Learning For Life Programme
Discover how St Gabriel's Secondary School develops servant leaders through its Learning for Life Programme, building leadership skills and community values from Secondary 1 to 5.
Learning For Life Programme
Community Youth Leadership (Service & Leadership)
As our world becomes more complex and changes at a faster pace, we need to have many more leaders in every sphere and at every level. Leaders who have a clear purpose, who earn our trust and inspire us to contribute our best to improve the lives of those around us. In that way, we can do more together as a team, than working alone.— Mr. Heng Swee Keat, Minister for Education (2011-2015)
Our vision at St. Gabriel’s Secondary School is to see every Gabrielite become servant leaders, leading through serving the needs of others.
A Gabrielite servant leader exemplifies the School’s Values of Respect, Responsibility, Resilience and Care. He knows and loves God, his friends, his school, the environment and his country. He is a role model who shows humility in his words and deeds, and motivates those around him through his actions. He is confident in his strengths and aware of his weaknesses, and is a lifelong learner who consistently takes steps to improve himself. He is gracious in helping others grow and develop. He empathizes with the needs of others, and is willing to go the extra mile to champion the right causes, in service to others.
The school takes a progressive approach in developing the leadership qualities in our students, with a tiered focus for each level: Self-Leadership, Collaborative Leadership, Effective Leadership and Servant Leadership from Sec 1 to 4.
Student Leadership Development Approach
Approach to Student Leadership Development | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Sec 1 | Sec 2 | Sec 3 | Sec 4 & 5 |
Self-Leadership | Collaborative | Effective Leadership | Servant Leadership |
Leadership begins with me | Together We Stand | Together We Lead | Together we Serve and Inspire |
Developmental Platforms | |||
(I) Service through Values-in-Action | |||
Empathy for the Needy | Promote awareness for a Green Environment | Active Service in the Community | Advocate & inspire others to be Servant Leaders |
(II) Leadership Practices through Experiences | |||
Sec 1 LEAD Camp | Sec 2 Adventure Camp | Sec 3 OBS Camp | Sec 4 & 5 STAR Camp |
(III) Formal Leadership Roles | |||
Class Leaders | |||
School Prefects | |||
CCA & Sports Leaders | |||
Peer Support Leaders | |||
For each of these level outcomes, students have several experiences to practice their skills and knowledge.
(I) Service Through Values-In-Action
Each level has a key service experience through Values in Action where their contributions impact the school, environment, community and nation.
Secondary One students will begin to understand that Self Leadership is for everyone, at their personal level, to know their strengths and areas for growth while empathizing with others. Secondary Two students will learn the importance of Collaborative Leadership as they work collaboratively in groups to apply the leadership practices in saving the environment. The Secondary Three students are expected to become confident leaders who are able to lead and serve others effectively in their various groups, seeing and serving the needs in the community. At Secondary Four/Five levels, students will inspire and grow others to be servant leaders.
Students are engaged in Service-Learning projects designed to impart our core values of respect, Resilience, Responsibility and Care as they identify and serve the needs of the school and community and also to bring about a habit of reflection in them.
Service-Learning Themes:
Sec 1: Our School
Sec 2: Our Environment
Sec 3: Our Community
Sec 4/5: Our Nation
Through service to others, we hope to inculcate in our students a strong sense of care so that they learn to appreciate the culture and the lives of others and to progress together as one nation. This is in line with our school’s mission: ‘Service to God and Nation’.
(II) Leadership Practices through Experiences
All Gabrielites are provided with leadership training and experiences to develop their leadership competencies through our Outdoor Education programme. It is designed with the components from the UG curriculum which comprises basic First Aid, Camp craft, orienteering, map reading, outdoor-cooking, high and low elements adventure course and expeditions on land and water. The progressive scaffolding from Sec 1 to Sec 3 during our Gabrielite Camps provide authentic experiences with outdoor elements that allow our students to put the school’s values (3RC) into action within the given challenges and activities.
(II) Leadership Practices through Experiences
All Gabrielites are provided with leadership training and experiences to develop their leadership competencies through our Outdoor Education programme. It is designed with the components from the UG curriculum which comprises basic First Aid, Camp craft, orienteering, map reading, outdoor-cooking, high and low elements adventure course and expeditions on land and water. The progressive scaffolding from Sec 1 to Sec 3 during our Gabrielite Camps provide authentic experiences with outdoor elements that allow our students to put the school’s values (3RC) into action within the given challenges and activities.
(III) Formal Leadership Roles
Besides the baseline training and development for all students, our school has also put in place differentiated leadership developmental programme to identify, develop and deploy student leaders to serve in various capacities within the class, in their CCAs and as Prefects in the School. These students are selected and developed to serve in leading various school events.
Developmental Tool
Our school uses the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership, adapted from “The Leadership Challenge” written by James Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner, as a guide for our student leadership development.
Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership
Model the Way | Exemplary leaders are models of the behaviour they expect of others. They recognise that their deeds are far more important than their words, and set the example through daily actions that demonstrate they are deeply committed to their beliefs. |
Encourage the Heart | Exemplary leaders understand the importance of maintaining good team dynamics. They recognise the contributions of their team mates, and celebrate the successes of their peers. |
Enable Others to Act | Exemplary leaders foster collaboration and build trust. They work to develop others, making them feel strong, capable, and committed. |
Challenge the Process | Exemplary leaders welcome opportunities to innovate, grow, and improve. They are resilient, and are not afraid to take risks, and challenge the status quo for the right purposes. |
Inspire a Shared Vision | Exemplary leaders understand the needs of others, and have their interests at heart. They have a clear direction for the team, and inspire others to take action for the common good. |
Peer Support Leader (PSL)
About us
The Peer Support Leaders (PSLs) of St Gabriel’s Secondary School play a vital role in fostering a caring, inclusive and supportive school environment.
Our Mission
PSLs are committed to supporting the social and emotional wellbeing of our peers, strengthening peer relationships, and promoting a positive school culture where every student feels valued and supported
Roles and Responsibilities
Peer Support Leaders are trained to provide support while recognising the importance of professional help. Our key responsibilities include:
Offering a listening ear and emotional support to students
Befriending and supporting those who feel isolated or in need of encouragement
Promoting mental and cyber wellness awareness within the school
Supporting school programmes and student initiatives
Key Events
PSLs are actively involved in planning and executing various school programmes, all of which are student-initiated:
Secondary 1 Orientation
Secondary 3 and 4 PSLs take on the role of Orientation Group Leaders (OGLs), trained to welcome, guide and bond with new Secondary 1 students during orientation as they transition into secondary school. PSLs foster friendships, teach school culture, and facilitate activities like games and tours.
Hosting Primary School visits to St Gabriel’s Secondary School
PSLs have the privilege to host Primary 6 students from Canossa Catholic Primary School and St Gabriels’ Primary School on separate occasions. During these visits, PSLs facilitate the visit by answering questions and leading a school tour.
Teacher’s Day Celebration
The PSL EXCO contributed to Teachers’ Day Celebration 2025 by planning and facilitating a segment for teachers, a song lyric guessing game that engaged both staff and students. Working closely with the Prefectorial Board, the EXCO helped ensure a meaningful and well-coordinated celebration and produced a skit to express appreciation for teachers.
PSLs work closely with the Prefectorial Board for school events such as Teachers’ Day Celebration and Secondary 1 Orientation Programme, fostering collaboration among student leaders.
Training & Development
Sec 2 PSLs Peer Mentoring Workshop
A teacher conducted the workshop to prepare PSLs for class sharing. PSLs were trained in stress management and appropriate responses to cyberbullying and guided on how to confidently present prepared slides to their classes. They also learn how to facilitate discussions, build rapport, and engage groups through ice-breaking activities, skills that equip them to support peers effectively.
Sec 2 PSLs Mental Wellness Workshop
Secondary 2 PSLs attend mental wellness workshops conducted by external vendors to build awareness and understanding of students' emotional wellbeing. The workshop primarily focuses on how to identify symptoms of anxiety and depression, providing Secondary 2 PSLs with the skills necessary to help their fellow classmates and friends. Additionally, they also learn different ways to support people who are coping with anxiety or depression. This training strengthens PSL’s ability to look out for their classmates and respond with care and responsibility.
Sec 3 PSLs Cyber Wellness Workshop
Secondary 3 PSLs attend a three-day leadership training workshop conducted by external vendors. The training focuses on project management and timeline planning, equipping PSLs to organise and execute events effectively. PSLs are also guided in designing presentation materials on cyberbullying, which are later shared with Secondary 1 students. In addition, public speaking sessions help PSLs build confidence and communicate their ideas clearly when addressing the class.
Safer Internet Day 2025
In support of Safer Internet Day, six Secondary 3 PSLs conducted a sharing session for Secondary 1 students to promote safe and responsible use of the internet. Through sharing about cybersecurity and cyberbullying, PSLs helped the students understand online risks and the importance of making responsible choices online. This session reinforced awareness of digital safety and encouraged respectful behaviour in online spaces.
Leadership Workshop (Encourage the Heart)
Secondary 3 PSLs, together with an EXCO member in groups, facilitate a leadership workshop for the Prefects, Class Leaders, Sport Leaders, and CCA Leaders of the Secondary 3 Cohort. Through planning and facilitation, PSLs strengthen their understanding of servant leadership while learning to work collaboratively as a team.
During the workshop, PSLs lead games, reflections, and breakout sessions to engage participants and guide discussions. The experience allows PSLs to practice leadership in action while supporting the development of other student leaders. As a result, participants take away key leadership skills such as encouraging others and enabling others to act, which can be applied within their respective CCAs and leadership roles.
