Social Studies

Discover how Social Studies at AGPS builds curious, caring citizens through inquiry-based learning and real-world experiences across Singapore.

Last updated 6 August 2026

Social Studies

Nurturing Informed, Concerned and Participative Citizens

At the heart of the Singapore Social Studies Curriculum is the preparation of students to become informed, concerned and participative citizens.

At Anchor Green Primary School, Social Studies helps our Anchorlites better understand themselves, Singapore and the interconnected world in which they live. Through the study of people, places, events and issues, students learn to appreciate the diversity and complexities of the human experience and consider how they can contribute positively to society.

Social Studies supports our school vision of developing Agile Learners and Gracious Citizens, as well as our desired Student Outcomes of Critical Thinkers, Respectful Collaborators, Resilient Explorers and Responsible Contributors.

In AGPS Social Studies aims to develop Critical Thinkers, Respectful Collaborators, Resilient Explorers and Responsible Contributors 1. Critical Thinkers: Evaluate information and consider different perspectives 2. Respectful Collaborators: Listen actively, value diverse viewpoints and work constructively 3. Resilient Explorers: Remain curious, investigate unfamiliar issues and refine their thinking 4. Responsible Contributors: Demonstrate empathy and take thoughtful actions for the well-being of the community.

Our Aims

Through Social Studies, we seek to develop students who:

Are Curious and Informed

Students inquire into issues related to themselves, Singapore, the region and the wider world. They develop the knowledge needed to understand how people, places and events are interconnected.

Think Critically and Reflectively

Students examine information and evidence, ask meaningful questions, consider different perspectives and reflect on their own thinking before arriving at well-reasoned conclusions.

Demonstrate Empathy and Respect

Students learn to appreciate diverse experiences, cultures and viewpoints. They develop empathy and show respect when listening to and engaging with others.

Make Responsible Decisions

Students consider the impact of their choices on others, the community and the environment, enabling them to make thoughtful and responsible decisions.

Contribute Actively

Students are encouraged to apply their learning and take meaningful action within their school, community and society.

What Our Students Learn

The Primary Social Studies syllabus is organised into three broad clusters of study. Students progressively expand their understanding from themselves and their immediate surroundings to Singapore, Southeast Asia and the wider world.

Primary Social Studies Areas of Study and Inquiry Focus by Level

Level	Area of Study	Inquiry Focus
Primary 1	Knowing Myself, Others and My Surroundings	Who am I in relation to the people and places around me?
Primary 2	Coming Together as a Nation	What unites the people in Singapore as a nation?
Primary 3	Understanding Singapore’s Environment and Challenges	What is Singapore’s environment like and how do we overcome the challenges we face?
Primary 4	Understanding Our Past	How is life in Singapore today shaped by what happened in the past?
Primary 5	Understanding Singapore’s Development as a Nation	How has Singapore developed as a nation since its independence?
Primary 5	Understanding Southeast Asia’s Diversity and Interconnectedness	What makes up Southeast Asia and how are the countries interconnected?
Primary 6	Understanding the Features and Legacies of Civilisations	How are the legacies of civilisations seen in our lives today?

Through these areas of study, students deepen their appreciation of:

their identity and relationships with others;
Singapore’s heritage, diversity and development;
the relationship between people and the environment;
Singapore’s connections with Southeast Asia and the world; and
how the past continues to influence our lives today.

How Our Students Learn

Info graphics on how Students learn: Ask Investigate Consider perspectives Construct Understanding Reflect Apply and Contribute

Assessment for Learning

Assessment is used to support students’ learning and provide them with opportunities to demonstrate their understanding in different ways.

Students may be assessed through:

class discussions and learning activities;
individual and collaborative performance tasks;
interpretation of sources and evidence;
presentations and written responses;
individual reflections; and
regular checks of their knowledge, skills and understanding.

Performance tasks may include both group work and individual reflection, enabling students to demonstrate collaboration while also expressing their personal understanding and learning