Curriculum - Social Studies

Social studies provides opportunities for students to develop the attitudes, skills and knowledge that will enable them to become engaged, active, informed and responsible citizens.
Social studies fosters students? understanding of and involvement in practical and ethical issues that face their communities and humankind. Social studies is integral to the process of enabling students to develop an understanding of who they are, what they want to become and the society in which they want to live.

Values and Attitudes

• value the diversity, respect the dignity and support the equality of all human beings
• demonstrate social compassion, fairness and justice
• appreciate and respect how multiple perspectives, including Aboriginal and Francophone, shape Canada?s political, socioeconomic, linguistic and cultural realities
• honour and value the traditions, concepts and symbols that are the expression of Canadian identity
• thrive in their evolving identity with a legitimate sense of belonging to their communities, Canada and the world

Knowledge and Understanding

• understand their rights and responsibilities in order to make informed decisions and participate fully in society
• understand the unique nature of Canada and its land, history, complexities and current issues
• understand how knowledge of the history of Alberta, of Canada and of the world, contributes to a better comprehension of contemporary realities
• understand historic and contemporary issues, including controversial issues, from multiple perspectives
• understand the diversity of Aboriginal traditions, values and attitudes
• understand contemporary challenges and contributions of Aboriginal peoples in urban, rural, cultural and linguistic settings
• understand the historical and contemporary realities of diverse cultures
• understand the multiethnic and intercultural makeup of Canadians
• understand the challenges and opportunities that immigration presents to newcomers and to Canada
• understand how social cohesion can be achieved in a pluralistic society
• understand the role of social, political, economic and legal institutions as they relate to individual and collective well-being and a sustainable society
• understand how opportunities and responsibilities change in an increasingly interdependent world

Skills and Processes

• engage in active inquiry and critical and creative thinking
• engage in problem solving and conflict resolution with an awareness of the ethical consequences of decision making
• apply historical and geographic skills to bring meaning to issues and events
• use and manage information and communication technologies critically
• conduct research ethically using varied methods and sources; organize, interpret and present their findings; and defend their opinions
• apply skills of metacognition, (thinking about our thinking) reflecting upon what they have learned and what they need to learn
• recognize and responsibly address injustices as they occur in their schools, communities, Canada and the world
• communicate ideas and information in an informed, organized and persuasive manner.