Selection Process
The term of service lasts approximately two years, from investiture in Secondary 2 to stepping down in early Secondary 4.
The Peer Support Leader (PSL) journey begins in Secondary 1, where Form Teachers select Peer Support Buddies (PSB) to foster a supportive class environment.
In Secondary 2, PSBs and interested students may volunteer to become Peer Support Leaders through teacher interviews and an investiture, extending their service to the wider school community.
In Secondary 3, PSLs may apply to join the EXCO, undergoing a structured interview process involving EXCO teachers, the Principal and Vice-Principals. From this pool, the Head and Vice Head PSLs are elected through a student leadership campaigning process.
Peer Support Leaders Executive committee (EXCO) 2025/2026:
Integration Committee for International Students
The PSLs at St Gabriel’s Secondary School are committed to supporting the integration and wellbeing of international students. Through the PSL Integration Committee, initiatives are planned to help international students adjust to the school environment, connect with peers, and feel supported during their time in Singapore
Chinese New Year
As many international students are unable to return to their home countries during Chinese New Year, the PSL Integration Committee organises a series of activities to ensure they can take part in local celebrations.
PSLs facilitate interactive cultural activities of Cultural Bingo and a Lo Hei session, introducing students to local traditions, festive foods, and celebrations. Through guided explanations and shared experiences, students gain a better understanding of local customs while interacting with peers in a welcoming setting.
International Friendship Day
PSLs write individual encouragement notes for international students, expressing welcome and support. These messages serve as reminders that they are valued members of the St Gabriel’s community.
They also distribute subway cookies along with vouchers as a gesture to celebrate international students as part of the school community. These small but meaningful acts are thoughtfully planned to bring warmth and joy to them.
Exam Survival Kit
Each international student received a specially prepared survival kit containing stationery and snacks. This aims to ease exam related stress and help students feel more prepared during the exam period.
Post Exam Outing: Rainforest Wild Asia
After the End-Of-Year examinations, Secondary 1 to 3 international students joined PSLs for an outing to Rainforest Wild Asia. The programme began with a shared KFC meal in the school canteen, creating an environment for conversation and connection. The outing offered a meaningful platform for social interaction and cross-cultural bonding.
PSLs are committed to helping international students feel a sense of belonging at St Gabriel’s Secondary School. Through their care, support and inclusive initiatives, international students are able to build friendships and feel valued, even when they are far from home.
PSL Duties
To remain visible and accessible to the student body, PSLs serve weekly duty sessions during recess at the PSL Corner in the school canteen.
PSL Corner
During recess, PSLs loan sports equipment to students with sports equipment and board games to encourage healthy interaction and peer bonding. More importantly, the PSL Corner serves as a safe and welcoming space where students can interact informally with approachable peers.
By being present, PSLs help create a school environment where students feel seen and cared for. Their presence reassures students that support is always nearby, and that there is always someone willing to listen and offer companionship.
Claw Machine
The PSLs introduced a Claw Machine to recognise and encourage positive behaviour aligned with the school’s 3RC values. Through affirmation cards issued by teachers, students who demonstrate good character are acknowledged and given the opportunity to redeem tokens to play the claw machine for rewards.
This initiative reinforces positive values and good conduct, including acts of kindness that may otherwise go unnoticed. By recognising students in an engaging way, it contributes to a more positive school environment and boosts student morale.
Friday Music Jam
Friday Music Jam (FMJ) is held every alternate Friday, which creates a lively and welcoming school environment where students can relax, enjoy their meals, and unwind from academic demands.
Through a song request system using a QR code, PSLs curate music responsibly to ensure a positive and appropriate atmosphere. Students may also dedicate songs to their friends, encouraging peer appreciation.
FMJ enhances students’ overall school experience by fostering connection, positivity, and a supportive school culture.
PSL Leadership Day Camp
At the end of Term 1, our Peer Support Leaders participated in a Day Camp organised by the PSL EXCO, aimed at developing leadership and teamwork skills.
The morning featured structured icebreaker activities that encouraged PSLs to connect beyond their usual social circles and communicate more intentionally. In the afternoon, PSLs took part in PSL Ventures, rotating through five stations and working in groups to complete team based challenges.
Through these activities, PSLs practised servant leadership by supporting one another, communicating effectively, and prioritising team success. The day concluded with a group reflection, allowing PSLs to consolidate their learning and deepen their understanding of their role in building a caring and inclusive school community.
PSL Bonding Day
To strengthen bonds and foster camaraderie within the PSL Board, our Peer Support Leaders participated in a Bonding Day organised by the PSL EXCO at Sports Hub beach volleyball courts.
Through sports such as volleyball, frisbee and dodgeball, PSLs built stronger friendships. The shared experiences encouraged collaboration and mutual support within the PSL board.