TANGLIN OUTDOOR EDUCATION
CEO Foreword
At Tanglin, Outdoor Education is more than a programme, it’s a philosophy that shapes how our students engage with the world around them. In an age where digital experiences often dominate, we believe in the transformative power of nature to inspire curiosity, build resilience, and foster meaningful connections.
This booklet captures the spirit and scope of our Outdoor Education journey, from the first steps in Forest School to the bold expeditions of our Senior students. It reflects our commitment to nurturing confident, compassionate individuals who are equipped not only with practical skills, but with a deep sense of responsibility and wonder.
We are proud to offer a programme that encourages students to step beyond their comfort zones, embrace challenge, and discover who they are through shared experiences in the outdoors. Whether it’s a quiet moment in the forest, time spent as part of a connected community, or a summit reached after days of trekking, each experience contributes to a richer, more grounded education.
I invite you to explore this booklet and celebrate the incredible opportunities Tanglin students have to grow, lead, and thrive outside the classroom and within themselves.
Message from the Head of Outdoor Education
Leading Outdoor Education at Tanglin has given me the chance to share something I truly believe in, experiences that shape who we are and how we connect with the world.
When I first started in Outdoor Education, my focus was often on the big experiences: the expeditions, the mountain peaks, and the moments that felt larger than life. Although these experiences are often the most memorable and transformational – and don’t get me wrong, I love them – my perspective has shifted over time. I’ve come to realise that true value also lies in everyday opportunities to connect with people, with places, and with ourselves. It’s found in the consistency of challenging ourselves, in building community, and in cultivating gratitude for our environment.
Our programme is designed to strike a balance: combining the thrill of challenge and adventure with the steady practice of skill-building and regular time outdoors that unlocks new possibilities. It gives students the chance to step beyond their comfort zones, share meaningful experiences with peers, and discover pockets of nature right here in Singapore. Just as importantly, it nurtures their overall wellbeing—creating space to pause, reconnect, and find balance in a busy world. It's not only about what students do outside, but also about who they become along the journey.
About Tanglin Outdoor Education
In Singapore, students grow up in a vibrant, fast-paced city, where their freedom to roam is often more digital than physical. Our Outdoor Education programme is designed to give them the space, confidence, and opportunity to explore the real world: to play, to discover, and to learn how to protect the environments we are fortunate to experience.
At Tanglin, Outdoor Education (OE) is an integral part of every student’s journey. Our progressive programme spans from our youngest learners in Nursery through to Year 12, providing a carefully structured pathway that develops both physical and emotional skills, ensuring students are well-prepared for the challenges of life beyond school.
The journey begins in Infant School with regular Forest School sessions and day trips into nature. These early experiences lay the foundations for curiosity, risk awareness, and teamwork. Children are encouraged to explore, connect with nature, and begin developing practical skills, including working safely with basic tools.
As students move into Junior School, the challenge deepens. In Year 3, they take part in their first overnight camp—a key milestone that builds independence and confidence. Residential experiences gradually increase in duration and complexity, allowing students to explore different environments, develop new skills, and prepare for future adventures. This progression is complemented by the Junior Explorers CCA, a weekly club offering a variety of outdoor activities and contributing to the Junior Award Scheme. Together, these opportunities set the stage for more advanced expeditions and leadership experiences in Senior School.
In Senior School, the programme builds on these foundations, providing opportunities to strengthen practical skills, opportunities to exercise resilience, and leadership. Through cocurricular activities and specialised outdoor pathways, students are encouraged to take on more complex challenges, think critically, and collaborate effectively.
Overseas trips form a key part of this stage, offering immersive and ambitious experiences that reflect the growth students have achieved throughout their time at Tanglin. These journeys challenge students to navigate unfamiliar environments, make thoughtful decisions, and tackle practical and personal challenges. Along the way, they learn to embrace adventure with curiosity, confidence, and resilience, while engaging with diverse cultures, exploring environmental issues, and developing a deeper sense of wellbeing, responsibility, and perspective.
A highlight of the programme is the Year 9 Highlands experience. Based at our Gippsland campus in Australia, this transformative five-week programme blends academic study with daily outdoor challenges. It pushes students beyond their comfort zones, strengthens teamwork, and encourages personal reflection. The experience culminates in a demanding expedition—a rite of passage that marks the transition into the final years of school and provides students with the opportunity to reflect on their growth, reconnect with peers, and set meaningful goals for the future.
