Humanities Department

Learning Outcomes

To develop Hua Yians to understand the complexities of world events.
To develop Hua Yians into critical and reflective thinkers with clear communication crucial to independent and lifelong learning.
To nurture Hua Yians into concerned, informed citizens with a global perspective.

Key Programmes

Social Studies Issues Investigations

In Social Studies Issues Investigations, our Sec 3 students collaboratively explore pressing societal issues, such as Singapore's plastic waste management. By researching various stakeholders and utilising e-pedagogical tools, students develop their critical thinking skills while deepening their understanding of civic responsibilities. This project not only cultivates respect for diverse perspectives but also empowers students to propose collaborative solutions involving both government and non-government bodies.

Through engaging discussions and initiatives like Issues Investigations, we nurture informed and concerned citizens with a global perspective, ready to contribute thoughtfully to society.

Historical Investigation

Every student will be introduced to the Inquiry-based approach and get to participate in a Historical Investigation (HI) project to reconstruct knowledge and answer an important question about the past. This approach enables students to inquire into history through the gathering of sources. With the sources of information, they exercise historical reasoning to turn these sources into evidence and finally engage in reflective thinking to make sound and well-supported interpretations. By engaging students in HI, they will develop into self-directed, critical and reflective thinkers. Through this process of inquiry, they will also learn to work collaboratively with others. Students will also learn how to conduct research using various National Library Board resource repositories such as Infopedia and NewspaperSG, or play historical board games, in order to experience the significance of past events and how historical evidence is used to reconstruct an understanding of the past.

Geographical Inquiry through Fieldwork

At the Lower Secondary level, students engage in various authentic learning experiences to enhance their awareness of environmental and social issues. For example, in studying water issues, Secondary 1 students investigate the impact of human activities on Singapore's waterways through on-site testing and evaluation of water samples collected at Jurong Lake. To deepen their understanding of ecosystems, students also embark on investigative journeys documenting their interactions with flora and fauna within the school compound. In Secondary 2, students explore the relevance of Geography in their everyday lives through investigative studies conducted at transport hubs (e.g. Jurong East Interchange).

Such experiential learning continues at the Upper Secondary level with field studies conducted as part of the Geography curriculum at Kampong Glam (Tourism Studies), Choa Chu Kang Transport Hub (Everyday Geography), and Science Centre Earth Alive! (Tectonic Studies).

In Geography education within the school, eco-stewardship is emphasised as an essential value. Lessons incorporate decision-making scenarios where students evaluate environmental policies or analyse the pros and cons of land-use practices. Through these exercises, students learn to weigh environmental, economic, and social factors, reinforcing their role as eco-stewards.

MOE-NUS Geography Challenge

Geography students are given opportunities to participate in competitions such as the annual NUS Geography Challenge. Through the competition, the participants were given the opportunity to explore the topic of sustainability and Singapore Green Plan 2030 using a geographical lens. Also, through gamification, the participants gained insights to the idea of trade-offs, as well as learned how global issues of sustainability can be understood in a fun and interesting way.

History Competitions

Our Secondary Two students take part in the Historical Scene Investigation and Prove It! Contest, both organised by the National Library Board and supported by the Ministry of Education. In both inter-school competitions, our students put their historical inquiry and research skills to the test, researching on topics such as past pandemics or the significance of events that happened in Singapore after the Second World War. Students will present their findings through creative end products such as animations, videos, posters, or even as a skit. They also get the opportunity to hone their public speaking skills by presenting their findings to their schoolmates during morning assembly. In 2024, our students clinched the Gold Award (Top 10 Teams) in the Prove It! Contest and two teams earned the Silver Award in the Historical Scene Investigation.

Humanities Youth Leaders and ECG Programme

Our Upper Secondary Humanities students have the opportunity to participate in the Humanities Youth Leaders and ECG Programme. Through participating in online forums, students get the opportunity to interact with guest speakers who provide deep insights to the skills set important for the 21st century employment landscape. Workshops are also conducted to enhance students’ proficiency in technological applications and skills, and students also go on learning journeys which allow them to appreciate the real-world applications of the Humanities.

NJC International Humanities Symposium (IHS) (Social Studies)

Our Upper Secondary Humanities students actively participate in the NJC International Humanities Symposium (IHS), a platform that showcases their research on vital global issues. This initiative explicitly aligns with E21CC principles, fostering civic, global, and cross-cultural competencies. By exploring themes such as resource depletion and social inequality, our students engage in critical discussions that enhance their understanding of civic responsibility and global interconnectedness. The symposium encourages collaboration with peers from diverse backgrounds, promoting cross-cultural understanding and respect. Through their involvement in the IHS, students develop innovative solutions for a sustainable future, empowering them to become informed and proactive citizens ready to effect positive change in their communities and beyond.