Humanities & Social Science
At Ekya Schools, we believe that social science education is not merely an academic pursuit; it is a vital foundation for responsible citizenship and effective participation in a democratic society. Our comprehensive Humanities and Social Science program encompasses a range of disciplines, including Economics, Political Science, Psychology, and Legal Studies, each offering unique perspectives on the complexities of human societies and the world we inhabit.
- Using Fiction in Primary and Middle School: The social science curriculum, meticulously curated with engaging and informative books, nurtures self-understanding and ignites a passion for lifelong learning.
- Focus on building 21st-century skills: The curriculum offers students opportunities to learn, analyze, and interpret data, as well as to assess and evaluate evidence. In addition, students develop research skills such as formulating research questions, collecting and analyzing data, and effectively communicating their findings.
- Active Learning:Our educators use a multitude of Visible Thinking routines that create active learning experiences for our students. Some tools we use are the Socratic Seminars, Gallery Walk and See-Think-Wonder.
Learning Area Purpose
- Develop a deeper understanding of society, law, politics and human-environment interactions
- Critically think about issues and perspectives by recognising the different social, historical and legal contexts
- Make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good.
- Social Science (Grades 1-10): The Social Science program focuses on social science knowledge and understanding which are essential for informed citizenship and participation in a democratic society. The curriculum helps students build skills Like critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The curriculum is planned to promote cultural understanding and respect in order to appreciate the diversity of human experience.
- Economics (Grades 11-12): Economics, the study of production distribution, and consumption of goods and services, provides students with the tools to analyse and understand the economic forces that shape our world. We explore concepts such as market structures, economic systems, globalisation, and international trade, equipping students with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of the modern economy.
- Political Science (Grades 11-12) Political Science delves into the intricacies of power, governance, and political systems. We examine the foundations of democracy, the role of government institutions, and the dynamics of international relations. Through this exploration, students gain insights into the political landscape and develop the critical thinking skills necessary to engage in informed political discourse.
- Psychology(Grades 11-12):Psychology, the study of the human mind and behaviour provides students with a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of human thought, emotions, and * and motivations. We explore topics such as cognitive processes, social behaviour, personality development, and mental health, empowering students to understand themselves and others better.
- Legal Studies (Grades 11-12):Legal Studies introduces students to the principles of law, the legal system, and the role of law in society. We examine concepts such as constitutional law, criminal law, civil law, and international law, fostering an understanding of the legal framework that governs our world.
Key Learning Experiences
Real-World Learning Through Research
Ekya students engage in interdisciplinary research projects that connect classroom learning to practical and ethical issues in their communities and the world.
- Understanding socio-political realities through Ekya’s conceptual-based learning
- Developing research skills to analyse historical events and cultural practices
- Exploring geographical contexts and their impact on social structures
- Investigating the role of power and governance in shaping societies
- Applying theoretical frameworks to real-world case studies in Ekya’s social science curriculum
Activity-Based Learning
At Ekya, our social science curriculum is designed to be engaging and interactive, focusing on activity-based learning. Through hands-on experiences and real-world applications, students develop a deeper understanding of social science concepts.
- Develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills through hands-on experiences
- Enhances understanding of social science concepts through experiential learning
- Meaningful activities facilitate exploration of geographical, historical, and cultural concepts
- Integrated themes and cross-cutting concepts foster connections between concepts, periods, and geographies
- Encourages adaptability and creativity through interactive learning experiences
Civic Action and Engagement
Ekya focuses on educating young minds and turning them into responsible citizens. The social science curriculum is heavily based on studying interaction and human behaviour in social, cultural, environmental, economic and political contexts.
- Understanding the democratic process through experiential learning
- Making informed decisions for the public good through critical thinking and problem-solving
- Engaging in community and societal contributions through meaningful activities
- Our students examine complex social, economic, and political challenges
Social Science Tools in the Classroom
Ekya’s social science curriculum combines hands-on experiences and real-world applications to foster a deeper understanding of concepts, making learning engaging and interactive for students through activity-based learning.
- Socratic Seminars: A method of teaching based on Socratic questioning, where students engage in deep, reflective discussions about a text or topic.
- Gallery Walks: Students create visual displays of their research or projects and walk around the classroom to view and discuss each other’s work.
- See Think Wonder: A thinking routine where students observe an image or artefact, describe what they see, think about what it means, and wonder about its implications.
- Round Table Discussions: Small group discussions where each participant has an equal opportunity to contribute, moderated to ensure focused and inclusive dialogue.