THERIVERSIDIANA newsletter by Riverside Secondary School3 Woodlands Street 81 Singapore 738 524 • Tel: 6269 9631 • Fax: 6368 3677www.riversidesec.moe.edu.sg

November 2016

Dear students,

Since the age of seven, for the major part of my life, my day started with the ringing of the school bell. Even today, decades later, it still does. Back then, however, it was the old bell, the kind rang by an ice-cream vendor but much, much bigger and louder and very commanding. It made sure it wasn’t ignored!

The loud clanging school bell has, of course, now been replaced by a digital chime. But its importance to me then and even now and possibly for all of you, is that when it first rings in a school, it signals the start of a powerful learning experience.

What did I learn? As a student, I learnt in my language lessons that the written word can touch hearts and move nations; I learnt through my Geography teachers that water has the power to carve a rock and create a breath-taking waterfall; I learnt in my science classes, the ingenuity of man that has lifted 400,000 kilogrammes of steel, the airplane, in flight.

But just as importantly, and I dare say more importantly, it is also in school that I learnt to do things I never thought I was capable of. Among the many firsts was the debate that forced me to think on my feet; writing my first drama script for the class for a road safety message where I also had to put my shyness and stage fright aside and take on a role; and the first time I held the microphone in my clammy hands as I addressed a hall filled with people.

These moments are etched in my memory forever for they played a part in shaping who I am today.

Now many years past my own school days, as a teacher, and now as a principal, these are some of the experiences that I want my students to have. I am still learning but this time for my students and from my students.

I wish for all of you, to learn the lessons that I have learnt: that life is much more than book knowledge; that although all of us are not equal in abilities and talents, we can be equal in our efforts. I learnt the importance of being able to distinguish between what is right and what is wrong. I learnt that the downs in life will definitely be followed by ups; for if life is a straight line, it means our heart is no longer beating.

Students Our Focus - A Holistic Development

Life-Worthy Learning A Letter to My Students

The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.

We all have a purpose in life, otherwise we would not have been born. You and only you can define what you are and what you can become by the choices you make:

• choose to enjoy school, for it is here that that you will learn, discover your passion and build relationships that will see you through the tides of life; • choose to smile, when challenges come your way, for you are stronger than you think; • choose to be quiet, when you know the next word from you will be said in anger; and • choose to do the right thing, always, for you know that is what makes you a person of sound character.

As I peruse through this newsletter. I am encouraged by the very exciting second semester we have all had at Riverside. The teachers and I will do our utmost to continue making your learning experience an enriching and meaningful one.

We are happy and proud to be part of your school life, as you are our inspiration!

Yours truly,

Mdm Shanti Devi Principal

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Physical Capabilities

Our Strategic Thrusts:• Mastery in Learning: Engage, Enhance, Empower & Evaluate

• Life-Worthy Learning: Leadership, Aesthetics, Mental-Cognitive, Physical, Social & Moral

• Supporting Learning: Professional Staff, Administrative Efficiency, Stakeholder Partnerships

Vision: A caring community in a challenging learning environmentMission: To nurture all-round individuals of integrity and grace, ready to face global challengesValues: RSp2Irit: Passion, Professionalism, Responsibility, Integrity, Team SpiritMotto: My Best and More

The whole event can be coined as “third time lucky” because the previous two editions of the run met with dismal weather. On the day, there was no hint of grey clouds to dampen the runners’ spirits. Riverside Run was the cumulative event after weeks of strenuous preparation during Physical Education lessons. Every runner was mentally and physically prepared to surmount his/her personal challenge of running a good time.

The objectives were to allow students to apply the techniques and values learnt during PE lessons. It also served as a platform for students to compete with one another in a safe and friendly environment as they strove to achieve their personal bests for the 2.4 kilometre test component.

If one could just take a breather and a step back to capture the whole buzz of activities, you could actually see a colourful tapestry covering the Woodlands Waterfront Park. Classes turned up in full force donned in their respective uniquely-designed tee-shirts. They came together, teachers and students alike, and cheered one another to not give up and press on. It was a sight to behold on this particular Friday morning. A good spirit of camaraderie mixed with a good dose of competitiveness created a special atmosphere. Everyone left with memories of witnessing an event that epitomised unity and passion that was distinctively Riversidian.

