Values in Action

Find out how Commonwealth Secondary School's Values in Action programme builds responsible citizens through age-appropriate community service and Design Thinking at every level.

Last updated 8 September 2026

Values in Action

The Commonwealth Secondary School Values in Action (VIA) programme is aligned with the Steward Leadership Framework. It aims to cultivate a generation of students characterized by responsibility, ethical leadership, and a strong commitment to community service. The programme also supports all students attain a minimum of Level 4 for the Service criterion in the LEAPs 2.0 system.

The VIA program at Commonwealth Secondary School is designed to offer age-appropriate initiatives at each level. It progressively develops students into responsible citizens and active contributors to society. A central focus of the program is the incorporation of the Design Thinking innovation protocol, which aims to nurture students to be innovators and problem solvers. For instance, Secondary Three students take on a leadership role within their Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) and apply the Design Thinking process to address challenges aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). This not only emphasizes the practical application of innovation but also instills a sense of global awareness and responsibility in students as they actively contribute to addressing pressing global challenges.

Beside level-specific platforms, the programme also provides opportunities for whole-school VIA projects. For example, all students participate in the annual gift bag making event where students across all levels pack celebratory items into gift bags to share joy with our Teban and Pandan Gardens residents.

VIA programme focus and activities by secondary level

Secondary 1	Secondary 2	Secondary 3	Secondary 4/5
Serve School	Serve Elderly	Serve Community	Serve Community
Teacher-led Design Thinking iClean VIA	Teacher-facilitated Intergenerational VIA	Student-Led CCA VIA	Whole-school VIA

A large group of people in purple shirts and elderly participants raise their hands during an indoor community event.

Several elderly adults play a card game at a wooden table with green chairs in a busy indoor community center.

Secondary 2 students interacting with our elderly as part of the Intergenerational VIA programme.