This week in Singapore, I was invited to work with a very special place called Northlight School, a specialised institution designed to cater to students who face academic challenges in the mainstream education system.

Established in 2006, NorthLight School provides a nurturing and supportive environment for students who do not perform well in the Singapore Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) and are unable to progress to secondary school.

The school places a strong emphasis on vocational training, offering courses in areas such as hospitality, retail, facility services, and mechanical servicing. It has strong partnerships with a range of industries who employ their graduates because of the great training provided. I was given a tour of the purpose built classrooms that help provide the students with the best opportunity to develop practical skills, experience and future employment.

The sessions I ran for the students over two mornings introduced them to Adobe Express as a tool to help them develop video literacy skills as well as a tool to help them build a portfolio and resume skills for future employment. I found that most of the students picked up the application with ease and enjoyed what it could help them create. I was told by the teachers that they generally had a low attention span but we were all surprised at how engaged they were during each of the two hours sessions that I ran.

It goes to show that when you set high expectations as a teacher, often students will come to the party if they are given the opportunity and the resources.

NorthLight School serves as a crucial bridge for students who struggle academically, offering them a chance to succeed through a tailored educational experience that focuses on practical skills, character development, and holistic support.

Find out more about Adobe Express for education here.

Join us online or in-person at the 2024 Adobe Educators Conference events on Sept 30 and Oct 10.