The AI Humanities Department aims to inspire learners with strong critical thinking skills, a global outlook, and the confidence to engage others responsibly in a globalised world.

The Department’s mission is two-fold: First, to strengthen students’ ability to draw connections between their understanding of the past and the current changing environments to help them better navigate the complex, uncertain future. In doing so, the department focuses on developing 21^st Century and self-directed learning competencies in our students while keeping them rooted in strong values.

Second, to empower teachers in harnessing the affordances of Blended Learning and technology in delivering a learner-focused curriculum that is both engaging and rigorous, so as to inspire a passion and love for the Humanities among our students.

Programmes

Blended Learning & e-Pedagogy

With the use of Personal Learning Devices (PLDs), students are able to access a wealth of information online to support their learning in the classroom. In Geography classrooms, for example, students analyse digital maps that reveal multiple layers of information such as temperature, rainfall and air pressure.

In Social Studies classrooms, students collaborate on online platforms such as Padlet to collaborate with one another. Through the use of PLDs, teachers are able to give immediate real-time feedback on students’ online work which helps them close learning gaps quickly. The PLDs also enable students to engage in peer-feedback, as they apply their understanding of a skill to assess their peers’ work, offering suggestions on how peers’ answers can be improved. To consolidate their learning, students reflect on their own learning gaps and prior misconceptions. Teachers often guide students in also reflecting on the challenges they faced and how they overcame these challenges during the lesson, through applying our school values such as resilience and a mindset of excellence.

Developing Spatial Thinkers using Technology

The COVID-19 situation has posed limitations to group-based Geographical Fieldwork. However, this did not stop our students from engaging in meaningful activities that helped them visualize space. With the aid of technology and Geographical Information Systems (GIS), we brought the world into Geography classrooms. Equipped with iPads and interactive maps, students navigated different layers of information to learn about topics such as global water storages and the location of tropical rainforests around the world. Using Google Maps, students were also able to embark on virtual fieldtrips around the world.

As part of their Geographical Investigation, Secondary 2 students also utilized GIS and digital maps to investigate what makes Chong Pang City special to its residents. Digital maps allowed students to learn about the age of HDB flats surrounding Chong Pang, and the range of facilities and amenities in Chong Pang City. Through student reflections and mental maps, students gained an enriched understanding of what makes Chong Pang City special to its residents.

Watch how Sec 2 GI being featured in Esri Singapore User Conference 2020.

Read more here.

Adopting an Inquiry Approach to Develop Critical Thinkers & Self-Directed Learners

Geographical Investigation

With Singapore facing the challenges of an ageing population, our Secondary 2 students investigated if Yishun is an inclusive place for the

elderly. With the ease in Covid-19 measurements, the students could finally embark on a learning journey! Students conducted independent field investigations on the inclusivity of facilities and walking paths in Chong Pang. At the end of the investigation, our Secondary 2 Geographers put on their thinking caps and came up with proposals to improve the facilities and walking paths of Chong Pang City, such as an increased number of benches as resting points for the elderly. Overall, the GI not only offered them an opportunity to hone their critical thinking skills but to also make a difference in the lives of others.

Historical Investigation

This year, the Secondary 2 students partook in an Historical Investigation activity where they explored the inquiry question: How did healthcare in Singapore change after 1965 to the late 1980s?

Through the investigation, students were better able to understand the healthcare policies, infrastructure, and services introduced by the Singapore government since independence. Students were also excited to learn more about Encik Ahmad Ibrahim, whom our school is named after. Encik Ahmad Ibrahim had served as the Minister of Health from 1959-1961 and played a significant role in tackling healthcare issues from the spread of infectious diseases to improving the quality of healthcare services in Singapore.

Social Studies Investigation

Through a digital virtual learning journey organised by Migrant X Me, our students (virtually) traversed the streets of Little India, Jalan Besar, and neighborhood. Our students took a tiny glimpse into the lives of migrant workers. Our students heard their struggles, their stories and the stigma migrant workers faced in Singapore. Drawing on the anecdotal evidence, diverse perspectives, and intensive research, our students unpacked the multifaceted issue. By undertaking Issues Investigation, our students scrutinized stereotypes, questioned their prejudices, and uncovered the complexities that shaped the issue. The students formed their conclusions and presented their findings in an infographic.

Learning Beyond Classroom: Fostering a Joy of Learning

Humanities Heads Out! Learning Journey

Secondary Three History Elective students went for a learning journey to Fort Siloso to explore Singapore's only well-preserved coastal fort that served as part of the country's defences during World War Two. Students also enjoyed breathtaking panoramic views of Sentosa and parts of the Singapore city through a cable car ride on the Sentosa line.

Humanities Trip to Yogyakarta, Indonesia 2019

During the June holiday break, the Humanities department conducted a 6-Day, 5 Night Learning Journey and cultural exchange programme to Yogyakarta, Indonesia for the Secondary Three Humanities students. The objective of the trip was to help students develop a greater appreciation towards Indonesian history and geography.

The students visited cultural landmarks in Yogyakarta such as Borobudur Temple and Ratu Boko temple, which are classified as UNSECO heritage sites around the world. These locations filled the students with wonder as they were better able to appreciate the deep religious ties that the people had within their culture. In addition, visits to the Old Benteng Vredeburg Fortress museum also served to provide students with greater insight into the Colonial history of Indonesia for the students. Apart from historical insights, the trip also served to provide students with an experiential learning opportunity to discover the beauty and ferocity of mother nature as well. Through the use of jeeps, the students explored the various segments of Mount Merapi to learn more about the impact of volcanic activities upon the livelihood of people. Afterwhich, by taking a leap of faith, the students absailied into Jomblang cave and were amazed by the process of cave formations. Lastly, the students also immersed themselves into the cultural practices of the people by participating in rice planting activities and Batik making sessions.

