Day 9 (6 Sept 2008) - Bidding Farewell

This morning I'm sure many of us woke up with mixed feelings......

HAPPY? RELUCTANT to go back to Singapore? EXCITED about Term 4 starting :p ?

We need to get our stuff ready as we need to leave the hotel and make our way to the airport at 10:30am. Apparently the bus ride will take us at least 1 hour 30 min.... worse if the traffic conditions are bad. (We have really learnt to appreciate Singapore's efficient public transport system, haven't we ? :) )

We are taking the domestic flight to Guangzhou Bai Yun International Airport, then take the transit flight back to Singapore. ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival in Singapore) 11:00pm.

Desmond receiving the momento from SGS's School Team Wushu Trainer - "Chen Lao Shi". Am sure that Chen Lao Shi is very proud that his Wushu team member is chosen!!

In the spirit of nurturing a "caring" culture (as stated in our school values)for our students, we specially got the students to vote among their peers for the "Best team member - boy" & "Best team member - girl"

When we announced the winners -- Desmond Lim Wei Hui 2A3 and Ong Yan Lin (2E3), it was clear that they were the hot favourites... as every one clapped and cheered loudly. When asked to explain why these two were voted, the rest of the students said

"Yan Lin wakes us up every morning to make sure no one oversleeps"

"Yan Lin serves us the rice first at our meals even though she must be very hungry too"

"Desmond carries the mineral water from the lobby up to to hotel rooms to distribute to us everyday"

"Desmond is very polite and it's a joy to be around him"

"Desmond will remind me to drink more water so that I would not fall sick easily"

All these makes the teachers very happy... that the students do improve behaviourally and we can all learn from one another in terms of improving our social skills and communication skills. These are things which cannot be taught from the textbook and through exams. It is only through this specific social setting that our students spend so much time together.... going to school... training together... have meals together... share a hotel room when school and training is over.

I will have to say that it can be pretty challenging for students who aren't too used to the notion of "sharing" and really life in a team. (as we all know, the families in Singapore now are pretty small, and children don't have the luxury of having many siblings. As such, we tend to be more self-centred and we all need constant reminders to share, to be generous, to love and care.

BUT I am sure that all four teachers will be very comforted to see that these 20 students truly showed a difference in their behaviour in the course of these 9 days. Yes, there have been reminders, nagging, even scoldings along the way.... but as long as students understand our intentions and reasons.... am sure teachers will show patience and resilience in keeping our students company along the journey!!!!

Yan Lin receiving the little momento as the most well-liked team mate for this trip... :)
You deserve it gal!!



Our sporting boys wearing the t-shirt the other way round to showcase the text!!
"2008武汉体育学院学习之旅 - 新加坡实勤中学"

Our girls.. well... they are shy... but hey.... look at the sultry back view anyway!! :P

Students' Learning Journal - Day 7 (4 Sept 2008)

Angus and friends trying to trick Seshan into eating ginger... by telling him it is a new type of noodle... Thankfully, Seshan was saved by Miss Mok in the nick of time...

Everyone can't get enough of this view... We took so many photos!!!

Smile for the camera... Yeah! I think the food is coming soon...

We enjoyed the "Bian Zhong" performance at the Hubei Museum... From left: Ang Shang Sheng, Lee Soon Huat and Adam Lin Jun Ting

Our SGS value: CARE being manifested. After two days of major workout, Shang Sheng needs medicated plasters to sooth the ache on his back.

See Jian Guo and Yu Xiang helping him with it early in the morning... These students have learnt to care for one another and to look out for each other...

Ong Yi Lin (2E4)
My legs still ached a lot but I still managed to conquer the 9 floors of Yellow Crane Tower. From the top, we can see the fantastic view of Wuhan. It was then to visit “Gui Yuan Shi”. We got our own divination lot based on selecting one of the 500 “luohans” according to our age. I find it quite accurate. Overall, I feel proud that I persevered on despite the ache in my legs and learnt more about Chinese culture. Perseverance does pay off!

