Schoolbag.sg

Students Celebrate Friendship through Art

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:01:00 +0800

This artwork was produced by carving Chinese seals and using them to print the Chinese character for you on a piece of paper.

A tiger, a Chinese character and a Bible verse - three elements you don't expect to find in the same sentence, least of all in the same artwork. But that's what a group of students from the Creative Art Club at St Margaret's Secondary School have put together for their artwork Proverbs 17:17. Inspired by the universal message of friendship ("A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need"), they carved the verse in Chinese characters onto six separate seals, then used the seals to print the Chinese character for friend, you (友), on a piece of paper. As for the tiger, that was Sec 2 student Jessica Tan's contribution to her particular seal. "As this is the Year of the Tiger, I engraved the animal on my seal to show that friendships will start and bloom from this year," she explains. This cross-cultural artwork won a bronze award at this year's Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) and is one of five artworks by the school's Creative Art Club to earn the accolade this year. These artworks are on display at the Singapore Art Museum from 23 July to 22 August, as part of the SYF Arts and Craft Exhibition 2010 (jointly organised by the Ministry of Education and The National Art Gallery, Singapore).

Inez Leong Sets New Record in B Division Girls' 100m Hurdles Final

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:01:00 +0800

Choa Chu Kang Stadium, Monday, April 20, 2009 - Inez Leong of CHIJ St Nicholas Girls' School broke the B Division girls 100m Hurdles record set by Singapore Sports School's Noreen Herman last year. Inez's timing of 15.14 was 0.24 seconds faster than last year's 15.35s record, an eternity in the world of short distance running. The gold medal was the first for the runner and her school in this year's championships and puts CHIJ St Nicholas one point behind B Division leaders, Cedar Girls' Secondary School. In the heats held last Friday morning, Inez was recorded third fastest in lane 3, with last year's C Division record breaker, Goh Wei Ning from the Singapore Sports School, first in lane 4. Sarah Lee from Nanyang Girls' High was the second fastest in lane 5. Today, Wei Ning followed after Inez for the silver medal with a time of 15.21s, bettering last year's record as well, while Sarah Lee achieved the bronze medal with a time of 15.42s.

Primary Education: the Beginning of a Journey

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:01:00 +0800

Primary school education gives children a well-rounded experience in five areas: moral, intellectual, physical, social and aesthetic.

An earlier version of this article was published in Lianhe Zaobao on 1 March 2010. For a Chinese version of this article, click here. Children grow up quickly. Before you know it, they reach school-going age, when they embark on their long education journey. As parents, we care about our children's learning development. Parents would not hesitate to tighten their belts and toil at work, or even put do away with a few luxuries in life, so as to provide their children with the very best. Children are our future and the progress of a country depends on whether it is successful in building a good education system. Singapore has spared no expense investing in education and the government's emphasis on education speaks for itself. Singapore's education system is highly lauded around the world. At the same time, we are actively developing Singapore into an international education hub. While our education system is not perfect, it does have its unique features.

Seven Days in Japan: from Table Tennis to Technology

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:01:00 +0800

Dunman High School students receiving coaching at Japan's National Training Centre.

Brushing up on paddling skills, catching a glimpse of tomorrow's technology, experiencing another culture - these are just some of the experiences Dunman High School students enjoyed during a one-week school trip to Japan under the Friends@YOG programme. From 30 May to 7 June this year, the group of 27 students and 4 teachers were hosted by the Japanese National Olympic Committee. As the group was made up of 23 students were from the school's table tennis team and four were from the Japanese Cultural Club, their itinerary covered places of both sporting and cultural interest. One place that was certainly an eye-opener for students and teachers was Japan's National Training Centre. From design to management, the Centre provides world-class facilities for sports. For example, training rooms are fitted with cameras, mirrors and TV screens to provide immediate feedback on players' performances. With the help of the Japanese Table Tennis Association, top coaches from the Centre conducted training sessions for the Dunman High School students. Friendly matches were also held between the Singapore students and top junior Japanese players.

Inspiring Students through PE and More

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:01:00 +0800

Mr Fadylla has developed a strong rapport with his pupils, through lessons learned on and off the playing field.

Ask Outstanding Youth in Education Award (OYEA) recipient Mr Muhammad Fadylla Rashiman what he believes, and this is what he'll tell you: "I see the kids as opportunities for growth. We need to provide them opportunities to experience success, and school is the main platform to do this, given that they spend more than half a day at school." As a PE and Track & Field teacher, Mr Fadylla's approach is to give his pupils at Boon Lay Garden Primary School a taste of success, so as to encourage them to strive harder to achieve success again. He has found sports and competitions ideal for this, including those that are not at divisional or national level. For example, the school participates in Kids Athletics, an obstacle course competition requiring teamwork, which is organised by the Singapore Athletic Association and attracts teams from different primary schools. "Success is defined differently by kids. You don't necessarily need to be at the national level to feel good about winning," Mr Fadylla says.

