PARENTS’ LINK A Newsletter for Parents

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ISSUE NO. 1 2016 Many exciting events took place in Bedok View Secondary School in Term 1 2016. In this newsletter are some key events that took place recently.

CCA Orientation, Trial & Option Exercise 2016 Co-curricular activities (CCA) provide authentic platforms for our students to develop skills, acquire knowledge, and demonstrate the values and soft skills taught in schools. Students with enriching CCA experiences will emerge from schools strong in character, grounded in sound moral values, equipped with competencies, and ready for the challenges in their adult life. It is compulsory for all pupils to participate in one core CCA in the school. Bedok View Secondary School’s CCA Orientation, Trial and Option Exercise was conducted in Term 1 to help our Sec One students to make informed choices for their CCA. The CCA Orientation & Exhibition aims to raise pupils’ awareness in the range of CCAs offered in BV. CCA trial sessions were conducted in January to provide opportunities for students to explore their potential in all the CCAs.

Trying out activities in a Uniformed Group

The Angklung Ensemble performing for the Secondary One cohort

Our Secondary One students giving their best shot in the soccer trial

SwimSafer Swimming Programme for Secondary One (2016) As part of our efforts to develop our students holistically, Bedok View Secondary School has incorporated the SwimSafer Swimming Programme as one of the modules for the Physical Education programme. The programme was endorsed by the Sports Education Programme (SEP) and is conducted by a registered SwimSafer programme provider. The objective of the Sec 1 Swimming Programme is to equip our students with water confidence and basic water proficiency skills. The SwimSafer programme has developed swimming and water safety skills in our students. It provides a basic set of skills suitable for the Singapore climate and lifestyle. In addition, it fosters physical activity and provides our students with a platform for life-long participation in a wide variety of aquatic pursuits. At the end of the course, students are awarded with the various levels of SwimSafer depending on their stage of competency. Various levels of the Singapore Life Guard Corp (SGLC) accreditation or Sports Council Certificates are also awarded to students who have demonstrated higher competency during the course at Bedok Swimming Complex.

Chinese New Year Celebrations 2016 On 5 February 2016, Bedok View Secondary School celebrated the Year of the Monkey. Everyone was treated to an exciting Chinese New Year concert in the hall. The concert kicked off with a lion dance performance. After all, what is a Chinese New Year concert without a lion dance performance? The audience was enchanted with a beautiful rendition of popular Chinese New Year songs by our school Choir. In addition, the audience also got to enjoy a wonderful and enthralling performance put up by our talented performing arts groups such as the Guzheng, Angklung & Kulintang Ensemble and Modern Dance Group and Drama Club. The highlight of the day was having 40 elderly members of the Bedok Radiance Senior Activity Centre joined us in our celebrations. Our Secondary 5 students hosted our guests, engaging them in conversations, enjoying a meal with them and playing a game of bingo to make their short stay in Bedok View Secondary School meaningful and memorable. The celebration ended at 12.35 pm with our students distributing gift hampers to our support staff and oranges to all staff. Our Secondary 1 students also participated in ‘Spreading the Joy’ on Friday, 12 February 2016, organised by the Character and Citizenship Committee (CCE). They distributed mandarin oranges and sent well wishes to residents around the neighbourhood.

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Helping the elderly move around the school

Spreading the festive joy in our neighbourhood

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Mother Tongue Languages Fortnight 2016 An annual event, The Mother Tongue Languages (MTL) Fortnight 2016 organised by the Mother Tongue Languages (MTL) Department took place between 18 and 23 January and 21 March to 24 March 2016. During the MTL Fortnight, students participated in various language and cultural activities with the aims to: (a) increase students’ interest through the engagement in various cultural and language activities; and (b) provide opportunities for effective application of MTL in an authentic environment beyond traditional classroom setting The Chinese Language (CL) students participated in forum-theatre and poetry-related activities while the Malay Language (ML) students displayed their skills and creativity through activities such as wayang-kulit (shadow-puppet), drama and bangsawan (traditional Malay opera) workshops. The Tamil Language (TL) students participated in short film-making workshops where they learnt the skills and art of film-making. Also, in line with our effort to promote a reading culture, the MTL department arranged for a book display by National Library Board for students and teachers from 21 to 24 March 2016.

