Social studies

From the youngest age, children want to explore and understand the world – first of all the world immediately around them, and later, how other people live, and the stories of past generations. Learning through social studies can harness the curiosity of young children about their surroundings and the people they know. As they mature, young people’s experiences can be broadened using Scottish, British, European and wider contexts for learning, yet maintaining a focus on historical, social, geographic, economic and political changes which have shaped Scotland.

It is important that learning in social studies allows sufficient flexibility for schools to reflect issues of importance to the local community. It should capitalise on opportunities for first-hand enquiry within the immediate environment and beyond. As young people progress in social studies, the contexts for their learning can widen to provide a breadth of knowledge and experience which allows comparison and contrast.

Learning and teaching at the upper levels of the curriculum framework should encourage young people to reach personal conclusions on issues in the different aspects of social studies, for example human and ethical issues in the past; land use and ecological dilemmas; and political, economic and social issues. Time needs to be available to allow worthwhile discussion and debate.

Learning in social studies is enriched and reinforced through linkages within the social studies and with other areas of the curriculum. Drama, literature, art and music can all enrich learning in social studies and there is scope for strong links with learning in languages, science and religious and moral education, for example.

Social studies offers rich opportunities for developing partnerships between schools and colleges and with employers, particularly in the areas of business and enterprise.