Here are the answers to some Frequently Asked Questions that Character Coaches have shared with them before the start of their first session of HBL-SIL. 

Students are encouraged to approach with their Character Coaches should they require advice on identifying possible risks to their SIL activities / to get started.

What about SIL?

1. What activities can I do for my SIL?

You can choose to do activities that you are interested in for your SIL. These can be activities that are related to the subjects you are learning in school, for example, a topic you want to find out more about, or beyond, like learning a foreign language or learning how to dance.  It can also be anything related to healthy living/ playing an instrument.

You need not do different activities e.g. learn dancing and singing during SIL. You only need to plan how you intend to learn what you have chosen to do e.g baking cupcakes. The key thing is that you must enjoy what you are doing!

2. Must my SIL activity be an extended project? Can I change my SIL activity after a few weeks?

No, your SIL activity does not need to be an extended project. You can choose to pursue once-off activities, such as learning how to bake, on an HBL Day, before moving to other activities. You are strongly discouraged to change your SIL activity as you will need to inform your Character Coaches for them to approve your plan after doing your risk assessment again.

3. Why SIL ?

SIL provides opportunities for you to be a self-directed and independent learner who is passionate and intrinsically motivated in learning what you like/enjoy within/beyond the curriculum. This is one of the key school experience for all students as 1 hour is set aside during every HBL for you to pursue what interests you. 

4. How much time am I given my SIL?

For Sec 1 - 3, you will have Terms 1 to 3 to complete your SIL learning.  

For Sec 4 and 5, you will need to complete your SIL by Term 2 Week 8.

Getting ready for SIL

5. Would I need to seek approval from my teachers and my parents before I embark on my SIL activities?

Do inform your parents and teachers on your planned SIL activities. This will enable them to provide you the guidance where necessary. 

6. I’ve been wanting to visit an external site to learn something I'm interested in. Can I venture out of my home or school for my SIL activities?

Yes. As a rule of thumb, you must be able to justify why you have chosen to go outside of your home or school – for example, the need to access facilities not available at home or in school. In addition, you will need to seek approval from your teacher and your parent or guardian before embarking on such activities.

7. Can I do my SIL activity with my classmates?

Yes, this is provided that your classmates are also interested in the same SIL activity! For example, you and your classmates may be interested in learning hip-hop dance together. However at the end of your SIL journey, every student will need to submit their own learning in the form of a reflection. Please see point 8 below. This will take place in Term 3 Week 10 for Sec 1 to 3 students and Term 2 Week 8 for Sec 4 and 5 students.

Submission of my SIL project!

8. Is it compulsory to record what I’ve learnt? What “evidence of learning” must I produce? 

You are highly encouraged to capture what you have learnt for your own personal reference and to help you share your learning. It should be a stress-free process – for example, you can record and share your learning by taking a photograph, creating a short video, or doing a short write-up on what you did.  You will submit your learning through your Character Coaches. They will brief you nearer the date.

9. Can I choose not to share what I’ve learnt with my teacher and peers, as I’m still an amateur at it? I’m worried that I will make a fool of myself. 

It’s not necessary to perform or to showcase your new skill set. You can simply share what you have done to master the new skill! For example, you can share with your teachers and peers the new things you had learnt from the books you read.