Social Studies provides an understanding about how people live and work together in society and emphasizes the changing nature of society as well as each person’s capacity to cope with these changes. It also explores important themes such as human migration, colonization and independence, utilization of the natural and physical environment for basic survival and improvement of life, conflict and peace building, governance and leadership. It promotes cooperative learning and action as well as shared responsibility.
Social Studies offers students and teachers important knowledge, skills, values and attitudes, through the different Social Studies fields. The skills and values include inquiry, interpersonal skills, critical thinking, respect for the underlying values of a diverse society, and an interest in public affairs. These skills are important because they help students to cope with life in a changing society and prepare them for their future lives as informed and effective citizens.
The learning of Social Studies at the Secondary level complements and extends the students’ understanding acquired from their Primary education as well as through the experiences of their own villages and communities and the environment around them. It promotes positive values, a commitment to unity, good leadership and governance and a sustainable environment. These positive values will enhance respect for people’s cultural differences as an important factor for a peaceful and united society in a diverse country like Solomon Islands. It will also promote responsible citizens whose attitudes and actions contribute not only to the well being of its people but to the future of the country.