CONNECTMS Volume 2 Issue 1 July 2013

FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics Competition

Temasek Secondary School

As part of the Talent Management Programme of the Mathematics Department, the department organised a trip for a team of Secondary Three students to the United States in February 2013. On 19th February 2013, the team, comprising 14 Secondary Three students and 2 Mathematics teachers, Mr Christopher Hoan and Miss Yoong Hai Ling, participated in the Diamond State FIRST Tech Challenge Tournament held in the state of Delaware, USA. Despite all odds, the team clinched the Special Judges Award. In winning this award, the team was recognised for their good robot design, clear presentation as well as consistently good performance during the competition. The FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics Competition is a robotics competition for high school students, aimed at encouraging the young to discover the excitement of science, technology, and engineering. The competition, organised by FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), included special games in which robots from several different teams were placed in a playing field and went head to head to score points and to prevent other teams from scoring points.

Is Homework Good or Bad? Is my child doing too little (or too much) homework? How can I better support my child?

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More Inside

Celebration of the Temasekian Spirit Missed the 32nd Annual Speech Day? Find out more from the Temasekian of the Year.

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Updates on Academic Curriculum Read about the major changes in the syllabuses of the Humanities and Food & Nutrition subjects.

Gaining Insight into Future Education and Career Options Learning Beyond the Classrooms

CCA Achievements

Upcoming Events

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Our school has been actively participating in the competition since 2006. In 2006 and 2007, our school sent teams of students to participate in the FIRST Vex Challenge (the predecessor of FIRST Tech Challenge). In 2008 and 2011, our school again sent teams to participate in FIRST Tech Challenge. The Special Judges Award is one of the many prestigious awards presented at the competition and one of several awards that our school had achieved over the years. Other awards that our school robotics team had won in the past include: - THINK Award (in 2006, 2007 and 2008) - AMAZE Award (in 2007) - Winning Alliance Award (in 2006 and 2007) - MOTIVATE Award (in 2011)

Students had gained immensely from the competition as they discovered the excitement and rewards of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in building robots and overcoming challenges. They also learnt teamwork, a value highly esteemed by both the hosting country and international participants at the competition. Robotics enables each student to be innovative and critical thinkers in Mathematics and this is in line with the mission of the Mathematics department --- “Every Temasekian a Passionate, Self-Directed Math Learner with an Analytical

Mind”. During the preparation stage for the competition, students are expected to apply Mathematics and Science concepts they have learnt in the classroom to real-life scenarios. Students thus reinforce concepts learnt in their Mathematics classes and apply the knowledge creatively. All our trips to USA involved our students in a school immersion programme with Wissahickon High School, a prestigious high school in the United States where our students had the opportunity to experience student life in the American high school. Our students sat in classes together with their American buddies and were exposed to the American educational system which emphasises less on rote learning and offers more opportunities for students to practise self-reliance and creativity. “,” said g of Secondary 3/2, 2013. Student’s  Thoughts  upon  Participation

“This trip was an eye opener. It made me understand the cultures and way of living of people who are very different from those of my daily life.”                      --- Zenia Pang 302

“I will never forget my experience there.”                  --- Asher Enoch Khoo 307

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Learning the Revised Humanities Subjects through Inquiry

The Humanities subjects explore the interaction processes between people and their environment as well as the past and the present. Integral to this exploration process is learning through inquiry which is a common pedagogy used in all the revised humanities syllabuses. The pedagogy will also prepare students well for the revised national examination format in 2014. Key changes to the assessment format are detailed in Table 1.

Subject Key Changes

Geography / Geography Elective

Additional 10 min New component:

Fieldwork Q

History Elective

Additional 10 min Increased weightage

in source-based Q Reduced weightage

in structured-essay Q

Social Studies Additional 15 min Increased weightage

in source-based Q Reduced weightage

in structured-essay Q

Table 1: Key Changes to Assessment Format

Upper Secondary Geography and Geography Elective Syllabuses

In Geography, geographical inquiry encourages questioning, investigation and critical thinking about issues affecting the environment and people’s lives, now and in the future. It comprises the four aspects of sparking curiosity, gathering data, exercising

reasoning and reflective thinking. In developing our students, the Geography teachers use stimuli such as photographs and videos to trigger curiosity among students.

