Academic Departments
Academic Departments
River Valley High School offers the 6-year Integrated Programme and our students undertake the ‘A’ Level curriculum. The curriculum is aimed at preparing students well for the rapidly changing world of the 21st century. Learn more about the current ‘A’ Level curriculum here.
Specific to RVHS, we customise and design our programme to provide a seamless development of RVians’ talent and potential to the fullest.
Science
The Science Department provides the skills, knowledge and platforms to enable students to develop scientific dispositions that support high-level research and understanding of natural phenomena. With a comprehensive programme that offers diversity while unifying core capacities to encourage curiosity, innovation and creativity, the Science curriculum aims to nurture tomorrow’s scientists, inventors and researchers for Singapore and beyond. Through subjects such as Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Computing and D&T (Design and Technology), and platforms such as the Science Leaders Academy and internships at high-end research facilities, a plethora of intellectual challenges are presented to students to extend their capabilities and interest in various scientific fields.
The six-year Biology curriculum in River Valley High School seeks to develop a scientific mind and disposition while addressing the broader questions of what life is and how life is sustained. Students will understand life at the cellular and molecular levels and make connections to how these micro-systems interact at the physiological and organismal levels. Emphasis is placed on the understanding and application of biological concepts and principles, stimulating interest in and demonstrating care for the local and global environment. Students who demonstrate interest in Biology are provided with opportunities to extend their learning through Biology Talent Class; research attachments with institutes of higher learning and healthcare sectors; and various enrichment programmes like Biology Olympiad and Biomedical Challenge. Through the variety of learning experiences, students will develop skills that will be of value in an increasingly complex and globalised world, be prepared for life science-related courses at university and, consequently, careers that are related to Biology.
Chemistry is the study of the structure, properties and transformation of matter. Students will learn how interactions of electrons, protons and neutrons can lead to a myriad of phenomena that impacts our daily lives. As a central science, Chemistry will encompass key elements of Physics concepts and principles as well as extend into applications in Biological systems. Students will learn how to traverse between macroscopic phenomena, sub-microscopic interactions and symbolic representations in order to develop a complete conceptual understanding of the Chemistry. A key tenet in the learning of Chemistry is centred around the use of models and representations to illustrate the chemical concepts. Practical sessions also provide an authentic context to see and relate Chemistry in real life. Beyond acquisition of a body of knowledge, the learning of Chemistry will include different Practices of Science, which will enable students to understand the nature of scientific knowledge, demonstrate science inquiry skills and relate Chemistry to society.
Computing studies in River Valley High School equip students with problem solving skills through development of computational thinking and computer science knowledge in the ever-changing world of emerging technologies. With alignment to the 21st century competencies and MOE computer education framework, junior high lessons are designed with emphasis on developing baseline competencies for ICT where students become ethical users and creators of technologies. For Senior High, students will understand the core concepts and practices of computer science which include algorithms, user interfaces, computer network, information database as well as system engineering. This prepares students for courses that are highly integrated with computation at university and encourages them to pursue careers that are highly relevant to the future of Singapore as a Smart Nation.
Physics develops in students the disciplinary thinking required to enlighten their curiosity and interest. Students undertake a wide variety of performance tasks, from investigative projects (such as designing a solar cooker or insulation for a cup of tea), to hands-on with laboratory apparatus, data loggers and video analysis of mechanics in action. They experience active learning structured throughout their six years with age-appropriate challenges, helping in their proximal and optimal development. In the first two years of experiencing Physics, students immerse in hands-on experiences with observable fun phenomena, from the basics of relating motion and forces, to looking at optical properties of lenses. Lessons are focused on building basic scientific techniques of measurement and analysis. From Years 3 to 6, students experience a progressive strengthening of fundamental concepts, investigative skills, deep analysis and problem solving, while being given opportunities to experience first-hand the applications of Physics and Engineering at the universities through workshops, seminars and research projects.
D&T education aims to nurture in our students a way of thinking and doing through designing and making. All students learn the design process which requires them to apply basic design and technology knowledge and design thinking skills. Students discuss their ideas, plans and progress with each other and work individually and in groups. Students also learn 3D-CAD software and handle simple hand tools and machines as well as 3D printers to help them realise their innovation ideas. All students also have opportunities to go through the Innovation Programme to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to view situations with empathy and in multiple perspectives so as to seek out and design innovating improvements to these situations. Through the process of design, the learner will also understand the need for cross disciplinary application and develop a set of attitudes that is critical for designing innovations.
