Applied Learning Programme

Science for Life in HPPS - ALP Sustainability

Henry Park Primary offers Applied Learning Programme (ALP) in Sustainability that focuses on Environmental Science. Through authentic learning experiences, the ALP is designed to nurture and develop students who will care deeply for the environment. It develops students to be a community that focuses on environmental sustainability in all aspects of life, inside and outside of school. Further, the ALP aims to foster specific skills and competencies in our students through an inquiry-based curriculum. The ALP curriculum includes design thinking approach, STEM and problem-based learning as well. Guidelines to sustainability activities is drawn from the HPPS Green Plan that has the following key focus areas: growing environmental leaders, enhancing eco facilities and biodiversity within HPPS, nurturing responsible consumption and a caring school culture.

Tier 1 Programmes for all students

Tier 1 - Key Programme #1

Junior Science (JS) Programme:

The theme for Science Activities for the lower primary are Sustainability and STEM.

P1 activities aligned to Math Topics on Shapes and Length. Students design a toy in groups and a bridge to solve a problem based on a story, both using recyclable materials.

P2 dissect and study parts of flowers as an extended activity based on P2 learning journey to the Singapore Orchid Gardens. Then using parts of a White Lily, students to create a new flower.

Tier 1 - Key Programme #2

P3 – P6 Young Investigators Programme (YIP)
This programme guides students to practise process skills taught and learn to solve real world environmental problems by engaging in investigative projects.

In P3, students learn about variables, fair test and carrying out simple investigations in preparation for YIP in P4 and P5.

P4 students are involves in Toy Car Making and Investigating speed of the Toy Car. For P5 students there is an infusion of STEM into investigative science projects based on environmental theme. In P6 students practise the YI Process skills covered in P3 to P5.

Tier 1 - Key Programme #3

Every Child A Seed and Rice Cultivation
To inculcate a love for nature and animals in P3 students grow their very own plant from resources NParks provide. Objectives are to provide an opportunity to grow a plant, appreciate the challenges of the planting process and experience the joy of seeing the plants grow

P3 students also use hydroponics (Eco Smart System) to grow vegetables which is aligned to P3 science curriculum (Plant Lifecycle and Diversity)

In P4 students focus on growing rice plant in the school compound. Students understand the uniqueness of the rice plant and how it grows. In the process, they were also able to make connections to the Science Curriculum on Plant reproduction and plant as a system. Our students also learn the importance of sustainability and food security.

Tier 2 Programmes based on interests and talents

Tier 2 - Key Programme #1

STEM Training
Setting up and maintaining an edible garden, robotics for Sustainable Living Solutions and designing Mobile App for garden trail in HPPS. Students grow fruits and vegetables in our edible garden, engaged in coding and developing an app all based on Sustainability theme.

Tier 2 - Key Programme #2

Green (GM) and Eco Monitors (EM) Programmes
Students are selected to serve as ambassadors for Sustainability based on CCA (EMs) and through teacher nomination (GMs). While EMs carry out sustainability projects within the Science Club, GMs support various green activities by our School Green Committee such as paper and plastic recycling, pre-assembly sharing for all students on sustainability, food waste recycling after recess and food security. GMs are also taken on farm visit to raise awareness on food security issues.

External Partners

Name of external partners who have supported our ALP Sustainability Activities

1. PUB

2. STEM Inc. (Science Centre)

3. Environmental Solutions (Asia) Pte Ltd

4. Hwa Chong Institution (HCI) Camp

5. GEP Branch

6. Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (A*STAR)

7. WWF

8. NParks

9. NEA

10. NUS High School

Future Plans for Science for Life - ALP (STEM Sustainability) –

Tier 1

§ To infuse design thinking to Science Curriculum at P3 and P4

§ To enhance JS programme at Primary 2 (Butterfly growing, LJ to SBG, vertical gardening) and P3 Science Curriculum (Mushroom growing) to increase student involvement in improving biodiversity in HPPS

§ To promote STEM education through interdisciplinary approach by working with other subject disciplines

§ To continue our collaboration with the ICT department in using ICT as an active tool for learning of Science in and out of the classroom (SLS, Flipped Classroom, Knowledge Building / Knowledge Forum). With infusion of ICT, we hope to strengthen the teachers’ pedagogical skills in bringing about engaged learning as students are involved in collaborative learning

§ Aquaponics Programme for P5.

§ Expand RICE cultivation programme for more in-depth learning for P4

Tier 2

§ To offer coding as an enrichment programme in Science Club to promote creativity and problem-solving as essential skills

§ To offer STEM training in electronics to encourage long-term interest and passion in the field. This training is to be offered over a period of time that builds on what they have learnt previously.

§ To provide P5/6 students who were shortlisted in competitions (e.g. Raffles and Primary Science Olympiad) with other opportunities (through partnerships) to grow their interest in Science

§ To use the design thinking approach in the teaching of P3 Science (Materials) through collaboration with Art Department

Tier 3

§ To develop EMs and GMs as Environment Ambassadors and equip them with the necessary skills to lead the school community in environmental initiatives

§ To present Environment Ambassadors with opportunities to drive environmental programmes to cultivate positive habits in staff and students

§ To provide platforms for Environment Ambassadors to share with the wider community on the efforts that they have taken in greening HPPS