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MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

REPUBLIC OF SEYCHELLES

SOCIAL STUDIES

IN THE

NATIONAL CURRICULUM

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TABLE OF CONTENT

Acknowledgement

Structure of National Curriculum

Introduction

Rationale

Aims

General Objectives

Terminal objectives

Scope and Sequence

Teaching/Learning Strategies

Assessment

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Acknowledgement

Social Studies in the National Curriculum has been produced by

members of the Social Science Unit of the Curriculum Development

Section, the National Institute of Education, in collaboration with

teachers in schools especially Ephna Killindo, Dorisha Hoareau, Edwige

Renaud, Danny Mondon, Maria Servina, Elza Mousmie, and Telma

Sinon.

The Document has been prepared under the guidance of Louisette

Morel and Ghislaine Boniface.

Structure of the National Curriculum

“The Social Studies Curriculum is organized on the basis of two cycles”

Cycle Level Year

2 P3 - P4 3 – 4

3 P5 – P6 5 – 6

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Introduction

Social Studies is a discipline which focuses on the individual considering

his past, present and emerging future and the way this individual

interacts with physical and Social environment. In so doing, it draws its

inspiration from a variety of disciplines notably Geography, History and

Sociology.

Its primary concern is with people as social beings and with human

activity in different times and places and different cultures. It deals

mainly with human relationships and children have much to learn

about that, in a coherent way, starting with their immediate

environment.

As it is mainly concerned with those bodies of knowledge and skills

needed, to cope with the social environment and with human

relationships, the social studies programme has been structured around

main themes like the family in the neighbourhood, the district and the

country with their immediate environment and the Indian Ocean region

and the world as a global village, to provide them with broader

understanding of society and the world.

Social Studies is established at cycles 2 and 3 of primary education. It is

structured so as to provide several opportunities in which pupils will be

assisted in understanding and explaining their human experiences, by

investigating their own environment, comparing and appreciating life in

their country now and then and gradually acquiring sound knowledge

of the world as on big community. It attempts therefore at developing

in pupils the necessary skills of enquiry and other methods of work

through good planning of learning activities. This therefore means

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aiming at developing effective participation in their community, which

is viewed by many as a way to good citizenship.

As Social Studies encompasses a large area of study, the use of a wide

variety of resources is encouraged. These should include very much the

use of

(a) The environment (visits) which provides real life experiences and

examples

(b) The mass media, resource persons and literacy materials like

songs, stories, etc.

A programme of continuous evaluation is also necessary as learners

should be continuously measured to ensure attainment of intended

objectives. Teachers also need to plan learning experiences to find out

how successful the planning and implementing of the topics in the

curriculum have been.

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Rationale

The Social Studies curriculum provides opportunities for children to

study an important body of knowledge about society with the view of

developing the desire for them to play an active part in the life of their

society.

It helps them deal reflectively with major social issues and problems

that face their community, nation and the world. By knowing what goes

on around them in their community, and thinking about them, students

can go on to consider what can be done and take positive action as a

result of their learning.

It provides them with a notion of the past, present and future to help

them understand the idea of change. They get to see how our society

today is very different from what it was long ago and how it is still

rapidly changing.

As the word social is mainly concerned with man and his fellow men,

social studies should help learners develop an understanding of how

individual and groups live together and interact with their environment,

this develop in them respect for people as human being and a sense of

responsibility for cultural heritage and a commitment to social justice,

demonstrate process and ecological sustainability.

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Aims

The Social Studies Curriculum derives mainly from the following aims.

1. To help learners gain knowledge, skills and attitudes that will

allow them to understand the nature of Seychellois society, and

develop them into functional citizens of Seychelles.

2. To help them gain understanding of the physical and social

environment, thus developing in them an awareness of the

contribution they can make towards the development of their

country.

3. To help them become aware of the natural and manmade

resources and understand how these can be conserved and used

properly for development.

4. To help them recognize and understand that people, communities

and nations differ and yet depend on one another.

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General objectives for Social Studies

The following general objectives are organised according to the Area of

Study for each cycle. The Area of Study is included in the Scope and

Sequence.

