Combining lessons in Information Technology (IT), creative project work and a chance to interact with fellow pupils from across the globe, the GLE emerged when Mdm Rose Manuel and Mr Tenhet met at a conference in 2007. The two teachers sought to develop a curriculum-based programme that would foster active learning across disciplines and cultures with the theme "Friends Forever."

Checking out American gifts from their counterparts in California.

Learning 'live' from sunny California

"School is so full of high stakes tests, the kids are usually very stressed," observed Mr Tenhet. Speaking via a Skype video link, Mr Tenhet explained that the GLE aims to create a climate where pupils are highly motivated and personally engaged in classroom activities. "I think we have accomplished that," he said. "They are reaching out to people from around the world and are exposed to new cultures."

The GLE curriculum includes learning units that develop proficiency in reading, writing, speaking and listening. For instance, in a unit entitled "Me, Myself and I", pupils introduce themselves to their overseas counterparts in a one-minute video presentation. Using a secure, password-protected website, the pupils have even shared videos of themselves reading out passages, to which a teacher in California offers his assessment on their elocution.

"One of the nicest things that the kids take away from the programme is a greater level of confidence," pointed out Mdm Rose Manuel. Before the programme, she realised that her pupils had difficulty conversing with native English speakers. "They don't usually speak to American kids on an everyday basis, but when we had several Skype sessions, I noticed a growth in their oral skills and they are no longer afraid of speaking up."

The pupils' enthusiasm is evident as they share their thoughts on the Skype sessions. "I like the part when they ask questions and we answer," said Sharifah Idorah Bte Mohd K from 4F. "The questions and answers are sometimes very funny!" The Q&A sessions are also a favourite with Ho Cheng Ee from 4F. "I'm very happy to meet friends from the US," he exclaims. "I would like to go there if I can!"

Ng Ming Qian from 5A is particularly impressed by how the American pupils study. "To prepare for their exams, they actually study in groups!" he remarked, noting that most pupils in Singapore prefer to self-study on their own.

Ming Qian's classmate, M. Sobana, found it fascinating that kids in the US don't have to wear school uniforms and often take part in field trips to wild places. "I wish I could go there," she grinned. "But I will miss Singapore!"

Pupils listening intently to a poem recital.

Lessons out of the box

For another learning unit, the class collected small items that represent life in Singapore such as sepak takraw balls, national flags, newspapers, magazines and even a model of the Singapore Flyer. Together with personal reflections penned by the pupils, these items were mailed in a package to their partners in California.

In return, Mr Tenhet's class sent a box filled with American paraphernalia such as school jerseys, copies of the US Constitution, flags, baseball memorabilia and even a homemade dessert cookbook!

"We had a lot of fun making cards for each other," recalled Sobana. "The US kids are so excited they made two cards for us each!"

The pupils are so keen about the learning units that they are now gearing up for their next project. "They have to interview school staff such as teachers, the principal and school attendant, ask what their work is like and share this with the Americans," said Mdm Rose Manuel. "They are very excited and when I asked them, 'Are you sure you can handle this?' they replied, "Yes we can!"

Mdm Rose Manuel (centre) is helping fellow teachers run the GLE programme with other schools around the world.

Taking the GLE to new heights

Mistimed calls due to a 15-hour time difference and glitchy hardware bugged the GLE in the beginning. But the programme has overcome these hurdles and now, other teachers at Jurong West Primary have joined Mdm Rose Manuel to take their classes online in partnership with schools in the US and even in Brazil.

"This is definitely a new way for the kids to learn beyond the textbook," remarked Ms Tan Mei Ching, a Pri 4 teacher. "I had kids who couldn't even spell properly, but when I got them to write letters to their friends, they could really write it all down!" Two others teachers, Ms Paramesh and Ms Monique Holdorff, are also planning GLE sessions for their classes come July.

After all that hard work, a special treat awaits after the midyear exams. Mdm Rose Manuel and Mr Tenhet have lined-up a Skype call in June with experts from NASA, who will field questions about science and environmental issues from the pupils.

"They will get answers from real people," said Mdm Rose Manuel of this rare opportunity. "It's a fascinating project," she added in closing, "The kids get eager to come to school and learn, they are willing to do things and at the end of it, the kids are excited and that makes us happy."

Below: A video of the pupils saying farewell to their counterparts in the US via Skype.