Introduction

The Humanities and Social Sciences Research Programme (Secondary) (HSSRP) is jointly organised by the Gifted Education Branch, Curriculum Planning and Development Division, Ministry of Education, and the higher institutions. 

Objective

The HSSRP aims to provide participants with the opportunity to engage in research under the guidance of mentors in the various fields in the Humanities and Social Sciences.

Its aims are to:

• extend and deepen participants’ understanding of the individual and society through an examination of human experiences and interactions in the fields of the Humanities and Social Sciences;

• equip participants with knowledge of research methods used in the Humanities and Social Sciences;

• develop an awareness of the social responsibilities and ethics of researchers and commitment to use research for the greater good;

• develop participants’ skills in communication, interpretation, linking and synthesising domains of knowledge, and imbuing facts with meaning and value; and

• nurture in participants a passion for independent learning.

Programme Description

This programme comprises five components.

1. Mentorship Attachment
   This is the period when participants work with their mentors on projects proposed by the mentors or projects that have been crafted by the participants. Mentors and participants will meet for discussions for a minimum of three contact hours (excluding correspondences and editing of reports)

2. Research Workshop
   Participants attend a series of research workshops in the course of the mentorship. At these workshops, participants are given the opportunity to gain new research skills and knowledge from trainers and peers through hands-on activities and sharing.

3. Project Review
   The Project Review provides participants with the opportunity to present their papers to a Review Panel.

4. Symposium
   This Symposium offers selected participants the opportunity to communicate their research findings to others.

5. Publication of Project Papers
   At the end of the mentorship period, participants will submit their papers to their teacher-mentors and expert-mentors for vetting and approval for publication.
   The Publication offers a platform for selected participants to share their research findings.

Target Group

The programme is open to Year 3 and 4 students from School-Based Gifted Education (SBGE) and Integrated Programme (IP) schools, who demonstrate outstanding aptitude and ability in specific Humanities subjects.

Each year, the top 1 -3% of Year 2 & Year 3 Humanities students will be invited to join this programme to further their interests in the Humanities.