The social sciences learning area is a key learning area for understanding the development of
society, the mechanisms of globalisation, the importance of human rights and democracy, and
environmental issues. It focuses on the development of personal values as a responsible and
productive citizen. Understanding and being tolerant of diversity in religious beliefs is
developed through an inter-faith approach. Learners explore and come to understand the
relationships between people and their environment and interactions in social, cultural,
economic, civic and political spheres.


The social sciences learning area comprises the subjects

  • Environmental Learning (Pre-Primary),
  • Environmental Studies (Grades 1-3), 
  • Social Studies (Grades 4-7),
  • Religious and Moral Education (Pre-Primary and Grades 1-9),
  •  Life Skills (Grades 4 -12),
  • Geography (Grades 8-12), 
  • History (Grades 8-12) and
  • Development Studies (Grades 10-11).
JS History Grade 8
School of Social Sciences

History is a participation in the social, civic, political, economic, cultural and natural environment, and is central to the Social Sciences area of learning. It includes understanding and interpreting past and present human behaviour and experiences, and how they influence events, circumstances and the environment.

JS Geography Grade 8
School of Social Sciences

Geography is the study of earth’s landscapes, people, places and environment. It examines humans in their interdependent relationship with the earth. Geography is unique in bridging the social sciences (human geography) with natural sciences (physical geography).

Human geography concerns the understanding of the dynamics of cultures, societies and economies, while physical geography concerns the understanding of the dynamics of physical landscape and the environment. It helps us all to be more socially and environmentally sensitive, informed and responsible citizens.

Geography provides scientific knowledge about physical, environmental and human processes which form the basis for cross-curricular education. Geography promotes the following aims in the curriculum guide: intellectual development, personal development and self-fulfillment, social and cultural development and development of environmental and population awareness