Science
Department Vision
Guided by the principle that every child can learn and excel, and its vision - Inquiring Mind and Innovative Spirit - the Science Department constantly seeks to improve on the quality of interaction between the teacher and the learner, to bring out the best in our students. Based on the unique needs, aspirations and abilities of our students, differentiated programmes are designed and conducted to excite our students and help them to develop not just scientific knowledge and skills, but also acquire lifeskills and the values, attitudes and mindsets that will serve them well in life.
Department Members
Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment
Our Science curriculum framework was derived from Ministry of Education’s Policy Framework for the teaching and learning of Science which seeks to inculcate and nurture the spirit of inquiry and curiosity. This framework guides us in designing and crafting our lesson packages and enrichment program to provide an authentic learning experience for our students as well as develop the desired thinking dispositions in them and during the process bring about Joy of Learning for Science.
Our Science curriculum takes into consideration the different learning experiences for our students. Teachers are guided by the core ideas and essential question when they plan and deliver their lessons. We adopt the 5E Instructional Model to plan an inquiry-oriented student-centric lesson. Teachers are equipped with a repertoire of teaching strategies to cater to the different learning profile of the students. Examples of the teaching pedagogies used include teacher-directed learning, Socratic questioning, Making Thinking Visible routines, collaborative learning, flipped classroom, peer teaching, oral presentation, Cornell note-taking, mind mapping and the use of games for learning.
Our department also believes in using varied mode of assessments, ranging from oral presentations to projects to practical and written papers, to provide a holistic assessment of our students. Formative assessment in the form of quizzes and model making are also used to provide information of the extent of learning, understanding of concepts and mastery of skills.
Teaching & Learning - Science
Signature STEM ExCEL Programme
Our STEM ExCEL Programme is an enrichment programme that aims to strengthen the interest and capabilities of our students in STEM. We want our students to be curious about the world around them, to think creatively and critically in solving problems and to be concerned citizens who make positive difference to the life of others.
Secondary 1 - STEM Exploration
In their 1st year, students are exposed to different fields in STEM through a variety of activities as shown below. These activities also allow students to gain better understanding of the applications of the three science disciplines and enhance their awareness of STEM careers.
(a) Show & Tell
(b) Choice of learning journey to Science Centre (DNA & Life/ DNA in Forensic Science/Flight Crash Course/Molecular Gastronomy) (from 2023 onwards)
(c) STEM learning experience during lessons (from 2023 onwards)
(d) UNTAME Event @ Science Centre
(e) Student-Initiated Learning – STEM-infused Science Module (from 2023 onwards)
(f) Competitions for selected students (Science Buskers Festivals)
Secondary 2 – STEM Connection
In their 2nd year, students will have enhanced learning experience through relating STEM to science, technology, society, and environment as shown below. In their learning experience, they will apply scientific concept and design thinking principles to solve various tasks
(a) Learning Journey to Sungei Buloh and Sustainable Singapore Gallery (from 2023 onwards)
(b) Growing sustainable edibles (from 2023 onwards)
(c) STEM learning experience during lessons (from 2023 onwards)
(d) Student-Initiated Learning – STEM-infused Science Module (from 2023 onwards)
(e) Competitions for selected students (Science Buskers Festivals & International C.B. Paul Science Quiz)
Secondary 3 – STEM Empowerment
In their 3rd year, students will be empowered through their participation in advanced STEM workshops, learning journeys and competitions. These workshops and competitions aim to
- inculcate key science process skills such as scientific literacy, data representation, knowledge presentation, and
- engage students in purposeful conversations on STEM and innovate meaningful solutions to STEM challenges
The workshops and competitions include:
(a) Big Science Challenge
(b) Visit to Blood bank (from 2023 onwards)
(c) Amgen Lab workshop (from 2023 onwards)
(d) Choice of competitions/challenge
- SISTEMIC – (from 2023 onwards)
- National STEM Championship (from 2023 onwards)
- NUS Chem-dot-Comm Challenge
- Singapore National Crystal Growing challenge
- The Genetic Modification Advisory Committee (GMAC) challenge
- Science Buskers Festivals (from 2023 onwards)
(e) Student-Initiated Learning – STEM-infused Science Module (from 2023 onwards)
[Group 1 - Lok Yi , Anya, York Yin, Yun Xuan
Group 2 - Valerie, Li Ting, Yongde, Zi Le
Secondary 4/5 – STEM for Life
In their graduating year, students will have the opportunities to continue to visit museum, laboratory in higher institutions and workshops to be engaged in meaningful learning and exploration to delve deeper into the world of STEM. They include:
(a) NUS Demo Lab
(b) NUS Anatomy Museum (from 2023)
(c) NJC Expedition Series (from 2023)
In addition, they will consolidate their 4/5 years of STEM-infused science experience in their portfolio which will be useful in their admission to their choice of post-secondary institutions.