Parents’ Learning Festival 2017

(4 March 2017 )

Humanities Sharing Session

PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017 (Parent's Learning Festival)

Welcome & Introduction

Ms Reena Kaur

Relevance of the Humanities today

The Humanities Subjects Helping our children make

sense of the Humanities Literature

Geography Mrs Neera Vijay

Social Studies / LORMs Ms Intan / Ms Audrey Chia

Survey

Programme

PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017 (Parent's Learning Festival)

Ms Reena KaurHead of Department –

Humanities

Mrs Neera VijaySubject Head – Humanities

Ms Audrey ChiaSenior Teacher – History

Ms Noor IntanSubject Co-ordinator – Social

Studies

Introduction to Personnel

PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017 (Parent's Learning Festival)

Humanities in PLMGSS

(Graduating Class 2017)

Combined Humanities

(Compulsory)

Social Studies + Elective

Geography

Social Studies + Elective

Literature

Pure Humanities

Pure Geography

Pure Literature

PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017 (Parent's Learning Festival)

Helping our children succeed in the Humanities ….

…Expectations of the Humanities Subjects?

Content heavy

Knowledge of Current

Issues (Local)

Skills based

Knowledge of Current

Issues (International)Make a stand &

support with evidence

PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017 (Parent's Learning Festival)

Helping our children succeed in the Humanities ….

Create Structures

1. Give them the space & environment to study

2. Help them to settle to a structure / routine for

revision

Engage them

3. Watch the news with them…

4. Discuss issues with them …. (eg. at the dinner

table) Let them share their opinions.

5. Go through their answers with them

PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017 (Parent's Learning Festival)

Helping our children succeed in the Humanities ….

Make Links to Life. Effects & role of…

• International Community

• National Policies

• Community… Family… Self

PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017 (Parent's Learning Festival)

Syllabus Onlinewww.seab.gov.sg

PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017 (Parent's Learning Festival)

LITERATURE

PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017 (Parent's Learning Festival)

ASSESSMENT

ELECTIVE LITERATUREPaper Type of

PaperSection A Section B Duration Marks Weighting

4 LiteratureElective

Set Text(Novel)

Unseen Prose & Poetry

1h 40m 50 50 %

PURE LITERATUREPaper Type of Paper Section A Duration Marks Weighting

1 Same as above2 Drama Set Text 1h 30m 50 50%

PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017 (Parent's Learning Festival)

SUBJECT CONTENTSection A:

Set Text (25%)

Students will read one set text (Novel) and answer onepassage-based or one essay question. There will be achoice of one passage-based question and two essayquestions.

Section B: Unseen Prose & Poetry (25%)

There are no prescribed texts. There will be twoquestions, one on unseen prose and one on unseen poem.Students will answer one question. There are two parts toeach question.

Paper 2Drama (50%)

Students will read one set text (Drama). One passage-based and two essay questions will be set.They will answer one compulsory passage-based question and one essay question. PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017

(Parent's Learning Festival)

How to write a good essay?

P Point Answer the question directly(Topic statement)

E Elaborate On your answer above

E Evidence Quotes / Paraphrase / Details

E Explain relevance of Quote

Show how your Evidence helps to support the Point that you are trying to make

L Link to Point Link all your points back to the argument of the essay

*Optional: Add in your own personal remarkPLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017

(Parent's Learning Festival)

How can your children study for Literature?

• Read the novel ‘The Joy Luck Club’ and the play ‘Julius Caesar’ (Pure Literature only) closely again (and again) and do an analysis of the characters and themes.

• Write out important quotes and memorise them.

• Go online and read up on the set text (novel/play). There are many good websites that do an analysis of the novel. Pay close attention to character analysis and themes.

• Go through your test papers and understand in which areas they need improvement.

• Pure Lit: Complete reading and annotating the entire play ‘Julius Caesar’ and work on the grey box questions for the Acts that have not been completed.

PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017 (Parent's Learning Festival)

GEOGRAPHY

PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017 (Parent's Learning Festival)

2236 Full Geog O levelP1 (50%)50 marks

1hr 40min

Section A (25%) 25 MARKS1 Structured question on GI will be set based on the following topics:- Coasts- Tourism Can be topic-specific or combination of topics. No more than 10 parts, including sub-parts. COMPULSORY question.