NLB Book Display Our very own aspiring actors and actresses

Exploring the heritage trail

On 27 January, the Secondary two students embarked on a learning journey to Old Ford Factory which is the site of the historic surrender of the British to the Japanese. The objective of this learning journey is to enhance what the Secondary Two students have learned about Singapore under the Japanese Occupation during World War II. Students walked through the museum containing various artefacts and watched a documentary on the lives of Singaporeans during the war. It was an enriching experience for the students as they were able to interact and see the actual artefacts instead of simply reading about them in their textbooks. This learning journey, undoubtedly, has improved students’ understanding of the people’s experiences during the war as well as instilled in them a sense of appreciation for the comforts they enjoy today.

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Secondary Two Learning Journey

Exhibits at the Old Ford Factory

The Future of Us Exhibition The CCE Committee organised a National Education Learning Journey to the Future of Us Singapore Exhibition for the Sec 4 and 5 classes earlier this year in February. Bedok View students were able to immerse themselves into what Singapore's future could be like and they shared their dreams for Singapore at this exhibition. Some highlights included a wall dedicated to SG50 and domes where students experienced a show on the history and development of Singapore, followed by the dreams and glimpses into the future of Singapore. The students and teachers found the 3D like 360 degrees view very engaging. Students also got a preview of how Singaporeans may live, work, play, care and learn in the future.

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What can we learn from our pioneers who have helped to build Singapore? We can be as resilient and hardworking as our pioneers and work towards building a better future for Singapore. What do you think are some challenges and opportunities that the future may bring? Uncertainty. Racial harmony in Singapore might be difficult to sustain. Select an innovation that impressed you in the exhibition. What issue was it trying to address? Military technology. It was to enhance Singapore’s defence to maintain its sovereignty and to reduce crime.

Students’ Reflections after the Learning Journey

Students enjoying themselves during the Learning Journey

Fascinating exhibit

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Total Defence Day Commemoration The theme for Total Defence Day 2016 is ‘Together We Keep Singapore Strong’. To reaffirm the solidarity, strength and values that have brought the nation to where we are now and which will bring Singapore forward into the next 50 years, BV students learned to appreciate the roles played by different individuals and groups of Singaporeans through Total Defence lessons and programmes. The Secondary One classes engaged in hands-on Basic First Aid lessons to learn about the roles everyone play in Civil Defence. Secondary 2 & 3 students participated in a specially designed lesson based on the Straits Times IN newspaper. This included a very exciting Star Wars-themed Total Defence Day lesson. The Secondary 4 and 5 classes participated in Total Defence Seminar facilitated by Major Sam Ong from the Singapore Air Force, in collaboration with the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). They learnt about the importance of the roles played by the men and women of the SAF in military defence, with specific reference to the recent terrorist attacks in various parts of the world. In addition to the level programmes, there were also fringe and subject based activities throughout the week such as EL lessons using news articles with Total Defence themes and an exhibition on Grassroots Heritage by Red Dot Ambassadors in the canteen. Some students will also be attending the RSAF Open House in May, later this year. Overall, the various Total Defence Day programmes sought to convey the message that we are able to enjoy what we have in Singapore today because of the determination and hard work of generations of Singaporeans who have stuck together, overcoming many challenges along the way and bringing Singapore forward to what it is today. As long as we remain united as one, we will succeed in building a secure and bright future for ourselves and our children.

First Aid lessons for the Sec 1s conducted by our SJAB students

Our student and teachers with Major Sam Ong from SAF

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Secondary 1 Level Camp

The Secondary One Orientation Camp took place in school from 9 to 11 March. Spearheaded by the Student Council and supported by the Secondary Three Student Leaders, a three-day, two-night camp kicked off with a positive vibe. Secondary One students were all hyped up for their first overnight camp in a completely new environment. The objectives of the camp were to strengthen the sense of belonging to the school, develop strong level and class spirit and inculcate the five school values of Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Service and Excellence among the Secondary One students. During the camp, students were engaged in the various interclass games and class bonding activities, with special affinity for the campfire where they performed as a class for an audience of more than 200 parents. Students learnt the importance of Respect – respecting their teachers, leaders and fellow classmates. They were also Responsible for their own belongings and wellbeing throughout the camp. Strong sportsmanship and Integrity were also observed during the interclass games where students came to realise that winning is not everything. Helping their friends and keeping a lookout for one another, the Secondary One students exhibited their strength on Service. At the end of the camp, the Secondary One students went home with a strong sense of belonging to the school, of being a Bedok Viewan.

