human activity.

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  • SOC 4-09a

    Having evaluated the role of agriculture in the production of food and raw material, I can draw reasoned conclusions about the environmental impacts and sustainability.

    Plan this
  • SOC 4-09b

    I can assess the impact of developments in transport infrastructure in a selected area and can contribute to a discussion on the development of sustainable systems.

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  • SOC 4-10a

    I can develop my understanding of the interaction between humans and the environment by describing and assessing the impact of human activity on an area.

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  • SOC 4-10b

    I can explain the development of the main features of an urban area in Scotland or elsewhere and can evaluate the implications for the society concerned.

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  • SOC 4-10c

    Having studied an economic activity, I can explain its development and assess the impact of change within its locality and beyond.

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  • SOC 4-11a

    Having researched the globalisation of trade, I can explain the interdependence of different parts of the world and assess the impacts for providers, consumers and the environment.

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  • SOC 4-11b

    I can explain how the distribution and control of important natural resources affects the international power and influences of states.

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  • SOC 4-11c

    I can compare the population structure of Scotland with a contrasting country and can express informed views about the future implications for these societies.

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  • SOC 4-12a

    I can identify threats facing the main climate zones, including climate change, and analyse how these threats impact on the way of life.

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  • SOC 4-12b

    I can carry out a geographical enquiry to assess the impact and possible outcomes of climate change on a selected region and can propose strategies to slow or reverse the impact.

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  • SOC 4-12c

    I can demonstrate an understanding of weather and climate by explaining the relationship between weather and air pressure.

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  • SOC 4-14a

    I can use specialised maps and geographical information systems to identify patterns of human activity and physical processes.

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People in society, economy and business

  • SOC 4-15a

    I can evaluate conflicting sources of evidence to sustain a line of argument.

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  • SOC 4-16a

    I can contribute to a discussion on the extent to which people’s needs should be met by the state or the individual.

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  • SOC 4-16b

    Through discussion, I have identified aspects of a social issue to investigate and by gathering information I can assess its impact and the attitudes of the people affected.

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  • SOC 4-16c

    I can analyse the factors contributing to the development of a multicultural society and can express an informed view on issues associated with this.

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  • SOC 4-17a

    I can critically analyse the relative importance of the contribution of individuals or groups in bringing about change in a significant political event.

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  • SOC 4-17b

    I can evaluate the role of the media in a democracy, assess its importance in informing and influencing citizens, and explain decisions made by those in power.

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  • SOC 4-17c

    I can compare and contrast two world ideologies to express an informed view on how ideology affects the lives of people.

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  • SOC 4-18a

    I can evaluate the impact which decision making bodies have on the lives of people in Scotland or elsewhere.

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  • SOC 4-18b

    I can debate the reasons why some people participate less than others in the electoral process and can express informed views about the importance of participating in a democracy.

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  • SOC 4-18c

    I can contribute to a discussion on the actions and motives of a group or organisation which seeks to achieve its aims by non-democratic means.

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  • SOC 4-19a

    I can present an informed view on how the expansion of power and influence of countries or organisations may impact on the cultures, attitudes and experiences of those involved.

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  • SOC 4-19b

    By examining the role and actions of selected international organisations, I can evaluate how effective they are in meeting their aims.

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  • SOC 4-20a

    I can critically examine how some economic factors can influence individuals, businesses or communities.

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  • SOC 4-20b

    I can research the purposes and features of private, public and voluntary sector organisations to contribute to a discussion on their relationships with stakeholders.

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  • SOC 4-20c

    I can evaluate working practices available to employees within different types of business organisations.

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  • SOC 4-21a

    I can evaluate the suitability of finance options available for setting up and supporting different types of businesses.

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  • SOC 4-21b

    Having considered the financial needs of individuals and businesses, I can evaluate, prepare and present financial information and documents to assist in making appropriate financial decisions.

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  • SOC 4-22a

    By researching the organisation of a business, I can discuss the role of departments and personnel, evaluating how they contribute to the success or failure of the business.

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  • SOC 4-22b

    I can identify internal and external factors influencing planning and decision making and can assess how these decisions contribute to the success or failure of businesses.

    Plan this

Other areas at fourth level

Questions teachers ask

What are the social studies experiences and outcomes at fourth level?
There are 45, usually taught in S1 to S3. They are listed on this page with their codes, grouped by curriculum organiser.
How do I plan a S1 to S3 social studies lesson for an Es&O?
Choose "Plan this" next to the experience and outcome. Heapso opens a lesson plan set to S2 Social studies with that code linked. You can change anything before Pip writes.

Plan your next social studies unit

Heapso opens a unit plan set to Social studies, fourth level. Add the Es&Os you're teaching and Pip cites only those.

Plan this unit free