Independent Learning for FS@HCI Phase 2 Initiative Pilot Programme

The school has launched the FS@HCI Phase 2 Initiative Pilot Programme at the begining of year 2010 for half of the Sec 2 cohorts. This programme focuses on teaching pedagogies that aim to nurture students into self-directed learners.

Classes in the pilot programme follow the same syllabus and sit for the same examination as those not in the programme. However, students in the programme are expected to do their own content studies before coming to class and take active part in all learning activities. Curriculum time is used for clarification of doubts/concepts or group discussions and presentations. IT tools are used widely to enhance the teaching-learning process and to learn beyond the classroom. To benefit from this programme, students must be self-motivated and willing to take ownership of their own learning.

For Sec 2 Aphelion, the classes in the programme are 2A1 and 2A3. I am in class 2A3 therefore I am in the programme. Personally, I think independent learning is really important if you are placed in this programme. A lot of content studies need to be done before lessons in order to benefit from the lessons created for the programme. Self-controlled towards computer games is also very important. As laptop is widely used for learning in class, you need to control yourself not to play games while lessons are going on. If someone cannot resist computer games, I think it is better for him to be out of the programme and have normal lessons.

What are your thoughts towards the programme? Please leave your opinion below.

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My CCA - Socrates Club

"What is your CCA?" "I am in the Socrates Club." "What is that?"

This is a conversation that occurs very frequently to me. Many people do not know about this CCA in our school. So now, I am going to talk about my CCA - the Socrates Club.

Socrates Club was formed in the January of year 2009 and members in this club are by invitation only. Members of Socrates Club have helped out in some school events, including hosting Maths Funtasia Room 1 during Hwa Chong Open House 2009, assisted in the Projects' Day 2009 Final Judging (Maths Research Category), organised Singapore Mathematics Project Festival (SMPF) Prelim Round 1 and so on. Our teachers-in-charge are Mr Rong, Ms Gwee and Mr Ang.

Our CCA is scheduled from 2.30pm to 5.30pm on Fridays. During CCA sessions, we do planning on our CCA activities and initiatives, solve Olympaid Maths questions and play games, such as the SET game etc.

Our club has planned to organise some competitions during the Maths Festival, including Daily Quiz via EMB, Sudoku Competition, Board Games Competition and Maths Trail.

I hope the above information has let everyone gets to know more about my CCA. If anyone still has any queries, please leave a comment below. Thank you :)

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Name tag - Necessary or childish? (2)

(Read previous post)

This is a follow-up to the previous post. From this particular discussion on Stomp, I have come across the view of some students towards wearing name tags on their school uniform.

Some students think that schools making students wearing name tags is to "increase the reasons to book a student". They think that the schools can book students easily if they forget to wear their name tags. They also think that the schools "need more people in the detention room". I think their view is rather childish. This is because the school is not so free to book students for no reasons.

Some say, if you feel name tags are annoying, you can "just wear a jacket on top" to cover it. Why do people bother about covering their name tags? Since name tag is part of the school uniform, why not just wear it and let it be? As mentioned in my previous post, wearing name tags can be a good thing.

The following is a quote, from the discussion, regarding the reasons for wearing name tags:
"... it's more for identification purposes and helps your teachers to remember your names (assuming you've never been taught by him/her before). It's also for emergencies like fire evacuation so if you get separated from the group at least the teachers know who you are and that you're safe"

Again, please post your view below.

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Name tag - Necessary or childish?

Regarding the above topic, may I just give some background information first.

Some schools in Singapore require their students to wear name tag on the school uniform. Currently, there are two types of name tags: the pin-on type and the iron-on type. The pin-on type can be removed from the school uniform while the iron-on type will always be sewn on the school uniform. The main purpose of wearing name tags is for identification purposes.

However, on the long run, some students think that wearing name tags is unnecesary. They think that wearing name tags causes a lot of inconveniences, such as their actions are limited because their name will be known immediately if they do anything inappropriate. Therefore, they remove their name tags after school so that anything done will not take them into trouble. Due to their hate towards wearing name tags, some even regard wearing name tags as childish!

In my opinion, this shall not matter because if you do not do anything wrong, why should you worry about your name to be known by others? On the other hand, wearing name tag may be good if you have done a good deed because others will know you.

After reading the above, it is time for you to give your opinion.
"Is it necessary for schools to make students wear name tags on their school uniform?"

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(Read follow-up post)