Inside this issue

Foreword.......................... 1

The World Scholar’s Cup . 2

Social Etiquette Workshop and Dinner ...................... 2

EAS Learning Journey .... 3

Sec 3 Coastal GI .............. 3

Sec 1 LLP Swimming Progroamme .................... 4

Emergency Lockdown ..... 4

National Day Celebration . 4

Sec 2NT ITE College Experience ....................... 5

ECG Learning Journey .... 5

Graduation Day ................ 5

Teachers’ Day Celebration ........................................ 6

SMC Learning Journey .... 6

In Touch

Foreword Dear BDSians Welcome back from your September break. As you begin the final lap of your 2018 academic year, it is also timely to reflect on your past few terms and even years in the school. The efforts you have put into your studies, CCA and other endeavours will have begun to bear fruit, regardless of whether the results are already apparent to you. The most important changes, in fact, are probably defined by how your character has been shaped by your journey so far. Following mistakes and disappointments, some of you may have become more resilient as you learned how to persevere and pick yourselves up even when the going got tough. Following success, some of you may have appreciated the importance of the support you received along the way, and the value of humility. Witnessing the ups and downs of your peers, some of you also grew by lending a helping hand, and offering care and empathy. On the last day of Term 3, the graduating classes celebrated Graduation Day. As we watched the appreciation videos that each class had made, we were struck by how diverse their experiences have been, and how closely knit their friendships have become. Most of all, we were heartened by how our graduating students have matured over their years with us, and how they have, in their own ways, become leaders who serve with conviction. We hope that every cohort continues to enjoy school and grow through enriching experiences with us. As we enter Term 4, consider how your unique journey in BDS so far has progressed, and how you can draw lessons and strength from both its highlights and low points. As you consolidate your learning, you will become better able to focus on and attain your goals. Best of luck for your final examinations of the year, School Leaders Bedok South Secondary School

Term 4 2018

Volume 7, Issue 4 Bedok South Secondary

On 29 Jun, our Sec 4 and 5 students attended the Social Etiquette Workshop and Dinner at Singapore EXPO Convention and Exhibition Centre. Under the tutelage of a body language expert and behavioural coach, Mr. Christian Chua, our students learnt how to make a positive first impression of themselves with some conversational tricks when interacting with others. They also learnt proper dining etiquette as they enjoyed their 3-course meal. The workshop and dinner also concluded the Education and Career Guidance (ECG) journey of our graduating students.

Social Etiquette Workshop and Dinner

BDS Debate Team participated in the global round of the World Scholar's Cup which took place in Kuala Lumpur this year. There were more than 4000 participants from nearly 40 countries who had to study current pressing topics related to subjects like History, Social Studies, Literature, Science, Art & Music and Special Area. Using the knowledge attained from the provided readings and their own research, the team applied what they had learnt in the various competition events – Team Debate, Collaborative Writing, Scholar’s Challenge and Scholar’s Bowl. The team is proud to have done well in the various team and individual events, garnering a total of 21 individual gold and 24 individual silver medals, and 4 team gold and 8 team silver medals.

The World Scholar’s Cup

EAS Learning Journey

With the spirit of a growth mindset, a learning journey was organised for the EAS to learn more about interesting facts of different cultures and heritage through exciting outdoor trails to Little India in Serangoon, Kampong Glam in Jalan Sultan and Chinatown. The EAS discovered the rich history of the various ethnic groups in Singapore as they walked through the streets, taking in the sights and sounds of these ethnic areas and appreciating the architecture and activities unique to the areas. This learning journey had indeed helped them have a better understanding of Singapore’s rich cultural heritage, thereby fostering better community integration and racial harmony.

Sec 3 Coastal GI

On 3 Jul and 5 Jul, our Sec 3 Core Geography students carried out a geographical investigation at East Coast Park to find out more about the influence of groyne on the coastline of East Coast Park. They made use of geographical equipment like ranging poles and clinometers to find out more about the beach profile. The students also learnt to use the quadrat to pick up sediment samples and proceeded to sort the sediments into various sizes through sieving. To monitor the direction of longshore drift, they threw an apple into the sea and observed the movement of the apple. Through the field work, they learnt about the coastal processes present at East Coast Park and understood how the presence of the groyne had played an important role in protecting the coastline.