Section B (25%) 25 MARKS2 structured questions will be set based on the following topics:- Coasts - Tourism1 topic- specific question, the other on a combination of topics. No more than 5 parts. Answer 1 question ONLY. LORMS PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017

(Parent's Learning Festival)

2236 Full Geog O level

P2 (50%)

50 marks

1hr 30min

Section A (25%) 25 MARKS

2 Structured questions will be set based on the following

topics:

-Living with tectonic hazards

-Weather and climate

1 topic- specific question, the other on a combination of

topics. Answer 1 question ONLY. No more than 5 parts,

including sub-parts.

Section B (25%) 25 MARKS

2 structured questions will be set based on the following

topics:

-Food resources

-Health and diseases

1 topic- specific question, the other on a combination of

topics. Answer 1 question ONLY. No more than 5 parts,

including sub-parts. LORMSPLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017 (Parent's Learning Festival)

E.GEOG O-Levels [2267/02]Duration:

1 hr 40min

50 marks, 50%

Section A:[13%]

2 structured questions on Geographical Investigations [s3] on

Tourism [s4]/ Weather & changing climate [s3]

Answer 1 question.

Section B: [12%]

2 structured questions on Tourism/ Weather & changing climate.

1 FULL QUESTION & 1 MIXED TOPICS QUESTION.

Answer 1 question only.

Section C: [25%]2 structured questions on Geography of food [s4]/ living with

tectonic hazards [s3]1 FULL QUESTION, 1 MIXED TOPICS QUESTION.Answer 1 question only.

PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017 (Parent's Learning Festival)

N Levels 2246 Geography

PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017 (Parent's Learning Festival)

N Levels 2246 Geography

PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017 (Parent's Learning Festival)

Fieldwork Questions- Candidates must answer one out of two questions

on fieldwork studies.

- Questions test the methodology ofquestionnaires, observation, counts,measurement techniques, and may involvedeveloping hypotheses. The processing,presentation and analysis of data will be testedtoo.

PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017 (Parent's Learning Festival)

Levels of Descriptors Marking Questions

LODM- Geography

PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017 (Parent's Learning Festival)

They consist of: • A sentence that tests the syllabus content and

issues

• A command word or phrase such as ‘evaluate’ or ‘assess’ that demands the students to pass a judgment or make a justification

‘Hard engineering methods to protect the coast are more effective than soft engineering methods.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain why. [8]

PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017 (Parent's Learning Festival)

‘O’ Levels

• Hard engineering methods to protect the coast are more effective than soft engineering methods.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain why. [8]

PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017 (Parent's Learning Festival)

What is meant by ‘balance’?• Present both sides of the argument and an

evaluative statement.

• For example, after a detailed description of points on the successes and limitations of a point/ factor/ strategy, students are required to pass a judgment on whether the point/ factor/ strategy has been fully able to solve or mitigate the issue and why.

PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017 (Parent's Learning Festival)

Expectations of Students• To be attentive in class

• To read ahead and read after various topics done in class

• To make meaning of what they have learnt and make own notes/mindmap/concept maps

• Approach teachers to clarify concepts/understand how to answer questions

• Go through marked work and understand areas to be improved

• Practise questions within a specific time

PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017 (Parent's Learning Festival)

How can parents support at home?• Students to be more aware of current events –

Eg latest earthquakes, discovery of a new continent, encourage them to read up and find out more

• More questions require students to use their critical thinking skills moving beyond from the knowledge level – encourage them to practise on their own, read and discuss with them current events

• Create a conducive space for the students to do their work

PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017 (Parent's Learning Festival)

Paper No. 2267/1 (4E/5N)

Paper No. 2120/1 (4NA-level)

Combined Humanities

(Social Studies)

PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017 (Parent's Learning Festival)

Short Introduction of SS• Aim of SS

– Developing students into informed, concerned and participative citizens, competent in decision-making with an impassioned spirit to contribute responsibly to the society and world they live in.

