Applied Learning Programme in Environment Education

The Applied Learning Programme (ALP) in Environment Education is Punggol Secondary School’s distinctive niche programme. The ALP allows students to connect knowledge across subject disciplines, stretch their imagination and apply knowledge to real-world problems.

Our Vision: Harmony between Science and Nature

• To achieve this common vision, we guide our students one step at a time for every step leaves a print.

• We aim to help students appreciate the harmonious relationship between Science and Nature needed for sustainable living.

Our Objectives

Journey of Self-discovery

Our students undergo a journey of self-discovery through these modules in their formative years.

Secondary 1 Module: Waste Management

The Waste Management module is conducted for Secondary 1 Express, Normal Academic and Normal Technical students during their Science lessons. In this module, students learn about the importance of eco-sustainability and develop an awareness about waste management related issues in Singapore and around the world. For a unit on vermicomposting, our students also learn about the design and construction of a vermicomposting system as a method of food waste recycling.

Secondary 2 Module: Clean Energy

In the ‘Clean Energy’ module, all Secondary Two students learn about clean energy technologies and practices for sustainable living through a hands-on approach. This module is an effective collaboration amongst the Science, Geography and Design & Technology Departments.

In Science and Geography lessons, students explore alternative energy sources, other than fossil fuels, such as hydrogen fuel cells and biofuels. Students also learn the value of renewable sources of energy. Across the world, access to modern electricity or other forms of energy sources are not readily available. This allows students to have the opportunity to discuss how to drive change and strive for clean and affordable energy. 

In Design and Technology lessons, students learn the stages of design model and application of portable clean energy sources. The design journal guides students in the context of the design scenario and project’s specifications. Students would then apply a random line trigger technique for idea generation for the solar panel holder and fan stand.

ALP infused into LLP

The ALP committee collaborates with the Learning for Life Programme (LLP) committee to provide an opportunity for students to put what they have learnt in ALP (Environment Education) into action.  

Students reach out to the community and contribute to efforts in protecting and advocating for the conservation of our environment through their service learning projects. 

In 2021, the ALP committee collaborated with the LLP committee once again. Secondary 3 Normal (Academic) and Normal (Technical) students were given an opportunity to make herbal candles, a simple, eco-friendly and popular way to fragrance one’s room, promoting environmental sustainability. The herbal candles made were presented to some Club HEAL (Hope, Empowerment, Acceptance & Love) members to help regain confidence in themselves.

Student Development Week Activities

The Secondary 1 to 3 students also engaged in a series of meaningful ALP activities after their examinations.

Upcycling disused plastic milk bottles into bottle lamps

As environmental sustainability continues as a top trend in the retail industry, retailers have taken steps to become more sustainable. One way is to use recycled materials to construct LED lamps. In 2021, the Lower Secondary students had the opportunity to experience first-hand upcycling of a disused plastic milk bottle into a bottle lamp. Each student brought home an LED-powered bottle lamp that is energy efficient.

Coding for Fun

Secondary One students have the opportunity to solve real-life problems with tangible solutions by developing their 3D prototyping and coding skills. The students learned to build prototypes with Strawbees (a reusable building kit that consists of colourful building straws and versatile connectors) and program their microbit using Makecode’s block-based programming platform. Students solved problems related to city building, from designing environmentally friendly buildings to tackling rubbish disposal systems. This activity allowed students to create solutions to solve real-world problems to promote environmental sustainability.

Plastic Bottle Self-Watering Planter and Environmental Sustainability Farming

Students have the opportunity to use upcycling techniques to cut and transform the bottles into a new product – a self-watering planter. Through the activity, the students learned the importance of food security and urban farming in Singapore, which are part of the government’s efforts to promote the sustainability of food supplies.

Learning Journey to Kok Fah Technology Farm

Students visited Kok Fah Technology Farm as part of their ALP module in ‘Waste Management’. They learn about the workflow and climate control processes in Kok Fah Farm’s Showcase Greenhouse and how technological and scientific advancements over the years can help to increase food productivity efficiently. The Farm guides also discuss the pros and cons of different farming systems and how these systems assist in increasing food security in a land-scarce Singapore.