Seshan S/O Veerappan (1E1)
Today was the last day I am studying at Zhuo Dao Quan Middle School. Surprisingly my Chinese classmates have been preparing for a week a farewell party for me. When the teacher announced that there was going to be a farewell party for me, my eyes went wide upon hearing that. All the students sang for me and one student played the flute. The teacher also gave a speech and I also gave a speech to the class. One of my classmates also gave me a small gift. I could not stop myself from taking a 20 minute video in my handphone. Now I know the true meaning of friendship, hard work and responsibility over the 3 days I have spent with my classmates. I wish I can join them for lessons again.


Jesslin Tan Jie Ling (2E4)
In the morning, we headed to Hubei Museum to visit the Tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng. I was surprised by how the sheer size of the coffin of Marquis Yi. It also contains the bodies of 21 ladies who were sacrificed to be his companions as he goes to heaven! We then headed to Yellow Crane Tower which has nine storeys. We learnt about the legend behind the tower. Following that, we headed to “Gui Yuan Shi” and learnt the proper behaviour in a temple. We also picked our divination lot. The day has been very fruitful as I picked up quite a bit of cultural knowledge.

Lim Wei Hui, Desmond (2A3)
Today we visited the Tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng, which was an exhibit shown in Hubei Museum. I found out more about the life of this historical man. Then we visited the Yellow Crane Tower and the tour guide shared with us the legend behind this tower. The story involved one of the immortals, Lu Dong Bin. Next stop was “Gui Yuan Shi”. Most of us picked a divination lot. Mine advised me to study hard to make it in life.


Toh Yu Xiang (2E3)
We visited the Yellow Crane Tower, one of the three most famous towers in China. Yesterday after a tough day of Wushu training, my legs ached a lot. We had to climb up 9 floors and this tested out stamina and patience. I wanted to give up climbing but Ms Leow encouraged me by giving me a chocolate and MsMok encouraged me too. Under their encouragement, I managed to reach the top of the tower. From this incident, I learnt about the importance of not giving up. I could see the beautiful view and the effort I put in was worth it.

Chia De Han (2E4)
Today we visited Hubei Museum and were treated to a performance by a set of historical instruments known as “Bian Zhong”. The music from this instrument was melodious. The whole set weighs about 2500 kg. It is so heavy! After that, we visited the Yellow Crane Tower. We all had a difficult time climbing up the 9 storeys as our legs ached from the physical training yesterday. I bought two seals, one for myself and one for my primary school teacher. We were given time to shop and as we were returning to our bus after shopping, we saw a little girl, down on her knees, begging a woman to buy her flowers. I felt sad for her that she has to resort to begging people to buy from her.

Yip Poh Mun (2E4)
When we were on the tour coach on the way to visit Hubei Museum, we were caught in the heavy traffic. Regardless of the heavy traffic, the vehicles still cut into one another’s lane and honked endlessly at one another. It was quite chaotic. I hope the road system in Wuhan can improve. One of the attractions we visited today was Yellow Crane Tower. We do not have such attractions in Singapore. The view at the highest floor was fabulous. I believe we will be able to attract many tourists if we have such an attraction. On the way back to the coach, after shopping, I saw a little girl selling flowers. To make people buy from her, she begged them on her knees. The sight was pitiful. I am fortunate that I am provided with an education and do not need to worry about earning a living.

Adam Lim Jun Ting (2E4)
Today when I woke up, I felt that my throat was sore. Then I told Soon Huat that I will most likely have fever. After breakfast, we went to Hubei Museum. We were caught in a light drizzle. Ms Mok asked me to put on my raincoat but I did not follow her instruction. I walked quickly in the rain. The exhibits are interesting. I took many pictures with my friends. Then it was off to Yellow Crane Tower where we took more photographs and I bought a souvenir for my sister. After dinner, my fever developed. The others went to shop while I followed Ms Tay to Starbucks where I rest and took medicine. I felt better after that and managed to shop for a shirt, which was a present for my father. Lastly, I just want to say that I have learnt my lesson. Next time, I will listen to the advice given by my teachers.

