Inspiring Reflective and Innovative Self directed learner (IRIS)

The first component of the Bukit View Learn for Life programme is its Applied Learning Programme (ALP) ---- Inspiring Reflective and Innovative Self-directed learner (IRIS). Aligned to the first student outcome of the school vision, IRIS aims to develop students to be Self-Directed Learners who have strong foundations, are motivated in learning, and being reflective and innovative. This is achieved through the development of BVPS Learning Dispositions: Adaptability, Reflectiveness and Curiosity, as well as the emerging 21st Century Competencies, through the BVPS learning experiences, with activities such as Mass Brain Activities (MBA) and CodeIT! A common set of learning protocol Play-Reflect-Ideate-Innovate (PRI2), derived from Kolb’s Experiential Learning cycle and Design Thinking (DT) process, guides the learning experiences.

MBA uses board games as the main medium for students to go through the PRI2 process. In this age of technology, offline board games are still valuable as they offer learning and entertainment beyond screen time. In the PRI2 process, students apply adaptive thinking through play and deploying strategies to win. They will also be given opportunities to ideate on modifications to the games by applying critical and inventive thinking, as they will continue to refine, improve and innovate on the games.

CodeIT! develops computational thinking in students using different technological tools. Through the six years in BVPS, students will start with pre-coding skills and button-based programming, where they play with simple robots such as the Blue-Bot, and then progress to basic and advanced block-based and text coding skills through play with robots such as Vex Go, Stick’EM or Micro:bit and also learn about artificial intelligence. They then innovate and apply critical, adaptive and inventive thinking when they identify problems and develop solutions or products. Students will also reflect on the strategies used and how they can improve on their solutions.

Opportunities are given to all students at Tier 1 to learn the above during school hours. For students who are more inclined to these areas, they can be involved in Tier 2 programmes such as the Thinker Week Programmes, CCAs of MBA Club and Multimedia Club (Coding & Robotics), as well as participation in external competitions.