After–School Engagement (ASEs) Programme

After- School Engagement (ASEs) 

GEAR UP Programme

The GEAR-UP (Guiding & Empowering Students for Affiliation & Resilience to Unlock their Potential) Programme is a school-based integrated support designed to enhance students’ learning motivation, strengthen their connection to school, and build their resilience. It serves as a proactive approach to engage students meaningfully after school, offering them a safe, supportive and structured environment to develop both socially and emotionally.

The programme aims to encourage regular school attendance by providing students with positive reasons to stay engaged in school life beyond academic lessons. By participating in activities that they find enjoyable and purposeful, students experience school as a place where they are valued, accepted, and supported. This sense of belonging and connection to the school community is an important protective factor against absenteeism and disengagement. When students feel emotionally connected to their peers and teachers, they are more likely to attend school regularly and participate actively in the school experience.

The GEAR UP Programme comprises a range of after-school engagement activities tailored to students’ interests and developmental needs. These include sports such as soccer, creative workshops like baking and handicrafts, and skill-based sessions such as barista training. Each activity is thoughtfully designed not only to provide enjoyment but also to nurture important life skills such as teamwork, communication, responsibility, and perseverance. By participating in such programmes, students learn to manage their time meaningfully, using their unstructured hours productively while discovering personal interests and strengths that may not surface in a typical classroom setting.

Beyond skills acquisition, GEAR UP is intentional in developing students’ social-emotional competencies (SE competencies) — including self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship management, and responsible decision-making. For instance, students learn to work collaboratively with peers from different backgrounds, respect differing opinions, and build positive friendships. They also develop resilience through overcoming challenges in activities, learning to persist despite setbacks. These experiences help students better understand themselves and others, manage emotions, and make responsible choices — skills that are essential for success both in school and in life.

The relationships formed through the GEAR UP Programme are another key pillar of its success. Through shared experiences, students develop meaningful bonds with peers who share common interests and with teachers who guide them in a mentoring capacity. These positive relationships foster a sense of belonging and trust, reinforcing a supportive school culture where students feel seen, heard, and encouraged to grow. As students gain confidence and social connectedness, they begin to take greater ownership of their actions, displaying qualities such as empathy, respect, responsibility, and resilience.

The GEAR UP Programme goes beyond engagement — it nurtures the whole child. By combining enjoyable activities with intentional character and socio-emotional development, the programme helps students discover their strengths, build resilience, and develop the confidence to unlock their full potential. Through GEAR UP, students are guided and empowered to become self-directed learners and positive contributors to the school community.