Applied Learning Programme (ALP)
"You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him discover it in himself."
-Galileo Galilei-
Our Applied Learning Programme (ALP) anchors on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Education to empower students with hands-on, project-based learning. By investigating and solving problems within real-world contexts, our students grow into Aspiring Confident Engineers (ACE).
Purpose
We aim to cultivate the next generation of innovators by focusing on four key pillars:
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Student Growth: Igniting a genuine interest, confidence, and enthusiasm for lifelong learning;
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21st Century Competencies: Nurturing 21st CC skills, including critical, adaptive and inventive thinking, collaboration, and effective communication;
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Integrated Learning: Designing meaningful and engaging experiences that weave engineering and technology within Mathematics and Science;
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Character Building: Inculcating core values such as resilience, perseverance, self-discipline, and the ability to embrace and learn from failure.
Big Ideas Underpinning ALP is guided by three key ideas:
Teaching and Learning Approach
The Engineering Design Process
The programme is structured around the Engineering Design Process adapted from the Engineering is Elementary (EiE) framework developed by the Museum of Science, Boston. This structured process scaffolds students’ thinking as they plan, design, test, improve and reflect on solutions to real-world problems.
A Tiered Approach to Learning
We adopt a two-tiered approach to cater to students’ diverse learning needs, interests and aptitudes.
Tier 1 - ERLA and Robotics
The table below shows the Tier 1 plan for all the students.
As part of the Tier 1 curriculum, all students participate in project-based learning focused on ERLA (Engineering-related Learning Activities) and Robotics. Through ERLA and Robotics, students apply STEM concepts in authentic contexts. Building and programming robots enable students to bridge classroom theory and real-world application while developing logical reasoning, computational thinking and creativity. These hands-on experiences provide early and meaningful exposure to engineering concepts.
At senior primary levels, students are given opportunities to interact with industry professionals to explore emerging trends and gain valuable insights into real-world applications. These partnerships also emphasise the cultivation of environmental awareness and responsibility through purposeful and engaging learning activities.
Tier 1 - Challenges
To further nurture students’ interest in STEM, the school provides opportunities for all students to take on age-appropriate challenges beyond the curriculum.
STEM Champion Challenge
Jointly organised with the Parent Support Group (PSG), the STEM Champion Challenge provides students with engaging opportunities to participate in termly, hands-on STEM activities conducted during recess. Through collaborative challenges, students work together to think critically and creatively, apply core STEM concepts and solve problems in meaningful contexts.
STEM Playground Challenge
BRPS consistently participates in the biannual STEM Playground Challenge organised by Science Centre Singapore and the James Dyson Foundation.
The challenge invites students to engage in independent, hands-on problem-solving through creative and applied activities that bring science, technology, engineering and mathematics to life. Performance in the challenge is evaluated using student participation rates and social media engagement. In the most recent challenge, the school was recognised as one of the top five primary schools in Singapore for achieving one of the highest student participation rates.
Tier 2 - STEM Club CCA & Accelerated Programme to Enhance Students' eXperience APEX (STEM)
Tier 2 provides specialised learning opportunities for a selected group of students who demonstrate positive learning dispositions and a strong passion for STEM. Through participation in the STEM Club CCA and/or the APEX, these students engage in deeper and more challenging learning experiences through STEM-related projects.
The STEM Club CCA offers sustained, interest-driven learning through hands-on projects, collaborative tasks and mentorship opportunities. Students deepen their engineering and robotics skills while nurturing their passion for STEM.
APEX (STEM) further extends students’ learning through structured training and participation in competitions/events that require higher-order thinking, problem solving and application of knowledge.
Through these programmes, students develop critical, adaptive and inventive thinking, as well as problem-solving and decision-making skills, while benefiting from enriched learning experiences that broaden their exposure to real-world STEM applications.
ACE in Action: STEM Day
An annual STEM Day is organised as part of the ALP to provide students with authentic, hands-on STEM learning experiences. Through age-appropriate activities, students engage in problem solving, teamwork and sustainability-related themes on STEM Day.
As part of STEM Day, the school also conducts a STEM Fair, which provides students with a platform to showcase innovation projects, robotics work and applied learning experiences. The STEM Fair celebrates students’ creativity and effort while fostering a school culture that values curiosity and innovation.