– Social Studies Syllabus Document available on www.seab.gov.sg

PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017 (Parent's Learning Festival)

Content

• Issues in SS Syllabus

– 2.5 Issues for the N-level

– 3 Issues for the O-level

• Each Issue has a Inquiry Focus

PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017 (Parent's Learning Festival)

Issues and Inquiry Focus in SSIssues (As in TB) Inquiry Focus N & O-levels

Issue 1: Exploring

Citizenship and

Governance

Working for the

Good of Society:

Whose Responsibility

Is It?

Ch 1 What Does it mean for Me to Be a Citizen of My

Country?

Ch 2 How Do We Decide What Is Good for Society?

Ch 3 How Can We Work for the Good of Society?

Issue 2: Living a

Diverse Society

Living in a Diverse

Society: Is Harmony

Achievable?

Ch 4 What is Diversity?

Ch 5 Why is There Greater Diversity in Singapore Now?

Ch 6 What Are the Experiences and Effects of Living in a

Diverse Society?

Ch 7 How Can We Respond in a Diverse Society?

Issue 3: Being Part

of a Globalised

World

Being Part of a

Globalised World: Is

it Necessarily Good?

Ch 8 What Does it Mean to L:ive in a Globalised World?

Ch 9 How Do We Respond to Tensions Arising From Some

Economic Impacts of Globalisation?

(N-Level Students are tested up till here)

Ch 10 How Do We Respond to Tensions Arising From Some

Cultural Impacts of Globalisation?

Ch 11 How Do We Respond to Tensions Arising From Some

Security Impacts of Globalisation? PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017

(Parent's Learning Festival)

Assessment in SS

• Paper comprises 2 sections:

– Source-Based Case Study (SBCS) which consists of Source-Based Questions (SBQs)

– Structured-Response Question (SRQ)

PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017 (Parent's Learning Festival)

Assessment in SS

• Section A: (35 marks)

• Source-Based Case Study (SBCS) which consists of Five Source-Based Questions (SBQ)

• Section B: (15 marks)

• One Structured-Response Question (SRQ) which consists of Part a) and Part b)

• Total marks for paper: 50 marks

• 1 hr 45 mins

PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017 (Parent's Learning Festival)

Section A: Source-Based Case Study (SBCS)

• One main issue / topic / focus

• 5 compulsory questions related to main issue / topic / focus

– E.g. 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e

E.g.

How far have Singaporeans welcomed foreign manpower into the country?

(a) Study Source A

Do you think the cartoonist supported the policy of using foreign

manpower in Singapore? Explain your answer, using details of the

cartoonPLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017

(Parent's Learning Festival)

Section A: Source-Based Questions (SBQ)

• Look at sources given to answer questions

• Each question tests for a particular skill(s)

– Inference skill

– Comparison skill

– Reliability skill

– Usefulness skill

– Proving skill

– Surprise skill

– Synthesis

– Mixed skill (Combination)

PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017 (Parent's Learning Festival)

Section B: Structured-Response Questions (SRQ)

• The compulsory structured-response question will be set on any of the three Issues in the syllabus.

• For Part a), 1 Extract will be given and students are to answer to the extract using their own knowledge.

E.g. In your opinion, what can be done to facilitate constructive feedback on government policies? Explain your answer using one/two ways.

Extract 1:

Singaporeans can provide feedback to the government…

PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017 (Parent's Learning Festival)

Section B: Structured-Response Questions (SRQ)

• For Part b), 2 Extracts will be given and students are to answer to the extract using what they have learnt in the textbook.

E.g. Do you think NGOs have a more important role to play than individuals in working for the good of society? Explain your answer.

