The SISHK Primary Social Studies curriculum aims to prepare our students to be effective citizens by helping them to better understand the interconnectedness of Singapore, Hong Kong and the world they live in, and appreciate the complexities of the human experience.
Our school curriculum is based mainly on the Singapore Social Studies curriculum framework with adaptation to our school context in Hong Kong (Figure 1.) and the subject is offered only from Primary 4 to 6.
The curriculum focuses on aspects of society that are meaningful and interesting in order to pique students’ curiosity to inquire into real-world issues that concern their lives. Through inquiry and authentic learning experiences, students gain relevant knowledge and understanding about these issues and develop critical and reflective thinking skills, and appreciate multiple perspectives. Students also learn to discern whether conclusions drawn are supported by sound information hence empowering them to be responsible for their own learning.
Key Highlights of the P4 to P6 Curriculum
Primary 4 students are introduced to the history of Singapore and Hong Kong – how both regions developed through the hard work and sacrifices from 19th to early 20th century settlers. Our teachers will guide students to investigate and explore the hidden stories of both regions through an inquiry-based project. By the end of the project, students will develop an appreciation for early residents and pioneers of the two intertwined communities.
Primary 5 students explore and participate in an inquiry-based project about the geographical location of Southeast Asia. With the teachers’ facilitation, the students in groups research into how a region’s geography affects its livelihood. By the end of the year, we hope the students will develop an appreciation for the natural features that have shaped the culture and economy of Southeast Asia. They also learn about Singapore’s economic ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Hong Kong’s economic ties with China and the world.
Primary 6 students dive into the past to discover the features of selected great Afro-Eurasian civilisations – from the cuneiform of Ancient Sumer to the seafaring empires of Southeast Asia and great ancient Chinese and Indian civilizations. Students learn how the legacies of these ancient civilisations still affect our lives today. By the end of the year, students will be able to appreciate how the past is interwoven into our present.
Current Affairs
To help our students become informed, concerned and participative citizens, we expose and introduce to them different current affairs topics each term. The aim is to allow students the opportunity to examine issues that are of concern to our society and the world in which they live. The lively classroom discussions inspire the students to show concern and demonstrate empathy to those around them.
The four current affairs themes which are suitable for our Primary students are Environment and Climate Change, Poverty and Inequality, Peace and Security, and Global Harmony.
Our Environment and Climate Change discussion focussed on the imminent closure of Hong Kong’s remaining landfills and the lacklustre recycling efforts compared to other leading East Asian cities. The Poverty and Inequality discussion highlighted the ever-growing wealth gap caused by Covid-19. The Peace and Security talk coincides with Singapore’s Total Defence Day, while the Global Harmony discussion ties in with Singapore’s Racial Harmony celebrations to reflect how we can promote racial tolerance and cooperation in Hong Kong so all residents can feel welcome and can live in harmony.