Rationale

There have been a number of changes to the original Social Studies Curriculum document that are reflected in this document in an attempt to address the glaring issues that existed within the documents developed 2000, 2001 and 2003. The interim document contains academic standards in Social Studies for students in Kindergarten to Grade 6. These standards reflect the most important knowledge and skills that students at this level are expected to learn.

The performance standards found in each Unit sub-topic indicate what students must demonstrate to ensure that they have met the standards that measure the knowledge, skills and cognitive processes that they should have mastered by grade level.

The knowledge, skills, and cognitive processes are important if the Social Studies interim curriculum is to cultivate responsible, well-informed, independent critical and reflective thinkers, good listeners, individuals who have competent skills in seeking and organizing information armed with the appropriate attitudes and values to become change agents in their communities, nation and the global arena. It is also important that students develop a positive self-image within their society or wherever they may find themselves. If students are to grow into well-adjusted individuals they must first feel comfortable within their ‘own skin’ and learn how to make decisions trusting their own thinking while respecting and valuing the opinions of others, regardless of the other person’s nationality, religious affiliation, race or gender. This will engender a respect for all persons, a willingness to work together to build their country for the benefit of self and others.

Aims

This document seeks to support teachers in creating well-adjusted students who:

1. develop healthy emotion
2. take responsibility for their own actions
3. learn to love and respect self and others
4. participate in decision-making in the classroom, and wider community
5. appreciate their own culture and to be tolerant of the culture of others
6. exhibit the knowledge, skills attitudes and values needed to participate in the democratic process
7. appreciate their role and assume the responsibility of being caring, loyal citizens of their country.
8. nurture dispositions to show concern for the world in which they live and demonstrate empathy in their relations with others