Mr Jamie Chong PE Department

Riverside Run 20 May

Malacca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the historical state of Malaysia with a rich culture laced with heritage buildings, ancient landmarks and colonial structures. Economic developments of early Singapore mirrored much of Malacca, which forms a bulk of the lower secondary history syllabus. In short, Malacca is an ideal overseas destination for Riversidians to see history come to life while immersing in the multi-cultural heritage that it has to offer.

Anxious and ecstatic, our students roared into chatter and kick-started their own mini-games as the buses set off from school towards Johor. Our first stop was a local middle school in Yong Peng. Albeit the minor language barrier, we were greeted with much hospitality and warmth. Local pastimes and games were taught to our students; confused faces soon turned into smiles and laughter filled the hall. Riversidians reciprocated by performing our very own RS dance. The short yet meaningful exchange solidified with a firm handshake between their principal and our vice-principal, signifying the bond and friendship forged.

Our highly anticipated arrival in Malacca marked the beginning of a historic journey with visits to key landmarks. Students combed through the streets of Malacca from the St. Francis Xavier’s Church, Christchurch to the iconic red buildings at The Stadthuys before taking on the endless flight of stairs to the hallmark of the city, St Paul’s Hill, and A’Farmosa. After feasting on scrumptious nyonya local delights for dinner, students were treated to a traditional baba nyonya wedding ceremony.

The next day, students had the privilege of a home visit at the Chetty Village to know more about Chetty Malaccans. In addition, they also had a hands-on experience on garland-marking which proved to be challenging for many, but an easy feat for the talented. The visit to the Cheng Ho Museum proved to be enriching and enlightening for many. Students were able to comprehend and read about the most majestic and largest armada the world has ever seen. All in all, Malacca provided a wholesome learning experience on the ground through the various senses of sight, sound, smell, touch and most importantly, a sense of wonder. Knowledge was gained and friendships were strengthened through a short but meaningful two-day trip. It was truly memorable!

Mr Jonathan ChiaForm teacher, Sec 2/6; Geography-History enthusiast

Malacca Trip25-26 May

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Mental Capacity Building

Our school choir participated in the Orientale Concentus IX Festival, an annual event held to promote international arts and cultural exchange and youth choral music development. We trained hard for the months leading up to the competition, and competed with various renowned choirs from Malaysia, Philippines, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Australia. It was an eye-opening experience for many of our members who were performing at the School of The Arts concert hall for the first time. We also had the chance to attend a master class conducted by Mr Brady Allred, where we learnt how to improve various vocal techniques to perform better. Amidst tough competition, our choir was awarded Silver Grade I. Through the many months of preparation, we learnt the important value of resilience, where we pushed on even when the hours of practice were long. This competition has definitely taught us to be passionate about what we do, and to sing from the bottom of our hearts.

Mdm Angela TongTeacher i/c of Choir

The Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) celebrations, aptly named Youthforia! 2016, commenced with a big bang on the 1st of July 2016 in the Esplanade Concert Hall. 24 dancers from the different ethnic dance groups in Riverside Secondary School were selected to perform at the opening ceremony of this magnificent showcase of talents from various schools and organisations across the country. While celebrating 50 years of promoting the culture of arts amongst youths in Singapore, the event also paid tribute to the history of SYF that has evolved over the years. Our students put up a fusion dance which was choreographed by our dance instructors and garnered much praise for their performance at this event that was graced by Mr Ong Ye Kung, Acting Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) and Senior Minister of State for Defence.

Miss Renuga KonasegaranTeacher i/c of Indian Dance

Orientale Concentus IX International Choral Festival3 July

Singapore Youth Festival Opening Ceremony1 July

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Aesthetics Appreciation

SYF Art Exhibition 20161 July – 10 July, The Arts House

Congratulations to the students from the visual arts club for their creative and artistic depictions that garnered them the certificate of recognition in the 2016 Singapore Youth Festival Art Exhibition. Both entries submitted under the upper secondary category received the aforementioned award. The four entries in the lower secondary category received the certificate of participation.

