To bring about this vision, the department has identified 7 key programmes as follows:
1. DISTINCTIVE DUNMANITE LIFESKILLS PROGRAMME
GOAL: To equip pupils with the necessary life skills and attitude to be good citizens
All pupils go through this programme that covers school values, Civics & Moral Education, National Education, Career Guidance and Community Involvement Programme. Topics that foster social and emotional learning are also integrated into the curriculum for a more whole-school approach towards character education.
2. PUPIL GUIDANCE PROGRAMME
GOAL: To ensure that pupils have good moral character.
The department also sees to the provision of proactive and interventive counseling services. All pupils go through one-to-one informal counseling sessions with their Form Teachers, where they can speak freely on matters related to their personal and social development. Teachers may also identify pupils who need help and guidance and refer them to Teacher Counsellors.
The school also has the services of a professional Resident Counsellor to handles all referred cases and walk-in counselees.
To further help pupils develop more discerning attitudes, the Department also works closely with the Discipline Committee to run at-risk programmes like smoking cessation sessions.
3. Special Pupil Initiatives to Care and Empathise (S.P.I.C.E.) Programme
Goal: to encourage culture of care, voluntarism and social entrepreneurship in Dunman.
Other than the CIP activities organized by the dept, pupils are also encouraged to initiate their own SPICE projects with the class or CCA. Opportunities are abound for pupils to show their care and empathy to needy schoolmates and the community. A fine example of a SPICE project is the Tsunami Charity Bazaar that was held on 17 Jan 2005, initiated by Sec 4/2004 pupils.
- Valuing Original Ideas and Creative Expressions (V.O.I.C.E) Programme
GOAL: To provide opportunities for pupils to make suggestions to improve school experience.
VOICE seeks to hear pupils’ ideas and innovations on school improvements and activities they would like to see conducted in the safety of the school grounds. The Dept considers all suggestions and works towards implementing the ideas or creating opportunities for desirable activities, through the Student’s Suggestion Scheme. Under this platform and SPICE, pupils have the opportunity to showcase their talents and interests towards a good cause.
- INSPIRE and MOTIVATE! (I. aM!) PROGRAMME
GOAL: To inspire and motivate pupils towards personal mastery and life-long learning.
Workshops like the ‘I Am Gifted, So Are You’, Fostering Life-long Learning in Normal Tech (FLINT) programme and special skill-based electives for Normal Tech pupils all seek to inspire and motivate pupils to see the value in attaining quality results as a gateway to a better future, through engaging and differentiated activities.
- FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SCHEME
GOAL: To provide financial assistance to needy pupils.
The school renders financial assistance to needy pupils. Applications for MOE-FAS for the year are submitted to MOE through the school before the end of Term 4 (for current pupils) and at the beginning of the year (for new Sec 1 pupils or Sec 5 pupils.) Applications for SAC-FAS are also submitted as above but will be valid from Jan to Jun. Pupils have to re-apply for SAC-FAS from Jul – Nov before the end of Term 2. This procedure is put in place so that there will be a more accurate assessment of needs and fairer distribution of financial assistance to genuinely deserving pupils.
However, applications may also be submitted at any time during the year when the pupil needs assistance as a result of a family mishap. All applications must be recommended by Form Teachers.
- SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAMME
GOAL: To provide special assistance to pupils with physical disabilities or any other special need.
The Department also sees to the need of pupils who need special assistance to cope with any physical disability.
