Sierra Leone JSS 1 Syllabus - Social Studies

This syllabus outlines the curriculum for Social Studies in JSS 1 (Form 1) in Sierra Leone, based on the official syllabus document from the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE). It is designed with a learner-centered approach, emphasizing skills development beyond rote memorization. The curriculum aims to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and active citizenship. It encourages local adaptation and interpretation to achieve the prescribed learning outcomes.

General Learning Outcomes (Form 1 - Form 3)

By the end of this stage, learners should be able to:

1. Describe early human interaction with the environment for basic needs. 2. Understand time changes through the study of longitudes. 3. Describe the evolution of villages into towns through technological advancements. 4. Demonstrate awareness of balancing population with resources. 5. Practice peaceful co-existence. 6. Demonstrate critical, creative, and computational thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. 7. Interpret maps and diagrams. 8. Explain the contribution of transportation and communication systems to national development. 9. Understand development and underdevelopment. 10. State reasons for Sierra Leone's slow progress since independence. 11. Develop positive attitudes (respect, tolerance, honesty, etc.). 12. State the need for law and order. 13. Define fair play and its contribution to peace and development. 14. Show how social equality contributes to peace, justice, and development. 15. Evaluate decision-making processes at national and international levels. 16. Describe the features of good governance. 17. Explore the principles, features, and practices of democracy. 18. Demonstrate the value of cooperation. 19. Illustrate "global issues" and the work of relevant organizations.

Specific Learning Outcomes (Form 1/JSS 1)

Subject Area: The Origins and Development of Early Man/Humans

• Explain how early humans interacted with the environment to meet basic needs (hunting, shelter, migration, technology).
• Describe the evolution of villages into towns through technological advancements (e.g., the use of iron).
• Explain how geographical factors influence economic activities in Sierra Leone.
• Describe and appreciate diverse practices around the world.
• Develop and demonstrate positive attitudes (respect, tolerance, honesty, etc.).
• Evaluate the need for law and order.
• Demonstrate the concept of fair play and its contribution to peace and development.
• Explore the principles, features, and practices of democracy.
• Distinguish between facts and opinions.
• Display self-discipline.
• Display critical, creative, and computational thinking to solve problems individually and in teams.

Outline Teaching Syllabus (Form 1/JSS 1)

The syllabus suggests topics and themes, specific learning outcomes, teaching approaches, assessment methods, and learning resources. It emphasizes adapting content to local contexts and learner backgrounds. The focus is on achieving the specified learning outcomes, with content serving as a means to that end. The syllabus promotes a variety of teaching styles and assessment methods aligned with the learning outcomes. It also suggests a range of learning and teaching resources. The provided syllabus document includes a pacing guide template for teachers to plan the sequence and duration of topics throughout the school term.