History

Explore how History at this college shapes curious, informed citizens through engaging learning experiences, from field trips to national competitions.

Last updated 8 July 2026

A table displays Soviet political poster book, Russian nesting dolls, white busts, and figurines, with international flags above.

“History is who we are and why we are the way we are.” - David McCullough, American historian
Aims and Objectives

History seeks to empower students to become global citizens through an appreciation of how past events have shaped the world we live in today. Through an inquiry-based learning approach, students encounter and empathise with different perspectives and interpretations of the past and learn to navigate their way in an uncertain and complex world. Through these encounters, our students develop a sense of curiosity and wonder about the world in which they live, and are encouraged to practice informed, discriminating and active citizenship essential to building a society and nation.

Curriculum
All students will read History in JH1 and JH2 to build a strong foundation before deciding at the end of JH2 if they want to pursue History at Upper JH.

Lower Secondary History seeks to imbue in our students a sense of national identity and appreciation by helping them understand how the Singapore they live in today is shaped by forces of old. Through active learning experiences such as seminars, field trips, and Historical Investigation projects, History students encounter how historical circumstances and actors interacted to set us on the path we currently tread, as well as Singapore’s role in the world today.

Upper Secondary History focuses on developing students’ understanding of how the present global system came into being, as well as the inter-connectedness of nation-states and peoples. Through seminar activities and performance tasks, students will examine how the end of the First World War sowed the seeds for the Second World War, as well as how the end of the Second World War laid the foundations for the Cold War, the repercussions of which still reverberate in the world today. We will also examine developments in our backyard: the colonisation of Southeast Asia, which resulted in the rise of nationalist forces in the postwar years that led to our independence after WW2.

Stretch Opportunities
Students who demonstrate great passion and potential in the subject will be selected to represent the college in various history competitions such as the Historical Scene Investigation and MOE History Challenge, and may be selected for the MOE History Talent Development Programme.

Students in white and red uniforms hold flags of Malaysia, Australia, India, and UK at an outdoor memorial ceremony.

History students taking part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Kranji War Memorial

A student presents a research poster on negative emotions and dishonesty to a small group of listeners indoors.

History students presenting their research on how US involvement in the Vietnam War led to changing perceptions on the use of the atomic bomb against Japan.

Group of eight posing on a sidewalk beside colorful mural reading ART should comfort the disturbed.

History students with their mentors during NUS HISSOC’s Amazing Race

Four students in white and red pose beside the Parliament Singapore stone sign with city skyscrapers behind.

History students taking part in the NUS HISSOC’s Amazing Race

Four children in school uniforms sit around a grey table playing a colorful card board game indoors.

JH students learning about the opium trade, British officials, and trade along the Singapore River through a card game

Five smiling people of various ages pose together in front of a glass building facade outdoors.

History students with their loved ones at the MOE History Challenge ceremony

Four girls in school uniforms stand with their backs turned, reading an informational display board indoors.

History students visiting a roving exhibition on Singapore’s founding years