The dry point printmaking (an art technique that primarily consists of engraving on an acrylic sheet with a sharp tool before inking and printing) art piece, entitled Expectations, by Rachel Pang Si Hui, Wahidah Amalin Bte Abdul Wahib, Ee Jia Ying Joilin, Hannah Loh En Ting, Charmine Mak Si Qi and Foh Chian Ni, expresses the school’s desire to develop students into resilient and persevering individuals.

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Aesthetics Appreciation

The next dry point printmaking art piece, entitled Space, Pathway to Freedom, by Crystal Woo Hong Jin, Tan Jie Xin Grace, Jasmine Ho Jia Hui and Ong Tee Ying, used heavy drapes to represent the social constraints that frustrate artists, and yet these constraints compel the artists to find their deepest and truest artistic expression.

ExpectationsThe students with their Art teachers

The following are the art pieces that received certificates of participation:

Restrictions by Zhang Wan Qing, Sulogna Biswas, Elisie To Yu Qian,

Chermin Goh Xuan Min and Cheng Yu Yin.

Tangled in Time by Raja Qistina Khairah

Dark Mind by Qistina Aqila Cosmic End by Hafizhah Munirah

Two of our Secondary Four Boys’ Brigade (BB) members, Warrant Officer Hiwase Harsh Parag (Sec 4/5) and Staff Sergeant Murugesan Mageshwaraan (Sec 4/5) received the BB Founders Award during the Founders Award Presentation Ceremony.

The Founders Award is the highest and most honourable award a member can attain in the BB Seniors Programme. In order to qualify, members must have excellent CCA attendance, attained the required stage 2 and 3 badges, taken part in at least one national event, and to be involved in HQ level events. In addition, Founders Boys must be recommended by the company captain, with support and endorsement by the chaplain or school principal, and two other character referees.

Harsh and Magesh are exemplary in their conduct and leadership in BB. They are selfless in the discharge of their duties.They have also formed very close bonds with their peers and are good role models.

The attainment of the Founders Award is an inspiration to not just BB Boys, but also to each and every Riversidian to always put in their ‘best and more’ in the roles they are given in their respective CCAs.

Mr Albert TeoTeacher i/c of Boys’ Brigade

On 25 August 2016, two former Riversidians proudly received presitigious awards from Acting Minister for Education (Schools) and Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Transport, Mr Ng Chee Meng at the Special Awards Presentation Ceremony 2016 held at Catholic Junior College Performing Arts Centre. Yuvadharshini D/O Ramesh who graduated in 2015 and now studying at National Junior College was awarded The Prime Minister’s Book Prize which recognised students for outstanding bilingual achievement at the 2015 GCE ‘O’ Level Examination.

On this same special occasion, Wong Zheng Xiong, who graduated from Riverside Secondary in 2010 received the Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship to Encourage Upgrading after moving on from Ngee Ann Polytechnic to Nanyang Technological University, undertaking a double degree in Aerospace Engineering and Economics. He was also an awardee of the Lee Kuan Yew Award for Mathematics and Science in 2014.

Miss Jasmine LimHOD English

Boys’ Brigade Founders’ Award2 July

Special Awards Presentation Ceremony 201625 August

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Moral Values Inculcation

Our prize winners with their subject teachers Miss Jasmine Lim and Mrs Mendy Kok

(sitting from L to R): Chaplain Rev. Gabriel Gan, Mdm Shanti, parents of Murugesan Mageshwaraan

(standing from L to R): Parents of Hiwase Harsh Parag, WO Harsh, Mr Roger Tan, Mr Albert Teo, WO Mageshwaraan

In a world that is post-Brexit and one where Donald Trump runs for the highest office in his country, issues of xenophobia and extremism come to the forefront not only in the opinion pages of print and social media, but also in our everyday, water-cooler discourse. There has never been a time where the masking of open intolerance as personal preference or opinion has been more acceptable. As a nation, we are not immune to this global discourse. Local demographics are ever evolving. From a little island littered with immigrants of different races and creeds, we have amalgamated to a strong and independent nation with deep roots and a firm resilience to see our people continue to prosper.

