Foreword

The Solomon Islands Education System is currently undergoing significant restructuring and reform in response to the needs identified through the development of the Education Sector Investment and Reform (ESIRP) and Education Strategic Plans (ESP). The Curriculum Review and Reform Programme (CRRP) is a process identified to develop a comprehensive curriculum that is fair and responsive to the needs of all Solomon Islanders in order to achieve the vision and national goals of the education system advocated in the National Education Action Plans (NEAP 2007-2009 & 2010-2012) and Education Strategic Framework (2007-2015).

The Primary Social Studies syllabus presents the Social Studies understandings, concepts, skills and attitudes which are appropriate for learners in the first six years of Basic Education. The achievement of these outcomes is a crucial component of Basic Education. The content in Primary Social Studies is based on experiences within the learner’s home environment.

The Primary Social Studies syllabus is a key document that forms the basis of the curriculum shift from a curriculum defined in terms of subject content to a curriculum defined in terms of what learners are expected to know, understand, and be able to value and appreciate. This is an outcome based education model and curriculum approach based on the achievement of learning outcomes through a learner centered, problem posing and the use of multiple intelligence education philosophy.

The programme of learning presented in this syllabus contributes significantly towards achieving Integral Human Development. Without a sound understanding of fundamental social studies concepts and skills, a person’s ability to look after his/her welfare and those which depend solely on his/her may be restricted. The social studies syllabus helps learners to understand the world around them. It also gives them the knowledge and skills and helps learners to develop their own set of ethics, morals and values.

The accompanying learning materials place Social Studies Education in the local context, using examples and situations which are familiar to learners and teachers. The programme encourages varieties of practical teaching strategies. It integrates the school and the learner’s environment, thus making learning more effective and relevant to the learner’s need.

It is important that all policy makers, teachers, education authorities and other important education stakeholders support the implementation of this syllabus. I commend the development of this syllabus as a step towards providing quality, relevant and meaningful learning experiences for our children.

As the Minister responsible for the provision of education services in the Solomon Islands, I commend and endorse this syllabus as the official programme of study for the learning and teaching of Social Studies in our primary schools throughout the Solomon Islands.

Hon. Reuben Inoana Dick Ha’amori
Honourable Minister of Education, 2013
Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development