Learning For Life Programme (LLP)

Discover how ALPS students build cultural intelligence through the Learning for Life Programme, developing civic awareness and cross-cultural skills from Primary 4 to 6.

Last updated 13 July 2026

Learning For Life Programme (LLP)

Overview of LLP

Cultural Intelligence (CQ) ─ The Code of Life aims to develop in our ALPS students Civic Literacy, Global Awareness and Cross-Cultural Skills so that they can be concerned citizens who are rooted to Singapore, have a strong sense of civic responsibility, are informed about Singapore and the world, and take active parts in bettering the lives of others around them. In short, this LLP enables our ALPS students to GROW and GLOW (Good Character, Love for Learning and Openness towards World-Readiness).

In developing students’ cultural intelligence (CQ), which is defined as the capability of a person to function effectively in an environment that is culturally diverse (Earley & Ang, 2003), we hope that students will be equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes to enjoy and benefit from cross-cultural experiences.

Using the DNA double helix as a metaphor, the LLP has two complementary strands. The first strand focusses on developing the Singapore Spirit in our students and the second strand targets to raise a lively curiosity in our students about the world and the culture of others. The two strands are joined together at the bases, where the information is encoded. This symbolises the fundamental understanding of self, which will be strengthened through mindfulness practice and will guide students in their cross-cultural interactions.

Earley, P. C., & Ang, S. (2003). Cultural intelligence: Individual interactions across cultures. Stanford University Press.

Programmes

The progressive Primary 4 to Primary 6 CQ curriculum is based on the Kolb’s experiential model as shown below.

Diagram of Kolb's Experiential Learning Cycle with four stages: Experiencing, Reflecting, Generalising, and Applying.

Introduction to CQ

Three panels showing groups of children in school uniforms sitting on a floor playing a game.

Through playing a game, students get to discover the importance of understanding the shared rules (culture) in the context that they have entered. They also gain an introduction to the CQ four-factor model (Ang & Van Dyne, 2008).

Four orange diamond shapes labeled Knowledge, Drive, Strategy, and Action connected by arrows in a circular diagram titled CQ 4 Factors.

Primary 4 students apply CQ concepts to understanding local cultures. They apply what they have learnt to planning a party for invitees from different races in Singapore.

Ang, S., & Van Dyne, L. (2008). Handbook of Cultural Intelligence: Theory. Measurement and Application. Routledge.

Understanding CQ Knowledge

Two pairs of students in school uniforms sit at desks, play a CQ game by writing on yellow cards and paper worksheets.

Through playing a CQ game designed by the school, Primary 5 students get to explore different aspects of culture. They will use what they have learnt to understand the culture of ancient civilisations and other countries, as part of their Social Studies curriculum.

CQ Experiences

The school organises experiences for students to apply what they have learnt about CQ.

P5 Values-in-Education (VIA) – Intergenerational Learning Programme

Students cross the culture of age in their interactions with senior citizens.

Two scenes: people doing crafts at a table, and a student & a woman smiling while holding colorful painted artwork.

P5 Exchange Programme with Students from China

Students cross the culture of nationality through an opportunity to host students from China in our school.

Three classroom scenes showing young male students writing, discussing, and talking in pairs at teal desks.

P5 Immersion Programmes to China and Brunei

A selected group of students cross the culture of nationality through an opportunity to be immersed in the culture of the visiting country.

Students line up on a track outdoors on the left; on the right, children practice Chinese calligraphy at wooden desks.

Three photos of a school event showing adults and children gathered in a decorated hall.

P6 Exchange Programme with Japanese Students

Students cross the culture of nationality through an opportunity to host students from The Japanese School, Singapore in our school. As flag-bearers of Singapore, our students shared with the Japanese students our culture and way of life.

Students in a classroom watch a teacher present at a screen, students having discussion.