Introduction to Upper Secondary

Social Studies

Jens Martensson

What are we covering today?

• Misconceptions about Social

Studies (SS)

• What is covered in the SS

Syllabus/ Examinations

• Why Social Studies?

• Hands-on session

• How can I prepare my child?

• Q & A

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Common Misconceptions

Social Studies is National Education /History of Singapore

Students who are strong in general knowledge would excel in this subject.

Social Studies is propaganda

Social Studies is NOT an ‘O’/ ‘N’ Level subject

Social Studies is not important if my child is going to Polytechnic.

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Combined Humanities as an ‘O’/ ‘N’ Level Subject

Social Studies(Compulsory)

50%

History or Geography

50%

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Societal Issues

3 main issues► Issue 1: Exploring Citizenship and Governance

Working for the good of society: Whose responsibility is it?

► Issue 2: Living in a Diverse Society

Living in a diverse society: Is harmony achievable?

► Issue 3: Being Part of a Globalised World

Being part of a globalised world: Is it necessarily good?

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Format of SS paper.

Time: 1 hr 45 minutes

Paper comprises of 2 sections

► Source Based Questions (SBQ)

► 5 Questions (Answer all questions)

► 35 marks

► Assesment Objectives

- Knowledge with understanding of

societal issues*

- Interpreting and Evaluating Sources /

Given Information

► Structured Response Questions (SRQ)

► 2 Questions (Answer all questions)

► 15 marks

► Assesment Objectives

- Knowledge with understanding of

societal issues

-Constructing Explanations and make

informed judgement and

recommendations (only for Express)

Section B

* Issues need not be based on Singapore context

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Section A: Source Based Questions (SBQ)

Assertion

Hybrid

Utility/Usefulness

Reliability

Comparison

Purpose

Basic Inference + Message + Supporter/Opponent

• 7 SBQ skills will be taught

• Each skill builds on another

• Students must be able to apply the skill,

rather than ‘memorise’

• To help your child, we have come up

with some structure/steps to guide their

thought processes.

• Practice makes perfect.

Will definitely be tested

(10marks)

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Section B: Structured Response Questions (SRQ)

• Students must be able to see the cause-effect relationship

• In making recommendations, students must consider the feasibility and the sustainability of solutions

There are sufficient examples in the textbook

that students can use to illustrate the factors.

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Real life application of Social Studies

Preparation for Tertiary Education

Exposure to current affairs and issues e.g. CPF, Skillsfuture etc.

Steps in tackling the SS paper (Source based section)

Step 1: Read, highlight key words and understand the issue statement

Step 2: Read, highlight key words and understand the background

information

Step 3: Read the questions and highlight the question stem i.e. What

was the intent of publishing this source? Annotate the questions with

acronyms taught i.e. FIEE, AMCO, PCTXP

Step 4: Read each source; highlight, annotate textual sources and

dissect pictorial sources

Step 5: Now you are ready to tackle the SS paper (Source based

section)

Note: Should only spend about 8 minutes at the most on

this. (Better to use a highlighter than a pen)

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InferenceExamples of Basic Inference Questions:

• What can you learn from this source about the British steel industry?

• What can you infer from Source A about CPF?

• What does Source B tell you about healthcare in Singapore.

Examples of Advance Inference Questions:

• Do you think the Singaporean support the building of eldercare facility in the

void decks?

• What is the message of the cartoon?

• What can you tell about the cartoonist’s attitude towards the MRT

breakdowns?

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F .I .E .E

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Purpose

Examples of Purpose Questions:

• Why do you think the Prime Minister made this speech?

• Why do you think this cartoon was published at this time?

• What is the purpose of making this speech?

• What is the intention of the netizen for posting this comment?

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Let’s apply the same steps for SS

A.M.C.O

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Reliability Questions

Examples of Reliability Questions:

• How reliable is this source in telling you about CPF?

• Do you trust Source A as evidence for the Little India Riot?

• Does Source B prove the effectiveness of ERP?

• Do you believe what Source C tells you?

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Principal Calls The Wrong(X) Parent

P.C.T.X.P

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SRQ

(a) Extract 1 shows that although Singaporeans feel that we should have foreigners in

Singapore, they do not seem to get along well with them.

In your opinion, how can Singaporeans help foreigners integrate into Singapore

society? Explain your answer using two ways.

(b) Extracts 2 and 3 reflect on the prejudice and competition for resources that

result from living in a diverse society.

Is prejudice a more serious issue than competition for resources with regard to the

influx of foreigners into Singapore? Explain your answer.

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ATQ + Point

ElaborationDefine, Describe, Examples

ExplanationFeelings, outcomes as a result of this

situation

LinkHas the issue been addressed? Has the

question been answered?

HOW CAN I GUIDE/

HELPMY CHILD?

How can I guide/help my child?

7 Possible ways:1.Encourage your child to watch the NEWS at 9pm everyday.

2.Alternatively, encourage your child to read the headlines on the

net:(https://sg.news.yahoo.com/ or

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/Singapore)

3. Read the SS articles given on a weekly basis.

4. Additionally, encourage your child to read other articles on-line

(Refer to suggested websites)

5. Journaling- Reflect and pen down their thoughts

6. 1 discussion a day on current affairs, especially about

Singapore.

7. Seize teachable moments in everyday life (ERP)

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THANK YOU