The teaching of Social & Modern Studies (SMS) at the lower secondary level aims at preparing learners to become active and responsible citizens for maintaining the democratic values of the country. They must develop the ability to think critically about complex social and global problems and acquire the skills of decision making. Furthermore as technology has created rapid changes in society learners need to be equipped with the relevant skills to respond to and cope with such changes. This subject focuses on 3 main components: Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes.
Knowledge:
1. Learners need to understand how the present has come about and to cultivate an appreciation for the heritage of their country.
2. Learners need to develop an understanding of and an appreciation for their physical and cultural environments and consider how resources may be allocated in the future.
3. Learners need to recognise the contributions of each culture and to explore its value system
4. Learners need to understand the institutions within the society and to learn about their roles within groups.
Skills:
1. Communication skills such as writing and speaking;
2. Research skills such as collecting, organising, and interpreting data & information;
3. Thinking skills such as hypothesising, comparing, drawing inferences;
4. Decision making skills such as considering alternatives and consequences;
5. Interpersonal skills such as seeing others’ points of view, accepting responsibility, and dealing with conflict;
6. Reading and interpretation skills such as reading and interpreting pictures, maps, charts, and graphs.
7. Citizenship skills appropriate to democracy,
Attitudes:
1. Learners need to understand that although they are unique in themselves, they also share many similarities with other children.
2. They should also realise how as individuals they can contribute to society.
3. The subject will enable to develop in them positive attitudes and a spirit of inquiry that will enhance their understanding of their world and empower them to think rationally, participate actively and become effective members of a democratic society.
Reference: NFC:NYCBE – 2017