Total Defence Day 2025
Discover how Innova Primary School marked Total Defence Day 2025 through hands-on activities that taught students their role in keeping Singapore safe and strong.
Total Defence Day 2025: Together We Keep Singapore Strong
At Innova Primary School, we stand united in our commitment to keeping Singapore strong. Each year, Total Defence Day (TDD) is commemorated on 15 February to remind us of the importance of safeguarding our nation’s security, peace, and resilience. This day marks the fall of Singapore to the Japanese in 1942, serving as a powerful lesson on the challenges our nation has overcome.
In 2025, the theme "Together We Keep Singapore Strong" reinforced the idea that everyone, regardless of age, has a role in defending our country. Through a series of immersive activities, our students explored the six pillars of Total Defence—Military, Civil, Economic, Social, Digital, and Psychological Defence—and discovered how they can contribute to a safer and stronger Singapore.
Objectives of Total Defence Day 2025
✅ Instill a sense of responsibility in students to safeguard Singapore’s security and future.
✅ Develop resilience and teamwork through hands-on activities.
✅ Foster appreciation for Singapore’s stability and prosperity by understanding past struggles.
✅ Encourage critical thinking and problem-solving through real-life crisis simulations.
Key Events & Activities
1. Assembly Programme (10 February 2025)
TDD 2025 kicked off with an impactful assembly programme featuring a special presentation by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF). Students gained insights into the importance of food and water security, followed by an engaging discussion on the six pillars of Total Defence. The session concluded with a simulated food and water disruption exercise, challenging students to reflect on Singapore’s vulnerabilities and resilience.
2. Recess Activities (11 - 13 February 2025)
Our school came alive with interactive recess stations, where students engaged in fun and educational activities:
🔵 Digital Quiz on iPads – Students tested their knowledge of Total Defence through an engaging digital challenge.
🔵 First Aid Ready – Hands-on learning about essential first aid items and their uses.
🔵 CPR Demonstration & Hands-on Practice – Guided by Red Cross Youth members, students learned life-saving CPR skills to be prepared for emergencies.
3. Classroom Activities (10 - 21 February 2025)
Tailored activities for different levels brought the spirit of Total Defence into the classroom:
🟠 P1-P2: "I Am Equipped During an Emergency" – Students selected essential survival items for a mock emergency bag, reinforcing crisis preparedness.
🟠 P3-P4: "My 6 Pillars of Defence" – Pupils designed and assembled a jigsaw puzzle, with each piece representing a pillar of defence.
🟠 P5-P6: "My Role – There’s a Part for Everyone" – Students created thought-provoking posters illustrating their contributions to Total Defence, with outstanding pieces displayed around the school.
4. Water & Food Rationing Exercise
One of the most eye-opening activities was the food and water rationing exercise, where students experienced wartime conditions:
🍚 Limited food choices in the canteen – No meat or seafood, mimicking the struggles of wartime rationing.
💧 Water rationing drills (led by the Brownies) – A reminder of the importance of water conservation and self-sufficiency.
These activities provided an impactful hands-on experience, helping students appreciate Singapore’s peace and security.
Reflections & Conclusion
Total Defence Day 2025 was a truly immersive and insightful experience for all. Through a blend of interactive recess challenges, engaging classroom discussions, and hands-on survival activities, our students deepened their understanding of national resilience and unity.
As Singapore continues to evolve, it is crucial that we remain prepared—not just militarily, but through social cohesion, digital responsibility, and psychological resilience. At Innova Primary School, we take pride in nurturing young defenders of our nation.