The aim of our Social Studies Department is to educate questioning, critical and independent thinking, problem-solving individuals who assimilate local and global values, adopt democratic principles, and become committed citizens equipped for these tasks.

The department values the students’ active participation in the individual and collective generation process of knowledge, their ability to know where and how to obtain information pertinent to their interests and needs, and their proficiency in communication and verbal expression. Our Social Studies Department teaches these skills to the students.

The department creates an environment apt for attaining outcomes which are aligned with its goals. In addition to existing resources and textbooks, teachers create and use other texts and visuals appropriate for student-centered learning. It wouldn’t be possible for our department to reach its goals through classical teaching methods alone, based on mere lecturing and listening. The assessment techniques are also appropriate to the learning approach of the students.

In line with its goals, our Social Studies Department participates in international projects. During the 2008-2009 academic year, a project titled “EU and Faith” was conducted together with Gillbo School in Sweden. We hosted the 2nd Philosophy Day of Istanbul Schools Philosophy Platform. For the academic year 2009-2010, our plan is to organize an interschool documentary film festival.