Society

Introduction

In society, children learn about living as members of groups

They should be taught about:

• The main political and social institutions and systems

• The rights and responsibilities of individuals as members of groups

• The responsibilities that groups have for their members

The knowledge, skills and understanding which children gain through their study of society can be regarded in terms of:

• Individuals and groups

• Citizenship

• Health and safety

• Celebrations

The goals in society will normally be achieved through children’s work in other subjects. They are closely linked to the international and personal goals.

Subject goals

Milepost 1

By the end of the school year in which they are 7, the vast majority of children will:

1.1 Know that people have individual characteristics

1.2 Know some of the rules of groups to which they belong

1.3 Know about some of the factors that can harm or improve their health

1.4 Know about some of the factors that can improve or endanger their safety

1.5 Know about some major celebrations – including some in the host country

1.6 Understand that they belong to a number of groups (e.g. family, school, nation)

Milepost 2

By the end of the school year in which they are 9, the vast majority of children will:

2.1 Know that they belong to different groups, have different home countries and different nationalities

2.2 Know that different groups have different purposes

2.3 Know that people within groups have different outlooks, characteristics and purposes

2.4 Know that they have rights and responsibilities

2.5 Know that people in different countries have different traditions, celebrations and ways of living

2.6 Know about ways of keeping healthy and safe through diet, clothing, exercise, hygiene and the observance of reasonable rules

2.7 Understand that people can affect their own health and safety

2.8 Understand that people’s health and safety can be affected by a variety of factors including food, climate, rules, and the availability of resources

2.9 Understand that celebrations are influenced by a variety of factors including beliefs and history

Milepost 3

By the end of the school year in which they are 12, the vast majority of children will:

3.1 Know that the study of society is concerned with learning about living as members of groups

3.2 Know about the major forms of national government, including those in the host country and their home country

3.3 Know about significant international organisations

3.4 Know about the major traditions, celebrations and ways of living in the host country and their home country

3.5 Understand their own responsibilities in the groups to which they belong

3.6 Understand the responsibilities of others in those groups and in the wider community

3.7 Understand that the way in which people fulfil their responsibilities affects the lives of others

3.8 Understand that the behaviour of individuals has an effect on the lives of others

3.9 Be able to enquire into the nature of groups and social institutions and their effects on people’s lives

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