Applied Learning Programme Singapore
What Is an Applied Learning Programme (ALP)?
Applied Learning Programmes are non-examinable and focus on the application of knowledge and thinking skills in authentic settings, including society and industry contexts.
A well-designed ALP helps students:
- apply academic learning meaningfully in real-world situations
- develop critical and creative thinking skills
- collaborate and communicate ideas clearly
- reflect on decisions and outcomes
- see the relevance and value of learning beyond examinations
ALP vs Applied Learning Modules (ApLM)
Schools often use ALP and Applied Learning Modules (ApLM) interchangeably. While related, they serve slightly different purposes.
Applied Learning Programme (ALP)
School-based, non-examinable programmes that emphasise the application of knowledge and thinking skills in authentic settings in society and industries.
Applied Learning Modules (ApLM)
Enrichment modules that broaden learning experiences through practical application, learning by doing, learning about the real world, and learning for life.
C-Academy designs and delivers both ALP-style programmes and ApLM-style learning journeys, depending on your school’s objectives, student level, and schedule.
How C-Academy Delivers ALP Using Design Thinking
At C-Academy, Design Thinking is the delivery engine of our Applied Learning Programmes.
We use our proprietary EDIT Design Thinking® framework to translate ALP intent into a clear, student-friendly learning journey that moves from thinking to making and testing.
Our ALP Delivery Framework
Empathise
Students study real users and communities to uncover genuine needs, lived experiences, and contextual insights.
Define
Students frame meaningful problem statements using How Might We questions, grounding challenges in real needs.
Ideate
Students explore ideas through structured divergent ideation, using C-Academy’s creative tools to generate, expand, and challenge possibilities before converging.
Test
Students translate ideas into physical prototypes, test assumptions, gather feedback, and refine concepts using value propositions and the Sweet Spot of Innovation. This ensures Applied Learning is authentic, hands-on, and outcome-driven, not abstract or activity-based.
Authentic ALP Contexts We Design For
Our Applied Learning Programmes are grounded in real-world community and societal contexts that students can relate to and care about.
Elderly wellbeing and everyday independence
Sustainability and environmental responsibility
Accessibility and inclusive design
Healthy living and community habits
Public service access and user journeys
Digital safety and scam awareness for seniors
Community spaces and belonging
Intergenerational connection
Themes are contextualised based on student level and school priorities.What Students Produce
Our Applied Learning Programmes are artefact-driven and experiential. Students do not just participate or discuss ideas, they think, make, test, and refine. By the end of an ALP engagement, students typically produce:
- Key user insights
- How Might We problem statements
- Reflection and learning summaries
- Divergent ideation outputs using C-Academy’s creative tools
- Value Proposition statements
- Physical prototypes (low-fidelity and concept models)
- Sweet Spot of Innovation evaluations
- Prototype testing insights and refinements
- Canva-based pitch presentations
- Empathy Maps
Where appropriate, students test their ideas through simple prototyping and feedback loops, reinforcing learning through making and iteration. Schools receive soft copies of templates and selected artefacts for documentation, reporting, and reuse.
Applied Learning Programme Formats for Secondary Schools
ALP Challenge Sprint
3-hour, half-day, or full-day format Suitable for student leaders, selected cohorts, or enrichment weeks Focused on one real-world challenge with clear outputs
ALP Learning Journey (1–6 Sessions)
Conducted over several weeks or post-exam periods Deeper exploration of a community issue and solution development Suitable for Applied Learning Programmes or Applied Learning Modules
ALP Showcase and Pitch Programme
Students present solutions to peers and teachers Includes pitch structure, presentation coaching, and feedback rubrics Suitable for innovation weeks or school-based showcases
Cohort-Based Delivery Led by Our Core Trainers
C-Academy specialises in cohort-based Applied Learning Programmes delivered by our core training team.
We do not outsource delivery to large pools of freelance trainers, ensuring:
Consistent facilitation style
and expectations
and expectations
Strong contextual understanding of each cohort
Reliable learning outcomes across sessions
We take on a limited number of ALP engagements each term to protect preparation depth and delivery quality. If a school requires wider implementation, programmes can be scoped and delivered in phases across terms.
Programme Assurance and Delivery Quality
Applied Learning requires more than good facilitation. It requires structure and assurance.
We ensure delivery quality through:
- pre-programme alignment with Teacher IC
- standardised run sheets and activity flow
- clear artefact and output requirements
- guidance on safe, low-fidelity prototyping and classroom testing
- classroom management strategies for engagement and focus
- structured post-programme output collation where required
This gives schools confidence that learning outcomes are consistent, observable, and defensible.
Who Our Applied Learning Programmes Are For
Our programmes are designed for:
Secondary 1 to Secondary 5 cohorts
Student leaders and leadership teams
Applied Learning Programmes (ALP)
Applied Learning Modules (ApLM)
Enrichment weeks and innovation programmes
Programmes are customised based on student level, cohort size, theme, and time available.Frequently Asked Questions
Are your programmes aligned to MOE Applied Learning Programme intent?
Yes. Our programmes focus on authentic contexts, application of learning, collaboration, communication, reflection, and hands-on making, aligning with MOE’s stated ALP objectives.
Can you customise the Applied Learning theme?
Yes. We regularly customise themes such as elderly wellbeing, sustainability, accessibility, and community engagement.
Do students build and test real prototypes?
Yes. Students create low-fidelity physical prototypes and test ideas through guided feedback and evaluation activities where appropriate.
Can you run Applied Learning Programmes for large cohorts?
We specialise in cohort-based delivery led by our core team. For larger rollouts, programmes can be scoped and delivered in phases.
Do schools keep the materials?
Yes. Schools receive soft copies of templates and selected artefacts for documentation and reuse.
Plan Your Applied Learning Programme
Tell us your student level, cohort size, Applied Learning theme, and available timeframe. We will recommend the most suitable Applied Learning Programme format for your school.