All students experience Aesthetics & Applied Learning through Art, Dance, Food Studies, Maker and Music lessons in the lower secondary levels. These are platforms through which students develop a spirit of experimentation and exploration, confidence in communication, and an awareness of various cultural identities. The provision of arts education in applied settings contributes to the holistic development of each child.

Students who demonstrate a strong interest and inclination towards Art and Music are welcome to apply to join the Art Elective Programme (AEP) or Higher Music Programme (HMP) from Secondary 1 as an additional subject. AEP and HMP are part of the Talent Development Programmes offered at the school. Selection for consideration into these programmes include a selection test and a portfolio interview (for art) and audition (for music).

Art 

The lower secondary art curriculum at NYGH aims to extend and deepen learning experiences in tandem with the growth of students’ developmental capacities and interests. By providing exposure to artists, movements and various mediums of art, the curriculum cultivates an appreciation for art and facilitates the creation of artworks. Students are encouraged to respond with curiosity, engage in creative thinking, apply prior knowledge to novel contexts and cultivate the capacity to express and communicate their thoughts and inspirations visually. This approach promotes intellectual, emotional and social development; nurturing creativity with an emphasis on critical thinking, artistic expression and imagination through experiential learning.

At the end of Secondary 2, students demonstrating aptitude and passion for the subject may choose to apply for the Art Elective Programme (AEP) at the upper secondary level, subject to a selection process.

Dance

Being a Special Assistance Programme (SAP) School, part of our mission is to preserve Chinese values and traditions. Chinese Dance is hence integrated into the lower secondary Appreciation of Chinese Culture programme. Students will be introduced to different Chinese dance styles and techniques, and better appreciate the Chinese culture and dance as a form of identity. The dance curriculum further aims to develop the Nanyang girl to be elegant, graceful, poised and confident. It is a way for self and/or group expression, and serves as a communicable tool between the performer and audience.

Food Studies

The Food Studies curriculum is designed to empower students to be health-conscious and discerning consumers, helping them to better manage their present and future lives. Concepts of nutrition, meal planning, resource management, food safety, basic culinary science are integrated in the curriculum to support teaching and learning. The curriculum also aims to develop students with a growth mindset of making responsible choices and informed decisions for self, family and the community.

Maker

The Maker Programme for Lower Secondary students offers a dynamic and future-ready platform for experiential learning, grounded in the principles of Design Thinking. Through thoughtfully curated lessons and authentic project-based experiences, students engage deeply with STEAM — Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics — while exploring their creativity and curiosity.

Students develop essential 21st Century Competencies, including critical thinking, communication, collaboration and resilience. By applying the Design Thinking process, they learn to empathise with users, define meaningful problems, generate innovative ideas, prototype solutions and refine their creations through feedback.

Beyond building technical skills, the programme nurtures an innovative mindset and adaptability. Students gain confidence in navigating ambiguity, solving real-world problems and transforming ideas into impactful solutions. The Maker Programme empowers learners to become thoughtful creators, problem-solvers and changemakers in an ever-evolving world.

Music

The lower secondary music curriculum aims to enable students to express themselves confidently through music performance and creation, and develop in them an informed appreciation of a variety of musical cultures and styles. Students develop musical skills and understanding through active musical experiences and involvement in listening, performing, and creating processes individually and in groups. These include music-making in applied contexts such as Songwriting through a Pop Band component. This allows students to engage directly with the music they listen to and love. In the music classrooms, students are encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas, and to be involved in musical decision-making. The discipline develops in students critical thinking skills, social awareness, moral and cultural values, all of which contribute to the holistic development of a child.

The skills and confidence cultivated in the classroom are designed to extend beyond it, empowering students to become active contributors to the school's vibrant music culture. Students are given authentic platforms to showcase their creativity and musicianship, such as presenting their original compositions at the Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) Songwriting Presentation. They are also encouraged to bring music to their peers in informal settings through school busking, transforming the school premises into a shared musical space. Furthermore, regular participation in internal school concerts provides invaluable performance experience and fosters a strong sense of community and peer appreciation. Through these varied avenues, students not only apply the musical skills developed in lower secondary music but also play a direct role in shaping and enhancing the overall music culture of the school.

At the end of Secondary 2, students demonstrating sustained aptitude and passion for the subject may choose to apply to join the Higher Music Programme at the upper secondary level, subject to a selection process.