Functional Academics

This component comprises literacy, numeracy and Information Technology (IT) skills. The primary focus of this is to enable the students to lead meaningful lives at home and in the workplace. Hence, the school believes in equipping students with knowledge that will be useful to them after graduation, instead of focusing on an examination-based syllabus.

 

Adaptive Daily Living Skills is the teaching of three sets of practical skills to prepare students for independent living.

Self-Help - Skills for daily routines at home such as getting dressed, cooking and housekeeping.

Community Living - Skills for daily routines in the community such as taking public transport and the use of public amenities and facilties.

Social Skills - Skills for social interaction and building effective interpersonal relationships.

 

Vocational Education

Students between the ages of 13-18 undergo the Vocational Education Programme which includes basic vocational skills training, work experience, vocational assessment, vocational guidance and soft skills training.

Basic Vocational Skills Training in different areas including Baking, F&B Food Preparation, F&B Service, Housekeeping and Work Skills are conducted weekly to equip trainees with foundational skills for further certification training in other vocational schools upon graduation from GOS.

The Work Experience programme is a formal, structured programme whereby the school makes plans for students to experience a job or part of a job in an authentic work setting. It's key objectives are to allow students to : shape their Vocational Preferences, familiarise themselves with real work setting, develop and put into practice work-related skills and eventually, to enhance employability of students. It is structured such that students have multiple & varied experience (exposed to different types of work setting). The Work Experience programme is implemented in varying degree of experience according to the needs of the students - it may range from a 1-2 hours site visits (with no direct participation in job tasks) to a more regular and possibly a longer term job placement; and work settings may range from school-based to community-based to industry-based. Students placed on Work Experience programme will be assigned a Job coach each, to provide them support and guidance on the job.

The school cafe (Gopi-O!) is an authentic platform for students to be exposed to cafe operations aligned to industrial standards and similarly be trained in work habits. Besides providing work experience exposure for students, it also serves as a transition point for students who may require more on-the-job training by our job placement officer before being placed in the actual workplace. Besides the cafe, there are many other school-based work experience opportunities for students.

Vocational Assessment is an on-going process to gather information about students' skills, knowledge, interests and preferences (SKIP). This information is used to determine the students' Individualised Education Plans (IEP) as well as to aid the students in making decision pertaining to their Vocational Pathway. Methods of assessment involve both formal (by Allied Professionals) and informal methods of assessment (interviews, work samples, curriculum-based assessments, portfolio assessment, and behavioural observations).

Vocational Guidance is the process of helping students match their interests, preferences and strengths, to suitable vocational pathways. Curriculum-based lessons and activities allow students to learn about the world of work. Reflection and discussion sessions before and after site visits, as well as before, during and after work exposure, guide students to process their learning and have a better understanding their own SKIP.

The Soft Skills programme equips students with Social-Emotional Competence and Work Habits through weekly interactive lessons and class projects that also aim to build their thinking and communication skills. Learning journeys are also organised for staff and teachers.

 

 

 

Recreation and Aesthetics

This component aims to ensure that the students enjoy a balanced lifestyle. Physical Education, Music appreciation and Art lessons are included in the curriculum. In addition, a variety of Co-Curricular Activities are available to students where they can develop their talents and abilities. Activities include team sports, performing arts groups, clubs, uniform groups.