Patricia Ng Hui Yi (2E4)
In the morning, we visited Hubei Museum. We saw the artifacts dug from the tomb of Marquis Yi. He was buried together with young girls and so his coffin was very HUGE! We also watched a performance by “Bian Zhong”. It really must be very heavy, weighing at 2500kg. In the night, we witnessed how little girls were selling flowers on the streets. One of them even knelt down to beg a passer-by to buy flowers. I feel that I am very lucky to be a Singaporean, growing up in such a good environment.

Lee Soon Huat (2E4)
We had KFC for breakfast. The coach was late in fetching us to sight-see as it was caught in a traffic jam. Ms Lee gave us a briefing about how we can improve the way we reflect about each day’s happenings while we waited for the bus. After that, we headed to the Hubei Museum and Yellow Crane Tower. From the top of the tower, we had a good view of the city of Wuhan. We then prayed at “Gui Yuan Shi”, one of the most famous temple in Wuhan. After that we went shopping.

Ang Shangsheng (1E1)
Today we visited the exhibition of the tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng at Hubei Museum. I think it is cruel that when he died, young girls had to be buried with him. I think this is very barbaric. Women are humans after all.

Tan Jian Kuo (2E2)
In the evening, after a sumptuous meal of dumplings, we went shopping. After shopping, we saw little girls selling flowers to the passers-by. One of them even had to beg a woman to buy her flowers by holding onto her leg, refusing to let go. I feel sad to see this but I cannot help her. I must thank my family for my wonderful life.

Ong Ying Yu (2E4)
Today was a rather relaxed day as we went sight-seeing. The coach was late as it was stuck in a traffic jam. I think the traffic in China is not as smooth compared to Singapore. We went to visit Hubei Museum. From the artifacts, I learnt that China has a long history. We also watched a performance by “Bian Zhong” which was unearthed from the tomb of Marquis Yi. The music was very nice and the dance was beautiful. We then visited Yellow Crane Tower after lunch. It has 9 floors. The place and scenery were beautiful. The tour guide bought for us fresh lotus flowers and we dug out the lotus seeds to eat them. It was tasty. Yummy! Then we visited a temple, “Gui Yuan Shi”. I learnt that we must be serious when we visit the temple and not be careless in our speech so as to show respect to the Gods. We chose our divination lot and mine said that I should spend more money. Haha, we were then given free time to shop after dinner. After shopping, we saw a girl begging a woman to buy her flowers. She was on her knees and refused to let go of the woman’s legs. I felt very sad and wanted to buy flowers from the girl but we were rushing for time.

Carol Chin Xin Yi (2E4)
Today we visited the exhibition of the relics and coffins unearthed from the tomb of an important man, Marquis Yi of Zeng at Hubei Museum. The coffins were all so old and huge. Do we have such exhibition in Singapore? I found out that many types of weapons were used in wars in the past. The remnants of these weapons, for example, arrowheads, were shown. Jade objects, old cupboards and ancient crockery were exhibited. We also visited the Yellow Crane Tower which has a long history. The structure of the Tower changed several times over the many years of its existence. It’s present structure now has 9 floors in total. We can see the beautiful sight of the city from the top of the tower. Then we visited “Gui Yuan Shi”. It has 500 “luohans” in it. Through visiting these places, I learnt that China has a long history and valuable lessons to be learnt.

Soh Khee Siang Angus (2E4)
We visited the Hubei Museum and saw the exhibition of the tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng. His coffin was very big as 21 young girls were buried with him. Other relics unearthed from the tomb included a closet which was of a unique design. I also saw weapons used in the past. We had dumplings for dinner and it was delicious. Later we saw a girl begging passers-by to buy her flowers. I must treasure the good life I have in Singapore.