Mathematics
The Mathematics Department aims to nurture thinking students and to inculcate in them intellectual curiosity, passion and confidence in mathematical problem-solving through purposeful learning experiences.
Students who exhibit high potential are channeled to the Mathematics Leaders Academy and/or the Infinity Programme where they undergo rigorous training in the Singapore Mathematical Olympiad. They also participate in learning journey, workshops and research mentored by academics from institutes of higher learning. Mathematics Leaders also have the opportunities to lead in major events organised for primary schools and RV.
To extend mathematics learning, the department brings students overseas to better understand the function of numeracy and logical derivations in various sectors such as finance and high-tech industries. To create further opportunities for students who want to be challenged on a different platform, the department also runs a research-based modules for interested Year 4 students. After a few introductory lessons, these students embark on an independent research under the mentorship of their teachers.
English Language
The English Department is committed to nurturing students who are strong and confident communicators: individuals who are thinkers, leaders, and achievers with a global perspective. We want our students to achieve the competencies that will allow them to thrive in the 21st century: critical and inventive thinking; communication, collaboration and information skills; civic literacy, global awareness, and cross-cultural skills.
In this light, the English Department has implemented a range of programmes to support students in their learning. In Years 1 and 2, students are exposed to rich texts that build empathy and cross-cultural understanding; in Years 3 and 4, students are stretched through complex texts that demand intellectual rigour and close reading; in Years 5 and 6, students broaden their perspective of the world and take ownership of their learning. Students who choose to take Literature are given the opportunity to study texts in-depth, and so doing, gain an understanding of genre, style, and context.
The English Department is a team of dedicated teachers who work together to achieve the best outcomes for our students through a commitment to pedagogical excellence and reflective practice.
Chinese Language
立化中学是一所集特选、综合课程及自治于一身的学校，肩负着为新加坡培养双语双文化人才的重要使命。通过学校精心设计的课程，以及参与相关的语文及文化活动，学生可以体会丰富多彩的华文文化，借此提升自身的内涵与修养。
中学课程
立化高级华文和文史课程
本校中学各年级所有学生皆修读高级华文，培养听说读写的能力；让学生通过研习优秀的文学作品，培养阅读的乐趣，并提高理解、分析、欣赏及评论的能力。文史课程让每一位特选学生对探索华文文化的特点保持好奇和探究之心，通过认识、鉴赏、实践的过程，了解朝代兴衰、发展与变化，进而探讨对本土文化的挑战与影响，以此开启一趟文化启思路，提高学生的人文素养、文化内涵及历史知识。
双文化课程 — 立足 立足狮城 探索中华文化 培养宏观的环球视野
中二年级成绩优秀，对双文化课程有热忱，并有意在中三选修双文化课程的新加坡学生可申请由教育部颁发的双文化课程奖学金（BSP Scholarship）。
双文化课程是一个四年的课程，中三至高中的学生通过本地及海外浸濡学习之旅以及一系列相关的培训活动，包括双文化讲座、论文研讨会、中国通识论坛等平台，在东西文化的大观园中浸濡，成为自由游走于东西方国家的双语双文化人才。
通过出国浸濡学习活动，学生有机会到中国各地的高等学府学习，和当地的学生一同上课，同时也有机会到欧美国家，深入体验并感受当地的社会风俗与民情，从中培养宏观的环球视野。
立化特选计划旗舰项目（SAP Flagship Programme)
1 . 中二格物致知学习课程（CID Programme）学习之旅
中二年级的学生随团到中国各地以及台湾地区浸濡学习，和当地的学生一同上课，深入体验当地的社会风俗与民情，从中培养宏观的环球视野。
2 . 双文化幼苗计划
幼苗计划旨在培养学贯中西，通晓双语、具备国际视野的学生，此计划让双语能力优秀的学生参与一系列相关的培训活动，包括文化讲座、学习之旅、论坛等，通过此平台拓展他们的能力。
3 . RVFM●课间好时光 校园广播站
立化成立全新中文校园广播站RVFM●课间好时光，以“青春之上，活力最强”为口号，让对华文广播感兴趣的学生在午餐时间，轮流为师生们提供最有活力的午餐广播。
4 . 双语辩论
