Hello, my name is Ms 伟师 :)

Sec 1 Level Camp: Today was an interesting day at Westwood, as the students were all off at their respective Level Camps! The Sec 1's, who I got to spend the morning with, were on campus, the Sec 2's went to Camp Sembawang, Sec 3's to Malaysia, and Sec 4/5's were also on campus, but were gone today touring different Polytechnic Universities!

The Sec 1 Level Camp was so much fun, and I got to see a much different side of some of my students!! When I got there, they were washing up (having slept there the night before) and getting ready for breakfast in the canteen.  After breakfast, they went back to their classrooms to de-brief the objectives of the previous days' activities, and work on their performance for the 'campfire' that night.  I stayed with Sec 1Ds (who I teach!) all morning, and we had a wonderful time - I got to see them choreograph their dance to "Hall of Fame" and then cheer them on as they played dodgeball against the other classes.

I had a great chat with three of my students, who asked me all about California, and my school, and why I want to be a teacher... they even translated my name into Chinese - apparently Welsh can directly translate to "Great Teacher," (伟师) so that basically made my day :)

Teaching of Biology II - Science Practical Assessment Skills: After Level Camps, I made my way to NIE to observe a science class! (Made me miss my SST Science Cohort even more!)  I arrived pretty early, but I was able to see Naeem, one of the student teachers from NIE who just spent 7weeks in Santa Barbara, and have lunch with Sunny, our supervisor - so it was time well spent! I got to the class a little bit early, which was also great because I was able to chat with the tutor, Ms Lim, before the class started.  She was so interested in everything I had to say, the program I was apart of, and my opinions on everything that I've experienced  here so far.  She was the first person I've really talked to the caning about, and I wish we could've talked longer - I could tell she had a lot to say.  (We did exchange emails though, so I'm sure we'll be keeping in touch!)

I recognized a few familiar faces from the class we observed the other night, and everyone was so welcoming and friendly to me. Ms Lim introduced me at the very beginning of the lesson, and I was able to say a few things about where I'm from and my experience so far - everyone seemed really interested, and I got quite a few questions throughout the rest of the class.  We continued in talking about the SPA, or Science Practical Assessment, that takes place for all Secondary 3 and 4 students - it was really interesting to learn about, and I took a lot of notes (for my science crew!)

For the last hour, we did a practice SPA, where one of us was the teacher (marking) and one of us was the student (doing)! I was in a group of three, so me and Audrey assessed Sien Long on his practical skills.  I was a great evening, I learned so much about science education in Singapore, and met some great friends that I'm sure I'll be staying in contact with! (I want to do international Skype-labs with them! - I will make it happen!)

When I got home, I went to have a solo - dinner at Jurong Point, top up my EZ link (bus) card, and head home, to continue getting ready for BALI (and write this blog post!) We leave tomorrow and I am BEYOND excited :) Next post will be when I get back, so bon voyage for now!

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Cat of the Day

Today’s cat of the day goes to this new kitty that I saw on my way home from Jurong Point, but who wouldn't let me get close enough for a clear picture!!! (I'll get you!!)