Social Studies Syllabus Primary Four

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Rationale of Teaching SST in P.4 Social Studies is the study of people and their environment. The environment in which people live and work has two components i.e. the physical and social environment. The environment enables people to survive. The physical environment includes plants, animals, air, water, soils and other natural resources. The social environment involves the need for acceptable social conduct, which is enforced through customs, beliefs, laws and social practices such as funerals, marriages and other ceremonies. As people work with one another, they establish systems to facilitate this relationship. Such systems include laws, education and others which are facilitated by the government institutions set up by people. They give government the legislative, executive and judicial powers. All these, including religious institutions, are set up to regulate people's ways of life. Social studies aims at equipping the youth with knowledge, skills, values and desirable attitudes, all of which are necessary in preparing them for living in the physical and social environment as informed; knowledgeable and participating citizens of the society. The Primary School Curriculum has been undergoing reform since 2005 due to identified societal concerns of low levels of Literacy, Numeracy, Vocational and Life skills among primary school learners. Primary One to Primary Three curriculum handled the learners' immediate environment that is the family, home, school, the neighbourhood and the sub county/Division through the oral literature strand. The Primary Four curriculum, which is for a transitional class has been prepared to consolidate what was covered from P.1 - P.3; relating it to the district which is the learners' next immediate environment. It also prepares learners for a smooth transition to the next level, maintaining the spiral arrangement of themes and topics. The content, methods, instructions and skills have been carefully selected to cater for all learners including those with special learning needs. The curriculum targets the development of various subject and language competences, life skills and values through the following learning outcomes: The National Aims of Education Both Thematic and Upper Primary Curriculum are designed to address the National Aims of Education as specified in the Government White Paper on the Education Policy Review Commission Report (1992). The aims are: To promote understanding and appreciation of the value of national unity, patriotism and cultural heritage, with due consideration to internal relations and beneficial interdependence. To inculcate moral, ethical and spiritual values in the individual and to develop self discipline, integrity, tolerance (b) (a) and human fellowship. To inculcate into Ugandans a sense of service, duty and leadership for participation in civic, social and national affairs through group activities in educational institutions and the community. To promote scientific, technical and cultural knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to enhance individual and (c) (d) national development. To eradicate illiteracy and equip the individual with basic skills and knowledge to exploit the environment for self-development as well as national development; for better health, nutrition and family life, and the capacity for continued learning; and (e) (f) To equip the learners with the ability to contribute to the building of an integrated, self-sustaining and independent national economy. Aims and Objectives of Primary Education in Uganda At Primary education level the national aims can be translated to include the following aims and objectives: 1. To enable individuals to acquire functional literacy, numeracy and communication skills in Ugandan languages and English. To develop and maintain sound mental and physical health.. 2345 To instill the value of living and working cooperatively with other people and caring for others in the community. 4. To develop cultural, moral and spiritual values of life. 5. To inculcate an understanding of and appreciation for the protection and utilization of the natural environment using scientific and technological knowledge. 6. To develop a sense of patriotism and unity, an understanding of one's rights and responsibilities and ant appreciation of the need to participate actively in civic matters. 7. To develop pre-requisite for continuing education and development. 8. To develop adequate practical skills for making a living. 9. To develop appreciation for the dignity of work and for making a living by one's honest effort. 10. To develop the ability to use the problem-solving approach in various life situations; and 11. To develop discipline and good manners.