This year’s Racial Harmony Day in Riverside Secondary School was made particularly special as we hosted Ms Low Yen Ling, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Trade and Industry; Deputy DGE Mrs Chua-Lim Yen Ching; Zonal Director Ms Low Yoke Kiew; as well as superintendents from Schools Division North of the Ministry of Education as part of our celebrations.

Racial Harmony Day22 July

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Moral Values Inculcation

Yeo Jia Min (Sec 3/2) showing her wayang kulit to Ms Low Yen Ling

Putting in the pieces of kolam together.(front from L to R): Mdm Shanti, Cham Shu Han (Sec 2/6), Ms Low Yen Ling, Mdm Irene Poh (PSG)(back from L to R): Mrs Chua-Lim Yen Ching, Ms Low Yoke Kiew

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Moral Values Inculcation

Students of each level were engaged with different activities which served to celebrate the cultural practices of the different races in Singapore. Our Secondary One students exhibited their artistic craftsmanship through a kite-making activity. Their Secondary Two counterparts put their aesthetic talents and creativity to good use as they designed and created kolams out of recyclable materials. Secondary Three students experienced scripting a wayang kulit performance, whilst the graduating classes were engaged in a thought-provoking forum about racial harmony and what it means in Singapore.

As part of these celebrations, our guests were also invited to the hall to partake in a smorgasbord of ethnic delicacies like kachang puteh and bandung. They were able to enjoy these treats whilst entertained by a dikir barat performance put up by our very own students. Yet, it was not all play for our guests. Ms Low, as well as the other guests, were very keen on engaging the various students in conversation to learn more about their thoughts on racial harmony issues. The celebrations came to a close with the entire school coming together and performing the RS Dance. This dance comprised the dance elements of different cultural groups and served as a direct reflection of our multi-ethnic society.

Ian Kwan NE Committee

Secondary Three students sharing tips with Ms Low Yen Ling on how to make a wayang kulit

Ms Low Yen Ling trying her hands at packing kachang puteh

National Day 8 August

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Moral Values Inculcation

Last year we celebrated Singapore’s golden jubilee. We took the time to remember the challenging but fruitful years that have turned us from a small trading port to one of the economic giants of the world. We looked back and recognised the myriad contributions of the pioneer generation, their sacrifices and the hardships they had to endure to make Singapore what it is today. This year marks the turning of a new page: the beginning of a new chapter in the Singapore story. We begin to collectively imagine what a century-old Singapore will look like - who will her people be, what values they hold, how will they relate to her neighbours and, perhaps most pressing, what will our global role be in this not too distant future. It was with this backdrop that this year’s National Day’s slogan was suitably titled “Building Our Singapore of Tomorrow.”

At Riverside Secondary School, our National Day celebrations mirrored the forward-looking spirit espoused by NDP 2016. In the spirit of celebration, students were treated to a non-academic day.

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Moral Values Inculcation

Through a series of variegated activities, students were led to imagine their role in the future of Singapore and the values they must preserve to continue keeping the Singapore flag flying high. Our lower secondary students were tasked to exercise their imagination and create artefacts including a letter to their future selves. Upper secondary students ruminated on the qualities that have distinguished previous generations and considered how they might continue to uphold those qualities.

Celebrations culminated in a school concert where both students and teachers collaborated in various aesthetic performances that featured a vibrant dance routine that featured all our ethnic dance groups as well as a teacher-led skit-cum-sing-along session of National Day songs.

Mr Ian Kwan NE Committee

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Moral Values Inculcation

Riverside Cares to Share23 July

The “Riverside Cares to Share” project is the first community-based initiative by the Student Council targeted at the residents of a block in Woodlands. While we were not new to the idea of organising an event for the Woodlands community, we were quite hesitant initially to take up the challenge as the Student Council has mainly done events held in school. After some deliberation, we embraced the project as it was a great opportunity for us to learn and grow as student leaders, and also a wonderful platform for the student councillors to put their leadership and event-management skills to good use.

