Humanities Department
Explore how the Humanities Department shapes critical, empathetic thinkers through Geography, History, and Social Studies. See our award-winning projects and inquiry-based learning in action.
Humanities Department
The Humanities curriculum comprises Social Studies, Geography and History. At SFSS, the Humanities Department is committed to nurturing informed, empathetic, and responsible global citizens. Grounded in values education, inquiry-based learning, and the development of 21st Century Competencies, our curriculum aims to cultivate critical and reflective thinkers who can make thoughtful decisions and contribute meaningfully to society.
We believe that Humanities education is not just about acquiring knowledge of the past or present, but also about developing the skills and values necessary for active participation in a rapidly changing world. Through the exploration of issues in Geography, History, and Social Studies, students learn to examine multiple perspectives, develop a sense of place and identity, and appreciate the complexities of real-world issues.
Our department adopts the Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) framework, which empowers students to ask meaningful questions, gather and evaluate evidence, and communicate reasoned conclusions. This approach aligns with the national direction of fostering future-ready learners equipped with the competencies to thrive in a globalised, interconnected world.
Geography unit
The geographical investigations at Springfield Secondary School provided students with authentic learning experiences that connected classroom knowledge to real-world issues. In the Secondary 2 project, students explored how sustainable and inclusive features in Tampines impact residents. Through data collection, analysis, and empathy-based reflections, they developed critical thinking, collaboration skills, and values like environmental responsibility and inclusion.
In the Secondary 3 project, students examined what draws residents to Our Tampines Hub. By creating surveys, analysing trends, and reflecting on town planning, they deepened their sense of place and appreciation for community development. Both investigations empowered students to become more thoughtful, informed, and engaged citizens.
Social Studies Unit
The Sec 3 SSII project centres on understanding the challenges and opportunities of Singapore’s ageing population. Guided by the inquiry question, “How can Singapore respond effectively to the challenges and opportunities of an ageing population?”, students work in diverse groups to examine demographic trends, assess existing policies and community support, and propose meaningful solutions. The project comprises three main components: group research on ageing-related issues, interviews with stakeholders such as elderly individuals or caregivers followed by data analysis, and an individual reflection on their learning and personal development. Through this process, students strengthen their research, communication, and teamwork skills while developing greater empathy and awareness of ageing issues in society.
History Unit
The Sec 1 Historical Investigation (HI) for 2025 centres on the inquiry question: "How did migrants contribute to the development of Singapore as a port city from 1824 to 1942?" Students investigate this by selecting a street named after a migrant and researching that individual’s background, profession, and contributions to colonial Singapore. The findings are presented through a creative infographic or biography.
The project is structured in three stages: (1) Sparking Curiosity, where students explore the story of Naraina Pillai through a video and classroom discussion; (2) Gathering and Reasoning with Data, where students conduct research individually or in pairs using a provided package and then produce an infographic with proper citations; and (3) Reflective Thinking, where students answer a short reflection on the values or qualities of the migrant they studied. This investigation helps students appreciate the diverse contributions of early migrants and develop historical reasoning, research, and reflection skills.
Achievements & Highlights
2024
Historical Scene Investigation - Silver Award
2023
Historical Scene Investigation - Silver Award
Prove It! Competition – Silver award AND Gold award (top 10)
2022
Historical Scene Investigation – Gold award (First place)
2021
Historical Scene Investigation – Silver award with honourable mention
