Social Studies

Explore how Social Studies at TPPS prepares students for the world through inquiry, field-based learning, and virtual exchanges with overseas peers.

Last updated 13 August 2026

Children in school uniforms playing with basketballs on an outdoor court during a physical education class.

Social Studies

Quote by Late Minister Mentor Mr Lee Kuan Yew about a nation's greatness depending on its people and leaders.

Overview

The Singapore Social Studies Curriculum is geared towards the preparation of students to be citizens of tomorrow. It aims to help them better understand the interconnectedness of Singapore and the world they live in, and appreciate the complexities of the human experience. Social Studies seeks to ignite students’ curiosity to inquire into real-world issues that concern their lives. Students are exposed to aspects of society that are of meaning and interest to them. Through inquiry-based learning, coupled with authentic learning experiences, Social Studies helps students to have better knowledge and understanding about these issues, develop critical and reflective thinking skills, and appreciate multiple perspectives.

Field-based learning

Through field-based learning, students contextualise their learning experience in an authentic real-world setting. It would also motivate and sustain their interest in the subject matter as students learn to explore, construct new knowledge and make connections to the topics. This enables the learning of concepts and content. Students would be engaged in multi-sensory learning when they do hands-on exploration in a focused area of study.

Field-based learning locations and focus by primary level (2022)

Level	Field-based Learning Location (2022)	Learning Focus
Primary 1	Changi Biodiversity Intertidal Walk (virtual)	The focus of the learning experience is for students to learn about diversity in the environment and how organisms live together.
Primary 2	Peranakan Home Museum (virtual)	The focus of the learning experience is for students to develop an appreciation for the diverse communities in Singapore.
Primary 3	Semakau Landfill (virtual)	The focus of the learning experience is for students to develop an understanding of: • how Singapore manages its resources to meet the needs of the country
Primary 4	Fort Canning (virtual)	The focus of the learning experience is for students to learn how historical evidence helps us understand early Singapore.
Primary 5	Indian Heritage Centre*	The focus of the learning experience is for students to: • understand the history, heritage and diversity within the Indian community; • recognise the contributions made by the Indian community in the development of Singapore; and • understand how the different influences from the diverse cultures have shaped Singapore’s multi-cultural heritage.
Primary 6	Ancient Civilisation Museum*	The focus of the learning experience is for students to: • understand the cultural and historical ties that have influence on the countries in Southeast Asia; and • explore how Singapore’s cultural heritage has evolved over time, influenced by the diverse mix of cultures.

* On-site visits to field-based locations depend on availability of slots due to the pandemic.

Young girl in school uniform and face mask writing on a worksheet at a desk with a pencil case nearby.

Figures 1: P4 virtual Field-based Learning Journey to Fort Canning

A masked boy with glasses holds a clear box containing a preserved horseshoe crab in a classroom.

Figure 2: A P1 student learning about marine creatures in the virtual Changi Biodiversity Intertidal Walk in a virtual field-based learning

Four young students sit at orange desks watching a projected video on a whiteboard in a decorated classroom.

Figure 3: P1 students experiencing a virtual trip to Changi Beach

Local-based Internationalisation Programme

The Local-based Internationalisation Programme (LIP) is a signature Social Studies program for the Primary five level. LIP are virtual exchanges with overseas counterparts that can provide valuable opportunities for students to learn with their overseas peers and pick up cross cultural skills.

The LIP focuses on Southeast Asian region as our primary five students would be introduced to the physical environment and cultural diversity of the region in their Social Studies syllabus in Semester two.

The programme is also designed to engage students to learn specific aspects of the countries e.g. food, language and culture to deepen their experience and gain more knowledge about these countries.

In addition , using design thinking framework , students collaborate virtually with their peers from overseas to propose sustainable solutions to environmental issues. This is a significant part of our holistic development of students, and necessary for TPPS students to develop 21st CC so as to contribute meaningfully in a globalised world.

Two screenshots of a video call showing masked students and a slide about promoting recycling initiatives with color-coded bins.

Figure 4: P5 students communicating with pupils from overseas during the Local-Internationalization Programme

Performance & Mini Tasks

Performance task assesses students’ ability to translate and transfer key knowledge, skills and values in a new context. Each level from Primary 3 to Primary 6 will do a performance task while the Primary 1s and 2s will do mini tasks. The suggested performance tasks in the Social Studies syllabus allow students to apply the knowledge, skills and values in a real-world context.