Justify the Inclusion of Social Studies in the Primary School Curriculum 
Gateway Christian Training College
Name: Salma Adam
Subject: PSB SS
Lecturer: Mrs Chiyangwa
Class: First Year
Year: 2015
Comments:……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Question: Justify the inclusion of social studies in the Primary School curriculum
Date: 6 March 2015
Social studies as defined by the American National Council for social studies (1992) is “the integrated study of the social sciences and humanities to promote civic competence”. Civic competence refers to the knowledge of rights and duties of citizens.According to Social Studies in Washington state “social studies comprises the study of relationships among people,and between people and the environment,it recognises the challenges and benefits of living in diverse,cultural and ideological society”.Another definition of social studies given by Barth (1993) who agrees with NCSS definition says “social studies is the interdisciplinary integration of social science and humanities concepts for the purpose of practising problem solving and decision making for developing citizenship skills on critical social issues“ A working definition of social studies is – it is the study of people both presently and in the past and it equips children with the necessary knowledge of social issues in their community ,society and world to make them well informed and righteous citizens.
The knowledge children acquire as part of social studies can be highlighted as one of the most important reasons for having social studies in the primary curriculum.The NCSS definition of social studies mentioned the view of civic competence.Social studies promotes civic competence,this is the knowledge ,intellectual processes and democratic nature expected of students in order for them to be active and engaged participants in public life.Civic competence is not the only responsibility of social studies and it is not only exclusive to the subject,however it is more central to
Name: Salma Adam
Subject: PSB SS
Lecturer: Mrs Chiyangwa
Class: First Year
Year: 2015
Comments:……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Question: Justify the inclusion of social studies in the Primary School curriculum
Date: 6 March 2015
Social studies as defined by the American National Council for social studies (1992) is “the integrated study of the social sciences and humanities to promote civic competence”. Civic competence refers to the knowledge of rights and duties of citizens.According to Social Studies in Washington state “social studies comprises the study of relationships among people,and between people and the environment,it recognises the challenges and benefits of living in diverse,cultural and ideological society”.Another definition of social studies given by Barth (1993) who agrees with NCSS definition says “social studies is the interdisciplinary integration of social science and humanities concepts for the purpose of practising problem solving and decision making for developing citizenship skills on critical social issues“ A working definition of social studies is – it is the study of people both presently and in the past and it equips children with the necessary knowledge of social issues in their community ,society and world to make them well informed and righteous citizens.
The knowledge children acquire as part of social studies can be highlighted as one of the most important reasons for having social studies in the primary curriculum.The NCSS definition of social studies mentioned the view of civic competence.Social studies promotes civic competence,this is the knowledge ,intellectual processes and democratic nature expected of students in order for them to be active and engaged participants in public life.Civic competence is not the only responsibility of social studies and it is not only exclusive to the subject,however it is more central to
References: Date accessed: 28 February 2015 Social studies for the preschool/primary child, C Seefeldt, 2005, pg 172-173