National Education

At GESS, National Education (NE) nurtures students who are proud of Singapore and have a strong sense of belonging to our nation. Through meaningful learning experiences, students deepen their understanding of Singapore’s history, realities and challenges, develop informed perspectives on local and global issues, and are empowered to contribute actively to the school, community and nation.

Last updated 26 July 2026

Infographic titled National Education describing its three goals for students in Singapore, launched in 1997.

Four-quadrant chart listing Singapore's Key Citizenship Dispositions: Belonging, Reality, Hope, and Will to Act.

Changing Contexts of NE

Existing and emerging social, political and economic trends in our national and global contexts over the last decade have necessitated a review of our approach to NE. These trends have the potential to influence how our students perceive and understand issues that impact Singapore:

Changing Demographics: Rising number of elderly citizens, more diverse resident and
student population profile;
Evolving socio-political climate: A more informed population wanting greater say in
political and social matters, greater exchange of ideas through social media, and
emergence of civic advocacy groups;
Disruptions are occurring more quickly: Shifting attitudes towards globalisation and
foreign relations; technological shifts impacting our economy, society and ways of life.

NE provides opportunities for our students to explore and examine their identity as Singaporeans and arrive at a common set of ideals and values. In view of the changing local and global
contexts, NE has to be empowering, aspirational and inspire all of us to take collective ownership of our future as a nation.

Design of Students' NE Experiences

Through CCE Lessons which provide the time for teachers to engage and build relationship with their students through explicit values-teaching and contemporary issues discussions.
Through Key Student Development Experiences which contribute towards the holistic development of our students. These include:
Across various subjects such as Social Studies, History, Science, Music and Art - where learning of content knowledge also provides opportunities for exploration into national identity, contemporary issues as well as Singapore's constraints and vulnerabilities.
Daily Routines such as Everyday Responsibilities and the Flag-raising Ceremony are also infused with NE. Through Everyday Responsibilities, student develop a sense of responsibility and care for their own and shared spaces through daily cleaning and adapting sustainability practices in school and at home. During the Flag-raising Ceremony, our students sing the National Anthem and take the National Pledge to reinforce the values we stand for as a nation.

About NE Commemorative Days

National Education (NE) Commemorative Days are linked to defining moments in Singapore's history. Besides classroom lessons, schools can customise learning activities to create holistic learning experiences for our students.

The four NE Commemorative Days are in the table below.