January 2026
INSSSIGHTS
NURTURING LOCALLY CONFIDENT, GLOBALLY COMPETENT CITIZENS We are thrilled to reconnect with our Social Studies fraternity as we embark on another exciting academic year together! We are excited to launch our brand-new monthly newsletter, INSSSIGHTS, to better serve you. This newsletter serves as your go-to source for timely updates, essential resources and inspiring insights from curriculum experts and fellow educators. We have designed this bite-sized publication to keep you connected with key announcements and just-in-time teaching materials throughout the year.
We would love to hear from you! Whether you are seeking teaching ideas, clarifications or simply require a sounding board, the CPDD Social Studies team is here to support you. Share your questions with us anytime — we are just a click away!
From the Deputy Director’s Desk Hear from our Deputy Director/Humanities, Ms Azlinda Samsudin, as she shares the unit’s vision and exciting plans for the year ahead.
professionaldevelopment 2026 AST Social Studies Workshops Explore the full suite of 2026 workshops by the Social Studies Subject Chapter at AST, including sessions led by Social Studies Master Teachers. These workshops focus on practical strategies and fresh classroom insights to strengthen teaching and learning. to view the full list of courses and details.
Polarisation is shaping how young people see society. What role should Social Studies play? The 2026 Social Studies Seminar, “Polarisation and the Role of Social Studies Educators in the Singapore Classroom”, explores how rising societal polarisation globally and locally can undermine cohesion and young people’s sense of belonging. The seminar aims to support Social Studies educators in understanding these dynamics and consider how to guide students in responsible civic engagement. Hear from Dr Mathew Mathews (Institute of Policy Studies), Mr Zed Teo Zi-Ming (MCCY) and Mr Mohamed Nasim Abdul Rahim (OnePeople.sg). Look out for registration details in next month’s InSSSights!
January 2026
teaching resources
Secondary 1 and 2 G1 Humanities (Social Studies)
We heard you! In our school visits, you asked us for ways to help students stretch their thinking and support learning with more current affairs that are relevant and contemporary. In response, we are thrilled to introduce ‘Let’s Explore Further’, the newest addition to some of our IDT lessons. Get ready to inspire your students to think further, explore wider, and learn independently at their own pace!
humanities exposuremodules CPDD held the Upper Secondary G1 Humanities Exposure Modules (HEMs) Module 5 Training Workshops in August 2025. Participants experienced the respective HEMs as students would, learnt implementation strategies, and explored available resources. Session recordings for Geography, History, and Literature HEMs are available for teachers who missed the workshops or want to revisit the content. Materials are also on the G1 Humanities wiki page on OPAL.
extend yourknowledge Visit the “Not Mere Spectators: The Makings of Multicultural Singapore” Exhibition !
Book 1A - Our Tampines Hub [G1 Humanities (Social Studies)] Explore how playgrounds can bring people together Book 2A - The Role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) [G1 Humanities (Social Studies)] Use of innovative technology like Cyborg cockroaches in search-and-rescue efforts Book 2A - Community Mediation Centre [G1 Humanities (Social Studies)] How Community Relations Unit (CRU) act as a neutral third party in resolving conflicts
Secondary 3 Social Studies G2/3 Issue 1 Chapter 1: What Does Citizenship Mean to Me? Chapter 2: What are the Functions and Roles of Government in Working for the Good of Society? Chapter 3: How Do We Decide What is Good for Society? Chapter 4: How Can We Work Together for the Good of Society?
common last topics The list of topics identified for common last topics in the year of examination for 2025 and 2026 can be found in the information on Common Last Topics on OPAL 2.0.