Humanities

Explore how Geography, History, and Social Studies are taught at Holy Innocents' High School through hands-on learning and real-world experiences.

Last updated on 11 July 2026

Humanities

Department Philosophy

The study of the 3 disciplines within the Humanities helps each Holy Innocents' High School student to develop future ready skills and dispositions through learning about ourselves, our environment and the world. Students are led to understand and appreciate the complexities of the human condition, and how different factors drive our behaviour, decisions and plans, both historically and in the present. Humanities education in HIHS involves collaborative learning, the use of technology, and authentic learning through various learning activities and learning journeys. Students learn to obtain data and information from various sources, analyse them criticially, and empathise with different perspectives. Every HIHS student will graduate with a deeper understanding of and connection with humanity, our society and the world.

Geography

Origin: Greek; geogaphia – ge ‘earth’ + -graphia ‘writing’

The study of Geography begins as a compulsory subject at Sec 1. Students learn about the earth and how we understand and live in our environment. The highlight of learning Geography is authentic learning through Geographical Investigation, which allows students to undergo the inquiry process that Geographers adopt, to learn the important concepts and skills in Geography. At Upper Secondary, students are offered Elective Geography (as part of the Combined Humanities subject) as well as Core Geography.

History

“History is a people’s memory, and without a memory, a man is demoted to the lower animals.” – Malcom X

The study of History also begins at Sec 1, where students learn to interrogate sources to reconstruct the Past and to appreciate the different arguments and perspectives present in key historical events in the story of Mankind. A key element in the learning of History is through Historical Investigation, where students experience the work of a historian through analysing both primary and secondary sources to reconstruct an understanding of past events. Core History will be offered to cater to the interests of those who desire to deepen their knowledge, understanding and skills in History.

Social Studies

Developing informed, concerned and participative citizens.

Students learn about the Singaporean society and how Singapore interacts with the world at large. Through the inquiry-based approach and use of technology, students have the opportunity to collaborate, engage different viewpoints, and hone their critical thinking skills. The Social Studies classroom also develops students' ability to engage empathetically and confidentally with contemporary issues in Singapore and the world.

Pictorial Representation of Framework

Circular diagram showing four Geography Student roles: Confident Person, Self-directed Learner, Active Contributor, and Concerned Citizen.

Diagram showing seven qualities of a History Learner: Inquiring, Discerning, Balanced, Knowledgeable, Empathetic, Methodical, and Reasoned.

Philosophy of Social Studies Curriculum

Circular badge with a world map and text about students as informed, concerned, and participative citizens.

Teaching Team

Humanities teaching team members, designations and subjects

Name	Designation	Subject
Mr Leuar Woan Keng	Head of Department / Humanities	Social Studies
Mr Chua Chong Wen Clement	Year Head	History
Mr Yeo Jian Wen Alvin	Lead Teacher / Geography	Geography
Ms Chen Huifeng Adely	Subject Head / Geography	Geography
Ms Li Jianmin	Subject Head / ICT	History
Mr Kenneth Peh	Assistant Year Head	History, Social Studies
Ms Liang Meiyi	Senior Teacher / Social Studies	Social Studies
Mr Elamaran Natarajan	Senior Teacher / History	History
Ms Zhang Jiexin	Teacher	Geography
Ms Lee Ja Sin	Teacher	Geography
Ms Jeslin Ang	Teacher	History
Ms Perng Jia Wei	Teacher	Social Studies, English Language
Mr Kenneth Feng	Teacher	English Language, Social Studies