PAL 

Programme for Active Learning (PAL)

1. Vision Statement : 

 To Inspire Young Minds and Mould Character of a Young Stephenian Gentlemen

2. Mission Statement : 

To Provide an Avenue for Learning Values and Aocial Emotional skills through the 4 PAL Domains.

2. Objectives : 

Key Programmes

 What is PAL?                                                                                 

The Programme for Active Learning (PAL) is a recommendation by the 2009 Primary Education Review Implementation (PERI) Committee to provide greater emphasis on non-academic programmes for all Primary 1 and 2 students. PAL is part of the curriculum and offered during time-tabled time. In PAL, students are exposed to varied and fun learning experiences in four domains: Sports and Games, Outdoor Education, Performing Arts and Visual Arts. Students also learn socio-emotional competencies such as respecting others and responsible decision making. PAL nurtures confidence, curiosity and cooperation skills in students. The programme is rolled out via a phased-in approach and will be offered in all primary schools by 2017. 

What are the characteristics of PAL modules?                                

Implementation of PAL

The implementation of PAL was proposed by the Primary Education Review and Implementation Committee (PERI) in 2009.5 PERI was an 11-member committee led by then Senior Minister of State (National Development and Education) Grace Fu and comprised members from MOE as well as the public and private sectors.6 The PERI committee was appointed in October 2008 by then Minister of Education Ng Eng Hen to assess the strengths and limitations of the primary education system, and recommend priorities, programmes and resources required to advance primary education.7 In its deliberations, the committee consulted and sought the views of various stakeholders, including representatives from the Management and Advisory Committees in schools, principals and vice-principals, heads of department, teachers, parents, students as well as members of the public and drew from its committee members’ collective experiences and insights of education in Singapore and beyond.8 

A summary of feedback obtained from the various stakeholders revealed strong support towards the provision of a holistic primary education that developed pupils in both academic and non-academic areas. As a result, the PERI committee proposed two key recommendations: (1) to balance the learning of knowledge with the development of skills and values through the introduction of more engaging and effective teaching methods, holistic assessment criteria and emphasis on non-academic aspects within the curriculum, and (2) to provide more resources in terms of manpower, funding and infrastructure to support these changes.9 

PAL was among the various initiatives introduced by the PERI committee, in line with its aim to achieve a holistic primary education by placing greater emphasis on non-academic aspects within the curriculum.10 The programme encourages learning beyond the classroom by providing pupils at the lower primary levels with opportunities to try out activities in Sports and Outdoor Education, and the Performing and Visual Arts. The committee believed that education at the lower primary level should focus on building pupils’ confidence and desire to learn, and hence recommended PAL to be introduced to primary one and two pupils. PAL aims to promote the all-rounded development of pupils in five learning domains (cognitive, moral, social, aesthetics and physical) and enable students to cultivate social-emotional competencies.11

Curriculum

PAL provides diverse educational experiences by merging classroom learning with outdoor activities to encourage interest and inquisitiveness among pupils.12 Each school allocates two hours of curriculum time a week to conduct modular activities in Sports and Outdoor Education, and the Performing and Visual Arts.13 Schools are given the autonomy to design PAL classes according to guidelines set by MOE.14 They are also given funds to purchase relevant equipment and engage trained coaches, instructors and service providers approved by MOE to conduct quality PAL programmes.15 MOE provides facilities such as band rooms, dance studios and outdoor running tracks to facilitate the organisation of the activities.16 PAL offers more than 54 modules and some of these include puppetry, singing, gymnastics and outdoor skills.17 At least two to three modules are conducted in schools in a year, with each module lasting seven to 10 weeks.18 By the end of primary two, pupils should have completed a total of six modules.19 Once the pupils reach primary three, they can choose to either continue with PAL until primary six and/or pick a core Co-Curricular Activity (CCA) where they can specialise in a particular area of interest.20