2026 KICD CBC Curriculum Design13 Weeks · 65 Lessons3 Strands in Term 1

Grade 8 Social Studies Schemes of Work & Strands (Term 1 2026)

Comprehensive curriculum designs, strands, sub-strands, specific learning outcomes, inquiry questions, and editable schemes of work for Grade 8 Social Studies Term 1. Free on-page syllabus breakdown with instant export to editable Word (.docx) and PDF.

Grade 8 Social Studies Term 1 Curriculum Overview

Summary of syllabus requirements, weekly distribution, key milestones, and course books approved by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) for Grade 8 Social Studies in Term 1.

Class / Grade
Grade 8
Pre-Primary Level
Learning Area
Social Studies
Core CBC Activity
Term Duration
13 Weeks (65 Lessons)
5 Lessons Per Week
Key Milestones
Mid: Wk 8 · Exam: Wk 13
Ministry of Education 2026
Full Term Timetable

Grade 8 Social Studies Term 1 Scheme of Work Table

Week-by-week lesson matrix with specific learning outcomes, inquiry questions, learning experiences, and assessment methods.

Scheme Font Size:

Changes text size in this preview and in downloaded Word (.docx) & PDF files.

65 Lessons · Weeks Merged← Swipe horizontally to see all columns →
WkLsnStrandSub-strandSpecific Learning OutcomesKey Inquiry Question(s)Learning ExperiencesLearning ResourcesAssessment MethodsReflection
11Social Studies and Personal ManagementSelf- Improvement

By the end of the sub strand, the learner should be able to;

a) describe personality traits for self- understanding

1. Which animal best reflects your personal characteristics?

- choose the animal that best defines their personal characteristics from a list of pre- selected animals, then discuss the outcome with the class

Approved course textbooks, realia, charts

- Observation

- Oral questions

- Written exercises

(Handwritten after lesson)
2Social Studies and Personal ManagementSelf- Improvement

By the end of the sub strand, the learner should be able to;

a) describe personality traits for self- understanding

1. Which animal best reflects your personal characteristics?

- watch a video clip on personality traits and discuss

Approved course textbooks, realia, charts

- Observation

- Oral questions

- Written exercises

(Handwritten after lesson)
3Social Studies and Personal ManagementSelf- Improvement

By the end of the sub strand, the learner should be able to;

a) share goals for self- improvement in social life

1. What career choices in Social Studies relate to you?

- develop and share personal life goals such as educational, careers

Approved course textbooks, realia, charts

- Observation

- Oral questions

- Written exercises

(Handwritten after lesson)
4Social Studies and Personal ManagementSelf- Improvement

By the end of the sub strand, the learner should be able to;

a) appreciate the role of values in the development of personality traits

1. What career choices in Social Studies relate to you?

- watch a video clip of a successful career individual in social life that reflect on their traits

- role-play a skit depicting values in their dream career choice in Social Studies

Approved course textbooks, realia, charts

- Observation

- Oral questions

- Written exercises

(Handwritten after lesson)
5Social Studies and Personal ManagementSelf- Improvement

By the end of the sub strand, the learner should be able to;

a) appreciate the role of values in the development of personality traits

1. What career choices in Social Studies relate to you?

- role-play a skit depicting values in their dream career choice in Social Studies

Approved course textbooks, realia, charts

- Observation

- Oral questions

- Written exercises

(Handwritten after lesson)
21Social Studies Personal ManagementSelf- Esteem Assessment

By the end of the sub strand, the learner should be able to;

a) explain the contribution of self- esteem on their holistic development

1. How does self- esteem affect my holistic development?

- use digital or print resources to search for and discuss the relationship between self-esteem and personal productivity

Approved course textbooks, realia, charts

- Observation

- Oral questions

- Written exercises

(Handwritten after lesson)
2Social Studies Personal ManagementSelf- Esteem Assessment

By the end of the sub strand, the learner should be able to;

a) determine effects of unhealthy self-esteem in day-to-day social lives

1. How does self- esteem affect my holistic development?

- refer to religious texts on self-love

- discuss cultural beliefs that promote self-esteem

Approved course textbooks, realia, charts

- Observation

- Oral questions

- Written exercises

(Handwritten after lesson)
3Social Studies Personal ManagementSelf- Esteem Assessment

By the end of the sub strand, the learner should be able to;

a) assess their self-esteem in social interactions

1. How does self- esteem affect my holistic development?

- act out and discuss skits on examples of difficult life experiences that could severely affect self-esteem in their social lives

- discuss and present negative impact of low self-esteem such as: relationship difficulties, social isolation

Approved course textbooks, realia, charts

- Observation

- Oral questions

- Written exercises

(Handwritten after lesson)
4Social Studies Personal ManagementSelf- Esteem Assessment

