Students at international schools do more than just study. They contribute their creativity, ideas, knowledge and skills to projects in school and initiatives that benefit the community. Here are a few noteworthy examples of project work in schools by their Singapore students!
Impressive School Projects by Singapore Students
Unleashing creativity
Nexus International School (Singapore) got “quacking” with its whole school as each learner created their very own LEGO duck projects in school. Learners were given an identical pack of six bricks and tasked to build a duck in under two minutes. It was an inclusive, simple and fun activity that all learners aged three to 18 could participate in. At the same time, learning much deeper lessons behind school projects like these. For example, there are a few million unique LEGO duck combinations and Nexus learners alone created over 600 unique variations.
The open-ended nature of this task was challenging for some as they searched for “right or wrong”. Instead, they were invited to innovate daringly and unleash their creativity.
Through this hands-on activity, the school says that its learners discovered how a simple task could unfold into diverse outcomes. This allowed them to recognise how everyone perceives things differently, thus inviting openmindedness and appreciation despite differences. All the ducks made by the learners were gathered into their very own Nexus “pond”. This experience thus became a community showcase. Overall, this was an eye-opening opportunity that gave Nexus learners an engaging, fun and innovative learning experience.
1 Aljunied Walk
6536 6566 | nexus.edu.sg
Cambodia community library
On 13 June 2023, a group of dedicated teachers from the Australian International School (AIS) represented the school at the opening ceremony of the library at the Angkor Kids Centre (AKC). The entire AIS community in Singapore came together to donate to this community library in Cambodia.
The AIS Community Project Book Drive initiative was made possible with the support and efforts of many AIS staff and students who contributed their time and resources to this initiative and served the wider community. Year 5 and Year 11 international and Singapore students organised donation bins by Gate 3. Secondary students devoted many break and lunch times to the project work of sorting and boxing books. Over 3,000 books were donated to the library. These books are a treasure trove of knowledge. They will spark curiosity and imagination among readers in the local community. They will serve as a teaching resource for the centre.
The school says the project work highlights the vital role that education plays in the lives of children and communities around the world. “Education is a key driver of economic growth, social development and personal empowerment; by providing access to education, we can help lift people out of poverty and improve their lives in countless ways.”
The AKC is doing important work in this regard. It provides educational opportunities to children who might otherwise not have access to them. AIS says that it is proud to partner with the centre to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the children it serves.
1 Lorong Chuan
6653 2956 | ais.com.sg
Hydro renewable energy
“Their excitement and determination to get involved was evident!” says Chris Dech, Physics Specialist teacher at Tanglin Trust School. He was referring to the approach made to him by four students were keen to enter their project work initiative into the Shell NXPlorers Challenge.
Ishani, Meenakshi, Prishni and Sara came together as part of Tanglin’s Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) programme. Team Energyro focused their research on how they could efficiently harness Singapore’s water resources as a potential renewable energy source. What was the inspiration for their hydro solution? Prishni explains: “Ishani and I live near a reservoir and that helped us realise the scope of hydroelectricity.”
The team went on to design a micro-turbine generator that would use rainwater runoff to passively generate electricity. They received project work funding to build a prototype. The girls presented their idea to representatives from the Science Centre Singapore and from Shell. They impressed the panel with the way they had brainstormed their idea and developed several different ways to solve the challenge.
Sara adds, “The four of us didn’t have any prior experience before this. We’re really grateful to have people like our teachers and peers who do DT, and have a lot of knowledge in this area to support us.”
95 Portsdown Road
6778 0771 | tts.edu.sg
Free structured Literacy and English programmes
Dover Court International School (DCIS) has been expanding its collaboration with local charity Curious Thoughts Giving (CTG). A group of Year 12 students drove this collaboration. It was part of the CAS programme that all Sixth Form international and Singapore students, regardless of their course of study, participate in.
CTG helps less privileged students and the elderly through education and activities targeted at recreation and social belonging, and physical and mental health. It also provides free structured Literacy and English programmes for children who are living in shelters or are beneficiaries of a Voluntary Welfare Organisation.
