Humanities

Belief

To nurture in our students a fierce curiosity in the Humanities, and a deep sense of care and empathy for the world – physical and human, past, present and future.

Approaches

Inquiry-based Learning
This approach places the students at the heart of teaching and learning to develop them into confident, self-directed, critical and reflective thinkers. We activate learning through the asking and co-creation of inquisitive questions about the syllabus content. This often serves as a “hook” for students to feel curious in the process of learning. We then tap into their prior knowledge and build on that through the study and analysis of authentic sources of information. Students then synthesise the knowledge and sense-make with the facilitation of teachers. A conclusion is often formed and this can restart the inquiry cycle once again as they reflect on what they have learnt.

Use of E-Pedagogy for Active Learning
Technology can be powerful in the Humanities classroom as it allows students to tap on multi-modal presentations of information, including current articles, statistical data and videos. It also creates opportunities for students to enjoy an out-of-classroom experience through virtual learning. In facilitating the inquiry approach, students also harness the affordances of technology to collaborate with peers, present findings and interact with teachers for more tailored feedback.

Geography student goes on a virtual learning journey to experience a volcanic eruption

History students engaged in role-play and using an online tool to share findings

Social Studies students learning about political cartoons through SLS and getting immediate feedback Live

Experiential Learning
At the Lower Secondary, all students go through Historical and Geographical Investigation work. Students are brought out of the classroom to examine real-world artefacts and data in order to conclude with findings to the inquiry question. Geography students continue with this mode of learning at the Upper Secondary levels as well.

Sec 1 student at the Maritime Museum of Singapore inquiring into Singapore’s early connections with the region

Sec 2 student examining a school monument to determine its significance in history

Sec 2 students analysing the significance of national monuments in understanding Singapore history

Talent Development

We recognise and value the talent students may have in the Humanities and we seek to nurture this talent with the hope that these students are inspired to pursue an education or career path in the Humanities. These are some opportunities we curate for our students to hone their talent.

History

MOE History Challenge

Geography

NUS Geog Challenge

NUS Geog Challenge

General Humanities

Raffles Model United Nations

ASEAN Challenge