SS Curriculum Updates (Oct 2021)

OCTOBER 2021

Social Studies Curriculum Updates 2021

Amidst the hustle and bustle of 2021, kudos to educators who have continually adapted and with unceasing tenacity, strived to deliver quality teaching and learning to our students.

As we draw the curtain on the semester, let us take the time to reflect and rejuvenate, before continuing on our journey ahead.

In this special e-newsletter of Social Studies Curriculum Updates, we have curated some important information for your consideration as you envision your plans for 2022.

Here's also wishing you a restful and meaningful break ahead!

From all of us at the Social Studies (Secondary) Unit

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Reminder Don't forget to do something today that sparks joy.

Let's do it.

I'm on it!

4 Normal (Technical) Syllabus

5 Professional Development Opportunities for 2022

7 Planning Ahead (Resources for Teachers)

10 Curriculum Time Planning Norms

11 We'd Love to Hear From You!

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BOOK 4: BUILDING A CARING NATION AND AN INCLUSIVE SOCIETY N(T) Book 4 to be implemented in 2022 for the Secondary 4 N(T) students has been launched!

Coursebooks:

The books for sale, and one complimentary copy for teachers' reference, will be delivered to schools by 12 November 2021.

CLICK TO WA TCH THE VIDEO! Find out more about the N(T) curr iculum and resourc es!

go.gov.sg/ssnt

The following resources have been uploaded onto the Social Studies (Secondary) Wikipage on OPAL2.0 to support the implementation of the N(T) Curriculum:

Lesson Ideas (including Performance Tasks) and SLS resources for Books 1 to 4 2020 N(T) e-Teaching & Learning Syllabus (e-TLS) and e-Teaching & Learning Guide (e-TLG)

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Issues-based Seminars (IBS)

In these seminars, teachers will examine contemporary societal issues related to the three Issues in the 2016 E/N(A)

IBS 1 on Issue 1 IBS 2 on Issue 2

syllabuses.

IBS 3 on Issue 3

Teachers will also explore ways to apply their learning in the SS classroom!

2023 Express/Normal (Academic) Syllabuses

Syllabus Launch

Syllabus Implementation Workshop Look forward to hands-on

Gain understanding on the

sessions on the use of a range

intent and design of the

of resources to support the

2023 syllabuses

implementation of syllabuses

Keep a lookout for our mailers for more information on the dates and registration details!

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Micro-Learning Units on OPAL2.0

M LU

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In MLU 1, you will find out what discussion is and its place in the Social Studies classroom.

Learn about the different features of discussion that distinguishes it from other forms of classroom talk.

Click here go.gov.sg/sssmlu1 or scan the QR code!

In MLU 2, you will find out what is the value of discussion in the Social Studies classroom.

ML U

Learn about the benefits that discussions can bring to the teaching and learning of Social Studies.

Click here go.gov.sg/sssmlu2 or scan the QR code!

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2

CHECK OUT THE SUITE OF RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS!

A one stop portal to access ALL resources for the teaching and learning of the 2016 E/N(A) and 2020 N(T) Social Studies Syllabuses!

Receive timely updates on new resources and PD opportunities!

Go to go.gov.sg/ssswiki or scan the QR code now!

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RESOURCES

AND

2020

FOR

N(T)

2016

E/N(A)

SYLLABUSES

Teaching and Learning Syllabuses

Teaching and Learning Guide

Access information on

Access the Scope and

intended learning outcomes, Issues-Based Learning, Pedagogy and Assessment.

Sequence Charts, Worksheets for Strategies and the Assessment Checklist to design and implement T&L.

Lesson Plans

Lesson Ideas

Access Lesson Plans for all three

Access Lesson Ideas for all

Issues and Issue Investigation for

the Issues covered in the

the 2016 E/N(A) Syllabuses.

2020 N(T) Syllabus.

RESOURCES

BLENDED

FOR

LEARNING

IN

SS

Student-Initiated Learning (SIL)

Curriculum Coverage Access a list of suitable topics and

Access a list of learning

learning experiences for HBL. Teachers can also find examples and lesson ideas on how lessons can be sequenced to leverage in-person schooling and HBL days.

experiences suitable for SIL. Teachers can also find SLS resources suitable for self-exploration by high progress students.

Go to go.gov.sg/sssblendedlearning or scan the QR code!

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The 2016 E/N(A) SLS lessons cover:

All three Issues (Chapters 1 to 11) Issue Investigation Source Investigation for O-Level and N(A)-Level SRQ Practice for O-Level and N(A)-Level

The 2020 N(T) SLS lessons cover:

All Issues from Book 1 to 4 Performance Task

Click here go.gov.sg/slscatalogue-sss or scan the QR code!

The e-newsletter covers:

Currently evolving societal issues Sharing of pedagogical practices by teachers Use of discussion strategies to facilitate lessons Use of STP teaching actions to enhance student engagement Ideas and opportunities to leverage blended learning and online tools to spice up T&L in SS Click here go.gov.sg/sss-issuu or scan the QR code!

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Schools are reminded to adhere to the Social Studies curriculum time planning norms as outlined in the tables below.

2016 Social Studies E/N(A) Syllabus The scheduling of double periods is recommended to better support learning through inquiry in the classroom.

Express

N(A)

No. of periods per week:

(35-40 mins per period)

3

3

No. of Weeks for

Issue Investigation:

3-6

4-6

More details can be found in 2016 E/N(A) TLG, Section 2 (p.53)

2020 Social Studies N(T) Syllabus For lower secondary (LS) levels, the scheduling of double periods per week is recommended to support learning through inquiry in the classroom.

For upper secondary (US) levels, aggregating the periods to two periods per week over one semester, ideally a double-period lesson, is also recommended.

LS N(T)

US N(T)

No. of periods per week:

(35-40 mins per period)

2

1

6

6

No. of periods per Issue

for performance task:

10

More details can be found in 2020 N(T) TLG, Section 3 (p.94)

What

does

Social

Studies

mean

to

you?

Share with us about what Social Studies means to you in an

image, hashtag, belief statement or short write-up!

It could be about any of the following: Your personal reflection as an SS educator Your convictions about the value of SS Your aspirations for your SS students Submit your entry by 31 Jan 2022 and stand to be featured in our newsletters and 2023 SS E/N(A) syllabus launch in 2022!

Click here go.gov.sg/whatssmeanstoyou or scan the QR code!

Share

your

Ideas

and

thoughts

with

us

Interested to share a good teaching practice or contribute a lesson

idea (e.g. for Issue Investigation, Performance Task, SLS lesson, HBL or Blended Learning)?

Do you have an interesting topic in mind that would make for a great classroom discussion?

Share with us your suggestions and feedback on how we can improve to continually support your teaching and learning of SS! Click here go.gov.sg/sss2021 or scan the QR code!

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