Environmental Education
The Green Movement Committee
Subject Head (Special Projects/Environmental Education): Ms Seow Qi En
Members: Mdm Lim Lay Teng, Ms Lee Yu Xin, Ms Liana, Mdm Siti Nur Atiqah
The Environmental Education at Xishan focuses on the Eco Stewardship Programme which aims to nurture concerned citizens who love and care for the environment by taking mindful and respectful actions. Through the programme, our students will become active agents of environment change who are able to advocate for environmental protection confidently to their peers and the community around them.
Four Domains in Environment Education @XPS
There are four different domains in Environment Education at Xishan. Together, they provide our students with a holistic understanding and application of all aspects of Environmental Education.
Tiered Approach
The school adopts a three-tiered approach in promoting Eco Stewardship.
Tier 1 – Engage
Tier 1 initiatives engage the students in acquiring environmental sustainability concepts and values on the various environmental topics through assembly or Form Teachers’ sharing. Every student will be provided with the opportunity to participate in Tier 1 initiatives such as Recycle Right Campaign, World Water Day and Clean Plate Campaign. Tier 1 initiatives aim to raise awareness towards environmental conservation and protection as well as to encourage the students to adopt responsible sustainability habits for life. For instance, the briefing on the ‘Green Etiquette’ aims to promote positive environmental habits and values.
Tier 2 – Enrich
Tier 2 initiatives provide learning opportunities for selected levels to enrich their learning through school-based initiatives and lesson packages. Learning is hands-on, meaningful and authentic for the students. Tier 2 initiatives include vermicomposting workshop as part of Primary 3 ALP IPW and The Mindful Blooms (orchid trail) where the students are involved in simple eco activities to nurture environmentally sustainable habits.
Tier 3 – Empower
Tier 3 initiatives target a smaller group of students such as the class Environment Ambassadors, Environment Club members, selected or interested students who are keen to advocate for environment sustainability and inspire others to act. These students suggested and implemented projects that promote sustainability, conservation and promotion of biodiversity, and environmental awareness. Throughout the project implementation process, the students develop creative and critical thinking skills as well as get to hone their leadership and teamwork skills.
Alignment with Singapore Green Plan 2030
As part of our continued efforts under the Singapore Green Plan 2030, Xishan builds the current environmental efforts through the 4Cs (Curriculum, Culture, Community and Campus).
a) Curriculum – To enhance the teaching and learning of sustainability concepts through Languages, Science and Social Studies.
b) Culture- To strengthen the importance of sustainability as an integral part of our culture. Students and staff are encouraged to adopt sustainability and eco-mindfulness habits.
c) Community - To leverage on community partnerships to expand environment-related volunteering and learning opportunities.
d) Campus - To support the move to reduce net carbon emissions in schools, sustainability features have been put in place whenever possible. For e.g. installation of solar panels and rainwater collection at Xishan’s Greenhouse.
Through these environmental programmes and efforts, Xishan hopes to transform the way the students perceive environmental issues and start them on the journey in becoming eco guardians who are ready to protect biodiversity and advocate for eco sustainability.