The Causeway Connection (2)

 Northlight touched our hearts with their simple motto of love and care.

But we also needed to see how some top schools in Singapore operate.

So Mr. Gan carefully selected NUS school of Maths and Science and Nanyang Girls' High School

 The coordinator of NUS school briefed us on the set up of the school .

Students were highly scrutinized through some tests before allowed a place here.

The subjects offered here are Maths and Science related and after year 5 and 6 here, the students are warmly received by NUS and other major international universities including the Ivy League ones.

 The content and syllabi of the subjects record such credibility that no institution question the validity and reliability of the subjects taught and assessed. Competition is stiff and the best concur here. I asked if all who went in as year 1 students will eventually exit as year 6 graduates to which she replied some do go through challenges and drop out. Surely, only the best can survive here.

Here, everyone must be independent learners and learn the tough game.

I cringed at the stress they have to go through. Some are just made for this type of learning environment while others look for less demanding ones.

We were brought round the school and saw some of the learning labs. There is no compromise here; only the best equipment and latest knowledge are accrued here. The young man is also a graduate of this school and after serving the national service is back here for a part time job before starting his degree in a top US university. He is confident, approachable, knowledgeable and spoke with conviction about the school . He knows the ins and outs of the place at the tip of his fingers. This is a proud product of the school. So, we can safely say after 6 years in the school, the student is all too ready for any learning experience outside Singapore.

 We examined the roll of honour's list and it was impressive.

Surely , the top notch ones are found here. It is the birthplace of some of the finest brains in town.

 The physical facilities here are also for development of the best.

Every corner is made used of as space is planned well.

Talking about the best; it's alarming to see the energy involved.

 The library is neat and home to self learning, exploration and knowledge.

 The teachers learn that in NUS school of Maths and Science, things matter and work is serious.

You teach the best brains and you have to be a 'best brain' too !

Next, we visited the much talked about girls' school in Singapore.

 We were greeted by this beautiful painting and a statue of the ex-principal who led the school for 4 decades. The school has more than 9 decades of history behind it; as old as my father.

Nanyang ( the South Seas) was started by a group who were convinced that girls should go to school.

They are right and look at their legacy today.

 This is my dream school. I must confess that when I was in my initial years of teaching, I wanted so much to teach in Singapore. But it was not easy to get into the education system here. I was rejected ! But it's alright, God had greater plans for me. So, I witnessed a school that is so 'proper', clean, well-equipped and

 'so right'. I fell in love with the outlook of the school.

I would love  to have a grandchild parked here...

 Even at this age, I still think if only I had a chance...

 The coordinator is young and informative. She speaks about the school with pride and love and we were enlightened by her stories of the school's history and aspirations. Of all she said, I remember this best; every student in the school is taught to REFLECT. It is mandatory they practise this habit for improvement and development of character. I thought this is so true.

 Maybe we should also nurture this skill among our students.

An autonomous institution, Nanyang GS speaks of integrity and validity, and so the students are highly regarded after their stint here.After year 4, students go to Hwa Chong Institution for  pre U studies and there after to the university.

The girls we were told are creative and artistic as they sing, dance and  act professionally. Their production is also top notch. Everything is top, top, top ! Wow, I wonder , I wonder, I wonder.

They have an entry requirement which is not friendly to international students; every student who wants to enrol here must know Mandarin. So, the nationality most found here can only be the Chinese. But do not lose hope; if you want your next generation to come here, tuition them Mandarin. It is indeed the most demanding requirement.

 This must be a glimpse of their production; "Liew San Jie"; my type of movie, to the chagrin of my daughters.

 We moved around as quickly as we could for we were running out of time and stole glances here and there.

 Yes, we noticed the girls drew well and took pains at the production. My Art teachers snapped profusely for inspiration to be brought home.

 We stood on top a large pond; the ecstatic add-on to the school compound. Here, all things are in place and properly kept. I casually asked a staff if she would encourage her child to study here after 6 years in Chee Wen to which she replied; "No la. Pressure cooker !" Hahahaha. 

Only the top girls of Singapore are parked here.

Another group shot to remind us that much out there is to be learnt and emulated.

We have a long way to go.

But the exposure and the trip was good to remind us that the best are yet to be seen.

The Causeway Connection was an eye opener and enlightened us.

Thank you to the 2 great schools.