Social Studies

The study of social studies by children leads to the development of literacy, numeracy, citizenship, creativity, enterprise, sustainability and the understanding of the world through learning about other people and their values, in different times, places and circumstances; it also develops their understanding of their environment and of how it has been shaped.

In “Handmaids”, as studies progress from the Nursery to the Basic stages, students’ experiences will be broadened using Nigerian, African and wider contexts for learning, while maintaining a focus on the historical, social, geographic, economic and political changes that have shaped Nigeria. Students learn about human achievements and about how to make sense of changes in society, of conflicts and of environmental issues. This process helps to develop their understanding of social, political, economic and environmental issues, the human achievements that have made the society in which they live, and how they can influence that society.

Experiences and Outcomes

1. » To develop students’ understanding of the history, heritage and culture of Nigeria, and an appreciation of their local and national heritage within the world
2. » To broaden their understanding of the world by learning about human activities and achievements in the past and present
3. » To develop their understanding of their own values, beliefs and cultures and those of others
4. » To develop an understanding of the principles of democracy and citizenship through experience of critical and independent thinking
5. » To provide the ability to explore and evaluate different types of sources and evidence
6. » To learn how to locate, explore and link periods, people and events in time and place
7. » To learn how to locate, explore and link features and places locally and further afield
8. » To nurture engagements in activities which encourage enterprising attitudes
9. » To develop an understanding of concepts that encourage enterprise and influence business
10. » To establish firm foundations for lifelong learning and for further specialised study and careers

Teaching Methods

Teachers support students as they progressively develop skills in the course of study by applying them in new and more complex contexts. These skills are regarded as a continuum and are not capped at any particular level. Thus the professional judgement of teachers is utilised in ensuring that individual learners are faced with the appropriate level of challenge in developing skills. This method of effective learning and teaching draws upon a variety of approaches including:

1. » The employment of active learning which provides opportunities to observe, explore, experiment and play
2. » The use of relevant contexts and experiences familiar to children and young people
3. » The appropriate and effective use of technology
4. » The building on the principles of Assessment is for Learning
5. » The use of both collaborative and independent learning
6. » The application of discussion and informed debate
7. » The sharing of interdisciplinary learning experiences
8. » The deployment of learning outdoors, field trips, visits and input by external contributors