Students are also presented with opportunities to investigate geographical phenomena through data collection and analysis in authentic contexts. For example, in learning about coastal processes and coastal protection measures, students observed the wave patterns, and gathered data on the effectiveness of breakwaters along East Coast Park. Students also experiment with objects tossed in water to plot the movement of sediments along the beach. In another instance, for the topic of weather and climate, students gather data on relative humidity and temperature in different locations of the school in an attempt to find the hot spots of the school. Students are then guided by teachers to reflect on their findings against geographical phenomena learnt in class.

Upper Secondary History Elective and Social Studies Syllabuses

The inquiry based-learning approach places students at the heart of teaching and learning to develop them into confident, self-directed, critical and reflective thinkers. As the new examination format places greater weightage on source-based questions (SBQ), there is now greater expectation for students to think analytically in interpreting issues from sources. To raise the students’ awareness of the various social issues and current affairs knowledge, news articles are discussed in classes. Teachers then serve as facilitators during the discussions. The History and Social Studies teachers also work collaboratively to align the teaching of skills to address SBQ in both subjects. In addition, to develop engaged learners, inquiry questions are framed to trigger students’ curiosity.

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Change of Syllabus: From F&N (6082) to F&N (6087) With effect from 2013, students offering Food & Nutrition (F&N) as an O-Level subject will be sitting for Syllabus 6087. The main change in the syllabus is in Paper 2: Coursework. Before, the coursework was done in the form of two assignments, Part A (42%) & Part B (18%). With the new syllabus, these two assignments are now collapsed into one, requiring a problem-solving and investigative approach, with an emphasis on experimental work. The total weightage of the Coursework remains at 60%.

Students discover the wonders of nature as they step outside the classroom for a Geography lesson on conservation and important geographical skills such as data collection and sketching. The department also provides opportunities beyond the classrooms to enhance students’ learning. For example, in collaboration with Active Learning In Values Education (ALIVE!) Service Learning to elderly homes and hospitals, students were tasked to do pre-trip research on the issue of ageing population or healthcare in Singapore. They would then gather data through interviews during the visit and present their findings in a form of a documentary. This serves to broaden their perspectives on the two issues in the Social Studies syllabus. In another instance, students embark on an integrated fieldtrip organised by the History and Geography Units to the Singapore River and Chinatown where students work collaboratively to learn about Singapore’s past, present and future as well as to embark on fieldwork investigation on the topic of globalisation.

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Celebration of the Temasekian Spirit

By: Natasha Charmaine Manawadu, Graduated in Year 2012

The 32nd Annual Speech Day of Temasek Secondary School (TMS) took place on 19th April 2013 in the school hall. The theme for this year was Gems of Temasek, which was coined to celebrate the different types of successes achieved by the school. The Guest-of-Honour for the event was Mr Nicholas Aaron Khoo. An alumnus of the school, Mr Khoo is currently the President of the Singapore Computer Society Interactive Digital Media Chapter. The annual event highlighted the talents and achievements of Temasekians, and recognised the contributions of the staff, Parent Support Group and Alumni. Guests were also treated to outstanding performances by our various talented Aesthetic Groups. All these tied in to provide all guests and prize winners an enjoyable experience that celebrated the Temasekian Spirit of always striving for excellence in all aspects of life. The event was also broadcasted live online for students and parents who could not join us in school to share the moment.

As a Returning Alumnus I felt excited as an alumnus returning for Speech Day. I could feel the camaraderie and celebration in the air, so reminiscent of my years in TMS and it made me realise how ecstatic and grateful I was to be able to return to TMS on this occasion to celebrate that chapter of our lives with my teachers and friends. As we went on stage to receive our awards, I remember feeling that we had all bonded and strived for excellence together, which helped to partially alleviate any nervousness I may have had while standing on stage. After, we were treated to the enthralling performances of our Aesthetic Groups and I was completely blown away. As a Temasekian As the Temasekian of the Year, I got the precious opportunity to thank all those who have supported me throughout my 4 years in TMS, and highlight how the school has given me the environment and opportunity to excel and grow, and for this, I am thankful. After sobering from all the giddy excitement and joy, I pondered and reflected on my TMS journey, and I realised that the school has done more than just provide me with a conducive environment. It has inculcated and strengthened in me values and characteristics such as resilience, conscientiousness and the willingness to work hard for what I want. For all that I have experienced in and received from TMS, I am eternally grateful that 5 years ago, in December, I received a message saying that I had been admitted to Temasek Secondary School.

