JANUARY 2022 — A new outdoor adventure learning centre was launched during RP’s 20th anniversary celebrations, offering immersive practical educational experiences, an inclusive environment, and a fun escapade under one roof.
RP welcomed its 20th anniversary with the official opening of the Xperiential Learning Centre (XLC), a new sport and adventure learning hub promoting experiential and inquiry-based approach in education.
Unveiled on the first day of RP’s Open House 2022 on 6 January, the XLC was officiated by Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, who was also given a tour of its facilities. Standing at 20 metres, this RP campus feature is Singapore’s largest inclusive outdoor adventure centre at present. Its tower-like structure contains 10 different adventure facilities employing cutting-edge technology.
Mr David Wong, Chairman, Board of Governors, RP; Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies; Mr Yeo Li Pheow, Principal/CEO, RP; and Ms Goy Soon Lan, Director, School of Sports, Health and Leisure, RP, commemorating the official opening of the XLC
With intentional design, the XLC’s facilities make outdoor and adventure activities possible for a wider profile of users including the young, the elderly, as well as participants with special educational needs and limited mobility. An example of an intentional design will be the High Challenge Course. At the XLC, wheelchair users can participate and traverse across the 8.5-metre tall challenge course in their wheelchairs. Besides the High Challenge Course, participants can also enjoy the thrill of coasting down the Rollglider, where wheelchair users are also able to access via XLC’s winch system.
The versatility of the XLC’s facilities supplements the learning of students from RP’s Diploma in Outdoor & Adventure Learning, as well as those from other relevant Pre-Employment Training (PET) and Continuing Education and Training (CET) programmes. These students will gain valuable insights into the physical experiences of participants with limited mobility and learn to plan or modify recreational activities to cater to their specific needs. Previously, this could only be explored in theory through research on similar facilities around the world. Now, collaborations with community partners and social service agencies at the XLC will give them the opportunity for practical hands-on learning and exposure to working with various profile groups.
Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, visiting some of the highlights of the XLC
Launched by Senior Minister Tharman, alongside Principal/CEO of RP Mr Yeo Li Pheow, a series of celebrations will take place throughout 2022 to honour RP's growth from “humble beginnings” to an institution with inclusive and supportive structures, strong industry ties, and an environment flourishing with opportunities. This eventful 20-year journey would not have been possible without the efforts of both the RP community and RP’s external partners. The XLC presents a key milestone in RP’s goal of offering innovative approaches to education. On the journey ahead, RP will continue expanding its learning opportunities to nurture future-ready and industry-ready students.
SM Tharman kicks off RP’s 20th anniversary celebrations with an augmented reality virtual tree planting ceremony
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