N(T) CURRICULUM

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22 August 2005

N(T) CURRICULUM

Enhancing experiential learning for technically-inclined students

1. Students taking the Normal(Technical) [N(T)] course in our secondary schools can look forward to more opportunities for experiential, practice-oriented learning. Enhancements are being made to the N(T) curriculum to help students discover their interests and talents, and to make learning more engaging. The revised N(T) curriculum will be implemented in all schools in 2007. The Prime Minister spoke about these enhancements at the 2005 National Day Rally.

2. More “real world” learning will be brought into the N(T) course through revisions in the core curriculum, as well as through the introduction of elective modules. There will be more learning-by-doing. The new curriculum will ensure that students have a firm foundation to continue their education at the Institute of Technical Education, and to go on thereafter to good jobs or further education at the polytechnics.

3. The two main thrusts of the new N(T) curriculum are spelt out briefly below.

Core Curriculum Subjects

4. It remains critical for N(T) students to learn English and Mathematics as a foundation for further learning, and to do well in the workplace. However, the curriculum for both these core subjects will include more group work and presentations, more hands-on activities and the use of Information Technology, to make learning more engaging. Such active learning will help students understand the subjects better and fuel their interest to learn.

5. The current English curriculum already focuses on providing the students with functional literacy. A revised Mathematics syllabus, to be implemented in 2007, will also take on a more practical focus. For example, students will learn about numbers and statistics through event planning, budgeting, comparison shopping, design of a product, statistics for a game, and other real-life applications.

6. Similar enhancements are being made to the syllabuses of other N(T) subjects such as Computer Applications, Design & Technology and Science. New syllabuses in Art, Food Studies and Music have also been developed, catering specifically to the needs of N(T) students.

Elective Modules

7. To broaden the learning experiences of N(T) students, schools have also begun to offer Elective Modules. These modules could serve as an extension of what is learnt in current N(T) subjects or give students insight into the types of jobs and industries that they might be interested in. The practical, hands-on nature of the modules engages students and deepens their understanding of the concepts taught.

8. Since this year, 39 schools have been offering Elective Modules. The modules cover a wide range of subjects, including digital animation, basic electronics, motorcycle maintenance and precision engineering, hospitality, basic food and beverage, nursing, hairdressing, pastry making and retail sales. The courses are run in collaboration with partners such as ITE Education Services, SHATEC, the Polytechnics and IT training companies.

9. For example, Secondary 3 N(T) students at Yishun Town Secondary Schoolhave been going to the Baking Industry Training Centre to learn about bread and pastry making. They can also learn about personal grooming and hairdressing at a private training centre. Students have found these courses exciting and fun because of their practical nature.

10. Xinmin Secondary is another school with a menu of electives for N(T) students:

· Some Secondary 4 N(T) students are learning to make medicines and perfumes from natural products. Students have found this programme stimulating because it is hands-on and it demonstrates the everyday applications of science and scientific discoveries, while making them aware of the applications of Natural Product Chemistry in the manufacture of medicines and perfumes. Moreover, the students are very excited when they get to create their own perfumes and scents.

· As part of the school’s life sciences programme, Secondary 1 N(T) students are given the opportunity to learn and conduct research on DNA and the molecular structure through the Forensic Science Elective Module. Through fun-filled role plays conducted during the lessons, students are equipped with basic knowledge in the life sciences, and also with inquiry, analytical and even investigative skills.

· Lower Secondary N(T) students are learning to apply techniques in creating and editing images in the Digital Art Elective Module. Students enjoy the practical approaches to the use of Information Technology and the heightened sense of art appreciation that the programme offers. The tools and skills taught are particularly useful for students who intend to pursue further studies in Visual Art, with a view to subsequent careers in areas such as advertising, game and web creation, and desktop publishing and editing.

11. At Yio Chu Kang Secondary, students are getting all excited over the 3D Animation Elective Module. The programme taps into the students’ natural interest in computer programming, and stretches their potential to learning animation techniques. This culminates in a 10-week project in Secondary 4 N(T) where students are challenged to integrate animation, video and stills. The programme gives students who are keen on taking up ITE’s media and technology design course a head-start. Yio Chu Kang Secondary’s Mechatronics Elective Module offers students a chance to learn how an electronic component controls a mechanical component, such as those in traffic lights and carpark barriers. Students are enthused by the extension of Physics principles to everyday life.