Extract 2:

Individuals play important

roles in contributing towards

the good of society…

Extract 3:

Non-governmental

organisations (NGOs) are

groups formed by people with

a common interest…

PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017 (Parent's Learning Festival)

Level Of Response Marking Scheme(LORMS)

• Award marks according to LEVEL of skills or UNDERSTANDING shown in the answer

• Answer marks for QUALITY of answer

• NO FIXED LORMS

• For SBQ, answers given are to be substantiated/supported

(i.e. evidence from the source must be provided)

PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017 (Parent's Learning Festival)

P-E-E Method (for SBQs)

Point– Answer the question directly to the Point

Evidence– Provide phrases from the source to support your

Point

Explanation/Elaboration– Give reasons why you stated the Point– Explain how the Evidence supports the Point

*Cross-Reference (only for certain SBQ skills)– Use other sources to support Point and explanation

PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017 (Parent's Learning Festival)

P-E-E-F-O Method (for SRQs)Point– Answer the question directly to the Point

Example– Provide specific examples to help in explanation

Explanation/Elaboration– Give reasons why you stated the Point– Explain how the Evidence supports the Point

Feelings– How will the people involved be affected?

Outcomes– What will happen as a result?PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017

(Parent's Learning Festival)

SS O-Level 2010

1 (a) Study Source A.What can you tell from this source about the Mumbai terrorist attacks? Explain your answer, using details from the source. [5]

Come up with 2 possible inferences (in point form)

PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017 (Parent's Learning Festival)

Source A: From an eyewitness account of the attack on the main railway station.

I run one of the biggest eating places at Mumbai’s main railway station. I was sitting

upstairs tending to my customers when I first spotted two smart-looking young men stroll

up to the front of my restaurant. They dumped two bags on the floor. One man took out a

gun and began shooting indiscriminately. The bullets damaged the glass walls of my

restaurants and hit one of my employees. I saw the men walking up the station, shooting

all the way, and people falling everywhere. There were so calm, composed and arrogant.

They had the confidence of those who know no fear and knew there would be no

resistance.

The police came after half an hour, made enquiries and left. Nobody had stopped the men

who shot scores of people and walked away. It’s a scary thought. There is no security left in

India. There is no value on life.

PROVENANCE

SOURCE CONTENT

PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017 (Parent's Learning Festival)

Source Possible inference

‘about the Mumbai

terrorist attacks’

They dumped two bags on the floor.

One man took out a gun and began

shooting indiscriminately.

Terrorists had no

specific targets

The bullets damaged the glass walls

of my restaurants and hit one of my

employees.

Causalities and

property damaged

I saw the men walking up the station,

shooting all the way, and people

falling everywhere.

Terrorists were

cruel/brutal

PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017 (Parent's Learning Festival)

Source Possible inference

‘about the Mumbai

terrorist attacks’

There were so calm, composed and

arrogant. They had the confidence of

those who know no fear and knew

there would be no resistance.

Attacks were well-

planned

The police came after half an hour,

made enquiries and left. Nobody had

stopped the men who shot scores of

people and walked away.

The authorities did

not deal with the

situation effectively

It’s a scary thought. There is no security

left in India. There is no value on life.India is unsafe

PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017 (Parent's Learning Festival)

What can you tell from this source about the Mumbai terrorist attacks? Explain your answer, using details from the source.

Terrorists had no specific targets / Terrorists

were cruel/brutal

Causalities and property damaged

Attacks were well-planned

The authorities did not deal with the situation

effectively

India is unsafe

Rank the answers

Nature of the

attacks

PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017 (Parent's Learning Festival)

How to help your child develop Social Studies skills?

• Find opportunities to converse with them about any topics of interest (current affairs, news, television, radio etc)

• e.g. Cross Island Line, Parliamentary Debates, Racial & Religious Harmony/Policies in Singapore, Economic Growth/Downturn, Terrorism

• Ask them to justify their views / perspectives

It is this process of justification that ignites the critical thinking that goes behind their views.

Keep an open mind and be willing to listen to what they have to say.

Agree to disagree.PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017

(Parent's Learning Festival)

PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017 (Parent's Learning Festival)

FEEDBACK FOR PLMGSS PARENTS’ LEARNING FESTIVAL 2017

(UPPER SECONDARY-HUMANITIES)

https://tinyurl.com/PL-PLF-FB-17-HS-Hum

PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017 (Parent's Learning Festival)

PLMGSS - Humanities Sharing 2017 (Parent's Learning Festival)

THANK YOU!

Have a restful weekend.