Secondary School Programmes

  • New Programmes! - This is a new feature we are offering for 2006. Focusing on information sources and critical thinking skills, this will provide a more enjoyable dimension to learning and experiencing history!

  • Premium Programmes - Our exclusive 5 hour program where the students will be given an in-depth understanding of the topics discussed during our tours.

  • Journeys of Discovery - An Approximately 3 1/2 hours journey to various heritage sites in Singapore, allowing students to have a broad overview of how heritage is woven together.

  • Treasure Hunts - A 4 hour fun-filled interactive exploration, where teams will have to compete against one another to complete the Treasure Hunt.

  • Programmes recommended for GEP classes are available here.

Explosion 1: NEW!

Duration 3.5 hours approx (inclusive of travelling time)
includes visit to a museum

Secondary 1 & 2: Investigative History
Focuses on sources of information and critical thinking skills such as recognising bias, distinguishing between fact and opinion and process learning skills like corroboration of historical evidence.

Name of Trail Sites Description

Rajas, Sultans and an Island

Discover our Early Beginnings

  • Asian Civilisations Museum
    - South East Asia Gallery
    - West Asia/Islamic Gallery
  • Fort Canning Hill
    - Archaeological Excavation Site
    - Keramat Iskandar Shah
An exciting new study of primary sources such as archaeology and museum artifacts will allow students to reconstruct Singapore's ancient past.
They will exercise their anlytical skills to understand better Singapore's link with Majapahit, Malacca and the Johore-Riau Sultanate. Starting with the Asian Civilisations Museum, students will learn to interpret and corroborate history with excavation findings at the archaeological excavation site and a mysterious 14th century tomb at Fort Canning.

Premium Programmes
Duration 5 hours approx (inclusive of travelling time)
includes pre-tour talk and visit to a museum

Secondary 1: Civilisations Series
Complements learning of Ancient Civilisations history syllabus and raises cultural appreciation and enjoyment. Features an arts performance and museum visit. Talk provides overview of each civilisation, useful for revision of syllabus.

Name of Trail Sites Description
Malay Civilisation Trail - Talk at School
- Asian Civilisations Museum
- Daeng Ibrahim Mosque
- Malay Silat Performance
Ancient artefacts reflecting layers of cultural influences on mainland & maritime South East Asia; a mosque wherein lies a 19th century tomb, linked to the treaty with Raffles; tigers and eagles, king and queen for the day - try out these Malay martial arts traditions and sample Malay 'kueh'.
Chinese Civilisation Trail

- Talk at School
- Asian Civilisation Museum
- Chinese Opera at Lai Chun Yuen, Chinatown
- Streets of Kreta Ayer
- Bukit Brown Cemetery OR
- Thien Hock Kheng Temple

What traditions from ancient China are still relevant to Singapore today? Unravel the stories behind the fabled scholar, five Confucianist virtues, fabulous symbolism and legendary heroes and deities. Enjoy a Chinese Opera workshop. At Bukit Brown discover ancient cultural practices or learn about temple culture at Thien Hock Kheng.
Indian Civilisation Trail - Talk at School
- Asian Civilisations Museum
- Perumal Temple
- Sakyamuni Temple
- Indian Arts Performance

What explains the rich diversity in Indian culture and its people? What contributions have relevance to the world today? How did ancient India influence the people of South East and North East Asia? Discover the shared origins between Indian and Chinese religious beliefs at the Hindu and Buddhist temples. Enjoy a workshop on an ancient dance form - the Bharata Natyam.

Secondary 2: War & Its Impact
Complements learning of World War II and the Fall of Singapore and The Occupation Years chapters. Deepens understanding of current defence strategy and need for Total Defence.
Name of Trail Sites Description

The Battlefield Study Tour
(Half Day)

- Talk and Video show at School
- Changi Museum
- Battle Box, Fort Canning
- Wreath Laying Ceremony at Kranji War Cemetery

Learn about British preparations for war & the main causes for defeat of the British. At Changi Museum, hear stories of the POWs and civilian internees of the Occupation years. Visit the Battle Box for a re-creation of the decision to surrender by the British, and conduct a wreath-laying ceremony with flags, bagpiper and bugler to commemorate the fallen soldiers at Kranji War Cemetery.
The Battlefield Study Tour
(Full Day)
- Talk & Video show at School
- Labrador Park
- Changi Museum
- Battle Box
- Wreath Laying Ceremony at Kranji War Cemetery

Same as above, with the addition of Labrador Park to demolish the Myths surrounding the Guns of Labrador Battery. Lunch break will be given at Changi Village or other suitable alternatives.

* Singapore History Consultants was the official consultant for Labrador Park's redevelopment project.

The Battlefield Study Tour III
(Half Day)

- Talk at School
- Changi Museum
- Wreath Laying Ceremony at Kranji War Cemetery

Similar, but shorter programme. Tour focuses on stories of the POWs and the civilian internees. Students will commemorate the fallen soldiers with a wreath-laying ceremony complete with flags, bagpiper and bugler

The Lion's Trail:
A Total Defence Tour

- Newater Plant
OR
- Jurong Island
- Civil Defence Heritage Gallery
OR
- SAF Camp
- Reflections at Bukit Chandu
OR
- Changi Museum

Talk at School will lay the foundation by focusing on the evolution of Total War, the War with Japan & development of Total Defence. Discussions at the various sites on the tour will create a deeper understanding of the 5 elements of Total Defence and their fundamental importance in the overall defence and survival of Singapore.

