Foreword by our Principal, Mr Goh Ek Piang

The broad nature of OAE enables it to weave seamlessly into different facets of education be it English, Mathematics, Science, and especially character development. OAE is a powerful tool that enables pupils to draw many learning points in a single programme or activity. The bond forged, and the skills and values learnt through such unique outdoor experiences will serve them well in the world they live in. The school’s OAE programme is multi-faceted, multi disciplinary and multi-activity based.

OAE is idiosyncratic in its own way because of the experiences it creates. It is not just about sending pupils into the natural environment to rough it out. It is also about breathing new life into otherwise ‘mundane’ classroom lessons for the various subjects. It is teaching less and learning more through our five senses. It is also about gaining new understanding and meaning to an otherwise confusing plethora of words. OAE makes for innovating and relevant learning, for each trip out of the boundaries of the classroom brings the child into the current and real environment. It prepares the pupils for real life experiences and challenges.

Learners are engaged intellectually, emotionally, socially, soulfully and physically. Learning becomes unique for every individual because the outcomes of each experience cannot be totally predicted; the teacher and learner may experience success, failure, adventure, risk-taking and uncertainty. Such experiences help to build strength in character and nurture the I & E habits on mind.

 Outdoor Adventure Education (OAE) in Hougang Primary School is carried out broadly and pervasively in both the curricular and non-curricular area. This is unique because no other school has such a structure in place whereby academic lessons incorporate elements of OAE and experiential learning takes place outside the classroom and incorporates subject integration at the same time.

In the PE curriculum, which is carried out in modular form through teacher specialization in the various modules, outdoor adventure is a module that cuts across all levels from P2 to P6. At P2 level, all pupils learn swimming for approximately 12 weeks during PE lessons. From P3 to P6, all pupils learn outdoor field cooking, tent pitching and orienteering as part of their PE lessons. These lessons are taught by highly trained teachers in outdoor adventure. The school is the only one that carries out such a comprehensive outdoor adventure programme.

In addition, the OAE department functions as a non-core department in the school and has in place compulsory programmes for P3 to P6. At P3 level, pupils will undergo a basic snorkeling / scuba diving course. At P4 level, pupils also carry out the swimming programme as a post-exam activity. At P5 level, pupils participate in a 3 day, 2 night camp at Serimbun with subject integrated learning being carried out before, during and after the camp. At P6 level, pupils undergo a 2-day 1 night kayaking expedition where pupils will manage their own navigation, meals, lodging and other necessities. These programmes are graduated in terms of difficulty and self- management on the part of pupils. Pupils learn skills necessary for these programmes through PE lessons as well as other subject lessons. As such the programmes form a unique part of the holistic learning and survival application for each pupil.