Following the Highlands programme, students can continue their development through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and other expedition pathways. These experiences foster self-discovery, perseverance, and responsibility, helping students become confident, resilient, and capable individuals ready to face future challenges with purpose and integrity.
At Tanglin, we believe in the transformative power of Outdoor Education—not only to shape minds, but also to nurture character, wellbeing, and a lifelong connection to the world around us.
Outdoor Education Programme Mission
Our mission is to inspire and prepare individuals to lead thoughtfully and act responsibly both in the local community and the broader global environment, with skills that can provide lifelong exploration.
• Adventurous Spirit: a love for exploration, a willingness to take risks, and a curiosity about the world. It includes qualities like courage, resilience, and a sense of wonder.
• Ecological Literacy: embodies an understanding of the natural world, its interconnectedness, and our role in preserving it. It encompasses knowledge of the environment, sustainability practices, and respect for nature.
• Community: focuses on building strong relationships, contributing to the wellbeing of others, and fostering a sense of belonging. It includes qualities like compassion, cooperation, and community engagement to support our student leaders.
• Exploration Skills: the foundational skills necessary for success in life and learning. It enables students to effectively participate in outdoor activities. By mastering these skills, students are better prepared for more complex challenges and can enjoy more fulfilling experiences.
Infant School
FOREST
SCHOOL - NURSERY TO YEAR 2
The Forest School is a child-centred approach to learning that takes place in the outdoors, encouraging exploration, curiosity, and independence. Rooted in the belief that regular time in nature builds confidence, resilience, and creativity, Forest School provides children with opportunities to take supported risks, solve problems, and develop social skills in a natural setting. By working with tools, engaging in imaginative play and discovery, children not only learn practical skills but also develop a deep sense of connection to nature and to one another.
Children will have opportunities to balance on logs, climb up slippery slopes, use tools, and learn to make a fire. Forest school leaders help children assess risks and benefits, so their decisions are always carefully informed. We always remind them to keep safety in mind by asking themselves, “Am I keeping myself and friends safe?”
• Minimum of 6 sessions for each year group
• Provocations that link to their classroom learning
• Led by a Tanglin Forest School leader
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Outdoor Explorers
An outdoors activity where Infant children step outside the classroom to discover the wonders of nature by exploring the Forest School.
DAY TRIPS
Tools
Infant children roll up their sleeves and get hands-on with tools and materials to build simple projects and work together on outdoor tasks.
Labrador Park Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden Chinese Garden
Junior School
RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMMES - YEAR 3 TO 6
Outdoor Education is a vital part of Junior School, helping children build true resilience while fostering a strong sense of community and connection. There are on-site experiences and events for children, along with a range of carefully selected day trips in and around Singapore. As the children progress through Junior school, they begin to venture further afield which culminates in a Milestone residential trip for our Year 6 children. The trip is an opportunity to celebrate the successful completion of their time in Junior school, while preparing them for more independence in the next stage of their school life.
Adventurous Spirit
Connection to Nature
Exploration & Access Skills
We grow brave by stepping into new challenges.
Community & Teamwork
We learn to care for the world by spending time in it.
We build the skills to explore safely and with confidence.
We grow by recognising our strengths and supporting one another. Together we build community.
• First school sleepovers, day walks, picnic lunches outdoors
• Trying outdoor meals, managing food and water needs
• Sensory play, Aboriginal stories, noticing emotions outdoors
• Tree planting, keeping to trails, helping with clean-ups
• Carrying a day pack, following a simple route, guided walks
• Exploring rivers, ponds, or the beach with guidance
• Joining group activities, checking gear together
• Sharing reflections, celebrating achievements
• Overnight camps with duties, stargazing, night walks
• Sleeping in tents, camp hygiene, safe decision-making in the wilderness
• Bush foods, building shelters, reflecting on wellbeing in nature
• Protecting wildlife, campsite conservation, learning about ecosystems
• Stepping into roles like leader, navigator, or cook, and preparing for group journeys
• Bush safety, making safe decisions, developing outdoor living skills
• Group food prep, working as a team to set up camp
• Leading peers, supporting others through challenges
JUNIOR EXPLORERS – YEAR 5 TO 6
Junior Explorers is a fun and engaging introduction to outdoor adventure for our upper primary students. Meeting weekly for a 2-hour session after school, the club encourages curiosity, teamwork, and a spirit of discovery through age-appropriate activities such as orienteering games, bushcraft, climbing challenges, and water confidence sessions. The focus is on building confidence, exploring nature safely, and developing the early skills that will support students as they move into the Foundation Club in Years 7 and 8. Each term concludes with a mini adventure on campus and around Singapore e.g. Wessex Estate, Green Corridor, and West Coast, giving students the chance to celebrate their progress and experience the joy of exploration together.