By the end of the sub strand, the learner should be able to;

a) desire to improve their self- esteem for personal productivity

1. How does self- esteem affect my holistic development?

- discuss and share ways of seeking help to overcome low self-esteem

- journalise actions they will take to improve their self-esteem

Approved course textbooks, realia, charts

- Observation

- Oral questions

- Written exercises

(Handwritten after lesson)
5Social Studies Personal ManagementSelf- Esteem Assessment

By the end of the sub strand, the learner should be able to;

a) desire to improve their self- esteem for personal productivity

1. How does self- esteem affect my holistic development?

- journalise actions they will take to improve their self-esteem

Approved course textbooks, realia, charts

- Observation

- Oral questions

- Written exercises

(Handwritten after lesson)
31Social Studies Personal ManagementCommunity Service Learning Project

By the end of the sub strand, the learner should be able to;

a) identify a problem/gap in the community

1. How does one determine some gaps/ needs in the community?

- brainstorm and identify problems/gaps/opportunities in their school/community that need attention

Approved course textbooks, realia, charts

- Observation

- Oral questions

- Written exercises

(Handwritten after lesson)
2Social Studies Personal ManagementCommunity Service Learning Project

By the end of the sub strand, the learner should be able to;

a) identify a problem/gap in the community

1. How does one determine some gaps/ needs in the community?

- brainstorm and identify problems/gaps/opportunities in their school/community that need attention

Approved course textbooks, realia, charts

- Observation

- Oral questions

- Written exercises

(Handwritten after lesson)
3Social Studies Personal ManagementCommunity Service Learning Project

By the end of the sub strand, the learner should be able to;

a) design solution(s) to the identified problem

1. How does one determine some gaps/ needs in the community?

- speak engagingly when discussing and adapting one identified (problem/gap) for the class/group project and hence state the project title

Approved course textbooks, realia, charts

- Observation

- Oral questions

- Written exercises

(Handwritten after lesson)
4Social Studies Personal ManagementCommunity Service Learning Project

By the end of the sub strand, the learner should be able to;

a) plan to implement the solution to the identified problem

1. How does one determine some gaps/ needs in the community?

- authenticate the problem/gap and hence write down the statement of the problem (a small description of the identified problem)

Approved course textbooks, realia, charts

- Observation

- Oral questions

- Written exercises

(Handwritten after lesson)
5Social Studies Personal ManagementCommunity Service Learning Project

By the end of the sub strand, the learner should be able to;

a) implement plan for solving the identified problem

1. Why is it necessary to make adequate preparations before embarking on a project?

- search, discuss and agree on an appropriate solution/way/skills of addressing the identified problem and note down the recommended/ proposed solution

Approved course textbooks, realia, charts

- Observation

- Oral questions

- Written exercises

(Handwritten after lesson)
Curriculum Design & Content

Grade 8 Social Studies Term 1 Strands and Sub-strands Breakdown

Official KICD curriculum breakdown taught during Term 1 in Grade 8 Social Studies. Includes specific learning outcomes (SLOs), key inquiry questions (KIQs), core learning experiences, and teaching aids.

1
Strand 1.0

Social Studies and Personal Management

1 Sub-strand4 Lessons in Term 1

1.1 Self- Improvement

4 Suggested LessonsTerm 1
Specific Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

By the end of this sub-strand, the learner should be able to:

  • describe personality traits for self- understanding
  • share goals for self- improvement in social life
  • appreciate the role of values in the development of personality traits
Key Inquiry Questions (KIQs)
  • Which animal best reflects your personal characteristics?
  • What career choices in Social Studies relate to you?
Learning Experiences
  • choose the animal that best defines their personal characteristics from a list of pre- selected animals, then discuss the outcome with the class
  • watch a video clip on personality traits and discuss
  • develop and share personal life goals such as educational, careers
  • watch a video clip of a successful career individual in social life that reflect on their traits
  • role-play a skit depicting values in their dream career choice in Social Studies
Teaching Resources

Approved textbooks, realia, counters, flashcards, charts & digital devices.

2
Strand 2.0

Social Studies Personal Management

2 Sub-strands12 Lessons in Term 1

2.1 Self- Esteem Assessment

4 Suggested LessonsTerm 1
Specific Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

By the end of this sub-strand, the learner should be able to:

  • explain the contribution of self- esteem on their holistic development
  • determine effects of unhealthy self-esteem in day-to-day social lives
  • assess their self-esteem in social interactions
  • desire to improve their self- esteem for personal productivity
Key Inquiry Questions (KIQs)
  • How does self- esteem affect my holistic development?
Learning Experiences
  • use digital or print resources to search for and discuss the relationship between self-esteem and personal productivity
  • refer to religious texts on self-love
  • discuss cultural beliefs that promote self-esteem
  • act out and discuss skits on examples of difficult life experiences that could severely affect self-esteem in their social lives
  • discuss and present negative impact of low self-esteem such as: relationship difficulties, social isolation
  • discuss and share ways of seeking help to overcome low self-esteem
  • journalise actions they will take to improve their self-esteem
Teaching Resources

Approved textbooks, realia, counters, flashcards, charts & digital devices.

