Humanities

VISION/GOALS

To shape values, attitudes and broaden Westwoodians' horizons to become critical thinkers.

Programmes/ Events

NAME OF PROGRAMME / EVENT	DATE / MONTH	OBJECTIVES OF PROGRAMME / EVENT
HUMANITIES
Secondary Three Internationalisation Programme – Humanities Learning Journey to Kanchanaburi & Bangkok, Thailand	Term 2	With the re-opening of borders, post-pandemic, it is an opportune time to re-imagine Internationalisation Programme in the changing landscape, the ‘new normal’. The vision of Internationalisation Programme, “Seizing opportunities, experiencing possibilities,” coincides with the school’s theme for 2023: “Always Learning, Learning all ways”. With this direction, the department came together to plan for a e21CC anchored humanities trip to Kanchanaburi & Bangkok, Thailand, starting from June 2023. Underpinned by the broad concept of authentic learning, opportunities are engineered for Westwoodians to engage in real-world application of knowledge and skills. The interdisciplinary nature of authentic learning also enables students to see connections between humanities subjects and this would help to ignite their passion and curiosity and foster deeper “joy of learning” in them. The authentic contexts of learning also facilitates the use of pedagogies that would deepen 21CC, like inquiry-based learning (e.g. field-based learning). Westwoodians get to experience these: History: WWII memorial sites like the Death Railway and Hellfire pass. Geography: Iconic tourism sites like floating market and rooftop urban farm. Business and commerce: Visit TruDigital Park and engage with entrepreneurs on their experience and journey.
GEOGRAPHY
Geographical Investigation on Neighbourhoods in Singapore	Term 2	Secondary Three students are tasked to plan and carry out a GI based on their curriculum syllabus cluster: Geography In Everyday Life, anchored on the theme of ‘Our neighbourhoods’. They are tasked to craft their own hypothesis and actions to take at different stage of the Geographical Investigations and to present their learning.
HISTORY
Learning Journey to National Museum of Singapore	Term 2	Secondary Two History students will engage in a National Education Cohort Learning Journey and be able to appreciate the artefacts which they study about in the History classroom.
Historical Scene Investigation (H.S.I.) Challenge	Term 2/3	The Historical Scene Investigation (H.S.I.) Challenge gives Secondary Two students the opportunity to conduct a historical inquiry on an assigned topic and to put their research skills to the test.
History Challenge	Term 3	The History Challenge allows Secondary 3 students to demonstrate their knowledge of the subject and conceptual understanding.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Social Studies Issues Investigation	Term 2	Students will choose a topic and conduct a comprehensive investigation into how the government has addressed needs within that area.

Department Achievements

YEAR	AWARD
2024	Bronze Award for Historical Scenes Investigation
2023	Silver Award for Historical Scenes Investigation
2022	Bronze Award for Historical Scenes Investigation
2021	Bronze Award for NUS Geography Challenge
2020	Bronze Award for Historical Scenes Investigation Silver and Bronze Awards for NUS Geography Challenge
2019	Top 15% placing in the Preliminary Round for NUS Geography Challenge (Individual Component)
2018	Merit Award for Historical Scene Investigation Competition Merit Award for SG StoryMaps Challenge Silver Award for Istana Heritage Gallery Competition
2017	Winner of Project Scribe conducted by History Association

Useful Links

LINK	DESCRIPTION
Singapore Infopedia	An electronic encyclopedia on Singapore, by the National Library Board
History Learning Site	Contains easy-to-read information. Useful for e-learning and/or self-directed learning
SchoolHistory.co.uk	Online resource for Upper Secondary History. Contains games, lesson plans, useful links and ideas for ICT.
BBC History	This site is dedicated to bringing history to life, for the casual browser and the total enthusiast.
Recycle, Reduce, and Reuse	A great website with colourful cartoons that teaches users about recycling efforts in an imaginary city. For example, users can learn what industries and individials can do to minimize pollution and waste as the click on the different facilities in the city.
General Geography	A site featuring a myriad of information about the wonders on Earth. Includes videos and games.
SG Green Plan	The Singapore Green Plan 2030, or the Green Plan, is a whole-of-nation movement to advance Singapore’s national agenda on sustainable development.
Singapore Statistics	National Statistical Authority website provides reliable, relevant and timely statistics to support Singapore’s social and economic development. It is useful for Upper Secondary students to practice their data-reading skills.

GALLERY