Background of PAL

As the world around us becomes increasingly complex, competitive and inter-connected, there is a continuous need to ensure that our children are equipped with not just content knowledge, but also with the necessary skills and dispositions to thrive in the fast-changing and globalised future. We would like to see that they develop self confidence, become an independent learner and a caring citizen to our society in the 21st Century.

What is PAL?

With this as the premise, the Ministry of Education (MOE) has accepted the recommendations from the Primary Education Review & Implementation (PERI) Committee to implement PAL with the broad objective to further strengthen the provision of holistic education at primary level.

PAL gives greater emphasis to non-academic programmes within the curriculum as it recognizes such programmes facilitate well-rounded development of pupils in the moral, social, physical, aesthetic and emotional dimensions of learning and provide another effective platform to develop life-skills via exposure to a broad range of activities from a young age.

Under PAL, all P1 & P2 pupils will participate in modular activities in two broad areas, Sports and Outdoor Education, and Performing and Visual Arts. This will provide pupils with the opportunity to discover their various interests and talents, and the opportunity to specialize by taking a main CCA elective if they so choose at a later stage.

Implementation of PAL@TNPS

In 2009, 12 schools were identified as Phase 1 pilot schools to trial their PAL lessons. In 2010, 24 other schools have been identified as PAL Phase 2 schools to trial their PAL lessons in 2011. TNPS has embarked on the PAL Journey as one of the Phase 2 pilot schools.

Features of PAL:

  • Two extra hours of curriculum time will be set aside weekly for the implementation of PAL modules.
  • There will be a total of 6 modules implemented from P1 – P2, with each module spanning over 8 - 10 weeks.
  • It will be co-designed by the school with an external vendor and the programme will be copyrighted to the school.
  • At the pilot stage, during PAL lessons, external facilitators will be present in each class to facilitate the lessons with the Form Teacher. PAL modules will eventually be conducted by school teachers themselves.
  • The processes of learning will be captured and documented in various modes e.g. videos, digital images, log books, etc.
  • During or at the end of each lesson, there will be time for reflection and debrief.
  • PAL is non-examinable.

Characteristics of PAL Modules:

PAL modules embody the following characteristics :

  • Experiential in nature
  • Encompass learning in a creative way
  • Provide opportunities for children (individually and in teams) to create
  • Fun and enjoyable
  • Incorporate Character Development and Social Emotional Learning (e.g. self discovery, self respect, respect for others, team work and leadership)

This year, the school has embarked on Programme for Active Learning (PAL) for the Primary 1 and 2 pupils. Using “Environment Education” as the foundation of our design and the theme “The Flight of Life”, pupils have been learning more about ‘Reusing, Reducing and Recycling’ as well as appreciating nature and the environment. We hope to instil the 3Cs (Creativity, Curiosity and Confidence) in our pupils through the PAL programme.

Visual Arts

The Visual Art Module was conducted over 8 weeks. The pupils were exposed to the different types of recycled materials. On top of that, they were also introduced to the different eco-artists and their artworks.

Each lesson in the Visual Art Module was linked to the different types of SEL. During the lessons, the pupils collected recycled materials and were given the opportunities to create beautiful artworks using those materials. The pupils also learnt how to appreciate each other’s works.

It was simply amazing to see the confidence the pupils showed as they enjoyed individual and group experiences.

Primary 1
Class 1.1
Class 1.2
Class 1.3
Class 1.4


Primary 2
Class 2.1
Class 2.2
Class 2.3
Class 2.4
Class 2.5
Class 2.6
Class 2.7
Class 2.8

Performing Arts

The Performing Arts Module consists of a series of 8 lessons designed to expose students to rhythm and tempo, various music influences, group performances and creation of music and musical instruments.

The fun and engaging environment allowed students to express their creative and innovative selves. Activities in the module were designed to build students’ confidence and expressiveness in performing arts.

The activities revolved around teamwork and building interpersonal skills within the children. It was observed that shy students were bolder and more confident in taking the stage at the end of the module.

Primary 1
Class 1.5
Class 1.6
Class 1.7


Primary 2
Class 2.1
Class 2.2
Class 2.3
Class 2.4
Class 2.5
Class 2.6
Class 2.7
Class 2.8