Knowledge Cycle 2 Cycle 3

K201 Acquire basic knowledge of different kinds of communities that exist around the world

K301 Acquire knowledge and understanding of their town Victoria

K202 Understand that communities have their differences

K302 Understand how social activities have an effect on the lives and choices of individuals

K203 Understand the importance of living harmoniously in a community

K303 Understand the importance of living harmoniously in the country

K204 Recognise the important roles of individuals in the functioning of the community

K304 Acquire knowledge and understanding of different physical features of their country

K205 Understand the importance of living in collaboratively in one’s community.

K305 Understand land use for various purposes in the development of the country

K206 Understand how a small community functions

K306 Show understanding of how people in the past have interacted with their environment.

K207 Develop awareness of physical features of their local community

K307 Develop awareness of the main economic activities of the country.

K208 Show basic understanding of land use in the community

K308 Understand how and why diverse groups produce exchange and use good and services in different ways for the effective functioning of their country.

K209 Acquire knowledge of main historical events and places in their local community.

K309 Understand the structure and the main functions of the government

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Cycle 2 Cycle 3

K210 Develop awareness of the different ways people makes a living in their local community

K310 Acquire knowledge and understanding of weather and climate of Seychelles

K211 Develop awareness of the different ways people socialise in their local community

K311 Understand the impact of weather and climate on the activities of the people in Seychelles

K212 Develop basic knowledge and understanding of economic activities in their community

K312 Acquire knowledge and understanding of the neighbouring countries in relation to Seychelles

K213 Show basic understanding of the components of weather

K313 Understand the similarities and differences in the lives of people in various communities around the world

K214 Show basic understanding of the effects of weather

K314 Show understanding of diversity of cultures and heritages of people of neighbouring countries in the Indian Ocean

K215 Develop basic knowledge of other districts of Seychelles

K315 Understand the necessity to develop good partnership with countries of the Indian Ocean

K216 Show awareness of cultural beliefs, customs and practices over time in their community

K316 Acquire knowledge of Seychelles various trading partners

K317 Gain knowledge of imports and exports of Seychelles

K318 Acquire knowledge of the different communication links between Seychelles and the world

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Map Reading Skills

Cycle 2 Cycle 3

S201 Recognise their local area on a simple map

S301 Acquire basic skills in drawing maps to show land use

S202 Acquire basic skills in identifying main features of the local area by using map symbols

S302 Demonstrate the ability to use simple map skills to locate places

S203 Demonstrate the ability to draw and use own symbols to show representation of plans

S303 Demonstrate the ability to interpret and locate places on world maps

S204 Demonstrate the ability to draw simple sketch plans of main features in the community

S304 Demonstrate the ability to read maps and map symbols

S205 Acquire basic skills in locating different districts on a map of the country

S305 Recognise countries of the different continents and the different oceans on maps.

Enquiry and Graphical Skills Cycle 2 Cycle 3

S207 Show the ability to use the four main cardinal points to locate places in their community

S307 Demonstrate the ability to locate places using a compass

S208 Show the ability to express relative locations using the four main cardinal points

S308 Demonstrate the ability to follow a street map

S209 Show the ability to gather and record simple information using simple graphical techniques

S309 Demonstrate the ability to gather and record simple information using more complex graphical techniques

S210 Interpret information from various simple and graphical sources

S310 Demonstrate the ability to interpret data from graphical sources and others

S211 Develop communicating skills by conducting small interview with member of their local community

S311 Demonstrate investigative skills by conducting a simple fieldwork

S312 Demonstrate the ability to locate on a world map Seychelles’ trading partners and communication skills

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Terminal objectives – Cycle 2

Cycle 2 Terminal objectives

K201 Acquire basic knowledge of different kinds of communities that exist around the world

Identify different types of communities in the Seychelles. Describe some small and large communities in Seychelles

K202 Understand that communities have their differences

Identify main differences and similarities that exist among different communities

K203 Understand the importance of living harmoniously in a community

Describe the advantages of living harmoniously in a community. Explain how people in your local community live in harmony

K204 Recognise the important roles of individuals in the functioning of the community