透过有系统的训练，让学生认识辩论，唇枪舌剑而不失风度，同时建立个人自信和一套正确的价值观；让学生从中学习到辩论技巧及逻辑思维策略，培养敏锐的时事触角。
5 . 小作家课程
通过本地资深作家的指导，旨在培育一群对写作有浓厚兴趣的学生，并借此提高学生的语文表达能力。
6 . 母语双周活动——“寻根觅源”文化活动
通过“母语双周”双周活动，学生参与了宗乡会馆学习之旅、文化讲座、文化营、传统节日与习俗庆祝等，提升学生的文化素养，扩大他们的文化视野。
学生完成四年的华文课程，若有兴趣在高中继续选修华文课程，可考虑以下的课程：
高中课程
H2 华文与文学
培养在华文与文学有造诣的学生从文章选读中体味不同的生活意蕴，提升其文学鉴赏能力、写作与理解能力，指引他们在华文与文学的领域继续深造。
H2 中国通识
研习当代中国（1978年以后）社会、文化、政治、经济、外交等方面的主要课题，探讨中国的发展对其社会变迁、区域和全球政治经济所产生的影响，从而培养学生的思辨能力，评析中国未来的发展前景。
H2 翻译（中文)
培养学生对文本进行评鉴、分析的能力，以及在中英文本互译过程中培养对其文化的鉴赏力，使学生具备环球意识和跨文化交流技能。
双文化领袖学研中心（Bicultural Leaders Academy)
REQUIRE JACKSON’S INPUT VIDEO
自立化中学于2006年开办双文化课程以来，双文化课程一直都是我校的特色课程之一。双文化课程旨在加强学生对当代中国的了解，提升学生对学习东西文化的热忱，扎根本土，放眼世界。
成立双文化领袖学研中心，是为整合现有课程活动，并加强我校双文化人才的遴选机制与培养计划。一个真正的双文化人，须具备三方面的知识与技能（简称“PAC”），缺一不可。
双文化学研中心的课程活动设计，包含以下三大核心内容：
1 . 中英语表达能力 （Proficiency in Chinese and English）
2 . 华族历史文化鉴赏能力（Appreciation of Chinese History, Culture and Values）
3 . 跨文化技能与环球知识（Cross-Cultural Skills and Global Awareness）
通过丰富有趣的专题讨论，以及本地和海外的深度学习浸濡，学生能够切身体验东西文化的博大精深，成为游走于东西方的双语双文化人才。
双文化领袖学研中心旗舰项目:
1 . 透视中国研讨会（China Perspectives)
“透视中国学生双语论坛”的构想由通商中国与立化中学共同提出，旨在建立一个真正双语双文化的校园平台，让各具东、西方视角的演讲嘉宾，从独特的学术及专业高度，同台交流探讨中国当下热点课题，从而培养一批深刻了解中国、具环球视野的学生。
2 . 立化双文化课程研讨会
立化双文化领袖学研中心举办研习论文研讨会，旨在让创造一个让学生们呈献自己的优秀研究项目，与同侪们分享自己的研究成果。学生们根据自己感兴趣的课题，自由组成小组一起研习。此活动的主办目的是让学生们能够切身体验东西方文化的博大精深，开拓他们的视野并加深他们对时事课题的认知。
The Humanities
The study of the humanities develops in students 21st century competencies, knowledge, skills and key dispositional traits to prepare for a dynamic and interconnected world. As an integral part of the RV holistic education, the humanities curriculum aims to inculcate in students the habit of reading critically to gain information about the changing socio-spatial environment at both the local and global levels. Armed with the tools of a social scientist, students will consider different viewpoints, make well-reasoned arguments to arrive at rational and considered decisions.
The Humanities Department offer plentiful opportunities to promote students’ active and engaged learning of the humanities through inquiry-based learning. Various local and overseas learning trips, and learning modules like Environmental Guardianship and Policies and Legislation are organised to help students engage with real-world issues. Students are engaged in organising national-level exhibitions and Model United Nations as well as cohort-wide programmes such as the Singapore Economy Challenge to understand different aspects of the Singapore economy and the rationale behind various economic policies adopted by the government.
Physical Education
The Physical Education (PE) Department aims to provide a 6-year integrated PE Programme through a PE syllabus that exposes students to a variety of games such as badminton, basketball, floorball, football, frisbee, gymnastics, softball, table tennis, tchoukball, tennis and wushu. Students also learn about strategies to lead a healthy lifestyle through the Food and Consumer Education module.
Students are also given opportunities to enrich their sporting experiences with key events such as the Healthy Lifestyle Month, Sports Carnival, Cohesion Hike, MOE-OBS Sec 3 Programme and Year 5 Growth and Empowerment Programme to complement the PE and Outdoor Education Programme in promoting a healthy and active lifestyle while building resilience and ruggedness in our students.