Humanities
The Humanities curriculum builds critical thinkers through inquiry-based learning in Geography, History, and Social Studies.
Future-Ready Leader, Global Citizen, Lifelong Learner
Student Outcomes
We envision our humanities students to be:
Future-ready leaders who demonstrate critical, adaptive and inventive thinking, and the will to drive positive change.
Global citizens who can thoughtfully engage with diverse perspectives and communicate ideas persuasively to navigate complex societal challenges.
Lifelong learners who appreciate the past, understand the present, and embrace continuous growth with curiosity, reflective thinking and resilience.
Curriculum
At CHIJ Secondary, our Humanities curriculum nurtures students through History, Geography, and Social Studies, developing the knowledge, skills, values and dispositions that prepare them to be future-ready leaders, global citizens and lifelong learners.
Through inquiry-based and tech-enabled learning, students analyse sources, examine issues, understand how societies respond to change, and propose solutions to contemporary challenges. This develops their critical, adaptive and inventive thinking while building the initiative needed to drive positive change.
We spark curiosity about human experience and global interconnections while developing empathy and cultural understanding essential for global citizenship. Through differentiated instruction and collaborative approaches, students learn to engage thoughtfully with diverse perspectives and communicate ideas effectively.
Our curriculum builds civic literacy and cross-cultural competencies through authentic learning experiences. Students develop agency in their learning, reflect on their growth, and demonstrate the resilience needed to embrace continuous learning throughout their lives in a VUCA - Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous - world.
Signature Programmes
Geographical and Historical Investigation
Students conduct authentic investigations through inquiry-based learning. In Geography, they explore sustainability challenges, inclusive neighbourhood development, and tropical mangrove ecosystems, understanding human-environment interactions affecting Singapore and the region.
In History, students investigate Singapore's heritage through immersive experiences, including visits to CHIJMES, the original location of our school. They analyse sources to understand Singapore's development and connect with the rich history and significance of our school.
Through fieldwork, digital tools, and collaborative research, students develop empathy and critical thinking skills while cultivating the curiosity and analytical abilities essential for lifelong learning.
Social Studies Research and Civic Engagement
Students investigate real-world issues including ageing population, discrimination, globalisation, and sustainable development. Through structured inquiry, they examine multiple perspectives and explore interconnected contemporary challenges.
Working collaboratively, students engage with community partners, conduct research, and present findings to authentic audiences. They discover practical ways to contribute positively and develop persuasive communication skills. This programme fosters initiative and resilience needed to drive meaningful change as active global citizens.
Our Students
Historical Investigation @ CHIJMES
Geographical Investigation @ Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Geographical Investigation @ Dawson Housing Estate
Geographical Investigation @ Toa Payoh Town
We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men.— Herman Melville (American novelist and poet)
Achievements & Accolades
2023 Model United Nations Conference
Selected Secondary Three students participated in the Model United Nations Conference, developing their diplomatic skills, global awareness and ability to engage with complex international issues. This experience enhanced their understanding of global citizenship and strengthened their capacity to communicate persuasively across diverse perspectives.
2026 NUS Geography Challenge
Four Upper Secondary students excelled at the NUS Geography Challenge 2026, securing a place amongst the five Grand Finalists from 122 schools and ranking in the Top 3 for the Team Component. Individual achievements included 2 Gold Awards and 2 Silver Awards, demonstrating our students' exceptional geographical knowledge, analytical skills, and ability to engage critically with contemporary issues through strong collaboration and teamwork.
Participants and their teacher in-charge at the prize presentation of NUS Geography Challenge 2026