Identify the roles of each individual in the development of his/her community

K205 Understand the importance of living collaboratively in one’s community

Describe the different ways people live collaboratively in their community

K206 Understand how a small community function

Describe how a community normally function

K207 Develop awareness of physical features of their local community

Describe the physical features of their local community

K208 Show basic understanding of land use in the community

Identify land use in their local community

K209 Acquire basic knowledge of main historical events and places in their local community

Describe the main historical events associated with their community. Identify historical places in their local community

K210 Develop awareness of the different ways people make a living in their local community

Describe the different ways people in their local community earn their living

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Cycle 2 Terminal objectives

K211 Develop awareness of the different ways people socialised in their local community

Identify the different ways people meet socially in their local community. Describe the various social activities in their local community

K212 Develop basic knowledge and understanding of economic activities in their community

Describe the different economic activities in their local community

K213 Show basic understanding of the components of weather

Identify the main types of weather and weather elements

K214 Show basic understanding of the effects of weather

Outline the effects of types of weather on activities in their community

K215 Develop basic knowledge of other districts of Seychelles

Identify the districts of Seychelles. Locate important places in the districts. Describe the emblems and motto of the districts

K216 Show basic understanding of diversity of cultures of their local community

Outline the diversity of cultures in their local community

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Map Reading Skills Cycle 2 Terminal Objectives

S201 Recognise their local area on a simple map

Identify their local area on an aerial photo map. Represent their local area on a simple map

S202 Acquire basic skills in identifying main features of the local area by using ma symbols

Use basic map symbols to identify main features on a local map

S203 Demonstrate the ability to draw and use own symbols to show representation of plans

Use own symbols to show representations on plans

S204 Demonstrate the ability to draw simple sketch plans of main features in the community

Represent main features of their community on a simple sketch plan

S205 Acquire basic skills in locating different districts on a map of the country

Identify and locate their district and neighbouring districts on a map

Enquiry and Graphical Skills Cycle 2 Cycle 3

S207 Show the ability to use the four main cardinal points to locate places in their community

Describe the location of their home by using right/left direction. Describe location of places in their community using the four main cardinal points

S208 Show the ability to express relative locations using the four main cardinal points

Locate places in relation to other features in their neighbourhood/village/district using the cardinal points

S209 Show the ability to gather and record simple information using simple graphical techniques

Identify and collect basic information from various sources

S210 Interpret information from various simple and graphical sources

Represent and interpret basic information using various sources

S211 Develop communicating skills by conducting small interview with member of their local community

Conduct small interviews with members of their local community

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Cycle 3 Terminal Objectives

K301

Acquire knowledge and understanding of their town Victoria

Identify important places in Victoria Describe the basic physical and human features in Victoria Describe the history of the formation of Victoria Identify land use in Victoria Identify and describe social activities in Victoria

K302 Understand how social activities have an effect on the lives and choices of individuals

Identify the various social activities in your country Discuss ways both social and economic activities affect the lives and choices of individuals

K303 Understand the importance of living harmoniously in the country

Describe the importance of living harmoniously in the country

K304 Acquire knowledge and understanding of different physical features of their country

Identify and describe the different physical features of their country

K305 Understand land use for various purposes in the development of the country

Identify the different land use of the country Describe the importance of the different land use in the development of the country

K306 Show understanding of how people in the past have interacted with their environment.

Discuss the different ways the people in the past have interacted with our environment

K307 Develop awareness of the main economic activities of the country.

Describe the main economic activities

K308 Understand how and why diverse groups produce exchange and use good and services in different ways for the effective functioning of their country.

