Humanities Department

Our Vision

Lifelong learners who stay relevant in a fast-changing, digitally connected, globalised world, yet staying rooted with values within the society.

Our Mission

To develop Dunearnites to be effective self-directed and collaborative learners, who are able to make meaning and learn from past experiences, making informed decisions in the present and to be responsible for their future, through a multi-disciplinary approach and technology enabled learning environment.

Overview

The Humanities department aims to provide a rich, multi-disciplinary learning experience for students. The department, with its diversely different, yet complementing subjects, has a special role to play in developing students’ 21st Century Competencies, such as cross-cultural literacy, communication, information, and critical thinking skills and more importantly, inculcating core values. Studying the humanities helps pupils in making sense of the past and understand the present through specific lenses. Thus, students can make informed decisions in the present and plan for a better future. This is to prepare them to excel in a fast changing, globalized world and yet, able to stay rooted within the society with sound values.

Programme and Activities

• Sec 1 Historical Investigation @ Singapore River, Kampong Glam and Chinatown

• Sec 1 Geographical Investigation @ Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

• Sec 2 Historical Investigation @ Tiong Bahru Neighbourhood

• Sec 2 Geographical Investigation @ Kampong Admiralty

• Sec 3 Cohort Learning Journey @ T5 In the Making Exhibition

• Sec 3 POA Learning Journey @ Jem/Westgate

• Sec 3&4 EBS Learning Journey @ Jem/Westgate: Business Investigation

External Competition / Events / Programme

• A team of Secondary 3 students participated in the Earth Alive Inter-School Challenge, a geography-themed competition organised by the Earth Observatory of Singapore (EOS) at NTU Singapore and Science Centre Singapore. The Challenge aims to expand talent development in Geography in Singapore by engaging youth on natural hazards and climate change. 

• Four of our Secondary 4 students participated in the NUS Geography Challenge, an annual competition designed to ignite the passion of secondary school students, inspiring them to develop a keen interest in the dynamic discipline of Geography. Through this challenge, participants explore world issues and learn how Geography can empower them to address contemporary challenges.

• Two teams of Secondary 3 students participated in the 11th National War and Diplomacy History Card Game Challenge organized by Bendemeer Secondary School. The challenge offers students meaningful learning opportunities to enhance their historical understanding and critical thinking. Through navigating historical scenarios and experiencing the pressures and dilemmas faced by leaders of that time, students will deepen their qualities as empathetic, reasoned and knowledgeable history learners.

• Five of our Secondary 3 students were invited to attend A Day In A Court (AIDC) student seminar. At the end of the seminar, students learnt more about the role of the Singapore Courts in the Singapore legal system, and how the Courts manage certain types of cases.

• A team of our Secondary 3 EBS students participated in the Elements of Business Skills (EBS) Competitions 2026, which is an annual competition organised mainly by Holy Innocents’ High School. The competition is designed to test students' entrepreneurial and financial literacy, the event features various segments, including the signature EBS Amazing Race and individual communication skills challenges.