At the end of last academic year, Dover Court hosted CTG’s four-week parent-accompanied literacy programme, Let’s Learn English. The DCIS students worked with the children while members of the teaching staff hosted the parent sessions. This student-initiated whole-community effort provided a rewarding experience for the oldest students. It also allowed the school to give back to the community.
301 Dover Road
6775 7664 | www.dovercourt.edu.sg
Giving new life to appliances
UWC South East Asia’s IDEAS Hub is an innovative space for students to collaborate on sustainable projects. In here, a group of High School students are learning to repair broken electrical appliances such as irons, toasters, blenders and more. Also known as the Repair Workshop, this student-run initiative connects with members of the college community and with the local community to teach skills such as soldering and replacing wires to fix broken appliances. At the workshop, students acquire problem-solving skills by diagnosing issues and testing and experimenting with different products.
Repair Workshop’s student leaders had this to say about the initiative: “By fixing these appliances, we hope to improve and promote sustainable community practices that can positively affect our carbon footprint and reduce e-waste. In some cases, the repaired items are donated to those in the community who have a need.”
Through Repair Workshop, UWCSEA students hope to inspire others to adopt an inquisitive approach toward environmental sustainability. Guided by the college’s Environmental Initiatives and commitment to sustainability and service, students work together to consider ways to protect, connect and nurture our earth. These initiatives are woven into the UWCSEA Service programme across both campuses, and are connected with parts of the college’s Learning programme.
Dover Campus: 1207 Dover Road | 6774 2653
East Campus: 1 Tampines Street 73 | 6305 5353
uwcsea.edu.sg
Initiatives for foreign workers
The Worker Wellbeing Project (WPP) is a community initiative by Dulwich College (Singapore) to honour its migrant worker colleagues who built The Greenhouse, the college’s state-of-the-art Green Mark Platinum Zero-Energy building.
The seeds of the WPP projects in schools were sown by Senior School teacher Ms Uma Ganapathy. It quickly gained traction among the Senior School students, leading to the formation of a dedicated 17-member committee, including Ms Uma. Their mission: to devise strategies and activities that would honour their Greenhouse heroes and foster inclusion.
A Deepavali dinner, for instance, united the entire Dulwich community – international and Singapore students, staff, the Friends of Dulwich parent group – and the migrant workers in celebrating the Festival of Lights. This event provided a platform for cultural exchange and a fantastic community celebration. For many of the migrant workers, it was a memorable evening filled with familiar Indian cuisine, served by the student committee. The evening also saw them receiving care packages, grocery vouchers and other gifts from the community.
Another significant initiative was the student/worker cricket match. It created an environment for students and workers to bond over their shared love of the sport, and broke down social and language barriers between them. Everyone left the match with a strong sense of camaraderie, and a deeper understanding of the values of equality and inclusivity.
With The Greenhouse building now complete, the WPP committee remains dedicated to keeping this effort alive. They’re planning a movie night and have been working on creating a gallery wall within The Greenhouse to share migrant workers’ inspiring stories.
71 Bukit Batok West Avenue 8
6890 1003 | singapore.dulwich.org
A focus on wellbeing
On the last Friday of September 2023, Stamford American International School marked Global Be Well Day. It’s a worldwide annual event launched by Cognita to draw attention to the vital role of wellbeing in education. It involved over 85,000 students from more than 100 schools spanning 16 countries. Everyone set aside their regular curriculum to immerse themselves in a diverse range of activities that promote physical and mental wellbeing. The day at Stamford featured a morning walkathon, the preparation of nutritious fruit smoothies and kebabs, participation in various sports, lunchtime concerts and more.
In the week leading up to the day, Stamford held a Wellness Champions Challenge, fostering a friendly competition among student houses and the wider community. The aim was to encourage students, staff and families to embrace wellbeing in three categories: exercise, sleep and fun. As a fitting conclusion to the challenge, the winning house had the privilege of selecting a charity of their choice to support, and taking home the coveted Global Be Well Day trophy.
Stamford says that its approach emphasises empowering international and Singapore students to cultivate healthy habits and take charge of their own wellbeing.
1 Woodleigh Lane
6602 7247 | sais.edu.sg
This article first appeared in the November 2023 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!
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