Describe the interrelationship between the different industries for effective functioning of their country

K309 Understand the structure and the main functions of the government

Describe the structure and identify the roles of government

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Cycle 3 Terminal Objectives

K310 Acquire knowledge and understanding of weather and climate of Seychelles

Identify the elements of weather Identify the instruments to measure and record weather elements Describe the climate of Seychelles

K311 Understand the impact of weather and climate on the activities of the people in Seychelles

Explain the impact of weather and climate on the activities of the people of Seychelles

K312 Acquire knowledge and understanding of the neighbouring countries in relation to Seychelles

Describe the similarities and differences in the lives of people in various communities around the world

K313 Understand the similarities and differences in the lives of people in various communities around the world

Describe the similarities and differences in the lives of people in various communities around the world

K314 Show understanding of diversity of cultures and heritages of people of neighbouring countries in the Indian Ocean

Differentiate the inter-cultural relationship between the Seychelles and its neighbouring countries

K315 Understand the necessity to develop good partnership with countries of the Indian Ocean

Describe the importance of good partnership with countries of the Indian Ocean Identify important organisation of the Indian Ocean countries

K316 Acquire knowledge of Seychelles various trading partners

Identify countries Seychelles trade with

K317 Gain knowledge of imports and exports of Seychelles

Identify the main imports and exports of Seychelles

K318 Acquire knowledge of the different communication links between Seychelles and the world

Identify the different communications with the outside world. (Aircraft, Shipping, Telecommunication, Internet)

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Cycle 3 Terminal Objectives

S301 Acquire basic skills in drawing maps to show land use

Use basic skills to draw simple maps to show land use

S302 Demonstrate the ability to use simple map skills to locate places

Use simple map skills t locate main roads and streets in Victoria

S303 Demonstrate the ability to interpret and locate places on world maps

Identify and locate continents and oceans on world maps

S304 Demonstrate the ability to read maps and map symbols

Use maps symbols to interpret/represent information on maps

S305 Recognise countries of the different continents and the different oceans on maps.

Identify countries from different continents and locate their capitals on a map Identify and locate countries of the Indian Ocean on a map

Enquiry and Graphical Skills - Cycle 3

General Objectives Terminal Objectives

S307 Demonstrate the ability to locate places using a compass

Express relative locations using the eight compass points

S308 Demonstrate the ability to follow a street map

Use a street map to find their way around map and to note directions

S309 Demonstrate the ability to gather and record simple information using more complex graphical techniques

Identify sources and collect information using more complex graphical techniques (graphs, tables, maps)

S310 Demonstrate the ability to interpret data from graphical sources and others

Represent and interpret data from graphical sources

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General Objectives Terminal Objectives

S311 Demonstrate investigative skills by conducting a simple fieldwork

Conduct simple survey/Prepare questionnaire/Interview a member of the community. Carry out research work for a school project. Measure and record data using simple instruments

S312 Demonstrate the ability to locate on a world map Seychelles’ trading partners and communication skills

Identify countries with which Seychelles has good trade and communication links

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Attitude

Below is a list of attitudes which could be developed throughout the

study of Social Studies in Cycles 2 and 3:

1. Develop appreciation for the different types of communities

around the world.

2. Demonstrate desirable attitudes towards members of their

community through sharing and caring.

3. Develop good habits of sharing and caring in their

community.

4. Develop a sense of belonging to their community and nation.

5. Develop a sense of pride for the community/Nation.

6. Demonstrate responsibility as a young member of their

community.

7. Appreciate the contribution of their ancestors to their

community.

8. Develop and appreciate the contribution that workers make

to their community.

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9. Appreciate the role of a local community in the development

of its residents.

10. Show appreciation for the diversity in the local culture and

that of others in the world.

11. Develop an appreciation for different places of interest for

community use.

12. Show respect for different changes which have taken places

in their community.

13. Show respect for the symbol of one’s country.

14. Show respect and appreciation for important public places

and property in their community

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Scope and Sequence for Social Studies

CYCLE 2 CYCLE 3

AREA OF STUDY P3 P4 P5 P6

The Community

Different types of communities

Examples of small communities

Examples of large communities

Location of communities

Who makes up a community

Location of your district using the cardinal points

The street and villages in your district

Neighbouring districts

Districts of Seychelles

District emblems and motto

Victoria our capital

Location of Victoria

Streets of Victoria

Important places in Victoria

Finding your way around Victoria

History of Victoria

Land use in Victoria

Location of Seychelles

Size of Seychelles

The islands

Formation of islands

Different groups of islands

Location of the different groups of islands

Economic activities of the Seychelles (Tourism and fisheries)