NOTE: Itinerary can be customised based on these sites subject to availability and for appropriate levels. A drama presentation is available at Bukit Chandu upon request.

*This is a joint programme with The Changi Museum, an associated company.


Secondary 3, 4 and 5: Post War & Nation Building
Complements learning of Constitutional Development in Singapore. Reinforces understanding of how a nation met the challenges of the 50's and 60's and developed into a first world state. Relevant to Combined Humanities and Social Studies.
Name of Trail Sites Description
Civic District Heritage Trail - Talk at School
- Fort Canning Hill
- City Hall
- Supreme Court
- Parliament House
- St Andrew's Cathedral
Trace the evolution of governance in Singapore, from the days of the Malay Kings, through the Colonial Era to the present day. Discover colonial history that literally covers the walls of the beautiful cathedral. And what better way to gain a deeper understanding of the Principles of Governance and the 3 Organs of State by visiting the Chambers of Parliament & a courtroom in the new Supreme Court.
Singapore River Trail - Talk & Video at School
- Raffles Landing Site
- Cavenagh Bridge
- Boat Quay
- River Boat Ride
- Clarke Quay
From myths and legends associated with the ancient history of the river, to the economic role of the Singapore River and the stories of people of the river - the Singapore River is where it all started! Tour includes exhibits on the river, exploration of Boat Quay, with a discussion of the need for conservation of buildings. A riverboat will take the students to Clarke Quay for an interactive discovery of key historic sites.
The Downtown Trail
- Talk at School
- URA Gallery
- Raffles' Place & CBD
- CHIJmes 
- Bras Basah Vicinity

At the URA gallery, learn about the challenges faced by city planners in land-scarce Singapore. Visit Raffles' Place & the CBD for an analysis of how urban planning facilitates economic development. Discuss the Future Downtown to understand long-term planning. Finally explore beautifully conserved CHIJmes and end with a discussion on the future Singapore Management University.

Kampong Days Trail: From Village to New Town

- Talk at School
- Pulau Ubin
- Chinese Village
- Headman's House
- Rubber Estate
- Malay Village
- Malay Family's Home
- Tampines New Town

Talk at School on evolution of housing and its impact on our lifestyle. Take a bumboat ride to Pulau Ubin, where life seems to have stopped at the 50s & 60s, with wells & electric generators at the Chinese and Malay Villages. Be warmly invited into a Malay family's home and gain an understanding of the old gotong-royong (mutual help) spirit. Lastly, analyse kampong lifestyle against high rise living with a drive through modern Tampines New Town.

Journeys of Discovery
Suitable for All Levels

Duration 3½ hours approx (inclusive of travelling time)
Timings: 8.00 am - 12.00 pm/1.30pm - 5.00 pm


Name of Tour Description
Governance and the Civic District Retrace Singapore's path to nationahood through monuments and historic buildings at the Civic District. Visit the Supreme Court and Parliament House to gain an understanding of the roles of the 3 Organs of State, i.e. the Executive, Lesgislature, and Judiciary.
Exploring Fort Canning Hill Explore the 14th Century Keramat Iskandar Shah, the Archaeological Dig, the Christian Cemetery and the 19th Century Fort Gateway, ending with a discussion at the Battlebox. 
Exploring Changi in WWII Visit Changi Museum, the World War II memorial at Changi Beach and the Johore "Monster Gun" Battery.
Memorials and Monuments of the Civic District The Padang has witnessed many historic events that have shaped our nation. Hear the stories from our beginnings in the 14th Century, to the colonial rule and the Japanese Occupation, through memorials and monuments of the Civic District.
World Religions Tour

Gain insights into Islam, Chinese syncretic religion, Hinduism and Christianity by exploring the Sultan Mosque, Thien Hock Kheng Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple and Saint Andrew's Cathedral.


Treasure Hunts
All Treasure Hunts involve a conducted Tour & Quiz 'n' Quest.
Duration 4 hours approx (inclusive of travelling time
)

Your students will love you for this one! They will have loads of fun and yet learn important aspects of local culture and history without even realising it!

Name of Hunt Sites/Events Objectives/Highlights
The Mystery of the Missing Tombs of the Malayan Princes - Kampong Glam

Find the secret "Tombs of the Malayan Princes" - very few know of their centuries-old existence. To do so, you must first discover an Ancient Scroll!!!

The Insane Investigation of the Incredible Indian Idli - Little India Help Mr. Mani Ramaswamy, the Chettiar, find his Incredible Indian Idlis. To do so, you will have to complete a set of puzzles and tasks to discover the secret restaurant!!!
The Crazy Quest for the Clattering Clogs of Chinatown - Chinatown Dr. Clogged Van Damme is on a burning mission to find the famous Clattering Clogs of Chinatown. Help him find them by completing a trail of clues and tasks.
The Hunt for Yamashita's Lost Letter - Fort Canning Hill A letter of earth-shattering importance is lost deep in the jungles of Fort Canning Hill. Help the British locate it and change the tide of war!!!