GIPPSLAND ADVENTURE WEEK - YEAR 6
Throughout the week, students will experience life on the campus in Australia while being guided by our dedicated Gippsland staff and local adventure partner, Halls. The programme has been carefully designed to challenge, inspire, and connect students through a range of exciting outdoor adventurous activities.
The purpose of this trip is to give students a first taste of the Highlands Programme while providing them with a unique adventure that builds independence and confidence.
Senior School
EXPLORATION SKILLS - YEAR 7 TO 8
The structured skills preparation programme within the co-curriculum in Year 7 and 8 helps to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an outdoor residential environment. Each unit is taught in a 6-week co-curriculum block led by specialist teachers.
Structured Skills Co-Curriculum Unit
First Aid in the field
Camp and Survival Skills
Fitness for the Outdoors
Food and Nutrition for the Outdoors
Caring for yourself and others
Critical Thinking
Service Learning
Navigation and Orienteering
Description
Students will learn the importance of first aid, what should go into a first aid kit and the basic care of minor injuries or illness. They will practise management of first aid through scenarios they may encounter when away on trips or family holidays. They will also gain experience of emergency first aid and CPR/AEDs.
Students will learn ropes and camp craft, tent skills, and participate in team-building tasks, which will help to prepare them for the outdoor camping experiences in the Middle School trips.
Students will learn the importance of maintaining fitness levels to participate in outdoor experiences. They will gain experience of a variety of ways they can stay fit through outdoor circuits, yoga, walking, jogging, and be educated on how to create personalised training programmes to meet fitness goals.
Students learn about the relationship between food intake and energy expenditure and how fuelling the body correctly has both physical and mental benefits. Students will learn how to plan, prepare, and cook meals on Trangia and create nutritious packed lunches to fuel the body. Students will learn skills to help them take care of themselves away from home, such as doing laundry and making beds. They will be taught about physical self-care through personal hygiene and mental self-care through practising strategies to promote positive wellbeing.
Students will learn skills to help them take care of themselves away from home, such as doing laundry and making beds. They will be taught about physical self-care through personal hygiene and mental self-care through practising strategies to promote positive wellbeing.
Students will work in groups to complete a series of problem-solving activities, including code breaking and deductive reasoning. Students will also practise debate skills and learn about related techniques to handle presenting (and critiquing) evidence.
Students will learn the key difference between charitable fundraising and meaningful service learning. They will gain an opportunity to engage in service either through volunteering in the Junior School or by advocating and indirect service for one of our service partners.
Students will participate in a series of orienteering challenges aimed at developing their map reading and navigation skills.
RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMMES - YEAR 7 TO 9 (OVERSEAS)
All Senior students take part in a residential experience each year. These are designed to provide students with hands-on outdoor experiences that align with the growth of students' curiosity, confidence, and sense of community. They aim to stretch comfort zones, build resilience, and provide opportunities for meaningful connections with one another and the local environment.
Theme Pathway Statement
Adventurous Spirit
Connection to Nature
We embrace challenges to grow resilience and confidence.
Years 7–8: Foundation Adventures (Thailand for 6-7 days)
Year 9: Expanding Horizons (Gippsland in Australia for 5 weeks)
Exploration & Access Skills
We develop respect and understanding through active engagement with natural environments.
• Overnight camps with lightweight elements.
• Introduction to land and water-based journeys.
• Adventure activities like kayaking
• Multi-day journeys with more complex planning Increased physical and technical challenges
• Engaging in adventure activities and multiday hikes
Community & Teamwork
We develop practical skills to explore safely and independently.
