Innovation
Wednesday, 03 June 2009 15:48 | 
| 
| 
Aligned with Ministry of Education’s vision of “Thinking Schools, Learning Nation”, Tampines Primary School recognizes the role of Innovation and Enterprise (I&E) in challenging the mindsets of teachers and pupils in the changing education landscape. The revised Desired Outcomes of Education (Curriculum 2015 student outcomes) and 21st Century Skills reinforce the need to leverage on I&E to provide a holistic education for our pupils. The school has in place programmes to nurture creativity and enterprise in pupils.
Interdisciplinary Project Work
Project Work provides pupils and teachers with opportunities to break away from the compartmentalization of knowledge and skills. Broad themes, which cut across subjects, are used to bring the various aspects of the curriculum together. Hence project work will help pupils see the interconnectedness of their learning. Pupils are then encouraged to use resources, to work collaboratively, to think critically, creatively and independently and to communicate their findings.
In Project Work 2010, our Primary 3 to 6 pupils adopt the 6 steps of Future Problem-Solving Model for Project Work. The Primary 3 took on the theme My Clean Tampines where pupils designed and created a 2D/ 3D prototype of a garbage bin and a jingle to promote a clean environment for the community.
The P4s worked on My Green Tampines where pupils designed and created a 3D prototype of a functional object with recycled materials to promote a green environment for the community. The pupils also presented their proposal to their peers and teachers.
The P5s covered the theme of My Future Tampines and pupils designed and created a 2D/ 3D model of a proposed facility/ building for the Future Tampines Town.
Small Kids, Big Ideas Programme
Leveraging on the spirit of I&E, the school implemented a school-based curriculum which equips all Primary 5 pupils with Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats. The thinking tools encourage pupils to examine “how they think” and “what questions [do] they ask”. They can apply these skills in their studies and real-life situations.
As an initiative to nurture the entrepreneurship spirit in students, “Inno-shop” is implemented in Term 2 of 2010. Pupils become little bosses where learn budgeting, marketing and bookkeeping skills. The programme aims to encourage pupils to be enterprising and innovative through ‘hands-on’ learning opportunities.
Pupil Suggestion Scheme
Our school involves all pupils in the pupil suggestion scheme to promote a culture excellence amongst pupils. It leverages on the Learning Management System (LMS) to encourage and gather pupil suggestions. The suggestions are evaluated based on a rubric and pupils are recognized for their good suggestions.
Ask Stupid Questions (ASQ) Innovation Challenge
The Ministry of Education’s Gifted Education Branch and the National Library Board co-organised the “Ask Stupid Questions (ASQ) Innovation Challenge” in 2010. The theme for the year is Sports, in view of the Youth Olympic Games and the World Cup. It is the first year that TPS has taken part in the competition. Our TPS team inculcated The 6 Thinking Hats skill to develop the solution to The Stupid Question, "What if sports attires are like presidential bodyguards who will shield you when you need protection most?", have made it to the Finals of the ASQ Competition. The Finals Round of the Competition will be held on the 28 July. Pupils are gearing up for the event!
Last Updated (Friday, 23 July 2010 12:37)