Social studies
Capacities
Developing successful learners
Learning through social studies extends children and young people’s horizons of time and place and challenges them to look at the world in new ways. They learn to access and use information from different kinds of sources, and think critically about evidence and arguments in order to arrive at their own conclusions. They learn to justify these in discussion and debate. Learning in social studies also contributes strongly to the development of their skills in literacy and numeracy.
Developing confident individuals
Whatever their own cultural background may be, learning through social studies should enable children and young people to understand more about their sense of identity. In learning about their environment and about their community and country’s past and present they can develop an understanding of the political and social changes which have shaped Scotland. They should be supported in establishing their own values, and should achieve the confidence to communicate their own stances on social, political, historical and environmental issues.
Developing responsible citizens
Through social studies children and young people gradually build up a framework of historical, geographical, social, economic and political knowledge and understanding. Through learning about the values, beliefs and cultures of societies at other times and in other places they can become more willing to question intolerance and prejudice, and develop respect for other people. Exploring ethical dilemmas facing individuals and societies is an important feature of their learning. One of the most important outcomes of learning in social studies is a commitment to participate responsibly in political, economic, social and cultural life.
Developing effective contributors
As their knowledge and understanding broadens through investigative, creative and critical thinking - individually and in groups - children and young people can develop skills which will be important for their life and work. They learn about and apply concepts that stimulate enterprise and influence business, and gain an understanding of Scotland’s contribution to a sustainable global economy. They can be challenged to consider how they can contribute to the wellbeing of society through, for example, aid initiatives, environmental projects, volunteering or in other ways as active participants in civic society.