STEM Trail at Gardens by Gardens by the Bay

The Secondary Two cohort visited Gardens by the Bay for a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Trail, which allowed them to apply their mathematical and scientific knowledge in a real-world setting. They collaborated in activities that tapped on their skills in topics such as Mensuration, Proportion, Chemical Changes and Energy. In addition, they gained a greater appreciation for the beauty and diversity of the flora found at the Gardens and the technology behind the scenes that help maintain this iconic Singapore landmark.

Sungei Buloh Wetland Biodiversity Walk and Intertidal Coastal Cleanup

Secondary Three Express students participated in the Sungei Buloh Wetland Biodiversity Walk in 2019. They walked through the mangrove forest of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserves, where they could closely observe the biodiversity of the mangrove ecosystem. They also learned about how well the mangrove trees have adapted to the saltwater conditions and their importance in the ecosystem. In addition, students also got to see unique mangrove inhabitants such as mudskippers, monitor lizards, tree-climbing crabs, kingfishers, and even crocodiles.

After the biodiversity walk, students engaged in the Intertidal Coastal Cleanup in collaboration with International Coastal Cleanup Singapore (ICCS). Students actively and enthusiastically contributed to the cleaning up of pollution and rubbish along Singapore’s shores.

Advocating for the environment and raising environmental awareness

Students from the Environment Club play a key role in promoting environmental sustainability in the school. Despite the constraints posed by COVID-19, they participated in several community youth advocacy projects, spread environment messages to their peers, conducted sharing on Earth Hour and Earth Day and raised awareness on recycling.

Achievements

Year 2018

Science Competitions

• International C.B Paul Science Quiz: 1 Silver, 2 Bronze, 2 Honourable Mention, 2 Merit Awards

• IgnITE Science Challenge: Circuit Tinkering Challenge Finalist (1 team)

• IgnITE Science Challenge: Mad Mocktail Challenge Finalist (1 team)

• Elementz Science Project Competition (Lower Secondary): Top Viewer’s Choice, Gold Award & Certificate of Commendation

• Singapore Junior Physics Olympiad: 1 Bronze

• Vanda Miss Joaquim Award

We sent two teams to participate in the Elementz Science Project Competition. After working tirelessly, the teams managed to clinch a Gold Award and a Certificate of Commendation for their projects. They were also presented with the top Viewers’ Choice award for the former.

One student competed against over 1000 students from different secondary schools and won a Bronze Medal in the Singapore Junior Physics Olympiad.

Year 2019

Science Competitions

• International C.B Paul Science Quiz: 1 Bronze

• Science Buskers Festival: Finalist (1 team)

• IgnITE Science Challenge: Flying Saucer Challenge, 3rd position 

• Vanda Miss Joaquim Award

6 teams participated in IgnITE Science Challenge. One team managed to proceed to the final round and eventually won 3rd position in the Flying Saucer Challenge.

Year 2020

Science Competitions

• Singapore Junior Biology Olympiad: 10 Certificates of Merit

• Singapore Junior Physics Olympiad: 1 Honourable Mention

• Vanda Miss Joaquim Award

Year 2021

Science Competitions

• International C.B Paul Science Quiz: 2 Silver, 2 Bronze and 4 Honourable Mention

• Singapore Junior Chemistry Olympiad: 1 Silver

• Sustained Vanda Miss Joaquim Award for the School Green Awards 2021

One student competed against 2000 students from over 80 secondary schools and won a Silver Medal in the Singapore Junior Chemistry Olympiad.

The Environmental Club achieved the Sustained Vanda Miss Joaquim Award for the School Green Awards 2021. This is the highest attainable award and is awarded to schools that have achieved the Vanda Miss Joaquim Award for three consecutive years.

Year 2022

Science Competitions

·        International C.B Paul Science Quiz: 5 Gold, 2 Silver, 1 Bronze and 2 Merit. Overall 4th runner up in Finals.

·        Singapore Junior Biology Olympiad: 2 Bronze and 3 Honourable Mention

·        Singapore Junior Chemistry Olympiad: 3 Merit

·        Singapore Junior Physics Olympiad: 1 Bronze and 7 Honourable Mention