The Accelerated Learning Program (ALP) was developed to enhance primary education for students who have experienced learning loss. It offers a compressed four-year Cambridge Primary curriculum, leveraging the stronger cognitive skills of older students. The program focuses on the core subjects of English and Math, along with foundational knowledge in science
Many refugee and undocumented students, eager to learn, face barriers such as being too old for conventional classes, mismatched curricula, language challenges, and other livelihood issues. Additionally, refugee learning centers often struggle to educate overaged, undereducated students with the help of untrained teachers.
In response to these challenges, the ElShaddai Centre created and implemented the ALP, condensing the six-year Cambridge Primary English and Mathematics curriculum into four years. The goal is to build a solid educational foundation and prepare students to advance their learning. To support teachers without formal training, the program provides a comprehensive package that includes a scheme of work, assessment papers, and teaching resources.
Launched in 2019, the ALP has successfully seen two cohorts graduate over the past five years. Remarkably, 75% of these graduates passed the qualifying exam to enter ElShaddai secondary learning centers. The program effectively reduces the primary education timeline by two years for students who begin schooling at age nine or older.
A few years of education can significantly empower older students to excel in various fields, transforming their life prospects. It is inspiring to see ALP graduates mentored into roles such as preschool and lower primary teachers, school administrators, and even skilled air conditioning technicians, who are capable of training others. Many graduates have also continued their education through the Advanced Vocational Pathways, becoming professionals in their chosen fields.
At least eight refugee learning centers across the Peninsular have adopted the ALP. According to curriculum writer Ms. Wendy Lam, the commitment of head teachers and subject teachers is critical to the program’s successful implementation.