Educational Model

Students’ years of learning in the school culminates in their progression into the Vocational Programme, which is underpinned by the concept of productive contribution. The Vocational Programme aims to prepare Metta graduates for productive contributions wherein they can progress into meaningful post-school activities that are best suited for their abilities – example, volunteering, employment which can be open, supported, customised or sheltered. 

The Vocational Programme offers certification and non-certification vocational training for students aged 17 and above which meet their learning needs.

Vocational Non-certification (VNC) Programme

The Vocational Non-certification (VNC) programme is a two-year programme which prepares students for productive contribution to their families with their independence in living and supported employment whenever possible.  The VNC curriculum focuses on preparing the students for independent-living, including subjects like Community-living and Travelling and Personal Management.  The former builds students’ confidence to navigate and use community facilities and resources.  The latter equips students with skills such as how to independently consult a doctor at a community clinic.  Communication and Language and Numeracy are also targeted to build skills critical for independent living, such as communication and money skills.  Additionally, problem-solving skills are explicitly taught during Soft Skills lessons. 

In year 1, students who are assessed to be ready are placed on three 2-week work experience, providing them with the opportunities to understand different industries.   Year 2 students who are assessed to be ready are then placed in the job of their preference to build skill mastery. On-the-Job Training (OJT) days are gradually increased from 3 days a week in Term 1 to 5 days a week in Term 3, to allow students to build up their stamina.  Throughout their OJT, teachers and/or job coaches are on-site to provide support. 

VCN students are also trained to perform basic cleaning and will go through the Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) certification course in “Horizontal Surface Maintenance”.  Apart from acquiring independent-living skills, this training allows students to work in the cleaning industry.  Basic cleaning is also an expected skill in many workplaces and serves to open more doors for students in their future employment.

Vocational Certification (VC) Programme

The Vocational Certification (VC) programme supports students in attaining a nationally recognized vocational certification, offering technical skills training as stipulated by the Institute of Technical Education (ITE).  In addition to the technical skill training, the VC curriculum is holistic with curriculum time also allocated to Workplace Literacy and Numeracy, Science and Technology, Adapted Physical Education, Social-Emotional Learning, Performing Arts and Co-curricular Activities.   

VC students go through a 2-year ITE Skills Certificate (ISC) 1-module programme in one of the four vocations – Baking, Food Preparation, Housekeeping Operations (Accommodation) and Residential Air-Conditioning.   In year 1, students undergo at least 200 hours of training in school under ITE-approved trainers in industry-standard facilities and must pass four to five practical tests as specified by ITE.  Year 2 requires a minimum of 528 hours of On-the-Job-Training (OJT) in industrial worksites so that students can learn in authentic settings.  Students perform an average of 8 hours of OJT daily, Monday to Friday, under the guidance of his / her supervisor and co-workers.  Apart from the minimum hours, students must be competent in a list of tasks and demonstrate appropriate soft skills, including a positive learning attitude, to be awarded the 1-module ISC certificate by ITE.   

At the end of the two years, students who successfully attained the 1-module ISC certificate can progress to pursue another 2-year ISC (4-modules) in either Baking Practices, Hospitality Services or Facility Services. This advanced programme includes 750 hours of training in school and 250 hours of industrial experience (OJT). Skills coverage is broader and deeper, strengthening the students’ confidence as they progress to their post-school options.  Graduates from the 4-modules ISC will receive a Grade Point Average (GPA) and on average, twelve students a year will use their GPA to gain admission into related National ITE Certificate (Nitec) courses in ITE.  The remaining 50% will begin their career in open employment.