Finding the Right Chemistry with Students

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:01:00 +0800

Chemistry has many colours, and Ms Yuen (front row, third from left) encourages students to discover these for themselves.

Watching bubbles rise from the bottom of a test tube, seeing colourful crystals form as a result of chemical reaction, and hands-on experiments and demonstrations that help students develop an enquiring mind - these are some of the reasons why Ms Yuen Chai Lin usually conducts her Chemistry lessons at Pioneer Secondary School in the laboratory rather than in the classroom. "My students learn better when they can observe something as it's more tangible," she says. Judging from the air of anticipation among her Sec 3 and 4 students each time they make their way to the lab, she's struck the right chord among them. "I build rapport with my students through the subject - by showing them the many colours of chemistry," reflects Ms Yuen, who is the head of department for the Normal Technical classes. Conducting lessons at the lab makes it easy for her to access the chemicals needed for demonstrations and experiments related to students' questions. "Being able to give them an immediate reply captures their interest and helps them to learn better," she adds.

"Torch of Friendship" Lights at the Opening Ceremony of the Singapore Youth Festival

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:01:00 +0800

"Magnificent!" After months of practicing her routine, that was the one word Sec 4 student Branda Ho, from Deyi Secondary School, hoped to hear from the audience, and "the satisfaction will be there", she says. With her schoolmates and other students from a cross-section of Singapore schools, she was set to wow the 14,000-strong crowd at the opening ceremony of the Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) 2010. The ceremony had the theme "Torch of Friendship" and there was never a dull moment from the instant the percussion ensemble from East Spring Secondary School got the crowd swaying to the samba beat. They were followed by the harmonies of the Combined Schools Choir, slick dance items, a parade segment perfectly executed by representatives of all the uniformed groups, as well as vibrant performances by various display bands. Two dazzling mass display performances capped off the night's showcase, the first of which (by Catholic High School) was the first all-boys mass display in the SYF. Another SYF first was having a combined primary school parade band, comprising pupils from Bendemeer Primary School and Maha Modhi School. Branda may not have heard the crowd shout, "Magnificent!" but no doubt she would've heard their thunderous applause. This photo essay revisits some of the highlights that enraptured the audience during the opening ceremony, which certainly kicked the SYF off to a rousing start.

Developing Thinking Skills with a 3-D Virtual Art Gallery

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:01:00 +0800

A unique experience awaits students as they enter the GetsmART gallery.

In the virtual world of Second Life, there is a special art gallery with a very special room: users who enter to this room feel as if they have stepped right into one of the paintings they have seen in the gallery - and now they get experience it in 3-D. Welcome to GetsmART, an award-winning virtual art gallery designed by Ngee Ann Secondary School teachers Ms Gloria Tan and Mr Alvin Tan. It provides an interactive platform that enhances students' appreciation for art as well as strengthens their thinking skills. "It's a challenge to devise effective tools and strategies that can really engage our students and invoke deeper thoughts and feelings about a painting," explains Ms Tan. "We felt that it is best achieved through the virtual world of Second Life. In the virtual world, students can walk into a painting which they can't do so in the real world."

A Fair and Transparent System: Pri 1 Registration

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 00:01:00 +0800

Registering a child for primary school is an important first step in education.

An earlier version of this article was published in Lianhe Zaobao on 13 March 2010. For a Chinese version of this article, click here. It's that time of the year again for Pri 1 registration, and the tension rises among parents hoping for their child to successfully gain admission into the school of their choice. It is known that all schools in Singapore are quality schools, each with its own strengths. We've also seen the stellar performances of neighbourhood schools in recent years. Nevertheless, parents may still hold strong to their opinions about their preferred school, thus stirring more anxiety surrounding the process of Pri 1 registration. In fact, Pri 1 registration in Singapore is a fair and transparent process. All schools are to strictly abide by guidelines from MOE.

Zhonghua Students Design for a Better Future

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:01 +0800

A whimsical design created by Goh Ming Min of 2E3 marries functionality with an eco-friendly message.

Made from wood and colourful acrylic, and designed to keep your notepads, menus, serviettes and candles in place and in style to boot, this set of stationery holders is sadly not for sale. Instead of a shopping bag, you would probably have left this display with a fresh appreciation of the thought and technology that went into creating products for a sustainable future. Held at the IKEA Tampines from 7-13 June, Piece-it-Up: Eco Design@Zhonghua Design and Technology was an exhibition that showcased the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Design and Technology (D&T) students from Zhonghua Secondary School. It was not just a chance to show the craftsmanship behind whimsical yet functional items; each and every product embodied the students' desire to harness their creativity while protecting the environment.

