A playground structure becomes a platform to teach physics.

Feed the fish to feed the mind

"We have always felt that such trips are a good way to learn," says Ms Josephine Ng, Vice-Principal of East Spring Primary School, of field trips to parks and other public attractions. "But due to logistical issues, we are not able to do them as often as we would like, so our Spring Trail facilities are aimed at making outdoor learning more accessible."

Back at the Spring Trail, pupils gather by an eco-system model to study the feeding behaviour of the Common Hatchet, one of many fish species in a pond. But instead of having to peer downwards into the water, the pond offers a cross-sectional view through a glass frame, giving a fish's eye view of the aquatic habitat. Effective peer learning takes place as the pupils discuss their observations and fill in worksheets on fish adaptation based on what they have seen.

The Spring Trail also includes a learning trail and a science activity area, where seemingly innocent structures offer a platform for multidisciplinary learning. "Even the merry-go-round has been designed to teach students about centripetal force," reveals Mr Alan Tan, the HOD of Science. The inherent flexibility of the learning structures also helps teachers inject a fresh dose of creativity and fun into every lesson. "It results in a mindset change in the way teachers plan lessons, so that they can teach in a different way," enthuses Mr Tan.

Ms Eileen Loo, who teaches Pri 4 pupils, describes how the trail benefits her students. "Most students in my class are kinaesthetic learners, so they remember things better by doing hands-on activities rather than seeing words flashed on the visualiser. They are also more engaged and on the task."

A taste of the past with kopitiam-style tables.

From food for the body to food for thought

Besides the Spring Trail, East Spring Primary School has also found an ingenious solution for rainy day woes. Mdm Jaisree Appoo, HOD for English explains, "Other than recess times, the canteen is underutilised, so we have redesigned it purposefully." No longer a place just for eating, the canteen is now a Spring Hub equipped with computers, LCD projectors and screens. With this makeover, teachers and pupils have a spacious hall for learning sessions that combine different topics and feature teaching strategies such as team teaching and station work.

What's more, pupils also get an opportunity to 'time travel' into Singapore's past. Step into the Spring Hub and you will be transported back to the rocking fifties with kopitiam-style chairs and vintage tables. The present is just a few steps away, with vibrantly-coloured dining corners in a contemporary design. Just beyond, there's a vision of the future in a comfortable setup of circular seating arrangements. These zones representing the "Past", "Present" and "Future" offer a reminder of Singapore's own historical journey from the 1950s.

Casual outdoor learning at the Spring Hub.

Both the Spring Hub and Spring Trail have become focal activity points for parent volunteers and the student alumni. Monica Koey, a parent volunteer, points to her daughter Carissa, an ex-student, who immersed herself in a hive of activities during the school's Clean and Green Week. "The students enjoy being in the school environment," smiles Ms Koey, "When they graduate, they miss the school and come back to help!"

It's hard to keep a good thing just to yourself. East Spring Primary School is thus hoping to share the Spring Trail and Spring Hub with other schools in the East Zone. According to Ms Ng, the school is developing an inquiry-based learning package to help fellow schools take full advantage of the facilities' multi-faceted features. It's a prospect that other schools are surely looking forward to, given the wealth of possibilities for fun and flexible learning in a double wellspring of knowledge.