• Conservation activities such as planting native species.
• Observation of local flora, fauna, and weather patterns.
• Using guides and stories to learn about nature
• Packing own equipment for multi-day trips.
• Navigation, route planning, and basic outdoor first aid.
• Learning associated skills for land and water-based activities for a variety of settings
• Projects exploring ecological impact of introduced species
• Investigating seasonal changes in ecosystems Introduction to cultural approaches to land care
We strengthen leadership and collaboration by contributing our strengths to the group.
• Learning roles for effective group functioning (leader, navigator, cook, medic)
• Participating in team tasks and group maintenance roles
• Conducting independent journeys with support
• Advanced route planning, risk assessment, and emergency procedures
• Understanding codes of conduct and skills for safe participation in adventure recreation
• Reviewing and analysing group dynamics
• Providing and receiving feedback
• Mentoring peers and participating in community-based outdoor activities
HIGHLANDS PROGRAMME - YEAR 9
The Tanglin Highlands Programme is a 5-week immersive learning journey at our Tanglin Gippsland campus in Australia. This unique opportunity is the pinnacle of a Year 9 student’s Middle School educational experience at Tanglin, where the main focus is to foster three essential attributes:
• Curiosity: Uncover the joy of learning
• Confidence: Thrive and flourish
• Community: Belong and connect
Since Year 9 is a formative year for adolescent development, this programme will empower students to apply the skills they’ve acquired and challenge them to cultivate new ones. It is beneficial in a variety of ways.
Visit the Tanglin Highlands Programme website at: https://www.tts.edu.sg/tanglin-highlands for more information.
RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMMES - YEAR 10 TO 12
Theme Pathway Statement
Adventurous Spirit
Connection to Nature
We embrace challenges to develop resilience, independence, and confidence in diverse outdoor environments.
Years 10-11: Building Expertise (Japan, Malaysia, and Thailand for 1 week)
• Overnight lightweight expeditions (bushwalks, paddling, cycling), adventure activities
• Focus on personal growth, stamina, and trying new challenges safely
Year 12: Leadership & Independence (Ladakh, Gippsland, Malaysia, and Kenya (TBC) for 7-14 days)
• Extended, self-directed expeditions and higherrisk adventure activities
• Students take initiative in planning and execution, demonstrating confidence and self-reliance
Exploration & Access Skills
We deepen understanding and stewardship of the natural world through observation, reflection, and applied knowledge.
• Conservation projects (e.g., native planting, habitat monitoring), field observations of local ecosystems, seasonal changes, and wildlife
• Introduction to land care perspectives.
• Advanced ecological and conservation projects, including habitat reconstruction, biodiversity studies, and analysis of human impact
• Critical reflection on environmental responsibility
We develop practical skills to explore safely, confidently, and independently
• Navigation, route planning, equipment preparation, and first aid basics
• Students practise self-management in supervised expeditions
• Planning and leading independent multi-day journeys, including advanced navigation, risk assessment, emergency preparedness, and decision-making in unpredictable environments
DUKE OF EDINBURGH
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a global programme for young people aged 14 to 24. It encourages them to set personal goals, try new things, and make a positive impact on the world. Since its launch in1956, millions have taken part, gained valuable life skills, and built confidence along the way.
Participants create their own Award journey by choosing activities that help them stay active, learn new skills, help others, and go on adventures. These experiences help them grow outside the classroom and are recognised worldwide via a unique international accreditation.
The Award helps young people become more confident, resilient, and skilled in areas like communication, problem-solving, and leadership. This not only benefits them but also empowers them with the desire to create meaningful change as well as strengthen their communities through better health, education, and job prospects.
To learn more, visit intaward.org.
THE EXPLORATION SOCIETY - YEAR 7 TO 13
The Exploration Society is an outdoor adventure programme designed to inspire confidence, leadership, and a lifelong connection to nature. Through hands-on experiences and skill progression, students are challenged to grow as individuals while forming strong communities rooted in adventure and purpose.
FOUNDATION CLUB - YEAR 7 TO 8
The journey builds upon the experiences students have acquired in Junior school. In Years 7 and 8, the Foundation Club provides a structured and inclusive introduction to the outdoors. Convening every Friday after school, students engage in a diverse programme of activities including kayaking, hiking, indoor climbing, and team-based leadership challenges. The emphasis is placed on cultivating foundational skills, fostering an adventurous mindset, and promoting effective collaboration within natural settings. Term 1 culminates in a club expedition in Malaysia/Singapore, affording students the opportunity to apply their skills in an authentic outdoor environment.
