Students graduating from Ontario schools require the knowledge and skills gained from social studies and the study of history and geography in order to function as informed citizens in a culturally diverse and interdependent world and to compete in a global economy. They also need to develop attitudes that will motivate them to use their knowledge and skills in a responsible manner. The Ontario Curriculum: Social Studies,Grades 1 to 6; History and Geography, Grades 7 and 8, 1998 outlines the knowledge and skills that students must develop in Grades 1 to 8, as well as the levels of achievement at which they are expected to master them. It is these levels that teachers will use to assess students’ achievement.

The focus of teaching and learning in the social studies, history, and geography curriculum is on the development of essential knowledge and skills. Students must develop a thorough knowledge of basic concepts that they can apply in a wide range of situations. They must also develop the broad-based skills that are vital to success in the world of work: they must learn to evaluate different points of view and examine information critically to solve problems and make decisions on a variety of issues.

This document replaces the sections of The Common Curriculum: Policies and Outcomes, Grades 1-9, 1995 that relates to social studies, history, and geography. All social studies, history, and geography programs for Grades 1 to 8 will be based on the expectations outlined in this document.