Humanities Department
Literature Enrichment - Matilda
On 6 April 2024, our Secondary Two Regenites had a captivating time at the Sands Theatre watching the Royal Shakespeare Company’s ‘Matilda’—an award-winning musical adapted from Ronald’s Dahl famous novel. Matilda explores the story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and keen intellect, stepped up to change her own destiny and better the lives of others around her.
From the moment the curtains rose, our students were swept away by the play’s energetic choreography and catchy melodies. Coupled with the intricate stage designs, the tapestry of colours and movement captured the hearts of our students as they sang confidently to the lyrics of famous songs like “When I Grow Up”.
Student Asleigh Chua (S2-Respect) remarked, “I really enjoyed the ending of the musical when Miss Honey emerged victorious against Miss Trunchbull, reclaiming what had rightfully belonged to her. This made me feel a sense of justice and happiness for Miss Honey. I realised that no matter how bleak circumstances may seem, as long as one remains optimistic and never gives up, things will change for the better.”
Similar sentiments were shared by Chua Oo Heng Marcus (S2-Empathy). “Everything was so exciting, and I was so engrossed in the play that I lost track of time! I had fun noticing how the stage directions added to the play’s mood and atmosphere—how Matilda’s classmates became increasingly sluggish and tired the more domineering Miss Trunchbull became, and how the music and sound effects made her person sound louder and more intimidating. But when Matilda stood up for her classmates, the mood onstage quickly shifted from apprehension to rambunctious joy. Overall, watching the musical made for a thoroughly exhilarating experience.”
Journeying with Matilda has allowed our students to understand the importance of staying optimistic, having resilience, and embracing one’s unique identity. Our students also came away with a greater appreciation for drama in Literature as they saw how beloved characters were transformed from page to stage! We are certain that this magical experience will linger long in the memories of Regenites long after the curtain calls.
NUS Geography Challenge
The National University of Singapore (NUS) Geography Challenge, organised by the NUS Department of Geography and NUS Geographical Society, is an annual competition open to students from secondary schools across Singapore. “Urban Odyssey: Rediscovering our Landscapes and Places” was the theme for this year’s Challenge, and participants were tasked to think critically about the interplay of nature and culture within our urban milieu. Regenites Wong Kei Xuan (S3-Gratitude), H Ng Peng Swee, Nora Saung, and Soo Hui Xuan (S3-Honour) produced a short film for the Challenge’s Creative Component, which sought to capture and reflect on the various landmarks dotting our neighbourhood, Choa Chu Kang. They also had to complete a rigorous individual closed-book assessment as part of the competition, and the team worked together on a quiz for the group component.
Although the team did not progress to the finals, participating in the Challenge was nonetheless a valuable learning experience for all. As Peng Swee reflects, ‘Participating in the Geography Challenge has indeed broadened my horizons. I’ve learnt that Geography goes beyond the study of facts, figures and nature. In fact, Geography touches upon everything around us—from urban spaces to tourism.’
From left: H Ng Peng Swee, Soo Hui Xuan, Nora Saung and Wong Kei Xuan
Literature Enrichment Programme
In March, our Secondary Three Literature students made a trip to the theatre as part of the Literature Enrichment Programme. They watched Pangdemonium’s production of Falling, now back for its second run after the success of its initial staging in 2016. Written by American playwright Deanna Jent, Falling explores family life in a household with a severely autistic child and sheds light on the everyday challenges caregivers of persons with special needs face.
By turns gripping and darkly humorous, the heartrending play had our students on the edge of their seats, riveted by the stories of its characters and the many poignant moments. The play, coupled with a post-show dialogue with members of the autistic community in Singapore, left a deep impression on our students. Many came away from the experience a little more thoughtful and aware about the kinds of ableism that exist in society and attuned to the themes of difference and unconditional love as exemplified in our Literature set text, The Chrysalids. It was certainly an afternoon our students would never forget.
Geography Field Trip at Gardens by the Bay
On 11 March, the Secondary 4 Express Geography students embarked on an exciting journey beyond the confines of their classroom. In a bid to foster a more immersive and relevant learning experience, the Humanities department organised a field trip to Gardens by the Bay for a Geographical fieldwork.
The primary objective of this outing was to allow students to delve into real-world environments and explore geographical phenomena firsthand. Split into groups, students were tasked with interviewing visitors and tourists to gather data that would help them validate various hypotheses. This hands-on approach required the application of geographical fieldwork techniques and skills, offering students a practical understanding of the subject.
Beyond academic pursuits, the field trip also provided an invaluable opportunity for students to gain insight into the world of tourism. By engaging with visitors and observing the dynamics of a popular tourist attraction, students were able to develop a deeper appreciation for the intersection of geography and tourism in everyday life.
Overall, it was a highly rewarding day for our graduating classes, offering them a glimpse into the practical applications of their studies and fostering a greater understanding of the world around them.
