Applied Learning Programme (ALP)

Aspiring Confident Engineers (ACE) @ BRPS

"You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him discover it in himself."

-Galileo Galilei-

Our Applied Learning Programme (ALP), also known as Aspiring Confident Engineers (ACE) @ BRPS, anchors on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Education to provide our students with opportunities to work on STEM-related projects. Students explore, investigate and ask questions through analysing problems and solving them through real world examples.

This programme aims to:

• leverage on STEM to create more meaningful and engaging activities that integrate engineering and technology in Mathematics and Science;

• build students’ enthusiasm in learning;

• promote 21^st century skills ̶ critical thinking, decision-making, collaboration, communication, creativity; and

• inculcate values – resilience, learning from failure, respect, self-discipline.

Process Cycle

The school uses the ‘Engineering Design Process’ in STEM lessons to provide structures for learning in order to scaffold children’s thinking. The process is adopted from the Engineering is Elementary (EiE) project that was developed by the Museum of Science in Boston.

STEM activity platforms, specifically those dedicated to Robotics and Engineering-related Learning Activities (ERLA), offer valuable educational experiences. By constructing their own robots, students engage in hands-on applications of STEM principles, solidifying the connection between classroom theory and real-world implementation. This process fosters innovation as students seek to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and their practical uses. Additionally, learning programming enhances linguistic and logical reasoning skills. Robotics-focused education provides an engaging and accessible introduction to fundamental engineering concepts at an early stage in student development.

A Tiered Approach

The Applied Learning Program (ALP) is designed based on a two-tiered structure. Tier 1 offers a comprehensive curriculum designed for all students. Tier 2 provides advanced learning opportunities for those demonstrating exceptional aptitude and engagement in STEM disciplines. Specialised STEM activities are conducted within our dedicated discovery spaces: Da Vinci's Workbench and Edison's Hub.

Tier 1 - Robotics & STEM-related Project Work

As part of the Tier 1 curriculum, all students will participate in project-based learning focused on robotics and engineering-related activities (ERLA). In collaboration with Junior Achievement (JA) Singapore, the school provides enriching learning experiences for students. Students will interact with industry professionals, exploring emerging trends and gaining valuable industry exposure. This partnership also emphasises the cultivation of environmental awareness and responsibility through engaging activities.

For more information on the various activities, please click on the following links:

• Primary 1

• Primary 4

• Primary 6 (Collaboration with JA Singapore)

Tier 2 - STEM Club & APEX

Tier 2 students are identified for participation in the STEM Club and/or APEX program, where they receive specialised training in engineering-related learning activities (ERLA) and robotics. The program includes competitive events designed to develop creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Additionally, students benefit from learning journeys and mentorship opportunities.

• STEM Club

• APEX

Competitions

STEM Champion (jointly organised with Parent Support Group)

In 2024, with the enthusiastic support of our Parent Support Group (PSG), we introduced our STEM Champion Challenge. This program invites students to participate in termly sessions focused on collaborative, hands-on STEM activities. The challenges are designed to promote creative thinking, teamwork, and the application of core STEM concepts during recess.

• STEM Champion

STEM Challenge

The school consistently participates in the biannual STEM Playground Challenge, a collaborative initiative organised by the Science Centre Singapore and the James Dyson Foundation. This program challenges students to engage in independent problem-solving through a series of STEM-based activities. School performance is evaluated based on two key metrics: student participation rates and social media engagement. The school achieved recognition as one of the top five primary schools in Singapore for demonstrating the highest student participation rate in the recent challenge.

• Satay Stick Bridge

• Sea-Rious Challenger

• Cotton Reel Tank

Partnerships

BRPS aims to enhance students' learning experiences by connecting them and educators with industry and community partners. This approach offers specialised programs, fosters collaboration, and creates a diverse learning environment to equip students with essential skills, knowledge, and real-world experiences critical for future-ready individuals.

A*Star Agency

• Scientist-in-School: Utilising micro:bits and Huskylens technology to develop a face recognition system in collaboration with A*Star.

Junior Achievers (JA) Singapore

• Solar Buddy: Constructing solar-powered LED lights to share with children from developing countries.

• Fun with AR/VR: Addressing United Nations Sustainability Development Goals through augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies.

• Cue Robots: Introducing basic programming concepts to selected students as an after-school enrichment programme.

• JA It's My Business: Cultivating entrepreneurship skills relevant to education, career development, and community service.

Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)

• Code for Fun: Acquiring coding and computational thinking skills using visual/syntax-based programming and hardware.

• Social Robotics: Exploring artificial intelligence (AI) concepts, social robotics applications in various fields and developing community outreach projects.

• Drones Adventures: Acquiring advanced drone piloting skills and fundamental Python programming for autonomous flight.

• Game Development with MICROSOFT: Utilising Minecraft Education and Microsoft Makecode Arcade to create single and multiplayer games.

School of Science and Technology (SST)

• Student Mentoring (Astronomy): Collaboration with SST students on designing and launching water rockets, observing the sun, and learning about telescopes.

• Student Mentoring (Programming): Learning about Python programming from SST students after school.

Parent Support Group (PSG)

• STEM Champion: A termly three-day recess competition series focused on STEM activities.

• Science Demonstrations: A termly hands-on session for students to engage with STEM activities during recess.