Small groups foster big hearts

Twice weekly, pupils get together in groups of 17-20 with their respective teacher-mentors during the first period of the day. Depending on the theme of the month, the conversation might cover anything from moral values to current affairs and pupils are encouraged to speak up freely. As Mrs Shirlyn Seah, Head of Department for Pupil Development, explained: "Nano allows teachers and students to bond in a structured yet informal setting, and helps teachers and students feel comfortable with one another."

Preparing for role-play during a Nano session.

The Nano group becomes in effect a support network that helps ensure that no individual falls through the cracks. The teacher-mentor also meets each pupil individually at least twice a year to give him or her a chance to talk in confidence.

Chu Ting Fang, in Primary 5, remembers well one Nano get-together in which the pupils discussed the recent earthquake in Fukushima, Japan. "It was so traumatising for the victims," she said of learning what the people went through and the aid they received. "The session showed us the importance of being empathetic and offering help to others." Wei Shu Yang, also in Pri 5, added, "It also taught me that we should be prepared for crises and why we should take fire drills seriously."

As a circle of trust develops amid familiar faces, the pupils gain the courage to share what they think and feel. Besides helping to develop their social skills, these sessions nurture mutual empathy as the participants realise they are not alone in facing difficulties. "Over time, we get to know our group members and develop very close bonds," remarked Pri 5 pupil Shi Hui Ling, "I know I can trust my group - we are all friends." Chloe Chua, also in Pri 5, agreed, stating, "Yes, so even if you think your remarks might be embarrassing, you will feel safe to share with your group."

Learning to think with depth

Putting their heads together to design a lesson while sharpening their thinking skills.

Unlike Nano, the Thinking Programme is carried out during regular lessons, although the school holds a dedicated 'Thinking Week' each year. In English and Social Studies classes, for instance, the teacher might steer the pupils towards asking more in-depth and critical questions on current events and issues. In lower primary sessions, pupils get help from cards with prompts to lead them to explore and dig deeper into a topic. At the same time, the pupils build up their vocabulary and thinking skills through games such as Scrabble and Dixit (a card game where players tell stories based on pictures on the cards).

Going further, some pupils in the upper primary level invent their own games and introduce them to schoolmates during 'Thinking Week'. This is, according to Pri 5 pupils Chen Mei Jie and Poon Yi Lin, their favourite activity. "We had to come up with a game that would let players understand the English language better, and make sure that the game would appeal to people," said Mei Jie. "It was a fun challenge coming up with unique ideas." Added Yi Lin, "We also had to think of how to incorporate our different ideas into the game!"

Presenting their ideas to classmates.

Apart from learning to see things as a whole instead of unconnected bits, the Thinking and Nano Programme has contributed to a warmer and more open school atmosphere. "As teachers, we also find ourselves becoming more open in our teaching," stated Mrs Tan Siew Hong, the School Staff Developer. "We are closer to our students, and more open to their questions." Declaring his enjoyment of the mental stimulation given by the Thinking Programme, Matthew Wong, a Pri 5 pupil, said, "It helps us to better understand the psychology of society."

Far from being independent of each other, the Thinking and Nano Programmes often overlap. For instance, some issues debated in the former might be taken up for further discussion during a Nano session. Mr Thomas Lim, an English teacher and ardent champion of the programmes, explains that together, they combine the vital element of critical thinking and moral values to a subject. "For instance, we deconstructed Hitler during a session, and some may even argue that he is a genius," he said. Such cynical logic would receive a hearty dose of retorts later, he noted, when Nano "comes into play" and add a human dimension to a thoughtful debate.