Humanities

Our Belief

The Humanities Department is committed to a values-driven education that develops students’ capacity to understand themselves and others through multiple lenses. Grounded in strong disciplinary knowledge and inquiry-based learning, our curriculum equips students to ask thoughtful questions, analyse evidence with rigour, and make well-reasoned judgments about complex issues. By drawing connections between the past and present, students learn to engage with diverse perspectives, navigate an interconnected world, and adapt thoughtfully to changing contexts. In doing so, they develop empathy and the moral courage to respond with clarity and conviction. Through this, we seek to nurture discerning thinkers and responsible individuals who are confident in contributing meaningfully to an ever-evolving global society.

Our Approach

History, Geography and Social Studies

Our Humanities teaching approach is anchored by the idea of a compass—guiding how students inquire, think, and make sense of a complex world. Students are supported to ask meaningful questions, examine evidence, and consider multiple perspectives as they explore both past and present issues.

Learning is inquiry-driven and conceptually grounded. Across History, Geography and Social Studies, students analyse sources and data, engage with real-world issues, and develop an understanding of how different viewpoints shape interpretation. Fieldwork and research are integral, providing authentic opportunities for students to investigate and apply their learning in real contexts.

Our pedagogy emphasises critical thinking, perspective-taking, and reflective judgement. Through structured inquiry, case studies, and classroom dialogue, students learn to construct well-reasoned arguments and communicate their ideas clearly. We aim to develop thoughtful, empathetic and informed learners who can navigate complexity and contribute responsibly to society.

Upper Sec Elective: Principles of Accounts (POA) at G2 and G3 Levels

Our teaching approach in Principles of Accounts is anchored by the idea of a blueprint—helping students understand how the financial structure of a business is organised and interpreted. Students are guided to make sense of accounting processes through clear explanations and step-by-step modelling, building a strong foundation in the logic and methodology of accountancy.

Learning focuses on developing accuracy and understanding through guided practice and application. Students analyse financial transactions, organise information, and interpret financial data to support decision-making.

Our pedagogy emphasises clarity, precision, and analytical thinking. Through modelling, structured practice, and application tasks, students develop confidence in applying accounting principles and build strong financial literacy for further studies and real-world contexts.

Upper Sec Elective: Elements of Business Skills (EBS) at G1 Level

Our teaching approach in Elements of Business Skills is anchored by the idea of a marketplace—helping students understand how businesses interact with customers and respond to real-world needs. Students explore key business concepts through the context of Singapore’s service industries, making connections between classroom learning and everyday experiences.

Learning focuses on understanding business activities, marketing, and customer relations. Students analyse how businesses meet customer needs, communicate effectively, and adapt in a changing environment.Through case studies, discussion, and applied tasks, students learn to evaluate information, generate ideas, and make decisions. 

Our Stretch Opportunities

Cohort Programmes: Building Strong Foundations for All

Our Humanities curriculum is designed to engage every student in purposeful, inquiry-driven learning that develops critical thinking and connects meaningfully to the real world. Beyond the national curriculum, students participate in a curated range of compulsory and opt-in programmes within and beyond the classroom, each intentionally designed to develop key 21st Century Competencies.

Key programmes (non-exhaustive):

a) Interdisciplinary Learning Experiences (e.g. Geography–Biology–Mathematics Interdisciplinary Subject Day @ Yishun Park; Wartime Foods Challenge – History–NFS Applied Learning)

• Geography–Biology–Mathematics Interdisciplinary Subject Day @ Yishun Park

Students move beyond textbook learning into an authentic field setting, investigating biodiversity and sustainability through multiple disciplinary lenses. By collecting and analysing real data, they learn to interpret patterns, draw evidence-based conclusions, and grapple with the complexity of environmental systems. More than an outdoor activity, this programme is deliberately designed to reflect how real-world problems cut across disciplines—developing students’ ability to think critically, collaborate effectively, and apply knowledge with purpose.

b) Learning Journeys & Place-Based Learning (e.g. Nature Discovery; Siloso Beach Resort, Sentosa – Sustainable Tourism; Internal Security Department Heritage Centre)

Key programmes and platforms:

• Beginner Model United Nations (MUN) Workshop (Lower Secondary)
  Students are introduced to the dynamics of global diplomacy by stepping into the role of country delegates. They learn to analyse issues from competing national perspectives, engage in structured debate, and negotiate solutions. The workshop builds a strong foundation in argumentation, perspective-taking, and confident communication, preparing students for participation in external MUN platforms. 

• Inter-school Collaboration AISS–YSS Model Parliament
  In collaboration with the Humanities Department at Yishun Secondary School, students experience governance in action by taking on the roles of Members of Parliament. They debate contemporary issues, propose policies, and respond to opposing viewpoints in a formal setting. The programme is complemented by a joint learning journey to the Parliament House, where students participate in a simulation to deepen their understanding of legislative processes. Through this, students learn to weigh trade-offs, communicate persuasively, and think critically about national issues, helping them grow into confident, articulate individuals with a strong sense of civic responsibility. 

• External Conferences, Competitions & Enrichment (2024–2026) 

MUNs (Global Affairs & Diplomacy)

• ACS(I) International Model United Nations (IMUN) (2025) 

• National Youth Environment Conference (2024) 

• NTU Model United Nations (2024, 2026) 

• PREPMUN (2025, 2026) 

• Raffles Model United Nations (2024) 

History (Historical Inquiry & Evidence-Based Thinking)

• Founder’s Memorial Student Archivist Project

• MOE Historical Scene Investigation 

• MOE History Challenge (2024, 2025)

• NLB “Prove It” 

Geography (Environment & Sustainability)

• iTourism Challenge (2025)

• NUS Geography Challenge (2024 – 2026)

• Science Centre’s Earth Alive (2026)

• Sustainable Development Youth Convention (2024, 2025) 

Commerce (Innovation, Enterprise & Applied Skills)

• BYOB Accounting Gameboard (2025) 

• Republic Polytechnic Rocket Pitch Competition (2025)

• SUSS Law Camp (2025)

Our Team