Sec 1 LLP Swimming Programme

As part of the Learning For Life (LLP) Programme, our Sec 1 students participated in a swimming programme at Heartbeat@Bedok. The lessons geared students towards the attainment of the Swimsafer (for beginner swimmers) and Lifesaver (for the intermediate and advanced swimmers) certification. Through this programme, the students demonstrated self-responsibility and perseverance.

Emergency Lockdown Exercise

Stay Alert; Stay Prepared; Stay United

Bedok South Secondary School conducted its first ever emergency lockdown drill to familiarise students and staff with the necessary actions to be taken in the event of a malicious intrusion. Through briefings and video sharing, students and staff gained an overview of the processes and experientially reinforced their awareness through the lockdown drill. During the exercise, they put into action the Run, Hide, Tell strategy. Exercises such as this lockdown drill is part of the school’s overall effort to keep the school population alert, prepared and united in the face of threats.

National Day Celebration

Bedok South Secondary School commemorated National Day on 8 Aug. Student leaders organised and led the Sec 1, 2 and 3 students in playing traditional games such as capteh, zero-point, and congkat. The Sec 4 and 5 students attended a forum session with inspiring speakers sharing both national issues and their own stories of resilience and their search for a purpose in life. The celebrations culminated in a concert for all staff and students There were several performances and a medley of Singapore tunes led by our very own teachers and student leaders.

Sec 2NT ITE College Experience

As part of our Education and Career Guidance (ECG) programme, our Sec 2NT students had the opportunity to participate in the Experience ITE Programme at ITE College Central on 15 Aug. The programme equipped the students with the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes to make informed decisions about career opportunities. They also tried hands-on projects in the areas of business, design, media, electronics, info-comm and engineering that helped them better understand the interconnectedness of the various disciplines in the working world.

ECG Learning Journey

On 23 Sep, our Sec 3 students attended the Marina Bay Sands Career Workshop that was organised in collaboration with South East CDC. The workshop aimed to help our students discover more about their various career options in the hospitality industry. During the workshop, the students gained a better understanding of the various roles and job functions that had helped make integrated resorts run like clockwork. They also had the opportunity to hear first-hand from directors of the various departments at MBS. In addition to receiving valuable insights and advice, the students also had the opportunity to discuss case studies and present their proposals to the directors.

Graduation Day

The Graduation Day is a day of celebrations for our Sec 4 and 5 students. It is not only a day to recollect all the wonderful memories made together with their peers and teachers throughout their entire 4 to 5 years of journey in the school, but it is also a day where we proudly recognise and affirm the academic excellence achieved by our graduating students. This semester, we are pleased to have 45 students receiving Top Academic Achievement Award, 23 students attaining Sustained Achievement Award and 60 students clinching Best Progress Award. Our heartiest congratulations also go to the form teachers and students of Sec 5B and Sec 4B for getting the Best Class Award.

The School Management team embarked on an exciting learning journey to Google Singapore on 21 Jun, and 3 and 5 Jul. This journey was unique as the host for this enriching trip was our ex-student, Ms Ashley Ng, who graduated in 2000. The team discovered some aspects of Google’s innovative and future-driven work culture as well as its firm belief to amalgam ideas and create the opportunities for everyone. Our Vice-Principal, Ms Tan, shared: “I used to

think that Google employees can afford to be quite individualistic, but I am impressed by what Ashley said about how every piece of work has to fit into a larger system involving others.” The team further explored organisational innovations outside of the usual education context and a ‘failsafe’ working environment. This served as a valuable experience for educators to mould and prepare students for the future.

SMC Learning Journey

The Teachers’ Day Concert kicked off with our Chinese Orchestra’s rousing performance of the classic Matsuri by Kitaro. Thereafter, the BDS Parents Support Group put up a graceful Malay dance to show their appreciation for the hard work of our teachers. Our students, not to be outshone, also showcased their musical talents as Cheryl Loh (Sec 4A) took the stage, singing and playing the keyboard, while Chan Wai Hei (Sec 3D), Jerrall Gurung (Sec 4F) and Ishshal Manocha (Sec 4F) brought a heartwarming

rendition of songs like “Like I’m Gonna Lose You”. The student leaders who had trained hard in the past month, brought the atmosphere to a new high with their energetic annual dance performance. We also had a special performance from our in-house band and Natasha Marlini (Sec 4E). Closing the ceremony, our Vice-Principal, Ms Tan, through a video montage made by our Principal, Ms Fun, shared the importance of showing simple yet heartfelt gratitude on this special day of thanksgiving.

Teachers’ Day Celebration