Humanities
Discover how YHSS's Humanities department uses fieldwork and inquiry-based learning to help students appreciate the world around them and envision a better future.
Our Team
Department Introduction
The department aims to nurture positivity through the Appreciation and Comprehension of the dimensions in the Humanities to Envision for a better future.
FRAMEWORK & APPROACH
The Humanities department infuses inquiry learning with fieldwork and learning journeys. Through the ACE framework, the department aims to nurture Yuhuans’ perspectives through:
Appreciation for the interconnected relationships between human and physical environment.
Comprehension of the past to understand the present.
Envisioning of the future using reasoned arguments.\
Humanities Academy@Yuhua (HAY!)
The Humanities Academy @ Yuhua, or HAY! for short, is a distinctive talent development programme designed to deepen students' engagement with the Humanities beyond the classroom. Through immersive experiences, guided inquiry, and real-world exploration, HAY! nurtures curious, thoughtful learners who are equipped to understand and shape the world around them.
At the heart of our programme is the ACE Framework — a structured yet dynamic approach that guides the curation of meaningful learning experiences in a spiral progression. Through ACE, we develop in our students:
Appreciation — a sensitivity to the ever-changing and dynamic world in which we live, and an openness to diverse perspectives and ways of knowing;
Comprehension — a deeper understanding of how human actions and decisions leave lasting imprints on society, culture, and the environment across time; and
Envision — the imagination and conviction to picture a future they can actively shape, living out our school mission to Care, Connect, and Contribute.
HAY! is more than a programme — it is an invitation for students to see themselves as engaged citizens and thoughtful changemakers, ready to make a difference in their communities and beyond.
Our HAY! Activities 2026
2026 iTourism Challenge
Have you ever wondered how young minds can transform classroom learning into real-world solutions? Yuhuans recently discovered exactly that at the iTourism Challenge held at Republic Polytechnic. Through two engaging themes—"Singapore More Than a Visit: Destination Marketing" and "Tech-Driven Experiences Through Tourism", they explored authentic tourism challenges and used Artificial Intelligence to create posters that shared their creative ideas and perspectives on tourism-related issues.
The experience was enriched by insights from the Singapore Tourism Board, one of the key judges, which deepened the students' appreciation of the tourism industry and its evolving landscape. As the students worked together and presented their ideas, they developed essential skills in communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving. More than that, they glimpsed something powerful which is how learning can extend beyond the classroom and make a genuine difference in the world around them.
This challenge was a gentle reminder that learning is not just about gaining knowledge, but also about learning to Care for the world around us, Connect what we learn to real-world experiences, and Contribute towards a more thoughtful and sustainable tourism future.
A Day of Discovery at Sungei Buloh
What lives among the mangroves? How do people and nature share space in a busy city like Singapore? Our Yuhuans explored these questions during the Geography Explorer Programme at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.
With the ACE Framework guiding their learning, students got out into the wetlands to observe, explore and carry out the fieldwork. They discovered the reserve’s rich biodiversity and natural landscapes and looked closely at how people use the land. Every observation offered a new clue about how Singapore can make room for both development and nature.
Students also explored a big challenge: Singapore has limited land, so how can we meet people’s needs while protecting important natural spaces? They learned that land-use decisions can affect the environment over time, and that communities, businesses and governments may consider different needs when making those decisions.
The experience helped students see that caring for the environment is something everyone can all take part in. We can Care for nature, Connect what we learn in class to the real world, and Contribute to a more sustainable Singapore. Our Yuhuans returned with sharper geographical thinking, a greater appreciation for the wetlands, and ideas about how everyone can help protect our shared environment.
Power, Justice and Change: Exploring Governance through Les Misérables
Students engaged with the powerful narratives in Les Misérables as part of their learning through the ACE Framework, deepening their understanding of human experiences and social justice beyond the classroom. Through pre-musical discussions, students explored key historical and social themes such as poverty, injustice, governance, and social change.
As they encountered the struggles and choices of different characters, students came to appreciate how individuals and communities are shaped by the circumstances of their time. They also developed a deeper understanding of how human actions, social structures, and decisions by those in power can leave lasting effects on society.
Post-musical discussions allowed students to reflect on broader questions of empathy, fairness, and social responsibility. Through these reflections, students were encouraged to consider their own role in building a more just and equitable society, living out the school’s mission to Care, Connect, and Contribute.
Conflict, Cooperation and Change: Exploring Global Diplomacy through Model United Nations
Students participated in a Model United Nations experience as part of their learning through the ACE Framework, stepping into the role of diplomats to examine complex global issues such as climate change and international conflicts. In preparation for the simulation, students researched different countries’ perspectives and considered how historical, political, economic, and social factors influence international decision-making.
Through structured debate and negotiation, students developed a deeper appreciation of diverse global perspectives and the complexities of diplomacy. They learnt to articulate their views clearly, respond to differing viewpoints, and work collaboratively towards possible solutions.
The experience encouraged students to look beyond current challenges and envision how dialogue, diplomacy, and shared responsibility can contribute to a more peaceful and sustainable world. In doing so, students strengthened their communication, critical thinking, civic literacy, and global literacy skills while growing as thoughtful young citizens.
Enabling Yuhuans to learn in authentic environments: Roots & Rain: The Botanical Fieldwork
What happens when learning steps out of the classroom and into the heart of nature?
Over three immersive and energising days, our Secondary 1 students embarked on ‘Roots & Rain: The Botanical Fieldwork’ at the iconic Singapore Botanic Gardens. This fieldwork was carried out by the Geography Unit, with strong support from teachers across the Humanities Department. Despite the occasional drizzle, spirits remained high as students explored the lush 6-hectare tropical rainforest along the Rainforest Walking Trail - a living classroom rich with discovery.
Immersed in the rich sights, sounds and textures of the rainforest - from towering trees to the crunch of leaf litter beneath the boardwalk - students developed a deeper appreciation of the complexity and beauty of this unique ecosystem. Taking on the role of geographers, they used their iPads to observe, document and analyse, gathering primary data on the rainforest’s characteristics, adaptations and human interactions. Through this, students strengthened their understanding of how natural environments function and how humans play a role within them. The fieldwork also prompted them to reflect on the impact of human activities and the importance of conservation efforts. Ultimately, students were encouraged to envision themselves as informed and responsible stewards, committed to sustaining such ecosystems for the future.
‘Roots & Rain’ was not just a fieldwork - it was an experience that brought Geography to life, sparking inquiry, deepening understanding, and inspiring action.
