The Primary Years Programme (PYP) views Social Studies as the study of people in relation to their past, present, and future, their environment, and their society. It aims to foster curiosity and develop an understanding of a rapidly changing world.
Through Social Studies, children develop an understanding of their personal and cultural identities and gain the skills and knowledge needed to participate actively in their communities and the wider world.
The PYP breaks down the Social Studies curriculum into five key strands:
Human Systems and Economic Activities: This strand explores how and why people organise themselves and create systems, examining local and global connections and the distribution of power and authority.
Social Organisation and Culture: This focuses on the study of people, communities, cultures, and societies, and the ways individuals and groups interact with each other.
Continuity and Change Through Time: This strand examines the relationships between people and events across time, understanding how the past influences the present and future, and recognising individuals who have shaped the future.
Human and Natural Environments: This area studies the unique features that define a place, how people adapt to and alter their environment, and the impact of natural events.
Resources and the Environment: This strand analyses the interaction between people and the environment, how humans manage resources, the consequences of this management, and the influence of scientific and technological advancements.
These strands are explored through the transdisciplinary themes of the PYP within Units of Inquiry, allowing children to make connections across different subject areas and develop a holistic understanding of the world around them.
It is broken down into the following National Curriculum subject areas:
History
Geography
Religious Education
