Thailand Prathom 3 Curriculum - Social Studies

Social Studies, Religion and Culture

The Social Studies, Religion, and Culture curriculum for Prathom 3 focuses on enabling students to understand themselves as individuals and as members of society, emphasizing morality, responsibility, and coexistence. The curriculum covers five main strands:

• Religion, Morality and Ethics: This strand introduces fundamental concepts about religion, morality, and ethics, focusing on Buddhism or the student's own religion. Students learn about the history and importance of their religion, its key figures, and its moral principles. They are encouraged to develop proper faith, adhere to moral principles, and apply these principles for peaceful coexistence.
• Civics, Culture and Living in Society: This strand focuses on developing good citizenship. Students learn about their roles and responsibilities as members of their families, schools, and communities. They explore Thai traditions and culture and learn about the importance of accepting diverse cultures and promoting peaceful coexistence.
• Economics: This strand introduces basic economic concepts, including the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. Students learn about the limited availability of resources and the importance of managing expenses and saving. The principles of Sufficiency Economy are introduced to promote a balanced lifestyle.
• History: This strand focuses on developing an understanding of historical time and the development of mankind. Students learn about important events in their local area's history and how these events relate to the broader history of Thailand and the world. They are introduced to historical methodology and the use of evidence to understand past events.
• Geography: This strand focuses on the physical characteristics of the Earth and the relationships between people and their environment. Students learn to use maps, diagrams, and photographs to understand geographical data. They explore the physical and social characteristics of their community, province, and region, and begin to understand the relationships between physical characteristics and natural phenomena. They are also introduced to the importance of conserving resources and protecting the environment.

Learner Development Activities

In addition to the core curriculum, learner development activities are incorporated to promote holistic development and good citizenship. These activities fall into three categories:

• Counseling Activities: These activities help students understand themselves, make decisions, solve problems, and plan for their education and future careers. Teachers also use these activities to understand their students better and advise parents on their involvement in learner development.
• Student Activities: These activities promote self-discipline, teamwork, responsibility, and problem-solving skills. Examples include Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, Junior Red Cross, and various club activities.
• Activities for Social and Public Interest: These activities encourage students to volunteer and serve their communities, fostering public-mindedness and a commitment to social causes.

Learning Time

The curriculum allocates 120 hours per year for Social Studies, Religion, and Culture in Prathom 3. Schools can adjust the time allocated to each strand as needed, ensuring that students achieve the learning standards and indicators. An additional 120 hours per year are dedicated to learner development activities.