Humanities

Geography

Geography at NV are designed to cultivate curious and critical thinkers who can understand and engage with our complex world. Our approach centres on inquiry-based learning, where students explore geographical concepts through 'big ideas' and real-world investigations. Through structured questioning techniques and formative assessment strategies, our teachers guide students to construct their own understanding whilst developing essential 21st-century skills.

Technology-Enhanced Learning

We integrate cutting-edge technology to make geographical concepts tangible and engaging. Using collaborative digital platforms like Padlet and Google Sites, students work together to collect data, analyse patterns, and present their findings on topics ranging from sustainable housing to urban development. Virtual reality experiences transport students to different global locations, bringing distant places directly into our classrooms and enriching their geographical understanding.

Geographical Investigations

Our comprehensive Geographical Investigation programme spans all five stages of inquiry, allowing students to experience authentic geographical research from hypothesis formation to conclusion. From Secondary 1 to 4, students explore diverse topics including water management, housing sustainability, tourism impacts, and ecosystem services. These investigations develop students' analytical and research skills whilst connecting classroom learning to real-world geographical challenges.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Geography learning extends beyond our school walls through carefully planned learning journeys to key institutions such as the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and the Science Centre. These experiences provide students with firsthand exposure to urban planning processes and scientific applications in Geography, reinforcing classroom concepts through authentic, real-world contexts.

Competitions and Achievements

Our Geography students regularly excel in national competitions, demonstrating their analytical thinking and geographical expertise across various platforms.

1. NUS Geography Challenge

 In this annual competition organised by NUS Department of Geography, our team comprising Lau Zhi Tong Chloe Faith, Michelle Elysa Binte Mohamad Irwan, Phun Jia Ping Angeline, and Sherise Goh Xue Qi achieved semi-finalist status amongst 488 students from 122 schools. They finished as one of the top 5 schools in the Creative Component, where teams created videos showcasing neighbourhoods under the theme "Urban Odyssey: Rediscovering our Landscapes and Places."

2. iTourism Challenge

This competition has been particularly successful for NV, with our teams achieving outstanding results in consecutive years. Students reimagine Singapore's tourism landscape using Artificial Intelligence solutions. In 2024, Lim Zheng Lin, Michiko Theodora, Angeline Phun, and Koh Wen Syuan secured the runner-up position amongst 44 participating schools. Building on this success, our 2025 team of Lucas Ang, Katrina Wang, Renae, Faith, and Bhanuja from Secondary 3E won the Bronze Medal.

3. Earth Alive Inter-School Challenge

Organised by NTU's Earth Observatory of Singapore and Science Centre Singapore, this competition focuses on geological hazards and climate resilience. The four NV teams comprising of 16 Secondary 3 and 4 students participated in challenges involving case studies on how countries can remain resilient to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and tsunamis in a changing climate. This further broadened their understanding of physical geography and environmental challenges.

These competitions provide valuable platforms for students to apply their geographical knowledge, develop presentation skills, and network with peers from other schools whilst fostering a deeper appreciation for the subject.

History

National Gallery Visit for Secondary 2 Cohort: Museum-Based Learning Programme

Through a partnership between the CCE and Humanities departments, students participated in Museum-Based Learning visits to the National Museum of Singapore and the Changi Chapel and Museum. These visits allowed students to connect history with character development, exploring Singapore’s journey as a nation and reflecting on values such as resilience, unity, and active citizenship.

At the National Museum, students engaged with exhibits highlighting key moments in Singapore’s history, linking them to nation-building and shared identity. The Changi Chapel and Museum offered a personal perspective on hardship during the Japanese Occupation, helping students appreciate courage and empathy.

By combining historical inquiry and moral reflection, the programme strengthened students’ understanding of Singapore’s heritage and nurtured them as thoughtful, responsible citizens.

Lower Secondary Historical Investigation Project

The Historical Investigation (HI) project for Secondary 1 and 2 students is an integral part of Singapore’s History curriculum, aimed at nurturing critical thinking and inquiry skills. Through this project, students actively explore historical events or issues by analyzing sources, collecting evidence, and drawing their own conclusions.

Students collaborate in groups to research specific historical topics, often focusing on Singapore’s history or significant global events. They are guided to pose thoughtful questions, assess primary and secondary sources, and consider multiple perspectives before presenting their findings.

This hands-on approach helps students develop key historical skills, including source evaluation, evidence-based reasoning, and argument construction. It also fosters an understanding of how history shapes societal values, while promoting collaboration, effective communication, and independent learning.

Ultimately, the HI project deepens students’ appreciation of history as an investigative discipline and equips them with critical skills that are valuable across other subjects and in real-world contexts.

which student interviewers collect personal stories from senior interviewees about becoming a Singapore citizen between the 1950s and 1960s. Slated to open in 2028, the Founders’ Memorial will honour Singapore's founding generation and other key figures who shaped the nation's path to independence and early development.

MOE History Challenge

History Challenge is a national competition aimed to promote a deeper interest in history among students. It encourages participants to explore and critically engage with historical events, figures, and themes beyond their textbooks. This challenge aims to develop historical thinking skills such as analyzing sources, forming evidence-based arguments, and understanding multiple perspectives of historical narratives.

Through various stages, including quizzes, essays, and projects, students demonstrate their knowledge of both local and global history. The challenge fosters a deeper appreciation for the relevance of history in shaping today's society and encourages students to reflect on how historical events influence current issues. By participating, students also develop important values such as critical thinking, resilience, and intellectual curiosity.

This year, the following students represented us:

• LEE ZHI XUAN

• ANG JING LUN KEITH

• CHIA SUI ENG DOREEN

Social Studies

The Social Studies curriculum seeks to nurture students into informed, concerned, and active citizens who contribute positively to society. It prepares them to understand Singapore’s place in an increasingly interconnected world and to appreciate the complexities of the human experience.

By engaging with topics that are relevant and meaningful, students explore real-world issues that shape their lives and communities. Through guided inquiry, they develop curiosity, acquire essential knowledge, and strengthen their ability to think critically and reflectively.

Model ASEAN 2025

Model ASEAN is a simulation-based educational program designed for students to learn about the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). In this program:

• Students role-play as delegates representing different ASEAN member countries.

• They discuss, debate, and negotiate on regional issues such as trade, climate change, security, and human rights.

• Participants research their assigned country’s policies, perspectives, and interests to represent it accurately.

• The program helps students develop diplomacy, communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

This year, 4 of our students participated in the Model ASEAN 2025. They are:

Upper Secondary Social Studies Issue Investigation Project

The Issue Investigation project empowers students to actively practise and demonstrate 21st CC, equipping them to become informed, concerned, and participative citizens.

Through this project, students will:

• Gain a deep understanding of societal issues;

• Learn to question unexamined assumptions;

• Develop perspective-taking skills, enabling them to draw informed conclusions about complex topics.

Where applicable, this project may be integrated with class Values in Action (VIA) projects to deepen the impact and relevance of students' contributions.

G1 Humanities Enrichment Modules (NEW)

The Humanities Enrichment Modules (HEMs) offer students a well-rounded experience, tailored to address their diverse learning needs and interests while balancing their overall learning load.

These modules, presented in bite-sized formats, allow students to:

• Explore elements of Geography, History, and Literature in English

• Recognise the relevance of humanities in everyday contexts, such as appreciating various perspectives

• Spark their curiosity and joy in learning through engaging humanities content