Singapore · MOE Syllabus Outcomes
Primary 4 Social Studies
Primary 4 Social Studies: Singapore's story from fishing village to modern city. Pupils explore the legends, early settlers, and events that shaped the island.
Early Singapore
Pupils learn about Singapore before the modern era, including the Malay name Singapura, the legend of Sang Nila Utama, and what life was like on the island long ago.
Pupils explore the legend of the Malay prince who named the island Singapura, the Lion City, after seeing a mysterious creature.
Pupils learn about the Orang Laut (sea people) and the small communities that lived on Singapore before the 19th century.
Pupils learn that Singapore's location made it an important stopping point for traders travelling between China, India, and the Malay Archipelago.
Pupils learn about Singapore's place in the wider Malay world, including the Johor-Riau Sultanate and the connections between the islands.
Exploring how artifacts like pottery and gold ornaments prove Singapore was a thriving port in the 14th century.
A look at the rulers mentioned in the Malay Annals who governed the island during its early golden age.
The Arrival of the British
Pupils explore the arrival of Stamford Raffles, the founding of modern Singapore as a British trading post, and the treaty that changed the island's future.
Pupils learn about who Raffles was, why he came to Singapore, and what happened when he landed in 1819.
Understanding the role of Farquhar in managing the early settlement while Raffles was away.
Pupils learn how Raffles made Singapore a free port and how this attracted people from around the world.
Pupils explore Raffles' town plan which divided Singapore into different areas.
Pupils learn about the 1824 Treaty and how Singapore eventually became a British Crown Colony.
Understanding the powerful company that Raffles worked for and its interests in the region.
Early Immigrants
Pupils explore the waves of immigrants who came to Singapore in the 19th century: Chinese, Indians, Malays, and others.
Pupils learn about the push and pull factors that brought immigrants to Singapore.
The difficult journey and hard labor of Chinese coolies who worked in the ports and plantations.
Exploring the resilient women from Sanshui who contributed to Singapore's construction industry.
How Indian convicts helped build Singapore's early infrastructure like St Andrew's Cathedral.
Pupils explore what life was like for early immigrants, including the jobs they did and the challenges they faced.
Pupils learn about the lasting contributions of early immigrants to Singapore.
Pupils explore how immigrants from different backgrounds gradually built a shared community.
A study of the unique culture formed through the blending of Chinese and Malay traditions.
Growing Up as a Town
Pupils explore how Singapore grew from a small trading post into a bustling town.
Pupils learn how Singapore expanded. Shophouses, godowns, and new roads transformed the landscape.
Pupils learn about the first schools in Singapore and how education shaped the future.
Pupils learn about early healthcare and sanitation in Singapore.
Pupils learn how Singapore's growing trade connections linked the island to the wider world.
How people moved around the town before cars: the age of rickshaws and horse-carriages.
The river as the lifeline of early Singapore where bumboats and coolies were constantly active.
The arrival of the telegraph and the post office, connecting Singapore to the world faster.
The Dark Years: World War II
Pupils learn about the Fall of Singapore, the Japanese Occupation, and the hardships faced by people during the war.
The events leading to the British surrender and the start of the Japanese Occupation.
Exploring the daily struggles of citizens, including food shortages and banana notes.
Learning about the bravery of individuals like Lim Bo Seng, Elizabeth Choy, and Adnan Saidi.
The Japanese surrender in 1945 and the return of the British to Singapore.
Reflecting on the importance of Total Defence and why we must protect our home.
A sensitive look at the screening operations during the occupation and the impact on families.
The secret missions of those who fought back against the occupation from the jungles.
The Road to Independence
Pupils follow the journey from British rule to self-government and the merger with Malaysia.
Why people wanted more say in how Singapore was governed after the war.
The first time many Singaporeans could vote for their leaders and the David Marshall era.
Singapore gains control over its internal affairs and chooses its first Prime Minister.
Why Singapore joined Malaya, Sabah, and Sarawak to form Malaysia in 1963.
The difficulties faced during the two years in Malaysia, including riots and Konfrontasi.
The emotional day Singapore became an independent and sovereign nation.
The man behind Singapore's economic and military foundations.
Building a New Nation
Pupils explore how the young nation solved its problems of housing, jobs, and defense.
The move from overcrowded shophouses and kampongs to high-rise HDB flats.
Turning Jurong swamp into an industrial estate to provide jobs for the people.
The introduction of National Service and the building of the Singapore Armed Forces.
Lee Kuan Yew's vision of a Garden City and the first Tree Planting Day.
Building schools and ensuring every child had the chance to learn and succeed.
The challenge of ensuring a steady water supply through reservoirs and agreements.
Planning and building the first underground train system to connect the island.
Our Shared Future
Pupils reflect on Singapore's journey and their role in keeping the nation harmonious and successful.
The importance of racial and religious harmony in a diverse society.
Understanding the meaning behind the flag, the anthem, and the pledge.
How Singapore looks after the elderly and those with special needs.
How technology helps Singapore overcome its lack of natural resources.
Our relationships with our neighbors in Southeast Asia.
How being a Smart Nation helps solve urban challenges.
How individuals can make a difference through kindness and charity.