The planning took about five to six months; we met up with our teacher-in-charge, Miss Guo, constantly to plan everything from the get-go. Although the project seemed daunting, we gradually felt more comfortable with it and we believe that helped us in enlisting the rest of the executive committee members and the other student councillors to work on the project. Even when there were unexpected hiccups such as a sudden change in venues, we learnt to take things in our stride and follow through with what we had to do. We truly appreciated the teamwork of every student councillor playing his or her part and putting in effort to keep track of every small detail, and the whole school contributing generously to the project. This support from Riversidians gave the Student Council much confidence in executing the event successfully.

On 23 July, our team of student councillors set up game booths, lunch booths and goodie bag redemption counters. It was rewarding to see that many residents enjoyed the block party that we had planned for them; most of the residents did not leave empty handed and had smiles on their faces. The interaction between the student councillors and residents was also a heart-warming sight to see. This experience has helped us to be more appreciative of what we have, and we learnt that a small act of kindness can go a long way in helping others.

Winnie Win Khine Yi Sec 3/6 President of 15th Student Council

Rachel Pang Si Hui Sec 3/6 Vice-president of 15th Student Council

Riverside Reads25 – 29 July

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Mental - Cognitive

The English department ran a school-wide reading programme in conjunction with the National Reading Movement. The event was designed to inspire students to read, to encourage them to share their enjoyment of reading with others and to celebrate the difference that reading makes to their lives. To kick off the reading week, Riverside Secondary School initiated the Instagram/Twitter Hashtag #RiversideReads, for Riversidians to share their favourite books and to write short reviews. The week-long event was held from 25th to 29th July. It comprised of quizzes and activities such as a bookmark-making event and a literary quiz on famous fictional characters and authors of young adult novels. The #RiversideReads week concluded with a school-wide sustained reading event held on 29 July. The mass reading was carried out in collaboration with the National Library’s Read For Books. This initiative donates a book to the National Library Board’s kidsREAD club beneficiaries from less privileged families for every ten people who read for fifteen minutes. Riverside Secondary School pledged to carry out this reading programme and the entire school came together on 29 July to read for a good cause.

As a reading school, students are motivated to read for leisure and pleasure. They are given the opportunity to choose their own reading material and teachers provide assistance by expanding the possibility of reading for pleasure by introducing students to a plethora of new books. Ultimately, students take away with them the pleasure of entering a story world, living through the character’s actions and pondering what it might mean for their own lives. As Ernest Hemingway, a well- known lover of books once wrote: “there is no friend as loyal as a book”, every Riversidian is encouraged to explore the companionship of a good book.

Miss Nithiyaa Muthu Kumar Programme co-ordinator

St John BrigadeCorp Achievement Award - Gold

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Students Our Focus - A Holistic Development

Our Illustrious Riversidians

St John BrigadeCorp Achievement Award - Gold

National Police Cadet CorpUnit Overall Proficiency Award – Gold

Girls’ BrigadeGirls’ Brigade Company Award – Gold

Boys’ BrigadeJM Fraser Award for Excellence – Gold

Achievements of our Uniformed Groups

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Leadership Development

National Cadet Corp (Sea)Best Unit Competition Silver Award

St John BrigadeCorp Achievement Award - Gold

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Mental Capacity Building

As a tradition, the celebration was spearheaded by student leaders who came together for almost a month to prepare a special tribute to their teachers. The concert comprised two captivating dance performances with over 110 lower secondary students and two enthralling musical performances with over 80 students. The main highlight of the celebration was the performance of the new teachers that had staff and students laughing and singing along excitedly.

One of the most heart-warming sights of the Teachers’ Day celebrations was watching students excitedly search for their teachers to thank them and let them know how grateful they were for their support and guidance in life.

To conclude the celebrations, the teachers and the rest of the staff proceeded to the lunch held at the Forest Lodge in the Singapore Zoological Gardens, where they were treated to a scrumptious spread as well as enthralled by the brilliant performance of an escape artist. After the heavy meal, all staff took the opportunity to stroll through the zoo before they headed home.

Miss Nithiyaa Muthu KumarParticipant and enthusiast

Teachers’ Day1 September

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Mental Capacity Building

Communication and presentation skills are very important in the 21st century. The ‘One Motivational Morning InSpiration’ (OMMS) practice was introduced to provide students with the opportunity to speak in front of the school population. OMMS aims to provide a learning platform for students to overcome the fear of public speaking, become self-confident and motivate their fellow peers with their speeches.