Our Guest of Honour, Mr Nicholas Aaron Khoo receiving a token of appreciation

Interested to experience the Temasekian Spirit during the Speech Day? Replay the entire Speech Day streamed on your device: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/31656745

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Gaining Insight into Future Education and Career Options

By: Megan Ho 305, Harikha Ravindran 302 The TMS Annual Education and Career Seminar held on 5th April 2013 was a tremendous success. The objective of the seminar was to allow our graduating students to have a better insight into their post-secondary options and have the chance to interact with people from various institutions and professions.

Mr Patrick Fernandez, Chairman of Parent Support Group interacting with students during his sharing session on Chemistry and Business The day started off with talks by Temasek Junior College and Temasek Polytechnic, followed by an exhibition put up by the various institutions. The graduating students then chose to go for various breakout sessions depending on their interests. The breakout sessions included talks by the junior colleges and polytechnics on the courses they offered as well as professionals talking about what their careers entail. The talks by the Polytechnics covered interesting courses like Forensics and popular courses like Aviation, Business and Engineering. We were also honoured to have with us professionals who helmed various breakout sessions, such as Mr Alvin Lee

(Entrepreneurship), Mr Chan Lim Yan (Marine Engineering), Mr Mike Hickman (Mechanical Engineering), Mr Ted Teo (Banking), Dr Patrick Fernandez (Chemistry and Business) and not forgetting our Principal Mr Tan (Teaching). As Peer Support Leaders who facilitated the event, we really appreciate the speakers who took time to come down especially for us. This seminar was certainly an eye opener for us. It was a new experience for us and we hope that this career seminar has guided our seniors to their career paths. We are sure that this event will be a highlight for the graduating students every year!

Student’s  Thoughts upon Participation “Throughout the morning, I learned and gathered new information and knowledge about some of the JCs and Polytechnics available to us. There were many things I had not known about the courses within some of the institutions. It was an eventful time as the speakers that the schools had brought forward to share their expertise and experiences were very entertaining yet, informative at the same time. Overall, it was an enriching programme which, I am sure, has helped me, as well as others, to decide on where to aim to further our studies after leaving Temasek.”

--- Gabriel Palazzi 406

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Learning Beyond the Classrooms Our Temasekians learn actively not only within the four walls of the classroom, but also outside the classroom. Every year, the school lines up a series of Learning Journeys (LJs) for students to engage in learning. To enhance the learning, technological devices like iPads are used to enable students to learn on the move. While the LJs bring alive concepts learnt by students through putting them into an authentic context, learning beyond the classroom also helps to develop in students interest in our community and environment.

Sec 1 Learning Journey to Discovery Centre

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Sec 4 Learning Journey to Maritime Experiential Museum

Sec 2 Learning Journey to Singapore River and Chinatown

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Is Homework Good or Bad? Below are some common gripes parents have

about homework: “My son always says that he has no homework. How’s that possible?” “Doing homework is so stressful for my daughter, can we do away with it?” “My son is already in secondary school, can I still sit next to him to monitor him, can’t I?” Indeed, the issue of homework can potentially be a source of stress for the whole family. Hence, most parents are ambivalent about the relevance of homework, and if they could do anything to help. This article aims to inform parents about the importance of having their children do homework regularly as proven by research finding and to recommend practical steps they can take to help their teens, not exasperate them. What does the research say? Research clearly shows that doing homework improves test scores significantly. This is due to the sense of self-efficacy felt while completing the piece of homework. Indeed, homework is about learning self-reliance, problem solving and tapping into inner resources. At secondary level, 1.0 to 2.5 hours of homework at night are effective at helping to improve test scores. However, if a teen were to spend a disproportionate amount of time struggling inefficiently through a piece of homework, it tends to lower his confidence level in the subject. What can parents do to help? In her latest book, “Calmer, Easier, Happier Homework”, parenting expert Noel Janis-Norton strongly discourages parents from

