Applied Learning Programme
Explore how Unity Primary School's CAPtivate programme deepens students' fluency and comprehension through a schoolwide reading push, sharpens reasoning and expression in thinking-skills lessons, and speaking enrichment programmes.
The Applied Learning Programme (ALP) at Unity Primary, CAPtivate (Critical Thinking Accelerated Programme) @ UPS, is designed to nurture critical thinkers and confident communicators, equipping students with 21st Century Competencies (E21CC). Through its three-pronged approach—(i) a school-wide reading programme, RABBIT (Read A Book Because It’s Terrific), (ii) Critical Thinking lessons based on Richard Paul’s Wheels of Reasoning, and (iii) Effective Communication Enrichment—the programme fosters a love for reading while enhancing language mastery, fluency, and comprehension, empowering students with essential skills for the future.
This programme aims to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills in students, aligning with 21st Century Competencies (21CC) and the school’s vision of ‘Creative Mind, Confident Self, Caring Heart’.
English Language
1. R.A.B.B.I.T
The Read A Book Because It’s Terrific! (R.A.B.B.I.T) programme was introduced since 2014 as part of the school’s Applied Learning Programme (ALP). R.A.B.B.I.T encourages students to read a wide variety of books from different sources and think critically about what they have read.
Students can look forward to the latest book reviews with NLB, a meet-and-greet with a local author, or even the termly introduction of new arrivals and popular books. In-house activities provide in-depth knowledge about books as they learn about the novelisation of their favourite movies such as The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss or Fudge-a-mania by Judy Blume.
2. Language Festival
Language Festival is part of the school-wide language event and it aims to promote the joy of learning and inculcate a greater interest in the learning of the English Language. The students are treated to a repertoire of fun and exciting activities. They immerse themselves in thoughtfully designed activities that stretch their linguistic skills, broaden their vocabulary, and deepen their understanding of language concepts in a fun and meaningful way. Through “Excite, Engage, Express!” assembly programme, they are given opportunities to showcase their creativity and public speaking skills. There are also Author’s Talk and Author’s Forum where many students get into deep engagement and meaningful discussions with the author.
Back in their classrooms, students take part in a range of engaging language activities, including Bingo, Charade, Jeopardy, Blind Artist, card games, board games and word games. These fun-filled sessions make English learning enjoyable while enriching their understanding and appreciation of the language. At the end of the event, students experience Storigami guided by teachers telling stories using origami and participate in the Charity Book Drive, Read for Books, organised by National Library Board (NLB).
3. Critical Thinking
The school’s in-house Critical Thinking lessons, an adaptation of Paul’s Wheels of Reasoning is carefully customized to meet the diverse needs of its students and supports curriculum differentiation. This tailored approach equips students not only with logical reasoning skills but also with the ability to adapt their thinking to various contexts, fostering Adaptive Thinking as they apply these concepts flexibly and strategically in evolving situations. The programme also integrates Inventive Thinking, encouraging students to explore ideas, generate creative solutions, and evaluate responses to challenges as they work through the critical thinking elements.
4. Enrichment Programme
The EL Enrichment Programme in UPS aims to expose students to learning beyond the curriculum. Varied learning opportunities across levels are planned for students throughout their years in UPS. All students engage in a range of activities that provide opportunities for them to perform confidently, think critically and communicate effectively in front of adult audiences in addition to their schoolmates.
MTL Enrichment Programmes
To nurture active users and effective communicators of MTL, oracy and creative writing enrichment programmes are incorporated into the P2 and P4 curriculum in Term 1 and 2. Through these programmes, students acquire the skills and knowledge to express themselves and communicate with others with confidence, creativity and clarity.