Continents and Oceans

Location of Continents and Oceans

The Indian Ocean Region

Location of countries of the Indian Ocean

Capital of countries in the Indian Ocean Region

Organisations in the Indian Ocean Region

Trading in the Indian Ocean

The Home as a small community

Description of your house

Location of your home

Important features around your home

Different types of homes today

Types of homes in the past

Important places in your district

(Community centre, market place, police station)

History of your district

Places of historical interest in your district

Main problems in my district

Making my district a better place

The Neighbourhood as a small community

Location of your neighbourhood on a map

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CYCLE 2 CYCLE 3

AREA OF STUDY P3 P4 P5 P6

The Community (Cont...)

The school as a small community

Location of the school

Different buildings in the school

Uses of the different buildings in the school

Plan of your school

Finding your way around the school

Problems in your neighbourhood

Making your neighbourhood a better place

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CYCLE 2 CYCLE 3

AREA OF STUDY P3 P4 P5 P6

People in the community

People in your home

Role of people in your home

How people in your home share and care for each other and the home

Definition of neighbour/neighbourhood

Sharing and caring in your neighbourhood

The school as a small community

Sharing and caring for the equipments in the school

People in the school

Role of the people in the school

Living harmoniously in the school

Taking care of the environment

Figures of authority in the district

The work that people do and the services that they provide

The district administration, Social services, etc...

Economic activities

Social life and activities in the district

(Sports, cultural, the elderly, NRA, Emergency Brigade)

History of Seychelles

The First settlers/settlements in Seychelles

Historical monuments and heritage of the people

The cultural manifestations

The structure of the Seychelles government ministers/ministries/ Headquarters

Our neighbours in the Indian Ocean: Their origin The main languages of these countries Important aspects of their culture

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CYCLE 2 CYCLE 3

AREA OF STUDY P3 P4 P5 P6

Natural environment

Important features around your home

The environment around your home

Important features around your school

Daily weather and its effect in our school

Important physical features in the districts

Caring for our physical heritage

Weather conditions in your district

Land use in the districts; -Residential -Recreational -Industrial

Land use in Victoria

Relief of Seychelles

Rivers of Seychelles and their uses

Climate of Seychelles

Effects on weather and climate on the country

Vegetation of seychelles

Land use in Seychelles; -Residential -Industrial -Commercial - Reclaimed land and its uses

Natural features of Indian Ocean

Mountains and rivers, etc...

Climate conditions in the region

Main land use of country/Indian Ocean

TEACHING AND LEARNING STRATEGIES

In order to achieve the basic objectives of teaching Social Studies the following

teaching and learning strategies are suggested.

a) The integrative Approach: This is derived from the nature of Social Studies

itself. In this approach, Geography, History and Sociology and other

humanities subjects are treated as an integrated field of study, making

learning more meaningful and interesting.

b) The Inquiry Approach: Learners should be allowed to discover for

themselves. The teacher provides guidance and opportunities for learners to

identify problems and to develop concepts skills, and attitude.

c) Problems Solving/Decision Making Approach: The learners should be

allowed to become involved in their day to day problems and suggest how

best to find possible solutions, under the guidance of the teacher.

d) Multi Media Approach: The learners should be allowed to make use of a

variety of teaching materials like books, newspapers, case studies, modelling,

map-drawing, listening to resource person, etc.

e) Use of Pupils’ Experiences: The learners should be given the opportunity to

utilise as a basis what they know already and then develop from that. This is

of vital importance especially when new areas of study are introduced.

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ASSESSMENT

Achievement in Social Studies, as in other learning areas, should be

evaluated continuously in terms of the teaching/learning objectives. Since

the objectives of Social Studies are comprehensive, the teacher’s appraisal of

progress must also be comprehensive giving equal attention to the main

categories of objectives as listed below:

Knowledge and understanding (the immediate and distant

environment...)

Skills in handing the tools of Social Studies (such as classifying data,

interpreting maps...)

Attitudes and Social values (respect for people, for the environment,

established values of society)

Therefore, the teacher should test the learning outcomes through

independent assignments, informal observation and formally constructed

tests.

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