Starting young – Life lessons in the great outdoors

Yuhua Primary School students get the entire school grounds as their learning space.

For Primary 1 and 2 students, they get to explore the school environment and learn about plants that grow around the campus. This hands-on learning experience is part of their outdoor education module in the Programme for Active Learning (PAL).

The students also get to make the Singapore Botanic Gardens their classroom for the day. They apply what they have learnt in their explorations around the school, and at the same time enjoy a picnic with their classmates.

The aim is not only to equip students with the skills and knowledge about plant life and nature, but also to help them learn to be safe and comfortable outdoors.

“Students will learn about what items they need to bring along if they are going outdoors, as they take into consideration the weather conditions,” explains Mr Goh Han Serm, Head of Department for Physical Education and Co-curricular Activities at Yuhua Primary School.  “Also, through the seed-planting activity, students have a clearer idea of the hard work put in by farmers, and have appreciation of the food they eat.”

Students have shown improvement in communicating with their peers and they have become more confident in speaking up. They also learn about teamwork during group activities.

“Students who were usually quiet became more willing to open up and participate in group activities. They are more confident in expressing their thoughts and showcasing their group work,” shares Mr Goh. “In addition, they learnt to share and take turns. For instance, when the students had a picnic at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, they shared snacks among their group members, took turns to lead the activities and helped to take photos.”

The PAL at Yuhua Primary also includes modules on music, art, and sports and games, with the lessons geared towards inculcating positive learning attitudes and teaching students the importance of teamwork.

Parents have been very supportive of the programme as they have seen their child grow to be keen and confident learners. “There was an overwhelming majority of parents we surveyed, who agreed that the programme has helped their children develop curiosity in learning and confidence, and to better express themselves,” says Mr Goh.

Students themselves have enjoyed the lessons as well, especially when it came to learning how to prepare for a trip outdoors. “We learnt what to pack in our bags when we go out on a hot and sunny day,” says Xavier Ng. “We were very excited and had much fun putting on hats and caps.”