Applied Learning Programme (ALP)

Discover how the Applied Learning Programme uses hands-on STEM learning to grow confident, curious students ready to tackle real-world challenges.

Last updated on 21 September 2026

Three school children in uniforms work together on a colorful brick building project using a tablet in a classroom.

"You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him discover it in himself."

-Galileo Galilei-

Our Applied Learning Programme (ALP) anchors on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Education to empower students with hands-on, project-based learning. By investigating and solving problems within real-world contexts, our students grow into Aspiring Confident Engineers (ACE).

Purpose

We aim to cultivate the next generation of innovators by focusing on four key pillars:

Student Growth: Igniting a genuine interest, confidence, and enthusiasm for lifelong learning;
21st Century Competencies: Nurturing 21^st CC skills, including critical, adaptive and inventive thinking, collaboration, and effective communication;
Integrated Learning: Designing meaningful and engaging experiences that weave engineering and technology within Mathematics and Science;
Character Building: Inculcating core values such as resilience, perseverance, self-discipline, and the ability to embrace and learn from failure.

Big Ideas Underpinning ALP is guided by three key ideas:

A green-bordered table titled Key Ideas with three columns: Learning about the real world, Learning by doing and applying, Learning for life.

Teaching and Learning Approach

The Engineering Design Process

The programme is structured around the Engineering Design Process adapted from the Engineering is Elementary (EiE) framework developed by the Museum of Science, Boston. This structured process scaffolds students’ thinking as they plan, design, test, improve and reflect on solutions to real-world problems.

A Tiered Approach to Learning

We adopt a two-tiered approach to cater to students’ diverse learning needs, interests and aptitudes.

Two-tier diagram: Tier 1 covers curriculum for Primary 1 to 6; Tier 2 offers advanced STEM learning.

Diagram showing two tiers: Tier 1 Whole School with ERLA, Robotics, STEM Challenge, Champion; Tier 2 APEX with four programmes.

Tier 1 - ERLA and Robotics

The table below shows the Tier 1 plan for all the students.

Flowchart showing ERLA and Robotics curriculum for Primary 1 to 6, with topics progressing by grade level.

As part of the Tier 1 curriculum, all students participate in project-based learning focused on ERLA (Engineering-related Learning Activities) and Robotics. Through ERLA and Robotics, students apply STEM concepts in authentic contexts. Building and programming robots enable students to bridge classroom theory and real-world application while developing logical reasoning, computational thinking and creativity. These hands-on experiences provide early and meaningful exposure to engineering concepts.

Young boy in school uniform focuses on a small wheeled robot with a green light on a colorful activity mat.

Three young students in school uniforms build a colorful LEGO model while one uses a coding tablet app in a classroom.

At senior primary levels, students are given opportunities to interact with industry professionals to explore emerging trends and gain valuable insights into real-world applications. These partnerships also emphasise the cultivation of environmental awareness and responsibility through purposeful and engaging learning activities.

A smiling young student in school uniform holds a colorful LEGO construction in a classroom with a whiteboard behind.

Three students in school uniforms work with a small LEGO robot and tablets on a classroom desk.

Two students in uniform assemble yellow plastic parts and electronics at a classroom desk with tools.

Tier 1 - Challenges

To further nurture students’ interest in STEM, the school provides opportunities for all students to take on age-appropriate challenges beyond the curriculum.

STEM Champion Challenge

Jointly organised with the Parent Support Group (PSG), the STEM Champion Challenge provides students with engaging opportunities to participate in termly, hands-on STEM activities conducted during recess. Through collaborative challenges, students work together to think critically and creatively, apply core STEM concepts and solve problems in meaningful contexts.

A smiling woman in a yellow shirt shows children a small animal near a clear bowl of water in a classroom.

Seven people stand in a circle in a classroom, most wearing yellow shirts with a tree design, talking around a table.

A teacher in a yellow shirt leads a static electricity science lesson for young students in a classroom.

STEM Playground Challenge

BRPS consistently participates in the biannual STEM Playground Challenge organised by Science Centre Singapore and the James Dyson Foundation.

The challenge invites students to engage in independent, hands-on problem-solving through creative and applied activities that bring science, technology, engineering and mathematics to life. Performance in the challenge is evaluated using student participation rates and social media engagement. In the most recent challenge, the school was recognised as one of the top five primary schools in Singapore for achieving one of the highest student participation rates.

Three school boys in uniforms kneel on a floor examining a tall colorful cardboard project structure.

Two school boys in uniforms assembling a cardboard structure on a concrete floor indoors.

Tier 2 - STEM Club CCA & Accelerated Programme to Enhance Students' eXperience APEX (STEM)

Three primary school children in uniforms work together on electronics and coding using tablets and circuit boards.

Tier 2 provides specialised learning opportunities for a selected group of students who demonstrate positive learning dispositions and a strong passion for STEM. Through participation in the STEM Club CCA and/or the APEX, these students engage in deeper and more challenging learning experiences through STEM-related projects.

The STEM Club CCA offers sustained, interest-driven learning through hands-on projects, collaborative tasks and mentorship opportunities. Students deepen their engineering and robotics skills while nurturing their passion for STEM.

A student presents a science fair project board labeled Triventure to an adult judge in a busy school hall.

APEX (STEM) further extends students’ learning through structured training and participation in competitions/events that require higher-order thinking, problem solving and application of knowledge.

Through these programmes, students develop critical, adaptive and inventive thinking, as well as problem-solving and decision-making skills, while benefiting from enriched learning experiences that broaden their exposure to real-world STEM applications.

ACE in Action: STEM Day

An annual STEM Day is organised as part of the ALP to provide students with authentic, hands-on STEM learning experiences. Through age-appropriate activities, students engage in problem solving, teamwork and sustainability-related themes on STEM Day.

Three students kneel on a gym floor, assembling a small wheeled robot with sticks and wires.

Four school girls in uniform work together assembling a small wheeled robot with wooden sticks on a teal table.

Students in school uniforms use tablets to control small robots navigating a taped track on a hall floor.

As part of STEM Day, the school also conducts a STEM Fair, which provides students with a platform to showcase innovation projects, robotics work and applied learning experiences. The STEM Fair celebrates students’ creativity and effort while fostering a school culture that values curiosity and innovation.

A student presents a project board titled FastTrack Dining to two peers in a school gymnasium.

Three school boys playing a homemade cardboard miniature billiards table with coins and a marble at a school fair.