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Individuals and Societies (IS)

Individuals and Societies

Individuals and Societies comprises elements of a broad range of traditionally separate subjects, such as:

  • Geography
  • History
  • Economics
  • Politics
  • Philosophy
  • Sociology
  • Anthropology
  • Psychology

Individuals and Societies plays a unique role in the development of respect for different values, beliefs, cultures and ideas. Our aim at Renaissance College is to use Individuals and Societies to promote self-awareness, empathy and a knowledge and understanding of the world’s people. We also seek to encourage students to adopt a proactive role in addressing environmental issues.

Teaching Strategies

In consideration of students’ diverse learning styles, we employ various teaching and assessment strategies to ensure all our students have an opportunity to learn and demonstrate understanding. Teaching strategies focus on active learning. Individual and group work will make full use of ICT and students will be exposed to experiential learning through field trips. Our teaching methods will develop the students’ ability to express ideas clearly, think critically and acquire the skills needed to become rational, tolerant and responsible citizens of the world.

Aims & Goals

The primary aim of the Individuals and Societies course at Renaissance College is to develop the understanding and application of concepts and skills, rather than prescribe and assess content.

Students will:

  • Develop an awareness of the world as a set of interdependent systems that undergo constant change.
  • Appreciate how these systems are shaped by the values of interacting groups, the individual, family and community.
  • Be encouraged to gain an understanding of different societies and cultures, and place them in a geographical, historical and socio-economic framework.
  • Understand the rights and responsibilities of individuals as part of a community.
  • Investigate the local environment to develop curiosity for, understanding of and a positive attitude towards Hong Kong and Asia.
  • Demonstrate self-awareness and critically reflect on their own learning to assess progress and identify future goals.
  • Develop research, organisation, technical, critical analysis, critical evaluation, problem-solving and investigative skills. Students will also be taught how to communicate ideas effectively.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of, and respect for, the differences that exist in a multicultural community and show sensitivity towards the beliefs and values of others.
  • Understand the key concepts of change, global interactions, systems, time, place and space.

Year 7 Units
1 – Mapping
2 – Ancient Civilisations
3 – Weather
4 – Changing Places

Year 8 Units
1 – Ecosystems
2 – Renaissance
3 – World Beliefs
4 – Understanding the Media

Year 9 Units
1 – Global Gap
2 – Freedom and Equality
3 – Business and Leisure
4 – Culture

Year 10 Units
1 – China – World Superpower?
2 – Power and Politics
3 – The Art of Changing Behaviour
4 – Ethical Aid

Year 11 Units 
1 – Make it, Sell it (with Design)
2 – Liveable Cities
3 – Genocide
4 – Population

MYP Individuals and Societies Assessment Criteria Year 1
MYP Individuals and Societies Assessment Criteria Year 3
MYP Individuals and Societies Assessment Criteria Year 5

Contact

Rhys Thomas
Head of Individuals and Societies (IS)