Applied Learning Programme

Discover how the school's Applied Learning Programme uses Design Thinking to build creativity and confidence in students across all six primary levels.

Last updated 31 August 2026

Applied Learning Programme (ALP)_ Curriculum Integration through Innovation (CI+I)

The school’s Applied Learning Programme (ALP), Curriculum Integration Through Innovation (CI+I) aims to equip students with 21st century competencies to better prepare them to deal with the demands of the VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) environment and meet global challenges in future. The programme enables authentic learning by introducing real world skills in connection with integrated knowledge. Leveraging the Design Thinking Process to engage students in their learning, the school aims to develop students’ positive dispositions towards learning and help build character such as confidence, creativity and tenacity.

Five colored hexagons outlining Innovation Protocol steps: Empathise, Articulate, Ideate, Experiment, and Assess.

CI+I Learning Experiences

For lower primary, the focus is on Innovations in Play where students identify an area of interest to innovate games and toys in given real world contexts through the use of recyclable materials and application of science knowledge. At the middle primary levels, the focus is on financial literacy where students acquire the skills to come up with innovative ways of using limited resources in real-world simulations. Values Education is incorporated to guide students in making choices. At the upper primary levels, students will be taught skills to conduct research and learn about past innovators and the impacts of their innovations. After which, they will use of the Design Thinking Process to solve issues in real-life contexts.

Students in uniforms sit in a large circle on a gymnasium floor with a teacher leading a session.

Innovation Protocol Stage 1 & 2 – Empathise and Articulate

Students conduct group interviews to understand needs of their users. They articulate the Point of View to describe the needs of the users by providing insights based on their findings during the interviews.

Children in school uniforms sit in small groups on a tiled floor in a classroom, engaged in group activities.

Innovation Protocol Stage 3 – Ideate
Students come up with as many ideas as possible before selecting the best solution. They use SCAMPER strategies to help them with the ideas. Innovation Protocol

Innovation Stage Stage 4 – Experiment/ Prototyping
Students use recycled materials to build their prototypes specially designed to meet the needs of the users.

Three collaged photos of school children in uniforms working on group activities with boxes and craft materials in a classroom.

Innovation Protocol Stage 5 Assess Students share their prototypes, obtain feedback from their peers on the effectiveness of the prototypes.

Two student project displays: a hand-drawn phone app sketch with notes, and a cardboard alarm mechanism with a paper worksheet.

Two student projects made from cardboard: a morning exercise device on the left and a homemade arcade game with sticks and rings on the right.

Four young schoolgirls in uniforms hold up a hand-drawn fairy tale poster with a girl and trees.

At the end of the 6-year CI+I programme in 2019, our students creatively applied the innovation protocol towards Singapore’s sustainability movement through upcycling. They transformed recycled materials into functional upcycled items. They presented the innovation to their peers and provided feedback to one another as well as helped others improve their innovation. The The Primary 6 classes also involved the residents in the community in making upcycled products.

Students at an exhibit, one writing notes on a board and others gathered around a display model.

Students researched on the efforts taken by Singapore in sustaining the environment.

Six photos of school students in uniforms working on and displaying upcycled craft projects in a classroom.

Students used the CI+I innovation protocol and SCAMPER strategy to create more upcycled products.

Four photos showing students and a teacher at a school event with display boards and a recycled bag craft activity.

Students shared their knowledge with the residents in our neighbourhood. They also taught them to make the upcycled wallets.

Disclaimer: Some of the photos were taken during Pre-Covid times.