Outdoor Learning Experience (OLE)

Overview

 The Outdoor Learning Experience (OLE) at Ahmad Ibrahim Secondary School (AISS) is an integral part of the school's Learning for Life Programme (LLP), designed to provide students with a diverse range of experiences aimed at developing their social-emotional competencies and fostering strong values. Since its inception in 2005, OLE has been instrumental in creating collective memories for successive batches of AI students, shaping the school's identity and heritage.

 Key Objectives

 The school’s LLP- Outdoor Learning Experience (OLE) is a broad-based developmental programme that develops our students’ strength of character through three main domains of Outdoor Education; Personal and Social Development; and Environmental Awareness. Through LLP, students are afforded the opportunity to engage with both natural and urban environments, from familiar surroundings to unexplored locations, while instilling a sense of responsibility towards the community and the environment.

 Our inclusive approach for OLE affords opportunities for all students including our visually impaired students; both abled and differently abled to participate, benefit, learn and grow.  

LLP Framework

Tier 1
Broad-based developmental programme, augmenting the PE-OE Curriculum

Aligned with the Physical Education and Outdoor Education (PE-OE) Curriculum, OLE is designed to enhance students' movement competence and lifestyle behaviours. In the PE-OE Curriculum, students would learn a series of modular activities. The lessons provide exposure to a wide range of developmental programmes, enabling students to develop essential outdoor skills through physical activities, while fostering an attitude of care and appreciation for the environment.

Development of Social-Emotional Competencies
Through OLE, students not only acquire outdoor skills, develop lifelong learning mindsets, resilience, and adaptability but also cultivate a sense of responsibility, care, and concern for others. The programme encourages the development of healthy identities and social-emotional competencies, fostering qualities such as resilience and steadfastness. Activities such as team building, hiking, cycling, outdoor cooking, and kayaking are just a few examples of the experiences that students can expect during their time at AISS.

Community Engagement and Environmental Appreciation
Secondary 1 to 3 students would attend OLE as a cohort where students get the opportunity to form connections with the community and gain a deeper appreciation of the environment. Through OLE, students develop a sense of rootedness and responsibility towards the community, contributing to their holistic development as individuals.

Tier 2
As part of the school’s talent development, opportunities are extended to students who have interest, attune to and have the aptitude for outdoor activities, to be Outdoor Leaders (OL).  OL are provided with the opportunities to develop, engage and contribute to the community.   

Platforms to develop their critical, adaptive and inventive thinking
Natural platforms are provided for OL to demonstrate skills in leadership, facilitation, and event management. These opportunities are structured as part of cohort programmes i.e. Sec 1 Orientation, Sec 2 OLE and the school-wide Sports Carnival.

External participation with community
Students have the opportunity to attend external programmes such as the Khatib Bongsu Orientation and Engagement Session, jointly organised by our partners, Nee Soon East Community Centre and People’s Association to develop their critical, adaptive and inventive thinking. As part of environmental awareness, our students get to kayak through the mangrove forest at Khatib Bongsu. While doing so, our students would also clean up and explore possibilities, generate novel and useful ideas for the community as they provide valuable feedback to the authorities on how the area can be developed for future public use and visits. 

As part of OL’s development, they would be provided with training that would include knowledge on Risk Assessment Management System (RAMS) where students are able to identify possible hazards in different activities and take reasonably practicable measures to eliminate or reduce the potential risks. As student leaders, they would also undergo internal milestone student leadership training.

OLE at AISS is a testament to the school's commitment to provide students with a well-rounded education that goes beyond the classroom, nurturing their character and values while fostering a strong connection with the environment and the community. Over the years, OLE has provided the unique collective memories that define the AI identity and heritage for many batches of AI students long after they graduated from school.

Our Programme was featured in SingTeach | Education Research for Teachers:

• A Classroom Without Walls