CIS WAELP

	Wednesday Afternoon Experiential Learning Programme


	The Wednesday Afternoon Experiential Learning Programme (WAELP) was initiated at CIS in 2002 to provide students with the opportunity to take part in meaningful activities outside the scope of the traditional classroom. The programme gives middle school students at Jurong East and Tanjong Katong Campus the opportunity to engage in a wide range of topics, themes and events, organized into 4 week blocks. Over the course of the year, students are involved in three different learning activities, with the emphasis placed on encountering activities outside one's own experience as well as on meeting new challenges. Some of the stimulating choices offered to students include the dramatic and musical arts, technology projects, sports, community service, cultural crafts and unique skill development workshops. As well as the opportunity to explore new areas, it also offers the possibility of discovering new passions. There are three categories within the WAELP: Athletic Expression, Artistic Expression and Thinking Skills:



	Athletic Expression:
	The activity component of the programme is designed to address the physical development needs of students outside of the core Physical Education programme and varsity sports teams and clubs. Activities that encourage Athletic Expression include Archery, Rock Climbing, Gymnastics, Golf, Ice Skating, Tennis, Yoga, Multi Sports, Kayaking, Bowling, Hiking and Nature Walks.



	Artistic Expression:
	The artistic activities are structured to offer students the opportunity to engage in an activity for a meaningful amount of time without the disruptions of regimented class schedules. Designed to supplement and enhance our current arts programme, activities that encourage Artistic Expression include: Batik Painting, Hip Hop Dance, Origami, Pottery, Jewellery Making, Mosaics, Sewing and Beading, Photography, Drama and Theatre, and Chinese Cultural Club.



	Thinking Skills:
	Activities that help students develop thinking skills are drawn directly from the work and philosophy of DeBono, Gardner, and Bloom who believe that thinking skills and creativity are teachable skills. This also reflects the MYP Approach to Learning which aims to encourage students to challenge themselves with problem solving tasks and creative thinking projects. Students explore inventive activities such as Robotics, Magic and Yoyo spinning. This provides an entertaining and enjoyable venue for students to test their newly-developed group and thinking skills in challenging and creative ways.