People Who Help Us · Semester 1

National Security and Defence Strategies

Exploring Singapore's comprehensive approach to national security, including the roles of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), SPF, and SCDF, and the concept of Total Defence.

About This Topic

Keeping Us Safe focuses on the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). Students learn the distinct roles of these two organizations: the SPF maintains law and order, while the SCDF handles firefighting and emergency medical services. A critical part of this topic is knowing when and how to call the emergency numbers 999 and 995.

This topic is essential for building civic awareness and personal safety as part of the MOE Social Studies syllabus. It helps students understand the infrastructure of safety in Singapore. Students grasp this concept faster through role-playing emergency calls and identifying the correct 'force' to respond to different scenarios.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game: 999 or 995?

The teacher describes a scenario (e.g., a cat stuck in a tree, a fire, a lost wallet). Students must run to the side of the room labeled '999' or '995' and explain their choice.

⏱ 20 min·Whole Class

Generate mission

Gallery Walk: SCDF and SPF Equipment

Display photos of a police car, a fire engine, an ambulance, and a police boat. Students move in groups to identify one special tool on each vehicle and what it is used for.

⏱ 20 min·Small Groups

Generate mission

Role Play: The Emergency Operator

In pairs, one student acts as the caller and the other as the operator. They practice giving clear information: 'What happened?', 'Where are you?', and 'What is your phone number?'

⏱ 25 min·Pairs

Generate mission

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Students might think they should call 999 for every problem, like a broken toy.

What to Teach Instead

Teachers can use a 'Serious vs. Not Serious' sorting game to help students understand that emergency lines are only for life-threatening or urgent situations. This ensures they respect the resources of our helpers.

Common Misconception

Students may believe that firefighters only put out fires.

What to Teach Instead

Through a photo study, teachers can show SCDF officers performing rescues during floods or helping people in car accidents. This broadens their understanding of the SCDF's 'lifesaving' mission.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I call 999?

You should call 999 only for police emergencies, such as when a crime is happening, someone is being hurt, or you see something very suspicious. For non-emergencies, there are other numbers to call.

When should I call 995?

You should call 995 for the SCDF in cases of fire or life-threatening medical emergencies, such as someone collapsing or having a very serious injury that needs an ambulance immediately.

How can active learning help students understand the SPF and SCDF?

Active learning, such as the '999 or 995?' simulation, helps students make quick, accurate decisions under pressure. By practicing these scenarios in a fun, low-stakes environment, the correct emergency numbers become second nature. This 'learning by doing' ensures that in a real emergency, a child is more likely to remember the right number and stay calm while giving information.

What is the difference between a police officer and a security guard?

A police officer works for the government to protect the whole country and catch criminals. A security guard is usually hired by a specific building, like a school or a mall, to watch over that one place and help the people there.

Browse curriculum by country

• Americas
• US
• CA
• MX
• CL
• CO
• BR

• Europe
• UK
• IE
• FR
• DE
• ES
• IT
• NL
• PT
• SE

• Asia & Pacific
• IN
• SG
• AU