Throughout the term, Year 4 learners have been exploring how early migrant settlers shaped Singapore by focusing on the inquiry ‘Migration changes communities and places over time.’ They explored why different groups migrated to Singapore and the important contributions these pioneers made which still impact our society today.
As part of their Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) program, the Year 4 students recently went to the ‘Images of Singapore’ exhibition in Sentosa, enhancing their understanding of these historical ideas.
Tracing the Steps of Singapore's Founders
Susan Kelly, Year Leader wrote. The tour through the museum took us on a journey through significant historical moments.
We started in the jungle and soon met Stamford Raffles who was signing the treaty with Malaysia. From there we travelled past the lively post at Boat Quay and continued through a vibrant trading street where the early settlers mingled and traded. We walked through the devastation of the war years progressing through the period of Singapore’s merger with Malaysia and reliving the moment of Singapore’s Independence Day in 1965 through the lens of 1960s television screens.
We finally ended up in today’s high-tech Singapore with a boat ride through the iconic landmarks of modern Singapore.
Our excursion continued on the ‘Spirit of Singapore’ boat ride, sailing past iconic elements of Singapore’s modern cultural tapestry. From the iconic Marina Bay Sands to the Merlion and finishing with Singapore Airlines flying above – each holding a special place in Singaporean culture with roots in the island’s history.
Our trip concluded with an enchanting encounter with famous personalities at Madame Tussauds followed by the 4D Marvel movie show.
Reflecting on the Journey: A Celebration of Singapore's Cultural Heritage
The trip was an unforgettable and enlightening experience, immersing our learners in the rich tapestry of Singapore’s history. During this trip, learners developed their understanding of how ‘a knowledge of history helps us understand today’s world.
Hear it from our Year 4 learners:
‘I liked the ‘Spirit of Singapore’ boat ride best because I didn’t know what to expect. We saw all the important places in Singapore light up in front of our eyes.’
‘I liked the entrance to the ‘Images of Singapore’ exhibition because they made it feel like you were walking into a history book’.
‘I liked looking at the Chinese quarters in early Singapore. You could see how tough life was then. I also liked the trading street because it felt like you were back in early Singapore and you could see the different cultures beginning to mix together.’
A Note of Appreciation to Parents and Volunteers
The Year 4 team would like to extend a big ‘thank you’ to our parent volunteers who signed up and joined us on the trip.
About Susan Kelly, Year 4 Teacher and Year Leader:
Susan Kelly, an Education graduate from Westminster College, Oxford, has extensive teaching experience in diverse school settings in London, Kenya, Portugal, Vietnam, China, and Singapore. Each school offered a wealth of learning experiences broadening her understanding of effective teaching methodologies for children in varied environments.
