Social Studies

Explore how Social Studies builds curious, engaged citizens through real-world inquiry. Learn about the curriculum's key stages and authentic learning journeys across Singapore.

Last updated 28 August 2026

Overview of Social Studies
Social Studies prepares our students to be effective citizens by helping them to better understand the interconnectedness of Singapore and the world they live in and appreciate the complexities of the human experience. It seeks to ignite students’ curiosity to inquire into real-world issues that concern their lives. Through inquiry and authentic learning experiences, Social Studies helps students to attain relevant knowledge and understanding about these issues, develop critical and reflective thinking skills, and appreciate multiple perspectives.

Mission and Stage Outcomes of Social Studies
To develop students to be engaged citizens through inquiry-based learning.

Working hand-in-hand with CCE, the Social Studies curriculum aims to invoke the Singapore spirit and prepare them to be effective citizens through customised lessons and programmes.

Orientation Stage (P1 - 2)

Students at this stage learn to be aware of their own identity and their immediate environment. They explore the different roles that they play and understand how their actions can affect the people and places around them.

Exploration Stage (P3 - 4)

As the students progress, they get to know more about Singapore’s past and present as well as what to expect for the future. They learn to appreciate Singapore’s achievements and explore ways to contribute back to the society to build a better future for Singapore.

Mastery Stage (P5 - 6)

Students continue to understand Singapore’s development as a nation through the National Symbols, events and places. They then continue to embark on a journey to understand the interconnectedness of Singapore and the world they live in.

Learning in authentic settings
Social Studies learning extends beyond the walls of the classroom where students are exposed to authentic real-world settings through learning journeys. They learn to explore the surroundings, construct new knowledge and make connections to the topic being studied.

P1 Learning Journey (Punggol Neighbourhood Walk)

Young children in uniforms draw with chalk outdoors on the left, and play with a colorful parachute on the right.

Through the neighbourhood walk learning journey, students learn about themselves, the people around them and their immediate community. Students have the opportunity to explore who they are in relation to the people and places around them. With the use of role play, students can better understand how their actions can affect the people and places around.

P2 Learning Journey (Gardens by the Bay)

The learning journey to the Gardens by the Bay helps students to be aware of how to develop a sustainable and green garden city in Singapore. In addition, they will learn about Vanda Miss Joaquim, one of the National Symbols of Singapore and how our common experiences help to unite us as a nation.

Two school field trip scenes: children in uniform lined up indoors among plants, and a group posing by a decorative house with colorful balloons.

P3 Learning Journey (Singapore Discovery Centre and Urban Redevelopment Authority)

The learning journey to Singapore Discovery Centre and Urban Redevelopment Authority seeks to develop a sense of awareness of the challenges Singapore has to overcome so as to meet the needs of her people, and further enables the students to understand their role in protecting the environment/conservation efforts.

Collage of schoolchildren at a museum: group photo, two boys viewing display, kids on lit floor activity.

Singapore Discovery Centre and Urban Redevelopment Authority

P4 Cohort Learning Journey to Kreta Ayer Heritage Gallery

Students will learn the Intangible Cultural Heritage of five Chinese cultural arts. Through hands-on activities, objects and images, students will be guided to recognise the contributions made by the Chinese community in the development of Singapore and understand the importance of knowing Singapore's history and multicultural heritage.

Three scenes of children on a school trip learning about Chinese culture, including puppetry and traditional costumes.

P4 Cohort Learning Journey to Geylang Serai Heritage Gallery

The museum-based learning journey allows the P4 students to discover the rich history as well as the significance of the area to the Malay Muslim community. They learn about games from the yesteryear, the unique offerings of Geylang Serai Market as well as the special occasions celebrated by the community, through interactive hands-on activities such as observing the artefacts and pictures.

P5 Cohort Learning Journey to Indian Heritage Centre

The museum-based learning journey allows the students to recognise the contributions made by the Indian community in Singapore towards nation building and to understand how the different influences from the diverse cultures have shaped Singapore’s multi-cultural heritage.

Students in white uniforms sit on floors listening to adult guides in three different indoor locations during a field trip.

Three museum scenes: children jumping in a hall, examining floral decorations at a table, and sitting on the floor with papers.

P6 Cohort Learning Journey to Asian Civilisation Museum

The museum-based learning experience allows students to understand the cultural and historical ties that have influence on the countries in Southeast Asia and to explore how Singapore’s cultural heritage has evolved over time as it was influenced by the diverse mix of cultures.

Students in white uniforms on a museum field trip, sitting before wooden artifacts and viewing ceramic exhibits with a guide.