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 Programme (ESIRP) and Education Strategic Plans (ESP). Curriculum Review and Reform Program (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 new Social Studies Syllabus is to be used by Secondary Social Studies teachers to teach Years 7 to 9 in Secondary Schools throughout the country. It is developed as a guiding framework to meet the teaching and learning needs in all secondary schools. The programme of study presented in this syllabus contributes significantly towards the holistic development of the learner as an individual and the achievement of human integral development.

This Social Studies Syllabus is a key document and it 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 do, value and appreciate. This is an outcomes 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.

This syllabus builds upon concepts, skills, attitudes and values from the Primary Social Studies learning as well as from the learners home environment and links them to the concepts, skills, attitudes and values in this syllabus. It also forms a background for further learning beyond Year 9 as well as preparing individual learners for future life in the Solomon Islands.

The Social Studies syllabus is concerned with understanding the History of Solomon Islands and its Relations with the World, Governance and Leadership, Population and their use of resources for development as well as Social Issues and how to address them in Solomon Islands to enhance a united peaceful harmonious society.

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

As the Minister responsible for the provision of education services in the Solomon Islands, I commend and endorse this syllabus as the official document for teaching and learning of Social Studies in Secondary Schools throughout the Solomon Islands.

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