2.2 Community Service Learning Project

8 Suggested LessonsTerm 1
Specific Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

By the end of this sub-strand, the learner should be able to:

  • identify a problem/gap in the community
  • design solution(s) to the identified problem
  • plan to implement the solution to the identified problem
  • implement plan for solving the identified problem
  • report/account on the concluded project
  • appreciate the need to offer solutions to the gaps/challenges in the community
Key Inquiry Questions (KIQs)
  • How does one determine some gaps/ needs in the community?
  • Why is it necessary to make adequate preparations before embarking on a project?
Learning Experiences
  • brainstorm and identify problems/gaps/opportunities in their school/community that need attention
  • speak engagingly when discussing and adapting one identified (problem/gap) for the class/group project and hence state the project title
  • authenticate the problem/gap and hence write down the statement of the problem (a small description of the identified problem)
  • search, discuss and agree on an appropriate solution/way/skills of addressing the identified problem and note down the recommended/ proposed solution
  • discuss and draw a plan for implementing the proposed solution
  • implement the plan prudently to address the identified problem
  • reflect on the concluded project and submit a summary account/report to the CSL teacher
Teaching Resources

Approved textbooks, realia, counters, flashcards, charts & digital devices.

3
Strand 3.0

People and Relationships

5 Sub-strands34 Lessons in Term 1

3.1 Scientific Theory about Human Origin

6 Suggested LessonsTerm 1
Specific Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

By the end of this sub-strand, the learner should be able to:

  • explore scientific theory about human origin
  • illustrate changes that took place in humans as a result of evolution
  • draw conclusions on origin of humanity based on the scientific theory
  • develop a sense of humanity based on common origin
Key Inquiry Questions (KIQs)
  • Why is Africa considered as the cradle of humanity?
Learning Experiences
  • enhance the skill of teamwork as they discuss in groups how scientific theory is used to explain human origin and present
  • draw a map of Africa and locate where prehistoric human remains were discovered
  • draw charts showing the different stages of human evolution and share in class
  • use digital technology to find out the places where early human remains were discovered in Africa
  • accommodate each other’s ideas as they brainstorm in groups on the differences between various species of early humans and when they existed and share
  • engage with a resource person to discuss the preservation of remains of early humans and take notes
  • carry out library research on changes that took place in humans as a result of evolution and draw an evolutionary tree and display
  • work together harmoniously in groups to discuss reasons why Africa is considered as the cradle for humanity and how they influence self-identity
  • engage in assigned roles and duties as they debate on the scientific theory of human origin and Africa as the cradle of humanity
Teaching Resources

Approved textbooks, realia, counters, flashcards, charts & digital devices.

3.2 Early Civilisation

8 Suggested LessonsTerm 1
Specific Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

By the end of this sub-strand, the learner should be able to:

  • describe Swahili civilisation along the East African coast
  • show how best practices from early civilisations have contributed to the modern world
  • appreciate best practices of early civilization to the development of the modern world
Key Inquiry Questions (KIQs)
  • Why is cultural heritage important to society?
Learning Experiences
  • use digital technology to locate on a map of Europe and Asia places of origin of early visitors to the East African Coast
  • accommodate divergent opinions in groups as they discuss on the origin of early visitors to the East African Coast up to 1500
  • exhibit culture awareness as they brainstorm on the Swahili civilisation along the East African coast and discuss factors that led to the growth of East African city states
  • reflect on their own role play the best practices from early civilisations to the development of the modern world
Teaching Resources

Approved textbooks, realia, counters, flashcards, charts & digital devices.

3.3 Trans Saharan Slave Trade

6 Suggested LessonsTerm 1
Specific Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

By the end of this sub-strand, the learner should be able to:

  • identify factors that led to development of Trans- Saharan slave Trade in Africa
  • describe organization of Trans-Saharan slave trade in Africa
  • outline effects of Trans- Saharan slave trade in Africa
  • demonstrate assertiveness in promotion of social justice
  • desire to promote social justice in a society
Key Inquiry Questions (KIQs)
  • Why do people subject others to slave trade?
Learning Experiences
  • look at a problem in a new or different way as they debate on factors that led to development of Trans-Saharan slave trade in Africa
  • utilise digital technology to effectively accomplish own tasks as they use digital or print resources to research on the organization of Trans-Saharan slave trade in Africa
  • appreciates diverse opinions as they work together and discuss the effects of Trans-Saharan slave trade in Africa
  • take turns in activities and conversation as they draw a map of Africa and locate regions where slaves were sourced during the Trans-Saharan slave trade
Teaching Resources

Approved textbooks, realia, counters, flashcards, charts & digital devices.