Aloysius Lim Bai Jun (2E3)
Today we visited the exhibition of the relics and coffins unearthed from the tomb of an important man, Marquis Yi of Zeng at Hubei Museum. We saw coffins and weapons used in the olden times. We also watched a performance using the instruments unearthed from the tomb. We then visited Yellow Crane Tower and I bought some souvenirs. I also learnt that the structure of the tower was changed several times through it’s long history. We then went to visit a temple, “Gui Yuan Shi”. The others prayed but I did not as I am a non-Buddhist. We went to get a divination lot each and mine said that I would have sadness and kindness around me. I should also control my temper and that when I see others happy, I would feel better too. It is very accurate!

Tan Dolbie (2E3)
We went to Hubei Museum today. We saw the relics and coffins from the tomb of an important man, Marquis Yi of Zeng . From this, I learnt that women in China in the past have very low status. 21 young girls aged 13 – 21 had to be buried together with the Marquis. I realized how fortunate I am to be born in this century where women and men have equal status and women are treated with respect and dignity. Later in the night, we went shopping. It was really fun. Things in China are cheaper compared to Singapore. Lastly, I saw a Chinese girl who sells flowers, begging a woman to buy her flowers by holding on to her legs. I then realized that I am fortunate to live in Singapore as there is little poverty and life is much easier than life in China.

Lim Li Jun (2E3)
Today I went to the Yellow Crane Tower. The scenery there was beautiful. I still enjoyed myself even though I ached all over from yesterday’s tough training. I found out that China is very big and there are many popular places compared to Singapore. Singapore cannot be compared to China in this area. China has many historical places as it’s history is more than five thousand years already. Singapore is only 43 years old. The people in China are very hardworking and keen to learn. Singaporeans will have to work doubly hard in order to compete with others.

Ong Yan Lin (2E3)
Today we went to “Gui Yuan Shi” (a temple). The tour guide shared with us that the signboard with its name was written by an Emperor which shows how prestigious this temple is. The temple has 500 “luohans”. It can help to predict our fortune. We chose our own luohan based on our age. We then took a card based on the number of the luohan and we can know our fortune, according to the writings on the card. Generally, the cards would encourage us to work hard for our future. I respect the Chinese culture as it has a long history. The Chinese people are very creative and will innovate to help the county to progress. Singapore, in comparison, has fewer people and probably does not have as many talented people. Singaporeans will have also have to venture out of our country to explore and learn about other cultures as well as strengths of people of other countries.

Tan Song Leng Edwina (2E3)
Today we visited the exhibition of the relics and coffins unearthed from the tomb of an important man, Marquis Yi of Zeng at Hubei Museum. Young girls would be buried alive with rich men back then. They had no right to object as they were of lowly position. I feel so lucky that I am born in this modern era whereby men and women are of equal status. Woman can now choose their own destiny and have the freedom of speech.

Teacher's Reflection for Day 7 (by Ms Leow Bee Chu)

The Kungfu Masters are out in action again! See our stances before we drink the "rice wine". Suave right?

Miss Leow and the students from 2E3 (From left: Yu Xiang, Edwina, Yan Lin, Dolbie, Li Jun and Aloysius)

The "sister" and "brother"... Miss Mok and Shang Sheng (1E1)

第三度登上武汉这闪闪发光的城徽——黄鹤楼，与前两次所不同的是此行乃是偕同三位同事与二十位学生同行。

同学们这几天都在武汉体育学院起早晨跑，午后得勤练体操，武术与篮球的训练，着实是耗尽体力，尤其是几位娇生惯养，平日又极少运动的女生，更是直喊脚跟痛，身体酸痛，所以在登上黄鹤楼之前，一听说楼层外五层高，内层楼有九层楼时，一个个更是皱起眉头直喊“上不了呀”！“这么高，脚跟痛呀”！“脚好累哟”！
我于是拿出“Rocher”朱古力以鼓励他们力争登上黄鹤楼的“力量”，告诉他们黄鹤楼是武汉的标志性建筑，也是湖北人民精神与文化的象征，你们来到武汉，一定要登上黄河楼；我国的吴作栋资政也曾到过黄鹤楼一游。