Secondary 2 Level Camp

The Sec 2 Outdoor Adventure and Character Development camp was held from 9 to 11 March. The objective of the camp was to focus on character and leadership development to help our students better face challenges in life. Some of the activities conducted during the camp included tent-pitching, rock-climbing, rafting, night confidence walk and field cooking. Through these activities, students learnt the importance of perseverance and team-work. Some overcame their fears of heights with the encouragement of their classmates, instructors and teachers. Many students also forged deeper friendships with their classmates. All in all, it was an unforgettable bonding experience for the students.

Best Camper Elysia Teo Sec 2E3

Pep talk with their camp leaders and Form Teachers

Morning PT

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Secondary Three VIA Level Camp The Secondary 3 Values in Action (VIA) Level Camp was designed to develop team-building and leadership habits and skills in every participant while providing a fun-filled 3 days 2 nights learning journey. The purpose of this program was to allow each student to discover more about themselves and others while participating in experiential learning activities. This program aimed to encourage and develop the potential of every student by building life skills and resilience. The programme designed for the Secondary 3 students included visits to our 5 VIA partners such as, Thye Hua Kwan (THK) Home for the Disabled, Jamiyah Home for the Aged, Christian Outreach to the Handicapped, St Hilda’s Community Services and Orange Valley Nursing Home.

Secondary 4/5 Level Camp The graduating class of 2016 had their three-day Enrichment Programme as part of the school’s level camp programme. Conducted over three days from 9 to 11 March 2016, the objective of the camp was to prepare the students for life after secondary school. The programme kicked off with the Motivation and Study Skills workshop. Among other things, students were taught basic study skills such as note-taking and time management techniques. The day ended with the classes fighting to be the best in the inter-class games. On the second day, students got to experience fine dining at a restaurant as part of the Grooming and Social Etiquette workshop. Students were also taught basic interview skills as well as the finer points of grooming and good dress sense. The highlight of the three-day programme was the Career Seminar. On this day, students had the chance to apply what they had learnt during the previous day’s workshop. Students were allowed to report to school in formal office attire as they listened to speakers from Junior Colleges, Polytechnics as well as the Institute of Technical Education who shared about courses and entry requirements in the respective post-secondary institutions. Students also enjoyed the sharing done by professionals from marketing, law and broadcast and media production industries. Feedback from students indicated that they had benefited from the programme and would be able to apply the skills and knowledge they had learnt.

Just having fun!

Interclass games

Fine dining experience

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Secondary 4 Geographical Investigation: Coasts In January this year, our Secondary Four Pure Geography students carried out Geographical Investigation at East Coast Park as part of the topic of Coasts. As a form of self-directed learning, students worked in groups to plan specific fieldwork methods to collect data in order to prove a hypothesis. Some activities they carried out included measuring sediment movement, observing sediment deposition, field sketching, measuring the beach gradient and plotting the beach profile along a line of transect. In addition, they also observed coastal management methods and evaluated their effectiveness at the site they were investigating. Through their group work, students were able to exercise reasoning for data they collected, question their contextual knowledge and went through a process of reflection and analysis where they gained a deeper understanding of the coastal processes on coastlines in Singapore.

Secondary One Geographical Investigation: Water Our Secondary One Geographical Investigation (GI) topic was on water supply. In order to achieve their learning objectives, the students went to the Bedok Reservoir to investigate the water quality at two sites. They were accompanied by experienced teachers from the Geography department from the school. The GI was carried out over a period of two days. Before the GI, students were briefed about safety at the beginning of the fieldwork and provided with all the information needed for their investigation. They were then familiarised with the water testing kit to test the quality of water at Bedok Reservoir. After that, the students had to test the turbidity, dissolved oxygen and pH level of the water at the two sites. After the data collection, the students collated their findings and carried out a reflection to evaluate the GI process.

Students working together to measure the beach gradient

Fieldsketch at Bedok Reservoir Testing the quality of water