Humanities

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 21st
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
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.
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 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.
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 XuejuanMs Khoo Tee MianMs Tay LilingMs Theresa Ong Hwee FangMs Farhanah Abdullah SaniMs Lui Ying JieMs Nur Syakira Binte ZamriMs Ang Xin Ru, RubyMs Hanna Diyana Binte AzaharMs Tan Wiphaporn