我们的同学还算蛮合作，有毅力的，脚再累，听了一番话后，脚板再痛也忍痛拾级而上，我们说，慢慢的走，不怕辛苦，一定上得了黄鹤楼的。嘿，我们上了楼层，停一阵子，听听孙权在此筑城，崔颢的题诗，李白在黄鹤楼搁笔的小故事。
接着，为了不要让学生们觉得上楼脚累的感觉，我们沿梯层轻吟着李白的诗句：“故人西辞黄鹤楼，烟花三月下扬州，孤帆远影碧空尽，唯见长江天际流。”同学们似懂非懂地照吟照跟，倒也乐趣融融！就这样，我们又上了几层楼了。

我，老师本色又来了，接着说：“欲穷千里目，更上一层楼。”这时，还是听到一两位同学喊脚累，脚跟痛！
没想到，2E3的几位同学却开口了：“老师，柏俊常常唱的一首歌《坚持到底》，好，我们要坚持到底登上黄鹤楼”。
同学们尽管脚跟痛也好，小腿累也好，大家果真坚持到底，登上了黄鹤楼。我指着楼层外远处的四个大字“江山入画”。同学们，看！景色如何？登上黄鹤楼值得吗？没累坏吧？同学们高兴得举起双手直喊：Ye,Ye,Ye……..

Day 7 (4 Sept 2008) - Visits to Hubei Museum, Yellow Crane Tower and Gui Yuan Temple

The view from the top of Yellow Crane Tower!

Model of the Yellow Crane Tower...

Yeah! We are ready to conquer the Yellow Crane Tower! I was very impressed by the students as they made their way up the Tower despite all the body ache that they experienced.

The "goose" pond... With NO geese at all?! Why is that so? The name of the pond came about because of this calligraphy work instead of the rearing of geese.

Angus eating some lotus seeds! My first time!

A performance by “Bian Zhong” which was unearthed from the tomb of Marquis Yi.

Er... May I know who is the artifact? De Han having some fun posing in the picture...

This is the GOLDEN bowl... Beautiful isn't it?

Students and teachers listening attentively to the tour guide's introduction to the artifacts (many coffins).

We are here to view the artifacts found from the Tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng. Tomb? Will there be coffins? Yes of course! Many of them... Spooky...

Students' Learning Journal - Day 6 (3 Sept 2008)

Our "Zhong Nan Hai Bao Biao" (Chinese security guards)... Notice one of them is wearing a black windbreaker that appeared earlier.... He is none other than Jian Kuo (2E2)! The other security guard is Desmond (2A3)...

Okie... Enough of me... I am tired already! Zzzz....

After studying, now is time for exercise! Look at my signature split! Shangsheng showing off his Wushu skills!

More of our ladies learning "Cai Dai Wu". They are really starting to like their rhythmic gynamatics classes now.

Wow, Shangsheng after class... He has grown to look like 16 years old... Everyone, sneak preview of Shangsheng three years later...

Ohhh... Who is this MIB (Man in black)? Erm, a bit over to dress up like this for school, right? Find out who he is later...

Ong Yan Lin (2E3) very engrossed looking at her work in class.. She did not even notice me taking this photo until much later... Good for you, Yan Lin!

Ang Shangsheng (1E1) meditating in class... Haha... No lah, he just happened to close his eyes while the photo was taken.. Look out for him after the class...

Ong Yi Lin (2E4)

It was boring during lessons at Zhuo Dao Quan Middle School as I could not understand the lessons and was tired from the morning exercise. My legs ached a lot. I particularly enjoyed the Chinese lesson as I admire the pupils’ bravery in speaking up and sharing their views. Everyone was attentive when their classmates were speaking up. The pupils spoke well. Their thoughts were logical and creative.

