Humanities
Explore how the Humanities department builds critical thinkers and engaged citizens.
Syllabus Objectives
Informed and Critical Thinkers. Concerned and Participative Global Citizens.
The department encourages our students to be inquisitive about the world they live in. We give them the opportunity to ask questions about various historical, geographical, political, social and economic issues. We bring them through the stages of the inquiry-based approach to learning, where they investigate complex issues by forming questions, gathering evidence from different perspectives and questioning the validity and reliability of these sources of information. By doing so, our students develop the skills, and understand the need, to be informed and critical thinkers. We also challenge them to reflect on the complexity of these issues, establish links to current developments and get them to suggest actions that can be taken to improve on different situations. Through these efforts, we hope to encourage our students to step up and contribute meaningfully to Singapore and the global community they are a part of.
Subjects Offered
Lower Secondary History
Lower Secondary Geography
Combined Humanities
Core History
Core Geography
History
The History syllabus develops in students the qualities of a history learner by:
engaging students actively in historical enquiry so as to develop them into confident, self-directed, critical and reflective thinkers
enabling students to acquire knowledge and understanding of selected periods, societies and aspects of history
acquainting students with an understanding of how the past has been interpreted, represented and accorded significance for different reasons and purposes
developing an inquisitive mind in students with the ability to ask relevant questions about the past and examine a range of sources critically in their historical context to reach substantiated judgements about the past
developing in students the ability to organise and communicate their historical knowledge and understanding through a variety of ways using different media
equipping them with the necessary historical knowledge, understanding, dispositions and skills to understand the present and contribute actively and responsibly as local and global citizens to further study and the pursuit of personal interest in the past.
Geography
The Geography syllabus aims to enable students to:
acquire knowledge of the characteristics, distribution and processes of physical and human phenomena
develop a holistic understanding of physical-human relationships at local, regional and global scales
gain geographical insights and global awareness into future challenges through the study of current issues and their management
become inquiring and self-directed learners who ask geographical questions and seek understanding through the collection and analysis of geographical information
develop skills in communicating and applying geographical knowledge
make informed judgements and sound decisions through the analysis, synthesis and evaluation of geographical information.
Social Studies
The Social Studies syllabus aims to help students develop critical-thinking skills that will enable them to:
have a sense of belonging to their community and nation
be committed to building social cohesion by appreciating diversity in society
appreciate the importance of engaging in issues of societal concern
have an awareness of the ethical considerations and consequences of decision-making.
be empowered to take personal and collective responsibility for effecting change for the good of society, and serve to make a positive difference to others.
understand their identity as Singaporeans with a global outlook
view the world with an understanding of the Singapore perspective