Social Studies

In the PYP, social studies is viewed as the study of people in relation to their past, their present and their future, their environment and their society. Social studies encourages curiosity and develops an understanding of a rapidly changing world. Through social studies, students develop an understanding of their personal and cultural identities. They develop the skills and knowledge needed to participate actively in their classroom, their school, their community and the world: to understand themselves in relation to their communities.

The aim of social studies within the PYP is to promote intercultural understanding and respect for individuals and their values and traditions. In support of the IBO mission statement, the social studies component of the PYP curriculum will encourage students “to understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right”. Therefore, there is a strong emphasis on the reduction of prejudice and discrimination within
the classroom, the school, the community and the world.

The IB learner profile is integral to teaching and learning social studies in the PYP because it represents the qualities of effective learners and internationally minded students. The learner profile, together with the five essential elements of the programme—knowledge, concepts, skills, attitudes and action—informs planning, teaching and assessing in social studies.

Exposure to and experience with social studies opens doors to key questions about life and learning. Evidence of student learning will be apparent in their willingness and ability to take action in order to make a difference in the world.

Good social studies practice

In the PYP, a wide variety of strategies and learning experiences can be used to teach social studies, but the philosophy and pedagogy of the PYP should inform all planning, teaching and assessment of the subject. Decisions about content in social studies will be dependent on the school’s location, context and curriculum requirements. Through relating content to significant and universal concepts, common to all societies, times and places, the social studies component of the curriculum becomes international. Social studies teaching and learning takes place within the programme of inquiry.

Structured, purposeful inquiry is the way in which students learn best, and the starting point should always be students’ prior and current understanding. Teachers work with colleagues to plan authentic learning experiences that address the central idea and inquiry points of the unit. This collaboration enhances the transdisciplinary nature of the units. Resources are selected on the basis of the multiple perspectives that they present. Commercially available resources for teaching social studies are carefully evaluated to ensure they meet the requirements of the teacher, the students and the curriculum.

Information on this page was taken in part from : "Making the PYP Happen" 2007
For further information, please visit: www.ibo.org