LLP WHIZZ

Learning for Life Programme (LLP)

WHIZZ – We are THinking, Inventive and Zealous KIdZ who serve the community.

Rationale:

Globalisation, changing demographics and technological advancements are some of the key driving forces in a fast-changing world. To enable our students to face the challenges and capitalise on the opportunities of the future, the school has developed a value-based curriculum undergirded by design thinking principles which develops students’ critical, adaptive and inventive thinking where they apply various thinking skills and systems to derive alternative solutions and perspectives and relate to real-life problems.

Philosophy:

We believe that the critical and inventive thinking skills that one acquires when he/she is young will ultimately determine his/her level of success in the future. Thinking habits and systems such as Appreciative Inquiry (AI), Systems Thinking, Four Player Model, and Design Thinking promote critical and inventive thinking. These systems require students to have an intentional process to derive new, relevant solutions that would create positive impact. As the customised curriculum is values-based, it would develop our students with some core values and give them the moral compass to be rooted to Singapore. We believe that early exposure to thinking dispositions and values-based inquiry would groom our students to be lifelong learners and prepare them for greater goals in their lives to serve the future of Singapore.

Outcomes:

Students are

• Able to apply the following thinking skills/systems/processes: Appreciative Inquiry (AI), Systems Thinking, Four Player Model, and Design Thinking

• Able to demonstrate Critical, Adaptive and Inventive Thinking

• Able to demonstrate awareness of the global issues related to Singapore and other countries

• Able to generate ideas and explore different pathways to an issue/challenge

• Able to accept different perspectives, solutions and / or methods, even in the face of uncertainty

• Able to use evidence to explain his/her reasoning and decisions

• Able to demonstrate awareness of the importance of participating in school and community activities/programmes and actively participates in them

• Wise, empathetic, gracious, resilient, responsible, and open-minded

Implementation:

CCE in the Woods (CIW)
CIW is our school-based values-curriculum developed to educate students on values and self-leadership skills with the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People as a foundation. The CIW package consists of activity sheets, buzz time and students’ reflection on our school values and the 7 habits.

Through the use Appreciative Inquiry (AI), the Four Player Model and Systems Thinking (Upper Primary), teachers engage students in critical thinking and guide them in developing their own moral compass. This is critical in developing our students into Critical Thinkers and Leaders of Character.

Additionally, students will self-assess on their progress in demonstrating our school values using the CIW Reflection. Thereafter, teachers will provide their input and feedback to support our students’ character development.

Project Work (PW)
The school's WHIZZ programme is enacted through the PW programme. This initiative embodies the school's vision of fostering critical thinkers through an innovative curriculum. The school collaborates with Republic Polytechnic to review and enhance this curriculum, ensuring students receive robust education centred on design thinking and innovation. Two weeks within the school calendar are designated for Project Work (PW), during which students apply design thinking to solve real-life community-related problems. They transfer, apply, and integrate skills and knowledge from different subjects to create experiments, conduct research, or invent solutions. Below are the different components of the school’s Project Work:

1. Curriculum based on Design Thinking Principles:

   • The school’s PW curriculum is designed around the principles of design thinking. Students learn to approach problems creatively, empathise with others, and develop solutions collaboratively.

   • By applying design thinking, students acquire essential 21st-century competencies, including critical, adaptive, and inventive thinking.

2. Values in Action (VIA) Projects:

   • Students engage in real-life tasks through VIA projects, which integrate with Project Work (PW).

   • These projects focus on three areas: Awareness, Action, and Advocacy, all aimed at improving community well-being.

   • Students acquire Civic Literacy

3. Student Involvement:

   • Primary 1 and 2 students raise awareness on relevant issues. For instance, they use food journaling to document family memories, contributing to the national archival collection, Singapore Makan, in collaboration with the National Library Board Contemporary Collecting

   • Primary 3 students reimagine and design school spaces to enhance the learning environment.

   • Primary 4 students take action by designing games or toys for competitions and the annual Celebrating OWLETS event, promoting social entrepreneurship.

   • Primary 5 students increase awareness of health benefits, such as eating mushrooms, through partnerships with organisations like Golden Cap Farm, while serving other partners such as the Day Centres for Seniors and the Preschools in our neighbourhood.

4. Celebrating Owlets - Project Showcase

   • Students have opportunities to present their final project outcomes to their peers and teachers in class.

   • The culmination of these efforts is showcased at the school’s annual Celebrating Owlets event, where completed projects are displayed in booths.

   • Through this platform, students acquire essential 21st-century competencies such as Communication, Collaboration and Information Skills.

Greenwood Primary School’s WHIZZ programme exemplifies its commitment to nurturing Critical Thinkers and Leaders of Character who actively contribute to their community. Through the Project Work and CIW, students learn about design thinking and apply that to real-life projects. Hence, they develop students develop 21st-century competencies and make a positive impact. The positive contributions our students make will help them become Critical Thinkers and Leaders of Character, forming a future generation that will contribute significantly to society.