“I was nervous and apprehensive initially when I was speaking in front of the school. I am glad that I eventually overcome the fear of public speaking and learnt that I should not let my fear stop me from trying,” says Jasper Tan from Sec 2/6, who represented the Student Council.

Ranging from sharing personal experiences away from school to talking about their co-curricular activity or leadership journey, students engaged their schoolmates on how they have demonstrated the school values, RSp2Irit, and other related values such as respect, empathy and resilience in their daily lives.

“There are many ways to write a speech that captures the audience. I have learnt that it takes courage and confidence to give a speech to inspire others. I hope that more students will be given the opportunity in the future,” exclaimed Nurul Ain from Sec 3/2, who represented Malay Dance.

Miss Alister ChuaSH /CCE

One Motivational Morning InSpiration (OMMS) Every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday

Partners Our Support

Our ‘Green Connect’, a parent support group-initiated community garden project in collaboration with National Parks, achieved the platinum award which is the highest achievement band at the biennial Community In Bloom (CIB) Awards. These awards, presented at the Singapore Garden Festival 2016, aim to motivate and promote gardening as a fun and healthy activity. The hard work and commitment from students, staff and parents was given a boost through this national recognition scheme. The school, together with neighbouring community garden groups in the North West District, also received the Biodiversity Award for its active participation in the Gardeners’ Cup which was run as part of the Singapore Garden Festival. Apart from being a means of outdoor science and aesthetic education, the garden proves to be a fertile ground for green initiatives like vegetable-farming and floral planting.

Mr Rajamogan Year Head / Lower Secondary

Community In Bloom Platinum Award 201623 – 31 July, Garden Festival, Gardens by the Bay

Staff Our Key

Three groups of staff members visited three polytechnics during the September break. The main objective of the half-day trip this year was to witness the emerging educational trends evidenced in the manner the polytechnics have revamped and restructured their programmes to cater to new industrial demands as well as the aspirations of the younger generations.

The group at Temasek Polytechnic visited the School of Design and had the opportunity to view the design gallery, and various multi-media and film studios. At Republic Polytechnic, our colleagues learnt about the hospitality programme which included a visit to the Oliva training restaurant and the wine lab. At Nanyang Polytechnic, our staff visited the School of Interactive and Digital Media, a 3D printing lab and the School of Health Sciences.

It was an enriching learning experience for all staff. Back in school in the afternoon, the staff gathered in the library to surface their learning points from the three polytechnics. During the discussion, staff explored the emerging educational trends they witnessed from the three polytechnics. They also reflected on how they can carry out their practice differently in order to achieve greater student outcomes.

Using the online GoFormative platform, colleagues summed up that education should be passion and interest-driven, self-directed and skills-based to prepare students for a satisfying career. Some staff also highlighted the importance of life skills such as communication and presentation skills in order to prepare them to meet future global challenges. Staff also deemed that students could be encouraged and trained to learn more on their own; this could be achieved better by engaging students through authentic learning experiences and assessing students’ learning using alternative modes of assessment such as portfolio and project work.

Mrs Tio-Fung Eng ChuSchool Staff Developer

Staff Learning Journey to the Polytechnics5 September

Teachers touring the multi-media studio at the School of Design, TP

Teachers visiting the mock-up intensive care unit at the School of Health Sciences, NYP

Teachers listening to a lecturer at the School of Hospitality, RP

VP Wong with our Senior Teachers and Mrs Tio-Fung Eng Chu (SSD)

Staff Our Key

The great Chinese philosopher, Confucius, once said, ‘The ideal teacher guides his students but does not pull them along; he urges them to go forward and does not supress them; he opens the way but does not take them to the place.’ Indeed, there are many facets to being a good teacher. Not only are teachers expected to be proficient in their subject content knowledge, they must also have the acumen in knowing what, when and how to teach. In other words, to be equipped with a basket of skills and strategies that can be used whenever the situation warrants it to ensure that effective learning takes place.

