THE RELEVANCE OF THE HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES STRAND IN THE 21ST CENTURY WE live in an era where excelling in mathematics and science is highly praised and rewarded in our society. However, with the integration of 21st century skills in the K to 12 program of the Department of Education the Humanities and Social Sciences strand takes a primordial role in ensuring life-long learners ready to face the challenges of the future. Instead of numbers on a board, the HUMSS students are made to think creatively by submitting carefully worded outputs such as news articles, creative writing pieces and showcase oral and video presentations. Such processes and activities allow the students to hone their skills as creative and critical thinkers – vital aspects of a person in the 21st century. The Humanities and Social Sciences are the study of human behavior and interaction in social, cultural, environmental, economic and political contexts. As a strand, it deals with the historical and contemporary focus, from personal to global contexts, and considers challenges for the future. In the existing curriculum, there are eight specialized subjects that are focused on developing students’ ability to question, think critically, solve problems, communicate effectively, make decisions and adapt to change. Thinking about and responding to issues requires an understanding of the key historical, geographical, political, economic and societal factors involved, and how these different factors interrelate. They also provide a broad understanding of the world in which they live, and how people can participate as active and informed citizens with high-level skills needed for the 21st century. The relevance of this strand is manifested in its ability to provide students with the necessary skills and the opportunities in making them global citizens that are equipped not just to solve problems but also to feel inner recesses of humanity as it faces struggles, difficulties and failures. Medicine, business, and engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But humanities and social sciences which deal with beauty, relationships, networks, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for. Who can say that Humanities and Social Sciences lost its relevance in the 21st century?