Seshan S/O Veerappan (1E1)

Today, we continued with our Wushu training at WIPE. It was really a strenuous workout. What we did was twice as tough as our school training. But it was worth the workout. I started to have leg cramps but I overcame the pain and persevered. Lastly we, the Wushu members, with our Wushu coach, performed an item for our fellow peers and teachers. It was an excellent performance.

Jesslin Tan Jie Ling (2E4)

We went for our morning jog and physical training early in the morning. It was so tiring that our muscles still ached till now. We went to attend lessons at Zhuo Dao Quan Middle School after the physical training and I made friends with two students from Duman High School, which was Zhuo Dao Quan Middle School’s twinning school. For our sports dance training, we had fun playing with the skipping ropes and ribbons. Yah, it is shopping tomorrow!

Lim Wei Hui, Desmond (2A3)

The English lesson at Zhuo Dao Quan Middle School was more fun than us. Also the pupils can wear their own home clothes whereas we have to wear school unform. I attended the IT lesson too. During the lesson, the pupils did not pay attention to the teacher and played their online games.

Toh Yu Xiang (2E3)

We began the day with physical training. My legs were fine when I started with the training but by the end of the training, my legs and stomach were aching. In the afternoon, we continued with our Wushu training and we learnt Yi Jing Jing. It was quite difficult but after doing it, I felt good. I hope my legs will not continue to ache as we have to do a lot of walking tomorrow.

Chia De Han (2E4)

Today early in the morning, we went jogging and did physical training. I ran only three rounds instead of five as I had gastric pain. Then it was physical training. Both of my legs ached after that. Later we went back to school to study for the rest of the morning. I copied down some notes. After that, we had basketball training. It was tiring too.

Yip Poh Mun (2E4)

Today, everyone woke up extremely early for the morning jog at 6am. We jogged three rounds. During lessons at Zhuo Dao Quan Middle School, I took down some notes in the notebook provided by the teachers. I did not take down all as the teacher’s writing was not clear. The training for sports dance was fun. We skipped ropes. What a tiring day. I am looking forward to the outing tomorrow to Yellow Crane Tower and the shopping tomorrow.

Adam Lim Jun Ting (2E4)

Today was an exhausting day. We started with physical training. I went to Zhuo Dao Quan Middle School with tired legs but I tried to endure the pain. After dinner, we wanted to go out to the phone shop but it was raining. My legs are still painful. I want to eat cup noodle.

Patricia Ng Hui Yi (2E4)

In the morning, all of us woke up at 5am.We had to wake up early to do morning physical training which consisted of running round the track 5 rounds. After that, we did frog jumps, shuttle run and other exercises. As we ran, we kept shivering as the morning wind was very cold. Our muscles ached after that. Overall, it was still quite fun.

Lee Soon Huat (2E4)

I woke up at 5.15 am. At 6 am, we went for morning exercise which was very tiring. We had breakfast and rushed to join our Chinese peers for lessons which start at 8am. This time we were not late. After class, I exchanged e-mail addresses with my “classmates”. After that, we continued with our basketball training. It was quite boring. During dinner, the Wushu Coach told us that all the boys with long hair would have to cut tomorrow. Do not be surprised if I go back to Singapore with a “botak head”. Haha.

Ang Shangsheng (1E1)

The morning exercise was very tiring. Then it was lessons at Zhuo Dao Quan Middle School .My Chinese classmates made many paper stars for me. I was so happy and touched. The Wushu training today was not as tough as yesterday. Together with my Wushu members and coach, we put up a performance for our peers and teachers. We were all impressed by our coach’s performance. He was so cool!!!!

Tan Jian Kuo (2E2)

Today, we went jogging in the morning and after that we went to school as usual. Today my Chinese friend, Pi Ren, a girl, comforted me by drawing something for me.

Ong Ying Yu (2E4)

We woke up very early in the morning at 6 am. We went to WIPE to do physical training. Believe me, it was very tiring! I ran 3 rounds on the jogging track. Then we did frog jumps, running and push ups. Later, when I went to Zhuo Dao Quan Middle School, I was so tired. I almost fell asleep during lessons but I bought food to class and ate secretly to keep myself awake. Then after the long morning in school, we went back to the hotel for lunch and a nap. Following that we went to WIPE for our sports dance training. I was dead tired at the end of this busy day!!!!!

