Singapore · MOE Syllabus Outcomes
Secondary 3 History
Secondary 3 History: post-war Southeast Asia, decolonisation, Singapore's merger with Malaysia, independence, and the early challenges of nation-building. Students analyse the dramatic political events that created modern Singapore.
Post-War Southeast Asia and Decolonisation
An exploration of the global and regional shifts after 1945 that led to the dismantling of European empires in Asia.
Analysing how the Japanese victory over Western powers shattered the myth of European invincibility and fueled nationalism.
Examining the international pressures on Britain, France, and the Netherlands to grant self-determination to their colonies.
A case study of the Indonesian National Revolution against Dutch attempts to re-establish colonial rule.
Analysing the Vietnamese resistance against French colonialism and the rise of Ho Chi Minh.
Exploring the transition of the Philippines from US commonwealth to an independent republic in 1946.
Investigating the communist insurgency and the British response through the Briggs Plan and New Villages.
The political negotiations leading to the 1957 independence of the Federation of Malaya.
Singapore's Internal Politics (1945–1959)
Tracing the rise of local political consciousness and the struggle for self-rule within the British Empire.
Evaluating the immediate post-war years and the failures of the BMA to address food shortages and inflation.
Analysing the 1954 constitutional changes that allowed for a limited form of local representation.
Exploring the victory of the Labour Front and the tenure of Singapore's first Chief Minister.
Examining the role of Chinese-educated students in the anti-colonial struggle and the 1954 National Service Riots.
Investigating the alliance between English-educated professionals and Chinese-educated trade unionists.
Analysing the second Chief Minister's tough stance against communist-linked organisations.
The landslide victory of the PAP and the inauguration of full internal self-government.
The Quest for Merger (1961–1963)
The political maneuvers and public debates surrounding the proposal to join the Federation of Malaysia.
Understanding why Lee Kuan Yew believed Singapore could not survive as an independent city-state.
Analysing why the Malayan Prime Minister initially resisted but later proposed the Malaysia plan in 1961.
The ideological fracture within the PAP over the terms of the merger.
Examining Lee Kuan Yew's 12 radio broadcasts to convince the public of the benefits of merger.
Analysing the controversial referendum where voters chose the terms of the merger.
The 1963 security operation that led to the mass arrest of left-wing politicians and unionists.
Understanding Indonesia's "Confrontation" against the formation of Malaysia.
Singapore in Malaysia (1963–1965)
The two turbulent years of union characterized by political friction and social unrest.
Conflicts over the Common Market and the financial contributions to the Federal government.
The PAP's decision to contest seats in Malaya and its impact on the UMNO-PAP relationship.
Analysing the tragic outbreaks of violence in July and September 1964.
The ideological clash between the PAP's vision of equality and UMNO's "Ketuanan Melayu".
The behind-the-scenes talks between Goh Keng Swee and Tun Abdul Razak.
The emotional day Singapore became a sovereign nation and the famous televised press conference.
Survival and Sovereignty (1965–1970)
Addressing the existential threats facing the tiny, resource-poor new nation.
The creation of the SAF and the introduction of National Service in 1967.
Singapore's entry into the UN and its role as a founding member of ASEAN.
Moving from import-substitution to attracting MNCs and building Jurong Industrial Estate.
Responding to the 1968 announcement that British forces would leave by 1971.
The restructuring of trade unions to ensure industrial peace and attract investment.
How the expansion of the CPF provided capital for nation-building and social security.
Social Transformation and Modernisation
The massive social engineering projects that reshaped the lives of Singaporeans.
The resettlement of the population into high-rise public housing.
The shift towards technical education and the standardisation of the curriculum.
The "Stop at Two" campaign and the modernisation of the healthcare system.
The "Garden City" initiative and the Clean River campaigns.
The destruction of old buildings and the eventual realization of the need for heritage conservation.
How economic growth in the 1970s changed lifestyles and consumption patterns.
Governance and the Political System
Understanding the unique features of Singapore's political model and legal framework.
Analysing why the PAP remained in power for decades and the absence of an opposition in Parliament until 1981.
The introduction of Group Representation Constituencies to ensure multiracialism in Parliament.
The introduction of non-partisan voices into the parliamentary process.
The unique Singaporean model of economic cooperation and conflict resolution.
The evolution of the Presidency from a ceremonial role to a custodial one overseeing reserves.
Singapore in the Global World
Reviewing Singapore's journey and its place in the modern international order.
The shift towards high-tech industries, automation, and computerisation in the 1980s.
The introduction of the five (now six) pillars of Total Defence in 1984.
The 1991 White Paper on Shared Values and the debate over "Asian Values".
Singapore's role in regional stability and economic integration.
Reflecting on the metaphor of the "Little Red Dot" and the concept of "exceptionalism".
Examining the benefits and tensions arising from Singapore's status as a global hub.
Reviewing the SG50 celebrations and the evolving definition of what it means to be Singaporean.
A capstone project where students investigate a specific aspect of Singapore's history using primary sources.