Humanities

Overview

The Humanities subjects seek to help students acquire deep and broad knowledge and skills to investigate natural phenomena and societal issues. Through the study of different subjects at Lower and Upper Secondary, students are equipped with effective communication, critical thinking and media literacy skills to enable them to be innovative and civic-minded individuals. Leading in the school’s Applied Learning Programme, The Humanities Department offers students authentic and interdisciplinary learning experiences that progressively instils in them the 21st Century skills.

Subjects Offered

Upper Secondary – GCE N-Level

1.	History
2.	Geography
3.	Social Studies (Normal Technical)

Official Subject Title (Click to access syllabus)

Social Studies (Normal Technical)

Social Studies (Normal Academic)

Elective Geography (Upper secondary)

Elective History (Upper Secondary)

Principles of Accounts

Upper Secondary – GCE O-Level

Official Subject Title (Click to access syllabus)

Social Studies (Express)

Geography

Elective Geography (Upper Secondary)

Elective History (Upper Secondary

Principles of Accounting

Signature Programmes

No.	Title of Programme / Activity	Brief Description
1	Secondary 1 E/NA Tropical Rainforest Geographical Investigation	Through engaging in geographical investigations on the topic of Tropical Rainforest, students learned about the adaptations and characteristics of plants in the Tyersall Rainforest. They also learned about the value of the rainforest to the ecosystem and Singapore using different methods of data collection to describe and analyse patterns.
2	Sec 1E/NA Historical Investigation (National Museum)	Through collaboration with the National Museum of Singapore (NMS), this learning journey offered opportunities for students to interact directly with sources and artefacts to devise creative ways to respond to the inquiry question. They learned to substantiate their stand with evidence gathered from the learning journey to create a stop-motion video about the lives of Singapore immigrants.
3	Sec 1NT Social Studies Sikh Community Learning Journey	Students gained insights through an experiential learning journey to the Community Drum Circle, Sikh Temple and Singapore Khalsa Association (SKA). They also experienced Sikh Culture and tradition in the form of Bhangra Dance.
4	Sec 2E/NA Housing Geographical Investigation	Students examined geospatial information to find out about the prices of housing in different parts of Singapore. This learning experience provided students opportunities to make sense of authentic data to understand real world housing phenomenon, and develop data and digital literacy as 21st century learners. The activities required students to examine and analyse visual data through mapping technologies, a skill which would be very much valued in an increasingly digitalised global workplace.
5	Sec 2E/NA Historical Investigation (National Gallery)	Students interacted with Museum artefacts and paintings from the Singapore National Gallery. Through understanding artists’ perspectives, students learned about the history of Singapore. By collaborating with each other, students put together unique group presentations to share their insights from the Museum.
6	Sec 2NT Social Studies Westlite Dormitory Learning Journey	Through a guided tour by the Migrant Workers Centre (MWC) at Westlite Dormitory, students interacted and gathered information about the migrant workers’ landscape and the operations of MWC. They learned about the importance of integrating foreign workers in Singapore.
7	Secondary 3 E/NA Weather and Climate Geographical Investigation	Students described and analysed patterns in weather data collected at the Kent Ridge Park, and suggested relationships between weather and climate and natural vegetation. They deepened their understanding of physical geographical processes and of different methods of data collection.
8	Sec 3E-NT Social Studies Investigation at Changi Airport	Through a guided tour of Changi Airport Terminals 1 & 3, and the conduct of primary surveys, students learned about the impact of globalisation on Singapore. They also understood more about the increasing use of automation in workplaces and that they would need to be innovative to stay future-relevant. The authentic learning experience also allowed students to understand the needs of different groups of people and to consider Singapore’s important role in a globalising world.
9	Secondary 4 E/NA Tourism Geographical Investigation	Students explored the topic of Tourism through a geographical investigation at Chinatown, Singapore. Using a range of fieldwork methods such as mapping and interviews, students developed a first-hand understanding of Chinatown as a unique tourist destination.
10	ALP Tier 2 Sec 1 – 2 Geography Habitat Enhancement Programme (NParks)	Students learned to deepen their appreciation for the Tyersall Learning Forest through sessions facilitated by NParks officers. These include monitoring the biodiversity health of the area through sessions facilitated by NParks officers. Students also learned how they could contribute to the conservation of Singapore’s natural heritage and were introduced to career options related to green spaces and the environment.
11	ALP Tier 2 Sec 2 – 3 History Model United Nations (MUN) or equivalent	MUN experiences and platforms allowed student to engage in public speaking by taking on the roles of diplomats from various countries. Students build self-confidence as they explore various issues that affect countries at regional and international scales from different perspectives.
12	ALP Tier 2 Sec 3 Social Studies Industry Learning Journeys	Through a guided tour at Boeing and Grab, students learned about the operations of MNCs and the reasons for their setting up of headquarters in Singapore. Students were able to understand how digitalisation changed the way people work and play, and hence reinforced the need for one to be innovative and stay relevant.