Programme for Active Learning

Discover how PAL helps Primary 1 and 2 students grow through hands-on learning in Sports, Outdoor Education, Visual Arts, and Performing Arts.

Last updated 23 June 2026

Programme for Active Learning (PAL)

Programme for Active Learning (PAL) is part of the Character and Citizenship (CCE) curriculum for all Primary 1 and Primary 2 students. It offers hands-on and experiential learning through the domains of Sports and Games, Outdoor Education, Visual Arts and Performing Arts. Students engage in authentic and active learning experiences during PAL lessons. PAL also provides opportunities for students to explore and discover their interests, build character, and develop social-emotional competencies.

In line with the CCE 2021 curriculum frame, PAL lessons are designed to achieve specific CCE Learning Outcomes (LO) identified for each level.

Identified CCE Learning Outcomes for PAL

Table showing Primary 1 PAL developmental milestones with Knowledge and Skills learning outcomes for curiosity and teamwork.

Table showing Primary 2 PAL milestones with Knowledge and Skills learning outcomes on working together respectfully.

Students are given numerous opportunities to develop their social-emotional competencies by expressing their thoughts and feelings during PAL lessons. They are guided to reflect on what they have learnt for each lesson.

PAL curriculum

The PAL curriculum encompasses four domains: Sports and Games, Outdoor Education, Visual Arts and Performing Arts.

1. Sports and Games

Students are provided with both individual and group experiences in Sports and Games. They are exposed to a broad range of sport skills and games and are given opportunities to develop their confidence in completing various physical tasks. Students work in teams to overcome challenges posed in the games and learn the importance of playing safely and fairly.

Children in school uniforms playing a hula hoop passing game outdoors and in a gymnasium.

2. Outdoor Education

For Outdoor Education, students learn and appreciate the elements of nature, such as the usefulness of plants and animals around them and how human actions can impact the nature. Through the lessons, other than practising social awareness and responsibility, the students also learn and practise skills such as map-reading and using directional signs to navigate their way.

Outdoor Education in CPS is also tied in with the school’s Applied Learning Programme (ALP), with the theme Water Conservation for Primary 1 and Marine Conservation for Primary 2.

Three classroom scenes show young students examining objects, tending a small plant, and displaying a built structure.

3. Visual Arts

In Visual Arts, students learn and use the different mediums in art to express themselves while also learning about personal space and working with others. Students are also given opportunities to be creative, such as designing menus, advertisements and the interior of cafés.

Three photos of young schoolchildren in uniforms, some wearing paper hats, posing and smiling in a classroom.

4. Performing Arts

Performing Arts in CPS falls under our Lifelong Learning Programme (LLP) - Nurturing Talent and Creativity through Dance. Students learn how they can express themselves creatively with different parts of their body through movement (creative movement). Students learn to be more aware and confident about their body, building their self-awareness and self-discipline. They learn and dance to our very own CPS Dance and are given opportunities to create their own moves.

Young students in uniforms doing stretching exercises in a classroom; five children pose with raised hands near a screen.