Social Studies · Primary 4 · The Dark Years: World War II · Semester 2

Achieving Internal Self-Government (1959)

Singapore gains control over its internal affairs, elects its first Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, and introduces new national symbols.

• MOE Syllabus Outcomes
• MOE: The Road to Independence - P4

About This Topic

This topic covers the historic moment in 1959 when Singapore achieved full internal self-government. Students learn about the landslide victory of the People's Action Party (PAP) and the appointment of Lee Kuan Yew as Singapore's first Prime Minister. The curriculum explores the new powers the local government gained, including control over education, health, and housing.

Students also examine the introduction of Singapore's national symbols in 1959, the National Flag, the State Crest, and the National Anthem ('Majulah Singapura'). This topic is essential for understanding the birth of Singapore's national identity and the beginning of the PAP's long-term governance. It aligns with the MOE syllabus by teaching students about the structure of government and the meaning behind our national symbols.

This topic comes alive when students can physically model the meaning of the national symbols through a creative design and explanation activity.

Key Questions

1. Explain the key changes and powers Singapore gained with internal self-government in 1959.
2. Analyze the significance of Lee Kuan Yew's election as Singapore's first Prime Minister.
3. Evaluate the importance of new national symbols in fostering a sense of national identity.

Learning Objectives

• Explain the key governmental powers Singapore gained with internal self-government in 1959.
• Analyze the significance of Lee Kuan Yew's election as Singapore's first Prime Minister.
• Evaluate the importance of the National Flag, State Crest, and National Anthem in fostering national identity.
• Identify the specific responsibilities transferred to Singapore's local government in 1959.

Before You Start

Singapore Under British Rule

Why: Students need to understand Singapore's colonial past to appreciate the significance of gaining self-governance.

Introduction to Government

Why: A basic understanding of what a government does is necessary to grasp the new powers Singapore acquired.

Key Vocabulary

Internal Self-Government	A status where a territory or country has control over its own domestic affairs, such as education and health, while a larger power still manages its defense and foreign relations.
Prime Minister	The head of government in many parliamentary systems, responsible for leading the cabinet and the country's administration.
National Symbols	Objects or images that represent a country, its people, and its values, such as a flag, crest, or anthem.
Legislature	The branch of government responsible for making laws. In 1959, Singapore gained more control over its own legislative processes.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Singapore became a fully independent country in 1959.

What to Teach Instead

It was 'internal' self-government, meaning we ran our own schools and houses, but Britain still looked after our defense and foreign relations. A 'First Cabinet' role play helps students understand the specific areas the local government now controlled.

Common Misconception

The national symbols were just chosen because they looked nice.

What to Teach Instead

Every part of the symbols has a deep meaning, such as the five stars representing ideals like equality and justice. A 'Symbol Secrets' activity helps students appreciate the careful thought that went into creating our national identity.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle: Symbol Secrets

Groups are given one of the national symbols (Flag, Crest, or Anthem). They must research the meaning of each part (e.g., the five stars, the crescent moon, the tiger and lion) and create a large 'Explainer Poster' for the class.

45 min·Small Groups

Role Play: The First Cabinet

Students act as the first group of ministers in 1959. They are given a list of 'Big Problems' (e.g., 'Not enough houses,' 'People need jobs'). They must decide which one to tackle first and how they will explain their plan to the citizens.

40 min·Small Groups

Think-Pair-Share: A New Identity

Students imagine they are seeing the Singapore flag for the first time in 1959. They discuss in pairs how it would feel to have their own flag instead of the British Union Jack and what it means to belong to a 'new' nation.

20 min·Pairs

Real-World Connections

• When citizens vote in general elections, they are participating in a process similar to the one that led to the People's Action Party's victory in 1959, choosing representatives to govern the country.
• Observing national parades or singing the national anthem, 'Majulah Singapura', connects to the historical introduction of these symbols in 1959, which were designed to unite the nation.
• Local government ministries, such as the Ministry of Education or the Ministry of Health, continue the work started by the newly self-governing administration in 1959, managing essential public services.

Assessment Ideas

Exit Ticket

Provide students with three slips of paper. Ask them to write one new power Singapore gained in 1959 on the first slip, one reason Lee Kuan Yew's election was significant on the second, and one function of a national symbol on the third. Collect and review.

Quick Check

Display images of the Singapore Flag, State Crest, and a picture of Lee Kuan Yew. Ask students to write down one sentence for each image explaining its connection to the 1959 self-government event. Review answers as a class.

Discussion Prompt

Pose the question: 'If you were designing a new national symbol for Singapore today, what would it represent and why?' Facilitate a brief class discussion, encouraging students to connect their ideas to the purpose of the symbols introduced in 1959.

Frequently Asked Questions

What changed for Singapore in 1959?

In 1959, Singapore gained 'full internal self-government.' This meant that for the first time, all the members of the government were elected by Singaporeans, and they had the power to make all the decisions about things inside Singapore, like schools, hospitals, and housing.

Who was the first Prime Minister of Singapore?

Lee Kuan Yew became the first Prime Minister in 1959 after his party, the People's Action Party (PAP), won the election. He led the government that began the work of building modern Singapore.

How can active learning help students understand the 1959 self-government?

Active learning, like the 'Symbol Secrets' investigation, helps students connect with the 'soul' of the nation. By researching the meaning of the flag and anthem, they understand that these aren't just decorations but symbols of our shared values. This builds a sense of pride and belonging that is much stronger than just memorizing facts.

What do the five stars on the Singapore flag represent?

The five stars represent the five ideals of the nation: Democracy, Peace, Progress, Justice, and Equality. The crescent moon represents a young nation on the rise. These symbols were chosen in 1959 to show the world what the new Singapore stood for.