Humanities
Explore how the Humanities department uses fieldwork, learning journeys, and inquiry-based learning to help students understand the world around them.
Vision:
Students appreciative of a changing world, past and present
Mission:
To engage students in an innovative teaching and learning environment
Approach:
Made up of subjects such as History, Geography, and Social Studies, the Humanities curriculum offers students a rich tapestry of knowledge about the world and human societies. Our department adopts a holistic approach that enables learners to connect the past, present, and future, fostering a deep understanding of the forces that shape our societies, countries, and the world.
In addition, by incorporating inquiry-based learning as a key pedagogy, we empower students to become active seekers of knowledge, encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Another key aspect of the learning in Humanities is the Learning Journeys and Fieldwork which enable the students to explore and apply their learning in authentic and practical contexts.
Key Programmes (Geography):
Sec 1 Water Fieldwork at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park
As part of an interdisciplinary collaboration with the Deyi Biology Unit, Secondary 1 Geography students were introduced to the importance of water resource management by testing the water quality of the Bishan-Ang Mo Kio River.
During their fieldwork, students also observed the diversity of aquatic species and learnt how water quality impacts the health of natural ecosystems.
Sec 2 Housing Fieldwork in Ang Mo Kio
Infusing the use of ArcGIS technology, Secondary 2 Geography students worked collaboratively in groups to map out inclusive features and programmes in the Teck Ghee and Chong Boon neighbourhoods.
Through this fieldwork experience, students gained a deeper appreciation of the need to design neighbourhood spaces that cater to residents of all ages and physical abilities.
Learning Journey City Sprouts March 2025
In late March, 50 students from the Integration Programme and Secondary 3 Humanities embarked on a combined learning journey to City Sprouts to explore sustainable urban planning and environmental stewardship. Through interactive activities, students took on different stakeholder roles and proposed innovative solutions to urban challenges, strengthening their critical and inventive thinking, communication and collaboration skills — key e21CC competencies.
A guided tour of the urban farm also introduced students to sustainable farming practices, eco-friendly features and the variety of crops grown. The experience provided valuable real-world insights, helping students connect classroom learning to sustainability challenges in Singapore.
Scarce City Learning Journey to National Gallery (for Sec 3 Geography students)
Scarce City is an exhibition that blends immersive theatre with interactive gameplay.
Through this engaging experience, Secondary 3 Geography students explored the importance of sustainable development and reflected on how they can make informed decisions to support environmental conservation.
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Fieldwork on Tourism at Kampong Glam (for Sec 3 Pure Geography students)
Extended Fieldwork is a crucial component in the geography syllabus. Students will learn how to conduct research on the topic of Tourism.
This learning journey will provide students with an authentic experience of carrying out the geographical fieldwork methods with tourists in Kampong Glam.
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Learning Journey to Singapore City Gallery, URA (for Sec 4 Pure Geography students)
As part of efforts to introduce authentic learning in the Singapore Cluster, the learning journey to the Singapore City Gallery provided Secondary 4 Pure Geography students with an opportunity to explore how sustainable urban development is implemented in Singapore.
Through guided inquiry, students gained insights into the importance of integrated master planning and how sustainability is embedded in urban planning processes.
Celebrating Biodiversity during Deyi Biodiversity
In collaboration with the Deyi Biology Unit and Green Club, a series of learning activities was organised to deepen students’ appreciation of Singapore’s natural environment.
During Biodiversity Week, Green Ambassadors engaged fellow Deyians by sharing fun facts about local biodiversity and highlighting wildlife conservation efforts. In addition, Secondary 3 Geography students conducted a school-wide assembly to raise awareness about the significance of mangrove ecosystems.
Key Programmes (History):
Learning Journey to Former Ford Factory
In Term 2, the Humanities Department organised a learning journey to the Former Ford Factory, a significant World War II heritage site in Singapore. Through guided tours and interactive exhibits, our students explored primary sources, artefacts, and personal accounts from the Japanese Occupation.
This immersive experience deepened their understanding of Singapore’s wartime history, connecting classroom learning to real-world contexts. It also encouraged students to reflect on the resilience of our forebears and the importance of peace in our nation’s story.
Archivist project April – July 2026
Two groups of Secondary 2 students participated in the Archivist Project organised by the National Heritage Board, where they interviewed pioneer generation members to learn about Singapore’s education landscape in the post-war years. Through this meaningful intergenerational learning experience, students gained insights into how education has evolved over time and developed a deeper appreciation of Singapore’s educational heritage. Both groups successfully completed the project and were awarded Certificates of Achievement.
Sustainability - Rock Painting
As part of the mid-year Learning Festival, Sec 1 students took part in a creative rock-painting activity centred on the theme of sustainability. Each student painted vibrant designs and inscribed meaningful messages promoting environmental care and responsible living.
The activity not only showcased their artistic expression but also served as a visual reminder of the collective responsibility we share in protecting our planet. These painted rocks were later displayed around the school as symbols of our commitment to building a sustainable future.
Competitions / Achievements:
RGS Southeast Asia Symposium
Humanities-In-Action (HIA) Challenge 2023 by Serangoon Garden Secondary School
MOE History Challenge
NUS GeoChallenge
iTourism by Republic Polytechnic
Historical Scene Investigation Challenge
Student Archivist Project
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Internationalisation to Batam
As part of the Internationalisation Trip in November 2025, students visited an ecotourism project to participate in hands-on mangrove replanting, deepening their understanding of how mangroves protect coastlines and support biodiversity. The experience reinforced their Lower Secondary Geography learning.
At Sludge & Slop, students also discovered how waste from maritime vessels is converted into useful by-products, such as biochar for tarmac and light oil for machinery lubricants. These meaningful experiences connected classroom learning to real-world sustainability practices and strengthened students’ environmental awareness and responsibility beyond Singapore.