Explore the rich history, diverse geography, civic participation, and economic relationships that shape our Caribbean region. Students develop critical thinking skills while understanding their role as Caribbean citizens in an interconnected world.
OECS Harmonised Primary Curriculum • November 2024
Students will understand how communication technologies, media, colonization, and resistance movements have shaped Caribbean societies and cultures.
Students will understand Caribbean geography, island classifications, climate patterns, and how location influences culture, economy, and regional cooperation.
Students will understand different government systems, the importance of regional integration through CARICOM and OECS, and their responsibilities as Caribbean citizens.
Students will understand Caribbean trade relationships, agricultural development, transportation networks, and how economic decisions affect daily life across the region.
Understanding our Caribbean heritage and cultural evolution
Students explore the evolution of communication technology, media literacy, European colonization from the 1400s-1800s, the transatlantic slave trade and triangular trade routes, and the courageous acts of resistance by enslaved peoples. They develop critical thinking skills to analyze historical sources and understand how the past shapes our present.
Exploring Caribbean geography and environmental challenges
Students investigate Caribbean island classifications including Greater and Lesser Antilles, Windward and Leeward Islands, volcanic versus coral island formations, major landmarks, climate patterns, and the impacts of severe weather events and climate change on regional cooperation.
Understanding government systems and regional cooperation
Students examine different government systems including constitutional monarchies, republics, communism, and dependent territories. They explore regional integration through CARICOM, OECS, and trace the history from the West Indies Federation (1958) through CARIFTA to present-day organizations.
Understanding trade, movement, and economic relationships
Students analyze Caribbean trade relationships, major regional companies, agricultural changes since 1900, the evolution of transportation and communication networks, family connections across islands, and how freedom of movement supports regional economic development.
The Grade 5 Social Studies curriculum, titled "Our Caribbean Region," provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the Caribbean's rich history, diverse geography, democratic institutions, and economic relationships. Students develop critical thinking skills while exploring how the past influences the present and how geographic factors shape cultural and economic patterns.
Through inquiry-based learning, collaborative projects, and real-world connections, students examine the interconnected nature of Caribbean societies. They explore themes of resistance and resilience, regional cooperation, environmental challenges, and economic interdependence while developing their identity as informed Caribbean citizens prepared to participate in an increasingly connected world.
The curriculum integrates multiple subject areas including Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Visual Arts, ensuring students make meaningful connections across disciplines while developing essential skills in research, analysis, communication, and civic engagement.
