Applied Learning Programme (ALP)

Design for Smart and Sustainable Urban Living

Through our ALP (Applied Learning Programme) titled Design for Smart and Sustainable Urban Living, we commit to Nurturing Tomorrow’s Creators of Smart Solutions, and empower all students through a hands-on, minds-on learning approach. This features a range of learning experiences that cover content outside of the national curriculum, with an emphasis on

1. Use of Technology and STEM-Related Skills, and
   

2. Sustainability and Smart Living

Tier 1 Curriculum

All Secondary 1 and 2 students will engage in a curriculum featuring hands-on activities that allow them to acquire coding skills and design thinking concepts. This enables them to apply these skills through problem-solving inquiry projects, demonstrate their learning by developing and building prototypes, and apply their knowledge to everyday life applications.

Secondary 1

• Trash to Treasure: Green-Minded Play

  • Series of Micro:bit-infused lessons with hands-on activities for students to learn by tinkering.

  • Inquiry projects related to sustainable urban living, urban stresses, and liveability concepts.

Secondary 2

• Smart Loveable Spaces

  • Gain understanding of issues related to the ramifications of urbanization.

  • Identify and develop feasible technology-driven solutions to enhance community liveability for greater resilience and sustainability.

Lessons and projects utilise the design thinking framework, providing students with an accessible protocol to explore the community around them and tinker with prototypes to create workable solutions. Students will have the opportunity to showcase their best work at our annual Green Carnival and Maker Faire.

Tier 2 Learning Experiences

Tier 2 offerings allow interested and passionate students to delve deeper into how technology can be used to solve problems related to urban living.

School-Run Workshops

These workshops provide students with greater exposure and training in design thinking and STEM-related fields. Examples include:

• STEAM Week Workshops focusing on emerging STEM tools (e.g. Chibitronics).

• Climate and sustainability talks conducted by the Earth Observatory of Singapore.

• Exploring sustainable food options (e.g. edible insects)

Local & Overseas Learning Journeys

JSS students can embark on enriching learning journeys to industry bodies, partners, and companies. These experiences allow students to gain practical insights, broaden their worldview, and deepen their knowledge. Examples include:

• Visit to BuildTech Asia 2024 & 2025, featuring innovations in built sustainability and green living ideas for smart living and environmental sustainability.

• Overseas immersion trip to Tokyo, Japan (in 2024) and Shanghai (in 2025) for hands-on STEM and applied learning experiences in a culturally rich environment.

Competitions

JSS students participate in competitions to broaden their learning experiences and enhance their design thinking beyond the school level. These competitions offer rich and authentic learning opportunities as students gain hands-on experience. Examples include:

• Climate Crisis Challenge: Tackling problems related to themes such as food insecurity, heat stress, or biodiversity loss.
  

• NUS National Geo Challenge: Focusing on sustainability and climate change.
  

• Singapore Youth STEM Fair: Ideating and prototyping STEM solutions to solving real world problems

Updated 15 Oct 2025