🌍 Social Studies at Our School
At St Charles’, Social Studies play a vital role in helping children understand the world around them — past and present — and their place within it. Through Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence, we support children in developing knowledge, skills, and values that prepare them to be informed, responsible, and active citizens.
Why Social Studies Matter
Social Studies help children:
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Learn about other people, their values, and cultures in different times, places, and circumstances
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Understand how societies function and change over time
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Explore their local environment and how it connects to wider Scottish, British, European, and global contexts
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Develop informed attitudes about sustainability, conservation, and responsible citizenship
How We Teach Social Studies
Social Studies are taught throughout the school and nursery, beginning with children’s experiences of their immediate surroundings. As they grow, their learning expands to include broader historical, geographical, social, and economic perspectives.
Learning is structured around three key organisers:
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People, Place and Environment Children explore their local area, natural and built environments, and global issues such as climate change and sustainability.
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People, Past Events and Societies Pupils investigate historical events, cultures, and the impact of the past on the present.
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People, Society, Economy and Business Learners examine how society works, including roles, responsibilities, and the influence of economic activity.
Our approach encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and respect for others. Children are supported to develop values and attitudes that promote care for the environment and appreciation of cultural diversity.
We enrich learning through local studies, outdoor experiences, and cross-curricular projects.
