Science

Department Vision:

Our vision is to inspire an innovative learning environment where students are empowered to explore, create, and seek solutions to real-world problems. Moving beyond content knowledge, we foster a culture of curiosity and critical thinking. 

Our teachers, as a collaborative team across the disciplines of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, guide students in applying scientific concepts to address local and global challenges. We strive to cultivate scientifically literate individuals who are equipped to make informed decisions and contribute responsibly to the future of Singapore and the world.

Teaching and Learning Approaches:

Our teaching and learning approach foster critical, adaptive and inventive thinking skills through a multi-modality framework. This is achieved by:

Inquiry-Based Learning:
Students engage actively in their learning by posing questions, forming hypotheses, and refining their ideas through experiments and observations. This approach not only nurtures curiosity but also deepens their conceptual understanding, cultivating an appreciation for the scientific method.

Context-Based Problem Solving:
Science becomes relevant when students apply their knowledge to discuss and address real-world challenges. Our curriculum is designed to challenge students to think critically and apply scientific concepts to novel situations. This enhances their problem-solving abilities and prepares them for learning beyond the classroom.

Collaborative Learning:
Learning is a shared journey of building knowledge. Students work closely with their peers, exchanging ideas and building on each other’s insights. Through discussions with peers, facilitated by teachers, they co-construct knowledge, strengthening their scientific reasoning and communication skills.

Discussion of Socio-scientific Issues:
Science shapes our world. By exploring current global issues such as climate change, renewable energy, and medical advancements, students critically assess the benefits and consequences of scientific progress. The group-based discussions and class presentations will heighten the awareness for responsible and ethical thinking about science’s impact in Singapore and in the world.

Key Programmes:

1. Science Cohort Learning Journey

Every year, the department organises learning journeys for specific cohorts of students. This allows students to further build their curiosity in the subject and appreciate the application of scientific concepts in our daily life. 

2. Singapore Junior Science Olympiads (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)

To stretch the potential of our high ability science students, we provide them with the opportunity to participate in the Singapore Junior Chemistry, Biology, and Physics Olympiads. Through these competitions, students will explore concepts beyond the school syllabus, sharpen their problem-solving skills, and apply their knowledge to tackle challenging scientific problems.

3. Singapore Youth STEM Fair (SYSF)

For our lower secondary students who are passionate about science, they have the exciting opportunity to participate in the Singapore Youth STEM Fair (SYSF), a national competition promoting inquiry, innovation, and problem-solving in STEM. Evolving from the Singapore Youth Science Fair, it encourages students to explore real-world challenges through investigative research and prototyping. 

4. National STEM Championship (NSC)

The National STEM Championship (NSC) challenges Year 3 students to apply scientific knowledge and problem-solving skills in real-world contexts. Through interdisciplinary STEM challenges, they develop innovation, critical thinking, and teamwork while tackling complex global issues. Participation nurtures resilience and prepares them for future STEM pursuits.

5. Alternative Assessment (AA) 

Science AA at Year 2 and Year 3 are intentionally designed to develop and assess Emerging 21st Century Competencies.