The students had great fun learning and exploring the sites in Yogyakarta. Through experiential learning, the students had gained a better understanding of the Humanities aspects of Indonesia and came back to Singapore with stronger ties among themselves and greater appreciation towards Singapore.

Talent Development through the Humanities Academy

Geographical Challenge 2022

The theme for the 26th edition of the NUS Geography Challenge (GC) 2022 is “Eco-Utopia: Blueprints for our Green Futures''. Through intellectually stimulating as well as creative and fun ways, the Challenge is an excellent platform for students to apply the geographical knowledge that they have learnt in school and to gain exposure to other sub-fields of the discipline. NUS GC aims to ignite students' passion and interest for the dynamic discipline of Geography.

Historical Scene Investigation Challenge 2022

The Historical Scene Investigation (H.S.I.) Challenge is an annual contest organised by the National Library Board, which promises an exciting experience for students to put their historical inquiry and research skills to the test. This year's contest commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Japanese Occupation of Singapore during World War 2, in which students will investigate how primary sources are important in preserving the historical significance of the war.

AISS sent 3 groups of students to the challenge, each creating a 3-minute video along with a written piece as part of their submission. We are proud to share that two groups clinched the Bronze Award and one group the Gold award in this nation-wide competition!

Congratulations to all teams!

No.	Name	Class	Award attained
1	Joellyn Yap Yanxi	1-E2	Bronze
2	Koh Ching Voon	1-E4	Bronze
3	Teo Zhe Ann	2-E1	Bronze
4	Toh Jin Yi Jamie	2-E1	Bronze
5	Zhang Jia Qi	2-E3	Bronze
6	Nur Amberlina Binte Abdul Rahim	2-E3	Bronze
7	Nur Insyirah Shafiqah Binte Mohammad Khafidz	2-E3	Bronze
8	Ong Yi Nuo Angelina	2-E3	Bronze
9	Anagha Jiji	2-E3	Gold
10	Ang En Xin, Alyssa	2-E3	Gold
11	Muthukrishnan Nethra	2-E3	Gold
12	Heng Si Min	2-E3	Gold

MOE History Challenge 2022

The MOE History Challenge aims to help students showcase and apply their conceptual understanding of the subject across different historical periods. Two of our AI gentlemen were offered positions in MOE's History Talent Development Programme!

Our students went through a rigorous selection process in August, in the form of a nationwide challenge that consisted of 3 sections, multiple-choice, short answer and open-ended questions. These questions were attempted individually via SLS. Questions asked during this challenge were mostly outside of what they learn in the curriculum and designed to seek out students who can think analytically and critically with regards to the subject discipline. We would like to extend our heartiest congratulations to our two AI gentlemen for applying their critical thinking skills beyond the classroom:

RION OH YU BIN (3-E2)
WONG ZHONG XIAN JOSH (3-E2)

National Youth Environment Conference 2022

At the National Youth Environment Conference (NYEC) this year, our students put on their thinking hats and critical thinking lenses to research on one of three topics related to the environment: sustainable energy amidst climate change, sustainable water management and sustainable transport in cities. They each adopted the perspectives of different countries such as Germany, Nepal, Turkey and Singapore to present their position papers at a conference styled very closely to the United Nations’ model.

A heartiest congratulations to Sankar Gowri from 3E1 who won the best position paper for her critical insights on water conservation in Singapore. Gowri has learnt that even simple actions like having a shorter shower time or using a mug of water while brushing your teeth instead of leaving the tap open can create a major difference. Through this experience, students expanded their knowledge of global environment issues and showcased their communication skills as they worked with fellow delegates from different countries to come up with feasible solutions that will benefit the world.

Raffles Model United Nations Conference 2022

Four of our students took up the challenge of participating in the prestigious Raffles Model United Nations (RMUN) this year with the theme of ‘Discord under Heaven’. They worked in pairs as double delegates, representing the countries of Korea and Germany in the issues of the Myanmar coup and Crimean crisis respectively. Through this experience, our students reflected on the increasing tumult faced by established political orders and how recent foreign policy decisions have irreversibly changed geopolitics, as well as the possible solutions that might emerge in response to such adversity. They also had the exclusive experience of learning from an expert sharing session by retired Singapore diplomat Mr Bilahari Kausikan. Our delegates showed poise and eloquence when presenting their views and we were very proud to have them representing the school!

Founders’ Memorial 2022

In 2022, selected Secondary 2 students participated in the Student Archivist Oral History Project. Working in groups, students conducted interviews to find out more about what healthcare was like in Singapore from the 1950s to 1980s. Through the stories and memories of their interviewees, students grew to better understand the challenges, beliefs and values of our founding fathers that helped shape SIngapore to what it is today.

We are proud to share that the oral history interview for one of our teams was selected for a professional film production! Keep a lookout for their video at various museums and at the upcoming Founders’ Memorial at Gardens by the Bay.

Organisation Chart

Ms Carol Ann Martin (HOD / Humanities)
Mr Siva Balan (HOD/ CCE)
Mr Chong Wensheng (SH CCE)
Ms Doris Lee (ST/ Geography)
Mr Teo Chee Siong (ST/ POA)

Ms Wang Xuejuan
Ms Khoo Tee Mian
Ms Tay Liling
Ms Theresa Ong Hwee Fang
Ms Farhanah Abdullah Sani
Ms Lui Ying Jie
Ms Nur Syakira Binte Zamri
Ms Ang Xin Ru, Ruby
Ms Hanna Diyana Binte Azahar

Ms Tan Wiphaporn

Curriculum

Aesthetics and Craft

Co-Curriculum

Sports

Uniformed Groups

Performing Arts

Clubs

Achievements

Partnerships

For Parents

External Organisations

News & Events