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Tanjong Katong Primary School

Citizenship Education

Discover how pupils develop national identity, cultural awareness and a sense of belonging.

Last updated 4 September 2026

Citizenship Dispositions

Four-quadrant diagram showing Citizenship Dispositions: Reality, Belonging, Hope, and Will To Act.

Key Programmes

  1. National Education Commemorative Events

Our commemorative days are linked to important points in Singapore’s history.

a) Total Defence Day (15 February)

During TDD, our pupils reflect on how Total Defence remains our best all-round response to threats and challenges (e.g. terrorism, pandemics, cyber attacks etc.) The TDD activities aim to encourage the pupils to play a greater role in Total Defence by showing them what they can do to contribute in big and small ways.

Students in uniform line up for food on the left; two girls present a slide titled Fake News on Terrorism on the right.

b) International Friendship Day (in April)

As a member of a global community of nations, we continue to leverage on Singapore’s geo-strategic position for economic growth as well as social and cultural cooperation, particularly with our ASEAN neighbours. Therefore, our IFD programme is designed to develop a better understanding of the people and cultures of countries in our region.

Four photos of a school cultural fair with children and adults at booths, doing artwork, and posing with drawings.

c) Racial Harmony Day (21 July)

RHD marks the anniversary of the 1964 racial riots. Our pupils commemorate RHD to celebrate Singapore as a harmonious society built on a rich diversity of cultures.

Adults and children doing craft activities at tables and on mats outdoors and indoors at a school event.

d) National Day (9 August)

National Day marks our separation from Malaysia in 1965, and our emergence as an independent country in a community of nations. Each year, we commemorate National Day by holding an observance ceremony for students to have a greater sense of the historical importance and solemnity of National Day.

Two scenes: scouts carrying a flag in a gymnasium, and two children with an adult speaking on a red-curtained stage.

  1. Infusion of National Education / Contemporary Issues in Subjects

While National Education is more commonly associated with Social Studies English and Mother Tongue, the students discuss contemporary issues across multiple subject areas which includes a more multi-dimensional and lively narrative.

  1. NE Ambassadors

During our morning flag-raising ceremony, NE Ambassadors lead the pledge in the respective classrooms. This helps to reinforce our shared value as a nation. Our NE Ambassadors also attend training and play an active role in our NE and community events. They are also trained as docents for our community trails.

Two masked students in uniform stand with hands on chests reciting the Singapore Pledge displayed on a classroom screen.

  1. Community Partnerships

-    Banners around Tanjong Katong

Our students are involved in the designing of community banners around the neighbourhood to raise awareness on social and environmental issues such as the Zika virus, Covid-19 and Stronger Together.

Two hand-drawn community banners in Singapore promoting unity and COVID-19 safety tips like washing hands and wearing masks.

- Arts Performances @ Community Events

- Heritage Trails for New Citizens in Mountbatten

  1. Overseas Cultural Immersion Programme (Surabaya and Beijing)

Our NE Ambassadors are appointed as buddies to our overseas guests from Elyon Christian School (Surabaya) and Da Chang Happy School (Beijing).

Two boys pose by a Heritage Gallery sign cutout; separately, five boys sit on the floor playing with colorful sticks.

In 2019, as part of our overseas cultural programme, our NE Ambassadors also went to Beijing to learn more about China’s rich history and culture.

Students from Tanjong Katong Primary School pose at an airport and at the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, 2019.

  1. P5 NE Show

Children in red shirts wave Singapore flags at a night event, and pose smiling in stadium seats.

  1. Home Period/ Assembly Show

Young students at green desks watch a projected video call showing two performers in a forest setting.

  1. Heritage Programme

A group of uniformed schoolchildren with backpacks stand in front of a Masjid Khalid sign while an adult photographs them.

Katong Heritage i-Trail at Masjid Khalid

Two masked children in school uniforms sit on the ground in front of a colorful mural of a street food vendor.

Students learning about the old trades in Singapore