Development of 21CC through the Revised GCE A Level Project Work
The GCE A-Level Project Work (PW) occupies a unique place in the curriculum, offering group-based, interdisciplinary learning opportunities distinct from other subjects. The transition to a Pass/Fail assessment in 2024 reflects broader A-Level curriculum changes designed to strengthen 21st Century Competencies (21CC) development and cultivate genuine learning interest. A new feature of the revised PW is the autonomy students now enjoy in selecting projects based on their interests. The subject also offers problem statements co-crafted with government agencies through the Marketplace of Ideas (MOI), which offers another avenue for students to engage in real-world problem-solving. Additionally, communication skills are enhanced through the new Group Response to Questions (GRQ) segment of the Oral Presentation (OP).
PW serves as a platform for students to develop important 21CC, such as critical thinking when they analyse real-world problems that Singapore faces, and inventive thinking when they propose plausible solutions based on their research in the Project Summary (PS). Students who have opted to work on problem statements in the MOI are also given the opportunity to pitch and showcase their ideas to stakeholders such as the Land Transport Authority (LTA), the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) and the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC). PW not only enhances students’ joy of learning but also heightens their awareness of nationally significant issues.
Project Work brings students and teacher together in meaningful dialogue.
(Photo Source: MOE)
Working in groups of four to five, the first cohort of revised PW students in 2024 relished the freedom offered by the new open task format to explore topics of their interest. Empowered to exercise greater agency and ownership of their projects, students engaged more deeply with real-world issues and problems close to their heart while developing critical and inventive thinking. Such interest-driven efforts are evident in projects ranging from sustainable clothing choices and cat abandonment to sleep deprivation and financial literacy for the young. Working in groups naturally fosters collaborative skills as students work towards a common goal.
Word cloud derived from student survey responses regarding the revised PW.
The introduction of GRQ in OP further promotes collaborative learning, critical thinking, and communication skills, better preparing students for future academic and professional environments. Students must exercise active listening and think on their feet to respond to questions or build upon their teammates’ perspectives in a coherent manner. This group-based response format has resulted in more natural and dynamic interactions that mirror authentic social discourse.
In a world facing increasingly complex challenges, the role of the GCE A-Level Project Work becomes ever more vital as we equip future generations with the skills and dispositions to chart their personal journeys and contribute to our nation’s development.