3.4 Population Growth in Africa

6 Suggested LessonsTerm 1
Specific Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

By the end of this sub-strand, the learner should be able to:

  • explore causes and effects of population growth in Africa
  • examine types and effects of migration in Africa
  • illustrate demographic trends in Kenya
  • create awareness on the effects of population growth in the community
  • appreciate the impact of migration on population growth in Africa
Key Inquiry Questions (KIQs)
  • Why is it important to study demographic changes?
Learning Experiences
  • exhibit respect for others as they brainstorm in groups causes of population growth in Africa
  • use digital and print resources to research on the effects of population growth in Africa
  • develop self-confidence as they draw demographic trends in Kenya using recent census data
  • brainstorm in groups on types of migration
  • exchange new ideas as they research on the factors that influence migration in Africa and share in class
  • exhibit team spirit as they develop posters to create awareness of the effect of population growth in the community
  • design charts on ways of coping with stress due to population growth and migrations
  • discuss ways of managing stress resulting from the effects of rapid population growth
Teaching Resources

Approved textbooks, realia, counters, flashcards, charts & digital devices.

3.5 Diversity and interpersonal skills

8 Suggested LessonsTerm 1
Specific Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

By the end of this sub-strand, the learner should be able to:

  • explore social cultural diversities in Kenya
  • explain ways of building a healthy self- esteem in diverse social cultural society
  • describe the impact of emotions on self and others
  • manage peer pressure in a culturally diverse environment
  • appreciate social cultural diversities in Kenya
Key Inquiry Questions (KIQs)
  • How can we demonstrate respect and appreciation of Social Cultural Diversity and Inclusion?
Learning Experiences
  • exhibit respect for fellow citizens as they discuss the social cultural diversities in Kenya
  • explore their own beliefs and those of others as they discuss personal and social cultural factors that influence social cohesion
  • use digital or print material to find out how to improve one’s self-esteem and share the findings in class
  • watch video clips on ways of handling different emotional states and share experiences
  • engage a resource person to talk about managing effects of emotions in a diversified environment
  • practice inclusivity as they role play ways of managing peer pressure
  • discuss ways of managing risky behaviours associated with road usage (speaking out, reporting to parents or police officers, use of seat belts)
  • develop self-confidence and values to enhance positive peer pressure as they act out skits on social cultural diversity and inclusion
  • in groups, compose communication messages on social cultural diversities in Kenya and share in class
Teaching Resources

Approved textbooks, realia, counters, flashcards, charts & digital devices.

Grade 8 Social Studies Full Year Strands (Terms 1, 2 & 3)

Complete annual curriculum scope for Grade 8 Social Studies showing the term-by-term distribution of all 5 strands.

Term 1Current
  • Social Studies and Personal Management
  • Social Studies Personal Management
  • People and Relationships
  • People and Relationships
  • Natural and Historic Built Environments
  • Natural and Historic Built Environments
  • Political Developments and Governance

Other Grade 8 Schemes of Work for Term 1

Download complete, editable schemes of work and explore strands for all learning areas in Grade 8.

Explore Schemes for Other CBC Grades

Browse curriculum designs and ready-to-print schemes across Pre-Primary, Primary, and Junior Secondary levels.

Curriculum Compliance & Official Accreditation

All schemes of work on this platform are meticulously aligned with official standards set by Kenyan educational statutory authorities:

Help & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions: Grade 8 Social Studies Term 1

What strands and sub-strands are covered in Grade 8 Social Studies Term 1?

In Term 1, Grade 8 Social Studies covers the following main strands: Social Studies and Personal Management, Social Studies Personal Management, People and Relationships. Each strand is broken down into specific sub-strands with allocated lesson periods across the 13-week term.

What are the specific learning outcomes for Grade 8 Social Studies in Term 1?

Each sub-strand defines measurable learning outcomes covering knowledge, psychomotor skills, and values. Learners engage in hands-on activities, realia observation, and collaborative problem-solving as outlined in the syllabus breakdown above.

How is Grade 8 Social Studies Term 1 structured across weeks?

This scheme spans 13 calendar weeks (65 lesson slots), with Mid-Term Break in Week 8 and End-of-Term Assessment in Week 13, in full compliance with the 2026 Kenyan Ministry of Education school calendar.

Can I download and edit this Term 1 scheme in Microsoft Word or PDF?

Yes. You can instantly download a completely editable Microsoft Word document (.docx) or print-ready PDF, or open it directly in the online scheme builder to customize teacher name, school name, and TSC details.