Talent Development @ NBSS

Discover how Naval Base Secondary School's Talent Development Programme helps students grow beyond the classroom. Explore the range of activities and opportunities available across Secondary 1 to 3.

Last updated 21 August 2026

At Naval Base Secondary School, we are dedicated to nurturing each student's unique talents and abilities. As part of our 3E Approach to developing students (Embrace, Engage, and Excel), our Talent Development Programme (TDP) offers students opportunities to excel in areas outside of the standard curriculum, challenging their thinking in the process. From Mathematics board game design to public speaking, to storytelling and innovative Science projects, the TDP encourages excelling Navalites to explore new ideas and address real-world challenges.

Programme Objectives:
. To nurture self-directed learners, creative and critical thinkers who can communicate effectively

· To develop confident, resilient and empathetic individuals who use their talents to actively contribute to others

Programme Overview

Talent Development Programme overview by secondary level

	Sec 1	Sec 2	Sec 3
Signature Programmes	Designing board games and interactive learning activities	Applying Design Thinking to innovate School Improvement and STEM-related projects	Leading activities in the KidsREAD programme to inspire a love for reading
Contribution to others	Organising learning experiences for the Sec 1 cohort	Organising chess competition for the school	Organising activities for primary school students to promote the love of reading
Competition Opportunities	Subject-related competitions, Math and Science Olympiads	Tan Kah Kee Young Inventors Award	Model United Nations Conferences
Learning Journeys	Local learning journeys to industries or corporations Hands on workshops at museums

Secondary 1

Secondary 1 students explore the gamification process and collaborate to design board games and interactive learning experiences aimed at engaging their peers. Past projects have included math-themed games such as Math Storm, which focuses on arithmetic, and Naval Nexus, which centers on algebraic equations. Through these projects, students enhance their creativity and critical thinking skills as they create fun, educational experiences for their peers.

Math Storm game set with box, instruction manual, card decks, dice, and number tiles on a table

Secondary 2

In Secondary 2, enrichment opportunities emphasise problem-solving and scientific concepts, utilising Design Thinking to address both everyday challenges and global environmental and health issues. This hands-on learning approach encourages students to think critically and creatively, enabling them to contribute to global issues such as food security and environmental sustainability. One standout in the 2024 project was the development of a foldable hydro-case for a vertical farm within the school—an initiative that earned the Encouragement Award at the 2024 Tan Kah Kee Young Inventors’ Award.

The students also have the opportunity to learn the strategic game of chess and take on leadership roles by organising a school-wide chess competition.

Three students stand by a plant display; at right, students play chess at a table in a classroom.

Secondary 3

In the Secondary 3 Programme, students extend their passion for literacy by volunteering in the National Library's KidsREAD Program. They take an active role in designing interactive presentations and organising creative activities to introduce primary school children to the joys of reading. Through their efforts, they foster a love of books in younger students while cultivating a supportive and engaging learning environment for the broader community.

Four students present before a Good Afternoon screen; at right, a woman helps a child with papers at a table.

Students are also given opportunities to participate in Model United Nations (MUN) Conferences, where they enhance research, public speaking and negotiation skills, collaborate with diverse peers, and deepen their sense of global citizenship through debating global issues.

Students in school uniforms use tablets at desks; three students pose outdoors by a railing.

Learning Journeys

As part of their learning experiences, TDP students visit organizations that focus on innovation and inventive thinking, such as Jewel@Changi and the Science Centre. These visits provide students with valuable exposure to real-world applications of creativity and technology, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deeper understanding of innovation.

Group of people watching a large purple screen in a modern gallery with neon-lit rails in foreground.

Three photos show students in a kitchen classroom cooking, mixing ingredients, and using a blender on counters.