Secondary Two Literature Enrichment Programme – The LKY Musical
Literature came alive for our Secondary Two students who attended Singapore Repertory Theatre’s production of The LKY Musical on 21 September 2022. Now in its second run, the blockbuster show tells the story of Singapore’s first Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, and charts his journey from student to politician fighting for Singapore’s independence.
There were gasps of awe and delight as our students entered the Sands Theatre and took in the elaborate sets. They were riveted by the cast’s impeccable acting and singing and marveled at how music by the live orchestra helped add to the play’s emotional impact. For many of our students, it was their first time watching a play, and the experience certainly imbued them with a greater appreciation of the drama texts that they have been studying in the Literature classroom. Likewise, it was fascinating to hear the stories of individuals significant to our nation’s history and to encounter them beyond the pages of our History textbooks.
The trip to the theatre was undoubtedly a rich learning experience for our Regenites, and we look forward to the next!
Geography Fieldwork
Fieldwork is an essential component of Geography as it provides a real-world opportunity for students to explore the subject in relation to the real world and encourages our students to be active participants of their own learning.
On 14th March 2022, 23 Secondary 3 Pure Geography students conducted a Geographical Investigation along Pasir Ris Beach to test out the hypotheses they had previously crafted in class. Students collected geographical data on the physical and human processes taking place along Singapore’s ever-changing coastline. They also had a chance to walk along the mangrove boardwalk to sketch and study the various adaptations of mangrove trees.
Here are some thoughts and reflections of some of our Secondary 3 Geographers after the fieldwork:
“At Pasir Ris beach, we had the first-hand experience of carrying out various fieldwork techniques which we learnt in the classroom. We also took a close look at the adaptation features of mangroves such as aerial roots. Through this fieldwork, I have a better understanding of the coastal processes taking place along Singapore’s shoreline. Overall, I had a really enjoyable and meaningful time there with my friends and teachers.” – Hidayah (3-Determination)
“Through the process of collecting geographical data along Pasir Ris beach, it allowed me to discover and challenge theories which were previously taught and discussed in class. This fieldwork has also allowed me to extend my learning beyond the classroom. We were fortunate enough to see the rich biodiversity found at Pasir Ris, such as monitor lizards, mudskippers, tree climbing crabs and even a snake! I had a wonderful time doing this fieldwork and hope that we have the opportunity to carry out similar fieldtrips in the future!” – Shinnel (3-Integrity)
Cool Factor Learning Journey to Gardens by the Bay & Tourism Fieldwork
A learning journey to Gardens by the Bay was organized for the Pure Geography students to study environmental sustainable technologies and innovative solutions used in the running and maintenance of the attractions. The students learnt about the purpose behind the creation of the 11 Super Trees in the park and how they help in water conservation and managing carbon emission in running the park facilities and attractions.
After the hour long guided experience in the Cloud Forest, students executed their planned tourism fieldwork by conducting interviews with visitors to the attractions around Gardens by the Bay. This is the primary data collection process of the fieldwork skills which is an essential component of their O levels. Students were also treated to a complementary visit to Flower Dome. This visit coincided with the Sakura Tokidoki event in the dome.
Ashlee Lim (Secondary Four) shared that she has learnt about interesting facts about the plants such as the Bromeliads and the Pitcher plants. Prince June (Secondary Four) reflected that not only is the Super Tree a tourist attraction in Singapore, it also collects rainwater to cool down the 2 domes, which is environmentally sustainable!
It was a great opportunity for the students to experience tourism concepts beyond the classroom setting.
Learning Journey to National Museum
Our Secondary Two students had a wonderful time at the National Museum of Singapore on 11 January. Founded in 1887, Singapore’s oldest museum seeks to showcase stories of Singapore and the world, through its exciting line-up of exhibitions and programmes. Its galleries include the Singapore History Gallery on level 1, and four Life in Singapore Galleries on level 2.
Students who went for the trip had a riveting time immersing themselves in in a period when Singapore was under the Japanese Occupation up till the Road to Independence. For Saiful Alam Shah and Toh Wen Bin of Class 2-Pride, it was mesmerising for them to know more about how people lived back then. They were also inspired to know more about our nation’s post-independence years.
After a hiatus from Learning Journeys due to the pandemic, we are glad that our students had a chance to expand their horizons beyond the four classroom walls and step into our enchanting past. We also hope that this intriguing experience will make all of us more proud to be a Singaporean or part of the Singapore community!
Bringing Geography to Life!
To find out more about the dynamic nature of coastal environments, 15 geography students and 4 teachers conducted a Geographical Investigation using the Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) at Pasir Ris Park on 17 March 2021.
Students carried out a series of fieldwork investigations, such as sketching the coastal environment, measuring the beach profile and determining the direction of longshore drift in order to test various hypotheses on the relationships between the human and the physical coastal environment. One experiment conducted was investigating how long an orange took to travel from one point to another when carried by the sea waves. Back in the classroom, students analysed the data collected to rethink and challenge theories that they had learnt.
It was definitely an eye-opening experience for our young Geographers as they continued to experience what it means to be a Geographer.