“Mr Ong, why is there fire inside your washing machine?” a P1 pupil asked the owner of the laundry during a learning journey. From the question, one may think that this child doesn’t quite know what he’s talking about. In actual fact, the dryers in the shop actually make use of heat from the flames to dry the laundry. Through learning journeys to our neighbourhood such as the launderette, and various places of interest, our P1 and P2 pupils are exposed to experiential learning that sharpens their sense of inquiry and make learning more meaningful.

Employing a thematic approach, teachers rearrange the sequence of content in the syllabus and design lessons that integrate English Language, Mathematics, Art and Craft, Music, Mother Tongue and even Science which is specially designed to cater to P1 and P2 levels. Lessons for P1 and P2 pupils involve group work and hands-on activities which are engaging and fun. Pupils also get to explore interactive websites on the internet and carry out Life Science activities. To develop pupils’ psychomotor skills and confidence in spoken expression, Gymnastics and Speech & Drama are incorporated into the formal curriculum. Every classroom also has a Speaker’s Corner and Graffiti Wall to encourage free expression through ‘Show & Tell’ sessions.

So, how do we know that the children have learnt? Teachers use an observation checklist to provide feedback to every parent on the progress of their child in academic, physical and social development. A formal assessment is also conducted at the end of the year for all P1 pupils.

Pupils are also guided to document their learning via an e-portfolio. Pupils showcase their learning progress and personal reflections in their individual e-portfolio. Hence, it’s not an uncommon sight in the P1 and P2 classrooms to find little photographers using digital cameras to capture pictures or videos of their work and activities for this purpose.

In an environment which implements a school-wide Character Development Programme that incorporates leadership, social and language skills, citizenship and physical fitness, pupils receive a well-rounded education that seeks to ignite their passion in learning through firm steps right from day one.

Learning beyond the classroom..............

... the Borders Book Store .	… the laundry
Mathematicians making estimations in the Science Garden	Treasure-Hunters looking for language clues in the Science Garden

Learning about other races through learning stations featuring Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Deepavali and Christmas

Shopping for ingredients for sandwich making	Our budding chefs in action