hovering around and nagging at their teens. Instead, parents should set up the basic rules; they must first be laid down as law, then, as resistance fades, they become accepted and gradually they become habits. Parents can give the following a try: 1. Institute homework time every day (except Sunday). Start the habit of having your teen sit down and do homework every day. 2. Do not skip weekends as two or more days in a row without homework can make re-establishing the homework routine on Monday evening that much more difficult. 3. Keep to a regular routine during one-week holidays. Many students wait till the weekend before school reopens to get things done. This will be a very bad start to a new term. 4. Wherever possible, plan for homework to be done at the same time every day. In this way, it is predictable and therefore easier to remember and accept. 5. Make a poster and post it in a prominent place. Refer to it frequently. This will reduce resistance. 6. If the school has not set any homework, have your child get a head start on homework due in a few days, or have them revise a topic that is causing them trouble. Parents implementing a homework programme will see small, subtle improvements in attitude, attention span, attention to detail and learning within days or weeks. Significant progress will be made within a few months. Source: Homework or Not? That is the (Research) Question. Weighing the conflicting evidence. By: Alison DeNisco. District Administration, March 2013

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NATIONAL CADET CORPS Unit Proficiency Award — Gold NATIONAL POLICE CADET CORPS Unit Proficiency Award — Gold ST JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE Annual First Aid/Home Nursing Competition (Zone 2) Nursing Cadet Category 3rd Nursing Adult Category 2nd Ambulance Cadet Team Category 2nd First Aid Category Best Leader First Aid Category Best in Short Case CANOEING National Schools Canoeing Championship B Div Girls 1st C Div Girls 1st SHOOTING National Inter-School Shooting Championship Air Rifle B Boys 6th Air Rifle B Girls 4th Air Rifle C Girls 7th Air Pistol B Boys 3rd Air Pistol B Girls 6th Air Pistol C Girls 3rd

Temasekians’  Achievements in CCAs 2013 Semester 1

CHINESE ORCHESTRA SYF Central Judging Distinction CHOIR SYF Central Judging Distinction DANCE SYF Central Judging Distinction DRAMA SYF Central Judging Accomplishment TEMASEK WIND ENSEMBLE SYF Central Judging Distinction CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY 5th National Youth Chinese Calligraphy Competition Merit award in Secondary School Category MATHEMATICS CLUB FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) US 2013 Special Judges Award

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July O-level Mother Tongue Oral Examination 4 July - 19 Jul N-level English Language Oral Examination 9 Jul - 17 Jul Racial Harmony / Humanities Week 15 Jul – 19 Jul Mother Tongue Fortnight and Cultural Camp 15 Jul - 27 Jul O-level Mother Tongue Listening Comprehension Examination 23 Jul Aestrella (formerly Evening Under the Stars) 25 Jul – 26 Jul N-level Mother Tongue Oral Examination 29 Jul – 6 Aug

August

National Day Celebrations & Mass CIP 7 Aug N-level Preliminary Examination 12 Aug - 16 Aug O-level English Language Oral Examination 14 Aug – 29 Aug O-level Preliminary Examination 26 Aug - 17 Sep

September Teacher Meet Parents 3 9 & 10 Sep CCA Stand Down 10 Sep

Upcoming Events in Semester 2 Sec 2 Streaming & S3 Camp Briefing for Parents 20 Sep Post Prelim Special Timetable (Sec 4/5) 23 Sep – 3 Oct Final Term Examinations (Sec 1 – 3) 30 Sep – 10 Oct

October E-Revision Day 4 Oct N-level Examination 7 Oct – 18 Oct

Marking Day 11 Oct CCA Resumes 18 Oct O-level Examination 21 Oct – 15 Nov Last Day of School 22 Oct Teacher Meet Parents 4 25 & 28 Oct Sec 3 Extended Curriculum 28 Oct – 8 Nov

November

Open House 16 Nov Graduation Night 18 Nov (tentative)

Contact Us

600 Upper East Coast Road Singapore 465561 • Tel: 64495020 • Website: www.temaseksec.moe.edu.sg