March 2008 Archives

Wanted! - Innovative, Creative Individuals for School of Science and Technology

March 19, 2008

Students in the computer lab

Students at the SST will have wider options for applied subjects at “O” Level, such as Design Studies, Environmental Science and Technology, Biotechnology and Media Studies.

A secondary school where “students learn by experimenting, tinkering, and by taking a project through all its stages - from concept to design to building the models”. This is the essence of the upcoming School of Science and Technology, Singapore (SST), which will offer “a new option for students who are likely to be university-bound, but who want a solid academic foundation and immersion in real-world applications,” said Minister for Education, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, at this year’s Budget Debate.

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Getting Students into the Right Habits

March 14, 2008

Chua Chu Kang Primary

Ms Renee Sulaiman is on a constant lookout for opportunities to talk about the school values of Care, Respect, Teamwork and Life-long Learning.

When I took over Pri 3G at the end of Term 2 last year, I was greeted by the sight of pupils chasing each other around the classroom, while the others laughed and cheered them on. Not what a teacher wanted to see on her first day with the class! But by the end of last year, the same Pri 3G had won the Outstanding Class Award for the Primary 3 level, having won the most number of votes for the title. They were ecstatic, of course, and so was I. What a journey it had been!

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Igniting the Love of Science

March 12, 2008

Casuarina Primary Science class

Pupils excitedly explaining the water cycle process to their teacher, Ms Asnah Ahmad.

Excitement hung in the air as the pupils sat at the edge of their chairs and fixed their gaze intently upon their teacher. The focus of their keen attention: a small matchstick in her hands. When she finally struck it, the class burst into a chorus of excited noises: “One more, one more!” “Don’t blow it out!” They were eager to find out just how long the flame would last. Similarly, when the teacher demonstrated another source of light using a lighter, the pupils were bubbling with questions. (Of course, in the midst of the excitement, they were also taught aspects of fire safety.) Such enthusiasm is typical of the Pri 1 and 2 Science lessons at Casuarina Primary School. In fact, parents told the school that their children are so in love with Science lessons, they can’t stop talking about it at home.

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Thanks, Teacher

March 7, 2008

Joshua Ong

With the keyboard at his command, Joshua is now working towards his Higher Music paper at "O" levels.

Joshua was in Pri 5 when he showed an interest in music. Seeing that, his parents bought him a digital piano as his Christmas gift that year. Since then, Joshua, who is now in Pasir Ris Crest Secondary School, has come a long way in music, offering Higher Music as an O-level subject and composing songs. Among Joshua’s works is a song that expresses his gratitude to his form teacher Mrs Grace Low, who has given him a lot of support and help.

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Portfolio Assessment

March 5, 2008

Pasir Ris Primary Portfolio Assessment through Performance Tasks

Students enjoying the fruits of their labour and learning.

Finalising a budget, shopping at the supermarket, preparing ingredients and baking a pizza - these could well be what your children will spend their time doing during school hours, if they’re Pri 2 pupils at Pasir Ris Primary School. And don’t be too surprised if you hear that they’re off to the zoo next, to check out the animals’ diet! These hands-on and action-based activities are part of the school-based curriculum innovation, Portfolio Assessment through Performance Tasks at the Lower Primary level.

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Holistic Teaching through PoETEL

March 3, 2008

Tampines Primary PoETEL

Drama as a pedagogy is a powerful tool for engaging pupils and promoting thinking.

Imagine learning about Social Studies through drama, or story-writing through comic strips. Sound fun? These interesting lessons are what pupils at Tampines Primary School experience in their classrooms, making learning a thoroughly engaging affair for the pupils!

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