Press Releases
Developing Skills and Values in Pupils — Another 24 Primary Schools to Implement Programme for Active Learning from 2011
The Programme for Active Learning (PAL), currently being prototyped in 12 PAL Phase 1 partner schools, will be implemented in another 24 primary schools in Phase 2 next year. It will then be progressively rolled out to all primary schools in tandem with the implementation of single session primary schools. (The list of Phase 1 and 2 schools is attached at Annex A.)
As part of the Primary Education Review and Implementation (PERI) recommendations accepted by MOE in 2009, PAL was introduced to strengthen the emphasis on non-academic programmes for Primary 1 and 2 pupils. This is in line with a key desired outcome of PERI recommendations to balance the acquisition of knowledge with the development of skills and values. This is to prepare our children for a more dynamic future. Conducted within curriculum time, PAL modules provide pupils with broad exposure in two areas — Sports and Outdoor Education, and Performing and Visual Arts. It aims to facilitate the well-rounded development of pupils in the five learning domains (cognitive, moral, social, aesthetics and physical) and help pupils to develop social emotional competencies.
PAL modules are experiential in nature and incorporate learning in a creative, fun, and enjoyable way. Schools have the flexibility to select PAL activities to cater to the needs and interests of their pupils. Each PAL module will be conducted for at least 2 hours a week with each module lasting between 7 to 10 weeks. At the end of Primary 2, all pupils would have been exposed to at least 6 different modules, from the two areas of Sports and Outdoor Education, and Performing and Visual Arts.
The 12 PAL partner schools in Phase 1 have gained valuable experience managing resources and experimenting with different PAL modules. Some modular activities offered by these schools in the area of Performing Arts include singing and ethnic dance. In the area of Sports and Outdoor Education, modules offered include gymnastics and creative movements. Teachers and students of these 12 schools have seen positive changes since the implementation of PAL. These include pupils becoming more confident and vocal in class, exhibiting more leadership qualities and learning to be more mindful of the needs of classmates.
Senior Minister of State for National Development and Education, Ms Grace Fu shared, “The PERI recommendations aim to equip our children with skills and values, so that they grow up to be confident team players and independent learners. PAL is a key initiative introduced to achieve this, and I am heartened by the positive feedback received. MOE will facilitate the implementation of PAL in all primary schools to expose our young students to a broad range of non-academic activities to achieve a holistic education.”