WHAT HAPPENS WHEN LEARNING IS DEEPLY INTEGRATED ACROSS SUBJECTS?

Computational thinking, maker education, project work, student leadership, and Values in Action (VIA) – C.O.D.E.R.S, the ALP at GRPS, integrates them all.

On one hand, the programme enhances students’ critical thinking and creative problem-solving abilities. On the other, it emphasises the importance of serving the community and developing leadership skills.

It’s a well-rounded approach with tangible benefits to students’ development of emerging 21st century competencies (E21CC). But it wasn’t always that way. The school arrived at its interdisciplinary ALP structure through iterations of change, by thinking beyond subject silos and looking with a cohesive, future-ready lens.

As GRPS discovered, there are plenty of interdisciplinary links to be found between skillsets and learning outcomes. Maker education is a powerful glue to bind them all together.

In September last year, GRPS is proud to introduce COVE 2.0, a newly upgraded makerspace. Refreshed to accommodate a larger student volume during recess and after school interest groups, the space has been transformed into a vibrant hub with distinct zones for tinkering, 3D printing, and complex paper engineering.

The ALP at GRPS is focused on health science and serves all students, from Primary 1 to Primary 6. When it was launched in 2020, it was centred on computational thinking. Students were introduced to various tools: programmable robots like Kubo, coding platforms such as Scratch and Scratch Junior, and microcontrollers like the Micro:bit.

In 2021, the school revised the programme to strengthen its character education component. The realigned ALP beautifully complements the school’s Learning for Life Programme (LLP), which nurtures ethical leaders and emphasises community service.

An even closer integration between the ALP and LLP was introduced in 2022 when GRPS incorporated 21st century competencies (21CC) development. A natural coherence between the programmes emerged from the integration of skillsets and learning outcomes.

From that point, upper primary students embarked on more sophisticated interdisciplinary projects. They worked across subjects like physical education and science to create targeted solutions for community needs.

Authentic learning experiences were also introduced. For instance, students developed step trackers for the elderly by applying their scientific knowledge and learning to understand what people really need. The result? An enhancement of critical, adaptive, and inventive thinking, the honing of problem-solving and collaborative skills, and deepened empathy.

The most recent iteration of the ALP came in 2023, when GRPS prioritised student agency through the appointment of maker ambassadors. At school-wide events, including MakerFest and anniversary celebrations, these ambassadors develop their public speaking skills and self-confidence by showcasing and championing maker projects.

What have GRPS educators observed in their students over the years? They’ve seen students’ prototypes increase in fidelity, complexity, and user-centric design. They’ve seen increased participation in making activities – and palpable student disappointment when the makerspace is closed!

They’ve seen how advanced students are becoming more confident in applying their critical thinking skills to higher-level challenges. And they’ve seen their students’ achievements rewarded beyond the school. In 2024, for example, GRPS students were recognised in the STEM Playground Challenge and the Sony Creative Science Award.

Most satisfyingly, educators have watched their students transition from passive learners to active creators, demonstrating the ability to design, code, and refine innovative projects while giving heart and mind to serving the community. It’s a great recipe for nurturing tomorrow’s leaders.

In conjunction with the school’s 30th Anniversary in November 2025, Minister of State for Digital Development and Information &  Health, Mdm Rahayu Mahzam, officially inaugurated COVE 2.0 with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque. The space also hosted the Hackathon Grand Finals, where students utilised the interactive displays to showcase innovative Scratch and Roblox projects focused on fostering a growth mindset.

Through the makerspace, Greenridgeans are honing the skills and heart needed to serve those around them—empowering them to grow as Caring Leaders who create meaningful solutions for the community.