PATHWAY CLUBS - YEAR 9 TO 12
For students in Years 9–12, the Exploration Society provides an opportunity to specialise and take on leadership roles. Participants can join one of several distinct Pathway Clubs, each designed to foster advanced skills, build community, and develop leadership capabilities.
PADDLE SERIES (TERM 1)
A dynamic, skills-based programme is designed to build student confidence and leadership through water-based adventure. Using multiple paddle craft (kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, dragon boats), students will explore disciplines such as kayak polo, rolling, and whitewater techniques. Emphasising river safety, teamwork, and communication, the series will challenge students to solve problems and support one another. Participants will also work towards the Singapore Canoe Federation Star Awards, which recognise progression in skill and paddling competence. The term will culminate in a paddle expedition, where students will have the opportunity to apply their learning in an outdoor setting.
SAILING SERIES (TERM 2)
This series will equip students with foundational sailing skills while fostering leadership in a collaborative, team-based setting. Participants will develop key competencies, including sail handling, boat balance, and on-water teamwork, alongside essential maritime knowledge, such as right-of-way rules, tidal awareness, and navigation using maps and sea charts. Through shared challenges, students will develop resilience, enhance their communication skills, and improve their decision-making abilities. The programme includes a school regatta for hands-on racing experience, and students may opt to complete their sailing proficiency test and pursue recognised Personal Skills Awards. The series will culminate in a sailing expedition, where students apply their skills in real open-water conditions.
TRAIL SERIES (TERM 3)
The year will conclude with the Trail Series, where the students will have the opportunity to explore Singapore’s trails and develop navigation, orienteering, and campcraft skills. Through regular hikes, trail runs and team-based challenges, students will build resilience, support one another, and prepare for a final mountain expedition. It’s an opportunity to push personal boundaries and be part of a committed and adventurous crew.
Risk, Consent, and Outdoor Education
EDUCATING ABOUT RISK
Risk awareness is not about limiting adventure; it is about unlocking it. Students are given the knowledge, skills, and judgment to step boldly into a challenge while understanding how to navigate it safely. Teaching children about risk develops resilience, self-confidence, and decision-making skills, preparing them for the unpredictable nature of the world.
SUPPORTED RISK TAKING AND CHALLENGE BY CHOICE
The purpose of risk in our programme is not to avoid it, but to understand and prepare for it. Through supported risk-taking, students learn to make thoughtful choices, manage their own safety, and take responsibility for themselves and others.
We follow a “Challenge by Choice” philosophy, where students are encouraged to engage with challenges at a level that suits their confidence, skill, and readiness. This approach allows students to grow into risk-aware decision-makers, able to embrace appropriate challenges with confidence rather than acting as unthinking risk-takers. By providing choice and support, each student can participate meaningfully, progress at their own pace, and develop resilience and independence safely.
CONSENT
Participation in the Tanglin Outdoor Education programme requires acknowledgement and consent from both students and their parents/guardians. Signing up to the programme indicates that families understand and accept that:
• Outdoor activities carry inherent risks, even when well-managed.
• Students will engage in supported risk-taking and make choices appropriate to their skill and confidence.
• Safety is prioritised, but full elimination of risk is impossible.
Consent ensures that families are informed and that students enter the programme ready to engage responsibly, embracing challenge while respecting safety and their own limits.
IN PRACTICE
Through activities such as sailing, kayaking, bushwalking, and overnight expeditions, students experience challenges in a controlled environment. These experiences help them:
• Build courage and resilience
• Develop confidence in decision-making
• Take responsibility for themselves and others
• Enjoy adventure safely while learning vital life skills
INTERNATIONAL SOS
We partner with International SOS to ensure the highest standards of safety and risk management for all our school trips. Their team provides expert support in assessing and mitigating potential risks during the planning phase, offering country-specific guidance and medical or security advice. During trips, International SOS is our key partner for emergency response and logistical coordination, ensuring that our staff and students have access to immediate assistance and professional support wherever they are in the world.
