Social Innovation at CGSS

Discover how CGSS nurtures students to tackle real-world challenges through Social Innovation. Learn about the SIR and TDSI programmes that build empathy, creativity, and leadership.

Last updated 19 May 2026

SOCIAL INNOVATION @ CGSS

About

The Social Innovation (SI) Programme is a niche programme that nurtures socially conscious, future-ready learners who are equipped to make a meaningful difference in the world. Anchored in the Design Thinking framework and aligned with the MOE 21st Century Competencies (21CCs), the programme provides authentic learning experiences that develop students holistically in knowledge, skills and values.

Guided by the mission to empower students to become

a. innovative problem-solvers, b. empathetic changemakers, and c. collaborative leaders who drive positive social change,

the SI Programme enables students to identify real-world community needs and design human-centered, sustainable solutions.

Two-column table listing three student outcomes and their alignment to e21CC competencies in education.

The programme comprises two key components: Social Innovation and Research (SIR) and Talent Development - Social Innovation (TDSI). Together, SIR and TDSI reflect Cedar’s commitment to developing learners who are confident in navigating complexity, responsive to community needs, and ready to contribute meaningfully in a rapidly changing world.

Social Innovation and Research (SIR)

Social Innovation and Research (SIR) is a school-based curriculum offered to the entire cohort of Year 1 and Year 2 students, structured within their timetable. Through the iterative stages of Design Thinking—empathy, problem definition, ideation, prototyping and testing—students develop critical and inventive thinking, communication and collaboration skills, and a strong sense of civic literacy and social responsibility. Learning is inquiry-driven and experiential, allowing students to apply research skills in authentic contexts.

In Year 2, students have the opportunity to collaborate with external beneficiaries to implement their Social Innovation projects, translating ideas into purposeful action and strengthening their understanding of community engagement.

A cardboard box with a drawn face and a second box holding a green cup with an "Aim Here!" sign, on a tiled floor.

Fig.1 Prototypes designed by our Year 1 students for their SIR projects

Eight girls in yellow uniforms hold colorful craft projects outside a building with a Welcome to Word Space mat.

Fig.2 Year 2 students proudly present their personalised fidget boards, designed and created for their SIR project.

Talent Development - Social Innovation (TDSI)

Talent Development - Social Innovation (TDSI) is a tailored and more rigorous programme for selected students who demonstrate strong interest and aptitude in Social Innovation.

Through community trails, students practise empathy-building, interviewing and needs-analysis skills, and deepen their learning through Makers Education under MOE GEB’s Innovation Programme (IvP). They also get to participate in national-level platforms and competitions such as the Junior Achievement (JA) Company of the Year competition and the Community Problem-Solving Programme (CmPS).

Through these experiences, students apply entrepreneurial and inventive thinking, receive authentic feedback from mentors and partners, and iteratively refine their solutions.

Pencil sketches of a raincoat with a foldable bag and an umbrella pouch design, with handwritten labels.

Fig.3 Iterations of prototype idea by Year 2 TDSI students for their IvP project.

Four uniformed schoolgirls present their Terra Totz composting project booth to a visitor at a school fair.

Fig.4 Year 4 TDSI students presenting their product to a member of the public at their trade booth during the JA Company of the Year Finals.

Key achievements and highlights

Year 4 TDSI students worked with Bold at Work and the hard of hearing community to create an inclusive concert experience, sparking moments of joy and connection.