PSLE#10 English Oral - Fueling for Success: The Canteen Revolution
PSLEhacker Episode 10 - PEEL Method
Date of News Article: 20 February 2026 Source: Adapted from The Straits Times (Health & Education)
Reading Passage:
As the school bell rings for recess, a new kind of “canteen culture” is emerging across Singapore. Gone are the days of greasy fried snacks being the primary choice. Under the latest health guidelines for 2026, school canteens have undergone a major transformation to ensure students are fueling their bodies with the right nutrients to sustain their energy throughout the school day.
The “My Healthy Plate” initiative is now a staple in every canteen stall. Stallholders are required to include at least two servings of greens and a portion of whole grains in every meal. Fruit platters and yogurt cups have replaced sugary carbonated drinks in the vending machines. According to the Health Promotion Board, these changes have led to a noticeable improvement in students’ concentration levels and overall well-being.
However, the challenge lies in changing students’ mindsets. While some have embraced the new menus, others still crave less healthy options. To bridge this gap, many schools have introduced “Junior Masterchef” workshops where students learn to prepare delicious, healthy meals themselves. By involving students in the cooking process, schools hope to inculcate a lifelong appreciation for nutritious food.
Teachers and parent volunteers are also playing a vital role. During recess, “Health Ambassadors” can be seen encouraging their peers to try new vegetables or choose plain water over flavored drinks. This collaborative effort aims to forge a sense of camaraderie around healthy living. Ultimately, the goal is to show that eating well is not a chore, but a meaningful and wise choice that leads to a more vibrant and active lifestyle.
Word Count: 288 words
(B) Stimulus-Based Conversation (SBC):
Question 1: Visual Stimulus
“Look at the picture. Describe what the students are doing and why the boy’s choice is a good one.”
Point: The boy is making a proactive and healthy choice by selecting fruit for his recess snack.
Explanation: Choosing an apple over a sugary snack provides him with natural energy and vitamins, which will help him stay focused in his next class. The Health Ambassador is there to provide reassurance that healthy food can be the “cool” choice.
Example/Experience: The boy has a supportive smile and seems to feel a deep sense of accomplishment in his decision. It reminds me of my own canteen, where the fruit stall is always bustling with students since they introduced the “Fruit-A-Day” challenge.
Link: Small habits like this are what move the needle toward a healthier generation.
Question 2: Personal Opinion
“Do you think the school should stop selling ‘treats’ like ice cream entirely to make students healthier?”
Point: I believe in “moderation, not total elimination.”
Explanation: While health is important, completely banning treats might make students crave them more outside of school. It is better to teach them how to make a meaningful and wise choice on their own.
Example/Experience: In my school, ice cream is only sold on Fridays. This makes it a special treat rather than a daily habit. It teaches us that we can enjoy “junk food” occasionally, as long as our daily diet is balanced with whole grains and vegetables.
Link: This approach helps to inculcate self-discipline, which is a vital life skill.
Question 3: Solution-Based
“How else can the school encourage students to lead a more active lifestyle besides healthy eating?”
Point: I think schools should make physical activity more fun-filled and inclusive.
Explanation: Not everyone is a competitive athlete, so offering a variety of non-competitive activities during recess can help everyone get moving.
Example/Experience: My school recently introduced “Recess Play,” where we can borrow frisbees, jump ropes, and hula hoops. Seeing everyone—even the teachers—joining in has forged a strong sense of camaraderie. It doesn’t feel like “exercise”; it feels like playing with friends, which makes us want to do it every day.
Link: By making fitness a social and enjoyable activity, we can ensure that being active becomes a natural part of our lives.
Continue when you got the bandwidth………………..
Theme: Healthy Lifestyle / Personal Responsibility Visual Stimulus: A photo of a vibrant school canteen. A Chinese boy is standing at a fruit stall, smiling as he chooses an apple. Beside him, a Malay student (a Health Ambassador) is pointing to a poster of ‘My Healthy Plate’ on the wall, giving a thumbs up.
📖 Vocabulary List
Nutritious (Adjective): Efficient as food; nourishing.
Transformation (Noun): A thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance.
Sustain (Verb): Strengthen or support physically or mentally.
Collaborative (Adjective): Produced or conducted by two or more parties working together.
Moderation (Noun): The avoidance of excess or extremes.
🌟 Idiom of the Day
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away”
Meaning: If you eat healthy food, you will stay healthy and won’t need to see a doctor.
PSLE Oral Usage: “My grandmother always says that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, which is why I always try to pick a fruit during recess.”