National Education & Social Studies (NESS)

Vision

A critical thinker who is an informed, concerned and participative citizen.

Objectives

National Education is anchored on the following citizenship dispositions, which enable our students to realise their part in the flourishing of their community and nation: a sense of belonging, a sense of reality, a sense of hope, and the will to act. These dispositions, together with knowledge, skills and values gained from Social Studies, will help students become citizens who are informed, concerned and participative

To provide our students with the knowledge, skills, and values to:

Understanding Singapore’s history
Appreciate our journey to nationhood
Cultivate the instincts for survival as a nation
Have confidence in our nation’s future

Social Studies Approach

Philosophy of Social Studies

Social Studies curriculum, through the inquiry approach, seeks to inculcate in students a deeper understanding of the values that define the Singapore society, nurture dispositions that will inspire them to show concern for the society and the world in which they live and demonstrate empathy in their relationships with others.

Objectives Syllabus Design

The syllabus is designed using a thematic approach, structured along the key themes1 of Identity, Culture and Heritage and People and Environment, is adopted to frame the Social Studies Primary (SSP) syllabus. It is organised into three broad clusters:

Cluster 1: Discovering Self and Immediate Environment.
Cluster 2: Understanding Singapore in the Past and Present.
Cluster 3: Appreciating Singapore, the Region and the World We Live In.

Key Programmes: Social Studies in KCS

In line with the schools’ mission and vision, we hope that students will be able to be informed, concerned and participative citizens. We aim to provide the students with the relevant experiences in and beyond school over their 6 years of their primary school education. Below is an overview of the programmes and activities put in place for the students:

Key Programmes: National Education Commemorative Events

Total Defence Day

Together We Keep Singapore Strong. This year marks 40 years of Total Defence (TD40) in Singapore. As part of our commemoration of TD40 this year, our students experienced an energy disruption simulation in school on Friday, 16 February 2024. Electricity was turned off school-wide for at least an hour. Despite not having electricity for an hour, students and teachers remained resilient and adaptable. Students even folded paper fans to keep themselves cool when the fans were switched off. Students were engaged in activities during the week and learnt more on the various pillars of Total Defence and how to react during a crisis. During the assembly, our students and teachers from the Uniformed Groups led in the flag raising ceremony. The skit that was put up during assembly was interactive. Through the enriching experience, students learnt to be prepared and not to panic during a crisis. Together a Stronger Singapore, indeed!