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CHIJ St. Joseph's Convent

Humanities

Explore our programmes in Geography, History, and Social Studies that connect students to our society and the world.

Last updated 17 July 2026

Our Objectives

  • To inspire the passion for Humanities in students and help them understand the interconnectedness of Singapore and the world and relevance in their learning.

  • To equip students with critical thinking skills and 21st century competencies that will allow them to thrive in an increasingly complex world.

  • To nurture students who are concerned and active citizens committed to contribute to the society and world they live in.

Our Approach

1. Key pedagogies: Inquiry-based & Issue-based Learning in the Humanities Curriculum

  • Use of questions, problems, and scenarios to spark curiosity among students and help them learn through their own investigation and reflection. These approaches help to encourage critical thinking, investigation and problem-solving in the exploration of questions or issues. Students would be equipped with 21st century skills to become independent and self-directed learners.

  • Facilitation by teachers to guide students’ thinking and help them make sense of the wealth of information available to them.

  • Geographical, Historical and Social Studies Issue Investigations through field-based and experiential learning offer opportunities for students to engage in the inquiry process.

2. Nurturing the passion for Humanities

  • Nurture the passion for Humanities through various experiential learning opportunities such as local and overseas learning journeys, competitions and enrichment programmes.

  • Make learning of Humanities meaningful by deepening students’ disciplinary understanding and engaging students in discussion of real-world issues associated with the Humanities.

  • Provide opportunities for interdisciplinary explorations for students to make connections between Humanities subjects, and with other disciplines like Art, Science and Math.

Programmes

Geography

  • NUS Geography Challenge (annual participation)

  • Fieldwork (Annual): Tourism Fieldwork @ Chinatown/ Little India/ Kampong Glam

  • Learning Journeys: URA and LTA Gallery

Two girls hold certificates near a Greener Cities banner; another girl speaks at a podium before a projected slide.
Students in blue uniforms conducting tourism fieldwork interviews with people at Chinatown and Little India.
History

  • Inter-disciplinary Civic District Trail (Sec 1s)

  • Inter-disciplinary Former Ford Factory Learning (Sec 1s)

  • Art-History Trail at National Gallery (Sec 2s)

  • Historical Investigation - Stories of Nazi Germany (Sec 3s)

Students pose near a bronze statue by a river, and listen to a guide outside a colonial building in Singapore.
Students in blue uniforms discuss at a table and attend a classroom presentation showing the United Nations logo.
Students in school uniforms view large paintings of figures in an art gallery.
Social Studies and Global Awareness Programmes

  • Current Affairs Quiz (Monthly) for all levels

  • Global Classroom Experience (Virtual Learning Journey to countries in ASEAN) for Sec 1 students

  • Sec 3Exp/3NA Issues Investigation: To what extent do Singaporeans welcome foreigners?

  • External competitions e.g. Model United Nations and Model Parliament conferences for selected students

  • Overseas learning journeys to Melaka(2024) and Ho Chi Minh City(2025)

Six students in blue uniforms pose outdoors; two students receive Nuclear Energy Best Delegate award at Xinmin Model ASEAN 2025.
Two school photos: students watching a video call in class, and two girls holding colorful handmade puppets outdoors.
Students in maroon uniforms pose at historic Melaka ruins and the red Christ Church during a 2024 learning journey.
Students pose before a military helicopter, and two wear conical hats while harvesting plants in a garden in Vietnam.