St Hilda's Sweep Aside Nanyang JC to Win Bronze Medal Playoff

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:01 +0800

Toa Payoh Sports Hall, Tuesday, June 1, 2010 - St Hilda's Secondary swept aside Nanyang Junior College 3-0 (25-15, 25-14, 25-11) to win the bronze medal playoff match at the Volleyball Association of Singapore's Volleyball Invitational Championships. St Hilda's started off with a lead, holding a four-point advantage by the first technical timeout. Benjamin Choo (St Hilda's #7) pounded NYJC early in the set, raking in several points for the team. St Hilda's had amassed an eight-point lead by the second technical timeout. NYJC simply had no answer to St Hilda's attacks and eventually saw their opponents reach set point they were unable to return St Hilda's spike. Clarence Lee (NYJC #4) however held off St Hilda's celebrations with a spike down the line. St Hilda's sealed the set when Vincent Oo's (St Hilda's #9) spike from the outside went just out of reach the NYJC libero, Kenneth Yeow (#10). NYJC turned the tables on St Hilda's in the second set as they raced off to a great start. Leading by five points by the first technical time out, St Hilda's found trouble responding to NYJC's attack. However, they quickly overcame their shaky start to come within one point of NYJC, leading to a timeout by NYJC. They leveled the scores at 9-9 after a powerful spike from the outside.

Nurturing World-Ready Youths

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:01 +0800

Defenders of the environment, these warriors dressed up using recycled materials as part of a Green Carnival highlighting environmental issues.

Graduate from Compassvale Secondary School (CVSS) and you will be prepared to embark on your next lap in education. But more than that, you will be ready to take on the world. Independent learner, upright citizen, leader, achiever, and thinking innovator. These are the traits that the school's North Star Education Programme (NSEP) seeks to impart in every student to equip him or her for the challenges of learning and living in the 21st century. Conceived in 2003, NSEP is a holistic programme that sends students out of their comfort zone to discover how they can shape and serve the community around them. At the same time, the students get to learn about their own strengths and weaknesses as they confront obstacles and encounter new people and social settings.

Giving Every Pupil a Chance to Swing the Clubs

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:00:01 +0800

Megan Lin, who is in Pri 1, shows that age is no barrier to excelling in golf.

Few six-year olds would imagine themselves swinging a golf club, let alone playing on a real golf course. But at Naval Base Primary School, every Pri 1 pupil can declare that they have given it a go with the woods, irons and putters. Located in Yishun Town, Naval Base Primary School offers all its pupils the chance to pick up golf via an exposure programme that is integrated into its PE curriculum. The neighbourhood school is also the first and only primary school to be awarded the status of a Programme for School-based Excellence for its Tiger Cubs Golf Programme.

Firing Up Pupils' Imagination with Visual Arts

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 00:00:01 +0800

Coiling and bending are just some of the techniques learned in ceramics class.

The exams are over at Huamin Primary School, and a group of pupils are busy at work in the ceramics studio, hovering over their bending wheels and chatting excitedly to each other as they deftly shape and coil the clay. Soon, these pupils' creations will be fired in an electric kiln and added to the school's growing collection of finished ceramic art. Some might even be selected for sale to help raise funds for the school. Ceramics is just one of the many art forms the school offers as part of its integrated art curriculum. Throughout their primary education, pupils are introduced to various visual art disciplines such as batik, print making, clay tile relief and sculpture, with the degree of difficulty rising with each level. The diversity and depth offered by the school's Creative Arts Programme has led MOE to recently award it the status of a Programme for School-based Excellence.

Humanities Camp Launches Explorations Through Time and Space

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:00:01 +0800

Exploring jungle trails to uncover the secrets of how people lived in the past.

"Is it a bomb shelter?" "Probably a toilet?" A group of students took stabs at guessing, and peered curiously at a structure found in the undergrowth along a forest trail. It turned out to be the crumbling foundations of a house. If you still think learning history in secondary school is all about memorising when and what took place, you are plainly out of date. For what 420 Sec 2 students and 70 teachers from various schools went through earlier this month was an experience that brought the past to life in ways that were up close and personal. The 'Kampung Days' trail was just one of several highlights of a 3-day Humanities Camp held in June by MOE in collaboration with the National Parks Board and the National Heritage Board. With the theme 'Exploring our World', the camp participants engaged in field-based learning activities that let the students explore various topics in History and Geography in authentic environments such as museums, parks, shopping malls and housing estates.