Social Studies

The goal for Social Studies at CDNIS is to provide a comprehensive education which prepares our students to become engaged global citizens. We do this by helping them to develop an international perspective that is respectful of different cultures, beliefs, global issues and identities.

Through our courses, students will build the skills of communication and debate, so they can express their views, while also listening and engaging with others. Our lessons encourage critical thinking and analysis, so that students gain a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Ultimately, we are striving to create a generation of thoughtful, engaged citizens who can think deeply and critically about the world, and who can work together to create a better future for us all.

Social Studies Curriculum

Early Years

Early Years & Preparatory

Early Years & Preparatory

OVERVIEW

Students explore the relationships and contexts of the past, present and future, exploring concepts of people, spaces, identities and community contributions.

EARLY YEARS 1-2

Inquire and understand concepts about the past, the future, places and society.

Preparatory

Use the social studies inquiry process to investigate how features of homes reflect the environment and the people who live there.

Grade 1-10

Heritage and History

heritage and history

Students investigate and analyse past, future and current interactions between individuals, groups, and communities, developing understanding of concepts such as significance and perspective.

PYP, Grade 1-3

Describe the effects on societies that have arisen from past explorations.

PYP, Grade 4-5

Describe features of significant historic events and discuss the impact of these events.

MYP, GRADE 6-8

Use the historical inquiry process to investigate global perspectives and change as a result of first contact between European settlers and indigenous people.

MYP, Grade 9-10

Describe some key social, economic, and political events, trends, and developments in Canada from 1982 to the present, and assess their significance for different groups and communities in Canada, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities.

Identity and Diversity

Identity and diversity

Students explore how elements such as symbols, language, values, norms and artifacts shape and reflect culture. Students gain an understanding and appreciation of both personal identity and diversity within and between groups of people.

PYP, Grade 1-3

Identify elements of culture among diverse groups and reasons why these cultural elements are represented in various ways.

PYP, Grade 4-5

Demonstrate an understanding that personal values are reflected in the way people use technology.

MYP, GRADE 6-8

Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of Hong Kong communities.

MYP, Grade 9-10

Analyse how various significant individuals, groups, organizations, and events, both national and international, have contributed to the development of identities, citizenship, and heritage in Canada from 1982 to the present.

Local and Global Perspectives/Civics

Local and Global Perspectives / Civcs

Students learn about the interrelationships between people and the natural and built features of their community and the services in the community. They identify roles and responsibilities in communities, and learn the value of taking action to address global issues.

PYP, Grade 1-3

Identify the circumstances that lead to individuals taking action and how their contributions make a difference for others.

PYP, Grade 4-5

Demonstrate an understanding of how people can share resources in order to ensure that the needs of humans and other living things are met.

MYP, GRADE 6-8

Explain the importance of activism in addressing global issues, and evaluate the effectiveness of selected actions taken.

MYP, Grade 9-10

Analyze a variety of civic contributions, and ways in which people can contribute to the common good.

People and Environment; Geography

people and environment; geography

Students investigate, analyze, and assess patterns, connections, and interactions between people, the physical environment and natural resources. Students assess personal and global responses to issues such as human impacts on the environment and sharing of natural resources.

PYP, Grade 1-3

Demonstrate an understanding that exploration is a process of new discovery that results in new knowledge.

PYP, Grade 4-5

Assess a natural disaster situation and identify how a community can prepare and/or respond.

MYP, GRADE 6-8

Demonstrate an understanding of globalization and sustainability; the sources and use of different types of natural resources and the importance of conserving these resources.

MYP, Grade 9-10

Analyze selected national and global population issues and their implications for Canada.

Diploma Programme; Grade 11-12

Students are required to choose one subject from each of the six academic areas, including one from Individuals and Societies (Social Studies). They can choose a second subject from each academic area except The Arts.

Business Management SL/HL

Economics SL/HL

Economics is an exciting, dynamic subject that allows students to develop an understanding of the complexities and interdependence of economic activities in a rapidly changing world.

At the heart of economic theory is the problem of scarcity. While the world’s population has unlimited needs and wants, there are limited resources to satisfy these needs and wants. As a result of this scarcity, choices have to be made. The Economics course, at both SL and HL, uses economic theories to examine the ways in which these choices are made.

DP Subject Brief: Economics SL

DP Subject Brief: Economics HL

Environmental Systems and Societies SL*

Through studying Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) students will be provided with a coherent perspective of the interrelationships between environmental systems and societies; one that enables them to adopt an informed personal response to the wide range of pressing environmental issues that they will inevitably come to face.

DP Subject Brief: ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS AND SOCIETIES SL

*Interdisciplinary course, students can study this course and have it count as either an Individuals and Societies or a Science course, or both. This gives students the opportunity to study (an) additional subject(s) from any group.

Geography SL/HL

Global Politics SL/HL

History SL/HL

History is an exploratory subject that fosters a sense of inquiry. It is also an interpretive discipline, allowing the opportunity for engagement with multiple perspectives and opinions. Studying history develops an understanding of the past, which leads to a deeper understanding of the nature of humans and of the world today.

DP Subject Brief: History SL

DP Subject Brief: History HL