National Education

National Education

National Education (NE) is a key part of Character & Citizenship Education at Haig Girls’, guided by our 2E2R approach—Explicit Teaching, Experience, Reflection, and Role-Modelling. Focused on Head, Heart, and Hands, NE nurtures active, concerned citizens who use their knowledge and skills to serve others. Our CCE Ambassadors lead by example through a By Pupils For Pupils approach, supporting school-wide NE efforts and reinforcing key values and citizenship dispositions.

National Education Aims

Social Studies

Social Studies helps students explore real-world issues, develop critical thinking, and appreciate diverse perspectives. Through inquiry-based learning and authentic learning experiences, students deepen their understanding of Singapore’s identity and global interconnectedness. Museum-based learning (MBL) experiences, including visits to art museums and historical sites, further enrich this by connecting students to Singapore's cultural heritage. These experiences complement the curriculum, encouraging reflection on themes like multiculturalism and social change, and empowering students to become informed, empathetic, and active citizens.

Students on a museum-based learning journey exploring the past to understand the present.

Students on a museum-based learning journey exploring the past to understand the present.

Students engaged in group discussions during their Social Studies lesson

NE Core Events

Beyond formal Character and Citizenship Education lessons, the four National Education (NE) Commemorative Days – Total Defence Day, International Friendship Day, Racial Harmony Day, and National Day – form key student development experiences. These events are anchored in defining moments of Singapore’s history and provide meaningful opportunities for students to learn, reflect, and deepen their sense of identity and belonging. Through these commemorations, students are encouraged to apply their learning and play an active role in shaping a caring, cohesive, and resilient society.

Total Defence Day

Total Defence Day is commemorated to highlight the importance of unity and resilience in the face of challenges. Students are immersed in a journey to reflect on Singapore’s past, consider its future, and examine the role they can play in shaping what lies ahead. Through classroom discussions and hands-on activities, students explore how Singapore responds to crises and learn that keeping the nation safe is a shared responsibility. These experiences reinforce the importance of working together and being prepared for challenges. In the lead-up to the commemoration, students are also provided with resources such as Kindsville Times and A-OK! to encourage meaningful conversations at home about resilience and preparedness.

Students learnt the importance of resilience and collective responsibility during Total Defence Day.

Students learnt how to respond to unexpected challenges during a simulated power disruption in class.

Students learnt life-saving CPR skills, empowering them to help in emergencies.

International Friendship Day

International Friendship Day (IFD) is commemorated at HGS to highlight the importance of international cooperation and Singapore’s global engagement. Through activities such as READ@HGS, a Dondang Sayang performance, and CCE (FTGP) IFD lessons, students deepen their understanding of Singapore’s regional ties, develop cross-cultural competencies, and appreciate the spirit of collaboration. Recess activities further provide opportunities for students to explore the cultures of ASEAN member states, strengthening awareness of Singapore’s place in the region. Collectively, these experiences cultivate a spirit of friendship, openness, and respect for cultural diversity, preparing students to engage confidently in an increasingly interconnected world.

As part of our efforts to promote foreigner-local integration, the school designs experiences to foster mutual understanding and appreciation among students from different cultural backgrounds. In 2025, students visited Kampong Buangkok to learn more about Singapore’s history and heritage, encouraging meaningful interactions between local and ISPR students, building mutual trust, and deepening their appreciation for the country they now call home, while promoting the spirit of friendship and collaboration.

International Friendship Day assembly programme.

Students learnt more about our neighbouring countries.

Students participated in hands-on activities during recess.

As part of our efforts to promote foreign-local integration, the school designed experiences to foster mutual understanding and appreciation among students from different cultural backgrounds. This year, students visited Kampong Buangkok to learn more about Singapore’s history and heritage, encouraging meaningful interactions between local and ISPR students, building mutual trust, and deepening their appreciation for the country they now call home, while promoting the spirit of friendship and collaboration.

Students visited Kampong Buangkok to learn about Singapore’s history.

Hands-on learning in action as students engaged in activities during the Kampong Buangkok experience.

2025 International Students and P6 CCE Ambassadors fostering friendship and collaboration.

Racial Harmony Day

Theme: Our People, Our Tapestry

We commemorate Racial Harmony Day (RHD) each year on 21 July to mark the anniversary of the 1964 race riots. On this day, students reflect on and celebrate Singapore’s harmonious society, built on a rich diversity of cultures and the collective effort to promote social cohesion. Through various activities, students engage with peers from different races and religions, reinforcing the message that all people in Singapore are treated equally regardless of race or religion. These experiences encourage appreciation for the diverse cultures that make up our nation.

Students performed "Chan Mali Chan" during RHD assembly.

Students participated in hands-on activities, learning to accept and appreciate one another.

Through traditional games and stories, students engaged in activities deepening their understanding of friends from different races and religions in Singapore.

National Day

Schools commemorate National Day on 8 August to mark Singapore’s independence in 1965. At Haig Girls, we celebrate this milestone by instilling the values of active citizenship and gratitude in our students. As part of the Bags of Blessings initiative, students engage in outreach to various community groups, learning the importance of giving back. Read more about VIA (BoBs & ER). Additionally, our Parents Support Group organizes a charity book drive, with proceeds supporting students in need.

A key part of the Primary 5 student development experience is the NE Show, where all Primary 5 students are invited to attend this preview of the National Day Parade, deepening their connection to the nation’s heritage and values.

Students look forward to the NE commemorative events, which help to deepen students' understanding of Singapore's history, values, and their role as active citizens. Through these events, students develop a strong sense of national identity, resilience, and an appreciation for Singapore's diverse and harmonious society.

Sang songs close to our hearts at the National Day assembly.

Folks from Geylang East for the Aged sang and danced along at our National Day celebration.

Students shared a warm breakfast with our community guests.

Students spread joy with National Day bags at Serene Nursing Home.

Our class was ready for National Day with BoBs and colorful bunting!

PSG Book Charity Drive, brought the joy of reading to all!

Values In Action

Service to the school and community, leadership roles and responsibilities, CCAs and group work are important experiences that we give our students, so that they can live out the school values in the process of serving others and working with one another. Read more about our HGS VIA Experiences VIA (BoBs & ER).