Carol Chin Xin Yi (2E4)

Early in the morning, at 6am, we went to the jogging track to run 5 rounds. We then attended lessons at Zhuo Dao Quan Middle School. I felt very tired and almost fell asleep. At 3pm, we began our Sports Dance training. Our muscles are painful as we did a lot of stretching exercises.

Soh Khee Siang Angus (2E4)

I made two new friends today, Ying Ou and Zhou Kai. They were very warm-hearted and friendly. Today I was better at playing basketball. Due to the rain, we could not go out and make phone calls.

Aloysius Lim Bai Jun (2E3)

We had to run five rounds on the jogging track early in the morning. We went to attend lessons at Zhuo Dao Quan Middle School. During class, I saw a girl using scotchtape as liquid paper. It was so funny. Then we went for basketball training with legs that were injured. During training, De Han’s basketball hit my head and my thigh. It was so painful.

Tan Dolbie (2E3)

Today was the most tiring day of my life. We woke up at 5.20 am and began with our physical training. We did many vigorous exercises. Edwina fell down but despite this, she still continued to train with us. I really admire her spirit :) I would have done so too.

Lim Li Jun (2E3)

Today, I woke up at 5am because we had physical training. I still could take the jog but the worst was having to do frog jumps, sit-ups and shuttle runs continuously. It was very tiring. My legs are still aching now. I cannot even stand and sit down properly and have difficulty walking. After the tough training, we still had to go to for lessons at Zhuo Dao Quan Middle School. My Chinese classmates all looked at me curiously. It was so embarrassing. In the afternoon, we had great fun dancing.

Ong Yan Lin (2E3)

Today at 6am, we went jogging around the running track 5 times. I completed all 5 rounds. Then we went to the basketball court to do physical training. I fell down and scratched my hand. It was very painful but I still continued with the training. Though it was tough, I enjoyed the jog. We joined our buddies at Zhuo Dao Quan Middle School in the afternoon. It was fun to study with them. During the English lesson, there was a spelling test whereby the pupils had to write down the Chinese meaning too. The Chinese pupils participated in the lesson actively as they readily answered questions by the teachers. I think Singapore students should learn from our Chinese peers in being daring to answer questions by our teachers.

Tan Song Leng Edwina (2E3)

Today we had to wake up at 5.45 am to go for morning exercise. I ran 1.2km. In the afternoon, we continued with sports dance. We played games too. We also learnt new dance steps. It was quite fun.

Teacher's Reflection for Day 6 (by Ms Tay Hui Yih)

Eww... Miss Lee and Miss Tay updating the blog in the middle of the night... Erm, where is Miss Mok? Oh... she is busy taking photos (can you see her in the background?)

Wow... Miss Lee Ting Ruh in her full gear joining in the Wushu team in their training... Don't play play okie... Our teachers are very on!

Miss Lee Ting Ruh: Hmm.. Let me try this bun...

Jesslin: Let's see her reaction. If it's nice, I'll try. If not, then I will give it a miss... Haha... Miss Lee Ting Ruh is my guinea pig...

Our two teachers, Miss Tay Hui Yih and Miss Lee Ting Ruh discussing matters while students are having their lessons...

Miss Tay Hui Yih: Haha... I have finished my six rounds the track already... your turn!

Miss Lee Ting Ruh: Huh... Are you sure? You don't even look tired ok? Don't try to kid me...

Let's go to school, my students! Such a nice feeling to have teachers fetch you to the school right?

