Applied Learning Programme (ALP)

APPLIED LEARNING PROGRAMME (ALP) - DESIGN AND ENGINEERING

Our Design and Engineering Applied Learning Programme (ALP) journey started in 2014 to expose students to design-based science activities targeted at developing values and skill sets related to the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields.

Through our two-tiered programme, students make use of the Design Thinking framework and learn to solve problems using science knowledge; identify design opportunities in three areas: school, family and community; and engineer solutions that add value to the systems of their clients’ lifestyles in these areas.  This is accomplished through design-based science activities that the Science Department has collaboratively crafted.

Tier 1: Broad-based Opportunities for Students to Experience STEM Fields

Junior Solar Sprint – Secondary One Students

In Secondary One, students design and fabricate toy solar cars that are suitable for children 7-10 years of age.  Students are taken through a series of hands-on experiments to learn science and engineering concepts which they apply in the design and fabrication of their solar car.

Learning about systems: Assembling the Wall-hugging Ladybug

Learning about Systems: Investigating the effect of friction on movement

Learning about Systems: Measuring and Calculating Speed

Learning about Systems: Conducting investigative studies on speed as they put their assembled toys to the test

Prototyping & Fabication of Solar Cars: Final race day of student-designed solar car prototypes

In order for students to understand the relevance and make meaning of their learning, learning journeys are also incorporated within the curriculum to enable students to witness the applications and potential of STEM concepts.

Clean Energy Innovation – Secondary Two Students

In Secondary Two, students are exposed to various clean energy sources through a series of hands-on activities and experiments.  Thereafter, they apply the science and engineering concepts learnt in their innovation of a toy/gadget that runs on clean energy.

Learning about Clean Energy: Understanding How a Dynamo Works

Learning about Clean Energy: Investigating Blade Design on Turbine Efficiency

Beyond the ALP curriculum, the Secondary 2 students also had the opportunity to undergo a 2-day workshop conducted by Fablab, Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) where they had the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities and create gadgets demonstrating STEM understanding. Such activities are aimed at triggering thinking beyond the classroom and developing joy of learning.

Applied Sciences and Engineering – Secondary Three Students

In Secondary Three, students are given the opportunity to deepen their science knowledge in specialised areas of interest and apply their knowledge in real-life applications based on end-user needs.

An 8-week programme held in Term 3, it is specially designed for our Secondary 3 Express students to engage in hands-on activities that would trigger their interest and creativity in STEM-related modules. It aims to encourage the joy of learning by allowing students to work in teams to incorporate design thinking techniques through the use of basic programming and coding software to create a prototype to tackle real-world issues related to environmental conservation. All students embark on a learning journey to experience how the knowledge is applied in the relevant STEM-related industries.

Choices of programmes offered include Robotics, Sustainable Infrastructure and 3D Printing in 2018, and Robotics & Mechatronics, Biotechnology and Applied Food Sciences in 2017

In the Robotics module, students are equipped with the multi-disciplinary knowledge of robotics and programming to enable the design and development of high-tech modern robotic devices using Lego Mindstorm. Students also learned to navigate through microcontroller applications and programmable logic controllers. As a result, students were able to create prototypes that are useful for everyday life such as automated trash collectors to clear table tops in restaurants and robots that could sort recyclable wastes based on their material.

In the Sustainable Infrastructure module, students are taught how energy efficiency can be applied in the design of buildings. Using the Microbit software, students invent solutions using green building technologies and practices such as automated lighting and energy saving appliances. 

In the 3D Printing module, students are equipped with the fundamental understanding of material science. They enhance their practical skills through the designing and manufacture of prototypes using the 3D printing software. Students are also exposed to the relevance and importance of 3D printing in today’s medical and scientific fields.

Tier 2: Opportunities for Students with Higher Interest and Ability in STEM Fields

Students with higher interest and ability in STEM fields are given opportunities to further develop their passion and potential in STEM and Design Thinking.  These include opportunities to attend STEM symposiums, showcase projects at national platforms, take part in national competitions as well as embark on overseas learning experiences.  

Prior to our merger, our students were crowned National Champions for The Bright Ideas Challenge 2017 organised by Shell, STEM Inc. and the Ministry of Education, Singapore. 

Participation in National Competitions

Through the participation of students in competitions, we aim to provide students with additional opportunities to further develop critical thinking, problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills to work in collaborative environments as they are mentored under teachers in small group settings.

Developing Interest and Potential: Furthering Ideas for The Bright Ideas Challenge

Achievements and Accolades: National Champion at Shell STEM The Bright Ideas Challenge 2017

Overseas Learning Experiences

In hopes of increasing global awareness and encouraging entrepreneurial dare, the programme seeks to expose students to the real-world applications of STEM through the launch of an overseas learning experience programme under the Applied Learning Programme.

Key highlights of the overseas learning experience include site-visits to real-world applications of STEM, immersion programme at overseas colleges and exploration of learning institutes.

Destinations under the Overseas Learning Experience of the Applied Learning Programme have included Townsville, Australia (2018), Kuala Selangor (2018) and San Francisco, California (2017).

Opportunities for Project Showcase

In light of the learning experiences that they have undergone, students embark on opportunities that allow them to share with others about their projects, prototypes and also learning points. Through such platforms, they are able to acquire the skills to present ideas clearly and coherently and become confident speakers.