It was with these in mind that ‘The Skilful Teacher’ clinics were conducted for all teaching staff. Conducted by the Senior Teachers and the School Staff Developer (SSD), the four clinics covered four skill-sets from ‘The Skilful Teacher’ text: clarity, models of teaching, principles of learning, and learning experiences. Teachers were given the

The Skilful Teacher Clinics30 May

The Innergy Award recognises innovative ideas that have been successfully implemented and have had a noticeable impact on student outcomes and work processes.

This year, we garnered two such awards:• EAS Team: E-Scan of Books for FAS Students ~ Gold Award• EL Team: Expository Writing: Enhancing Cognitive and Procedural Capacities ~ Bronze Award

Innergy Awards 2016

opportunity to discuss the strategies learnt using case studies, design lessons centred on the learning principles; and dissect aspects of students’ learning experiences and how they can be harnessed in the classroom.

Skilful teachers are made, not born. It is the school’s ultimate goal that through these clinics, all teachers are inspired to try out strategies that they have not experienced before to effect a positive impact on students’ learning.

Hesley IsmailSenior Teacher of English

Student Essay 1 – Introduction (Before)With climate change leading to more frequent extreme weatherevents, what are some measure that can be taken to bring it undercontrol?

Over the last 100 years, there had been an increase in greenhouse gases.

_____Such events include volcanic eruptions, floods and the rise in sea levels,

threatening farming and coastal villages_____. Due to climate change, insect carrying

diseases were also on the rise, killing many people. Many people now know the

threats that climate change are displaying and do their best to suppress it. All

around the world and in Singapore, there would be many measures now put in place

to reduce gas emission, volcanic eruptions, floods and rising sea levels.

Comments: This is a typical expository paragraph written by students which contain many grammatical errors (highlighted in red). In addition, word use is often simple and lacks complementary adjectives and adverbs to enrich the text (highlighted in green). Lastly, there can be information gaps or repetitions which are unwittingly created due to insufficient time to check (highlighted by underscored and underlined parts.

Student Essay 1 – Introduction (After)

With climate change leading to more frequent extreme weather

events, what are some measure that can be taken to bring it under

control?Over the last 100 years, there has been a sharp increase in the emission of

greenhouse gases. This is becoming a very serious problem, leading to more and more

extreme weather events occurring. Such events that happen include volcanic eruptions,

floods and the rise in sea levels, threatening the agriculture industry and low-lying

coastal areas. Due to climate change, insect-borne diseases are also on the rise,

resulting in the deaths of millions. More people are now aware of the threats that

climate change is displaying and doing their best to bring it under control.

Internationally and in Singapore, there are many measures now put in place to reduce

the emission of greenhouse gases.

Comments: After going through the 4Rs process, students become a lot more aware of how to

link sentences together cohesively as well as check for the flow, fluency and logic of the

paragraph. Word use has improved and more details are given to enhance content depth.

Workflow

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9. The system will also be issuing only to students whoserecords are captured in the system No books or stationery can be issued to students who are not

registered in the system.

10. The SSC card must be presented for the issuance totake place. If a student misplace the card, he or she will be required to terminate

the earlier record and produce a new card for re-registration.

From left: Miss Goh Hui Shi Mdm Arockiadoss Fatima Sahayarani Miss Nur Ashikin Bte Fisall Mr Muhammad Haikal Muhammad Ridwan Yeo Miss Lee Siew Lee Miss Beryl Thum Miss Natasha Bte Imran

Welcoming New Staff

Editorial TeamAdvisors: Mdm Shanti Devi (Principal) Mr Wong Mun Wah (Vice-principal)

Editors: Mrs Lee Yen Ping Miss Renuga Konasegaran• The editorial team would like to thank all writers.

Retrieval & Rehearsal: Information gathering - Padlet

Reinforcement: Example of student presentation

Reinforcement:Debate

Benefits to Recipients

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1. With the system, the students need not go through the

individual items in the booklist as he or she is issued

with a customised booklist based on her level, stream

and mother tongue. This will be determined by the

school as information is obtained from the various

heads of department.

2. Parents/ Guardians may collect the books on behalf of

the students as the booklist is correct as long as the

parent is able to produce the student SSC to the

bookshop assistant.