Here are my precious thoughts about Day 6. This was the day that we started the day’s programme the earliest. The students began their physical training with the Wushu students from Wuhan Institute of Physical Education (WIPE). They are about seven to twelve years old, even younger than our students! I believe the physical training, to many of our students, must have been one of the toughest they have ever encountered. Realising that these Chinese kids have to endure such strict training every day, whether it is summer or winter, must have spurred our own students on. Edwina Tan of 2E3, fell down and scrapped her leg but she still persevered on and continued with the training session. Even the Wushu coach was impressed by her spirit. Well-done, Edwina :) We are so proud of you.

Then it was off to Zhuo Dao Quan Middle School for the students after a quick bath and breakfast. The Chinese students were all punctual and once the bell rang to signal the start of the first lesson, everyone went back to the classrooms at the fastest speed. The lessons last 45 minutes each, with a short 10 minutes break in between each lesson. During the short break, many Chinese students make use of it to play basketball. Again, when the bell rang for lessons, with great discipline, everyone returned to class promptly. The classrooms, though small and old, had IT facilities such as the LCD projectors and computer-aided lessons are conducted. One of the teachers at the school shared with us that one change the Chinese educationists are working on is making lessons less regimental, more alive and interactive. This is EXACTLY the same direction Singapore education system is moving towards.

In the afternoon, the students proceeded on to WIPE to continue with their sports training – Wushu and Basketball for the boys and Sports Dance for the girls. After spending several days in WIPE, I observed that it is a place teeming with athletic people who are working hard to be the BEST in their respective sports. In WIPE, they have built a new garden named “Champions Garden”. This signifies one of the objectives of the institute, which is to produce as many sporting talents for the glory of the country. In the most recent Olympics in Beijing, the school helped to clinch 6 golds, 1 silver and 3 bronzes. The Wushu coach shared with us that about 100 years ago, China was known as the “Sick Man of the East” and was not even given a chance to participate in the Olympics. Now 100 years later, China broke the Olympic records and rose to become the country with the most number of Gold medals in the history of Olympics with their recent haul in Beijing 2008. It reminded me that in life, we all must have goals and purpose and live our lives with passion. Haha, with this reminder, it makes me ready to face Term 4 again :)

In the Gymnasium, we see the blown up photographs of the recent Olympics champion in Gymnastics, Cheng Fei. This is to inspire the little children whom we see training hard day in day out, so as to realize their Olympic dream. We were all amazed by the tender age of these children. Many of them were only about four to six years old but had such well-sculptured bodies. Their muscles were very well-toned and unimaginable for children as young as them. To many of our pupils, they were dumbfounded and found it disturbing. It was really an eye-opener for all of us. Alas, the sacrifices one has to make to achieve his or her dreams and fight for the glory of one’s country. How many Singaporean children are able to withstand such hardship?

Lastly, we are grateful to the care and patience shown to our students by the basketball, Wushu and sports dance instructors. Our students are indeed very privileged to receive guidance from these instructors who once, were former champions in their sports and now striving towards grooming the next few generations of world record holders in the sports arena. I am sure our students not only were imparted tips about the sports but also the values in life from these coaches.

Day 6 Part 1 (3 Sept 2008) - Morning Training Session and Classroom Experience

We are all very proud of the exercise books and the notes our students make!! :) However, we still requested Ms Leow to write the names of the students on the cover of the book :p... THANK YOU MS LEOW!!!

Our students were intrigued by the lessons which were conducted in Mandarin!! & of course.... what's a lesson without note taking! Let's take a good look!

smile Poh Mun! Don't be shy!!!!

Ms Leow herding the sheep to school!! ha... it's a good ten minute walk to school every morning... memorable experience!! Truly like locals!!

Hurry!!!! Getting late!!! the teachers peeled some 30 hard boiled eggs and da-baoed fried dough fritters for our darling students while they bathed and get ready for school... Aiyo.. sudddenly i feel i have 20 children!!! ARGH!! KIDS.... FASTER!!! We are running late!!!

FROG JUMP!!! terror... after jogging for 2km on the track....

Sprinting!! Train for physical fitness test !!! shuttle run!!!!

Heh.... our students meekly listening to the coach.... Mr Jia Hai Ru.... ATTENTION!!!!