Applied Learning Programme – Thinkers With Heart

Discover how Lakeside Primary's Applied Learning Programme uses Design Thinking to prepare students to tackle real-world sustainability issues with empathy and innovation.

Last updated 10 July 2026

Programme Objectives

Lakeside Applied Learning Programme (ALP), Thinkers with Heart 2.0”, seeks to nurture students who are equipped with knowledge, skills and 21st Century Competencies to contribute actively to the school and community. Aligned with our vision of developing creative and caring learners, this programme allows students to apply their classroom learning to authentic, real-world issues while fostering empathy and responsibility as concerned citizens.

Our ALP is anchored in sustainability education, focusing on key national challenges such as waste management, food security, water security and climate action. These are aligned to Singapore’s Green Plan targets and framed through Design Thinking (DT) and Applied Learning principles. Students engage in authentic experiences that nurture Joy of Learning while building critical and inventive thinking, communication, and collaboration skills.

ALP Framework

The Thinkers with Heart framework is designed using the principles of Applied Learning:

Three overlapping circles labeled Learning by Doing, Learning for Life, and Learning about the Real World.

ALP Framework

Learning about the Real World	Issues of waste, food, water, and climate change contextualised within Singapore and the world.
Learning for Life	Skills and dispositions (curiosity, empathy, perseverance) cultivated for future readiness.
Learning by Doing	Hands-on projects, camps and prototype creation to foster problem-solving and innovation.

Design Thinking Protocol

Design Thinking undergirds the ALP, enabling students to empathise, define, ideate, prototype and test solutions for authentic problems. These experiences allow students to take ownership of their learning while building adaptability and resilience.

P3 ALP

Our Primary Three students apply design thinking to tackle waste management issues through an authentic and multi-disciplinary learning experience. As part of the Little Thinkers Camp, the students go on learning journeys to a variety of locations and gain real-world insights before creating prototypes and presentations to advocate for responsible waste management habits in Lakeside. The programme, integrated with Social Studies, English, and ICT tools like Google Slides and Padlet, also develops students’ 21st Century Competencies such as adaptability, communication, and collaboration.

Students learning about waste management and the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling.

Learning about how waste is managed

Two students working together on an activity task.

Working together on our idea!

A group of students presenting their ideas to the class.

Presenting our ideas to our classmates

A student proudly showcasing his artwork.

A creative way to get our message across!

P4 ALP

Our Primary Four students explore the theme of food security through a series of meaningful experiences. From planting onions as part of Science lessons to orienteering during a Physical Education lesson to find suitable spaces around school, learning is hands-on and engaging. As part of the Little Explorers Camp, students visit a farm and learn how the farm supports Singapore’s food sustainability. Back in school, students utilise the Design Thinking phases to ideate, prototype their eco-plot designs using LEGO and present their ideas with the use of GoogleSlides. Through this, our students develop key 21st Century Competencies of adaptive thinking, collaboration and communication.

A student planting onions with the help of Mr Soh, our gardener.

Learning how to plant onions from our school gardener

Students reviewing their worksheets and pointing at the plants during an orienteering activity.

Exploring spaces in our school through an orienteering activity

A guide points to plants growing in vertical hydroponic pipes while a group of students looks on

Learning more about fish and vegetable farming at Nippon Koi Farm

Three students work together to assemble LEGO bricks as part of a hands-on building activity.

Collaborating on our LEGO prototype