Computer Applications
Key Appointment Holders
HOD /ICT: Mdm Sherry Liew
SH/Chem: Mdm. Koh Caihua
Department Teachers
Ms. Annie Lee Hwee Ling
Mdm. Khairunnisa Zainal
Mdm. Nur Aishah Abdul Rahman
Key Programmes
Besides being equipped with Microsoft
Office skills, our CPA curriculum
involves students learning how to code
with Scratch programme. They enjoy
the rich visual language Scratch offers,
as they get to combine their Inkscape
drawing skill set with programming,
hence resulting in extremely original
content.
Our students create storytelling
animation such as:
• A Day in My CCA
• Care for the Environment
The upper secondary students took
coding to a greater level by successfully
designing and building their codes into
multi-level games.
Achievements and Highlights of 2018
National Media Computing Competition
2018
50 WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL | YEARBOOK 2018
Design and Technology
Key Appointment Holders
HOD/D&T: Mr. Wong Weng Heng
Department Teachers
Mr. Lye Kok Hwa
Mr. Chandrasekaran Sockalingam
Mr. Teoh Hok Huat
Department Support Staff
Workshop Instructors: Mr. Abdul Azis
bin Sabtu; Mr. Johar bin Husin
Key Programmes
The D&T Department aims to develop
students to be independent student
designers through learning design
thinking processes. Students are
guided through projects involving
needs identification, research, ideation,
development and artefact realisation.
In the process, they learn about the
technology components of structures,
electronics and mechanisms.
Lower Secondary: Design of Bag Tag
and Multi-function Phone Holder
Upper Secondary: Design projects in
preparation for coursework
Achievements and Highlights of 2018
Finalists in Nanyang Polytechnic
HPB Design Thinking & Innovation
Competition 2018
• Team 1
Liew Xi Xin (Sec 3D)
Lee Jia Ean (Sec 3D)
Noriel (Sec 3D)
Sheryl Goh(Sec 3D)
• Team 2
Alp Dilge Su (Sec 2D)
Pang Hui Run (Sec 2D)
Tan Wei Xuan (Sec 3D)
Travis Choong (Sec 3D)
WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL | YEARBOOK 2018 51
Elements of Business Skills
Key Appointment Holders
SH/ICT: Mrs. Shelia Wang
Department Teachers
Mr. Seah Hock Sing
Mr. Wade Wang
Mrs. Charlotte Koh
Achievements and Highlights of 2018
• In 2018, selected 3NT EBS students
took part in an entrepreneurship
workshop titled, "It's My Business".
Some 3NT EBS students also took
part in the SHATEC Basic Food
Hygiene Certification workshop.
• On Sports Day 2018, the 3NT EBS
students set up a snack and drink
store at the stadium, as part of their
VIA efforts.
52 WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL | YEARBOOK 2018
English Language and Literature
Key Appointment Holders • Choral Reading for Secondary One showcase their oratory skills in
HOD/ELL: Mdm. Nora Shahriya (Lit) friendly inter-class competitions
SH/ELL: Mdm. Xie Xinyi Elspeth Achievements and Highlights of
SH/ICT: Mdm. Xie Shuxian Shelia • Book Trailers for Secondary Two 2018
SH/CCE: Mr. Md. Fadzly (Lit) • National Schools Literature
AYH/2: Ms. Veronica Aw Festival 2018
ST/EL: Mdm. Fauzana Ismail • Debates (Upper Secondary • Winners for Set Text (The River
Department Teachers Literature) Between) Debate
Mdm. Chan Mei Ping Sarah Pandragi Tamrita (Sec 3A)
Mdm. Fu Jilang 3. Student Literacy Ambassadors Wong Kai Xin Joey (Sec 3A)
Mdm. Khairunnisa Faiqah • to promote reading among peers Hia Zhi Ming (Sec 3A)
Mdm. Loke Wei May in collaboration with the Library Crystal Deng (Sec 3D)
Mdm. Revathi Rengasamy
Mdm. Shobana Nadaraja 4. English Language and Literature
Mdm. Siti Norahan Mokhtar Week
Mdm. Wong Yan Lei Grace
Mr. Joel Lee Jia Wen • a week of fun-filled games and
Mr. Low Wei Jing Zachary activities for all students
Mr. Mohamed Munir
Mr. Tan Tuck Heng Israel • a platform for students to
Mr. Wong Qi Hao Gabriel
Mr. Zhong Rongdian Kelvin
Ms. Harliany Hairon
Ms. Kao Hui Ling Jasmine
Ms. Siti Farhanum Nordin
Ms. Victoria Chong Soon Fei
Ms. Yvonne Lee Wei Xin
Key Programmes
1. EL Reading Programme
• Silent Reading every Monday,
Tuesday & Wednesday
• In-class reading of news articles or
short stories every fortnight
• NANT Graded Readers Programme
2. Oral Communication Programme
• Storytelling Skills for Secondary One
(EL)
• Public Speaking Skills for Secondary
Two (EL)
WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL | YEARBOOK 2018 53
Humanities
Key Appointment Holders
HOD/Humanities: Ms. Siti Zamiara
SH/History: Mr. Wu Zonglun
AYH/1: Ms. Nurhafizahtunnisa
ST/SS: Mrs. Cheryl Liew
Department Teachers
Mdm. Catherine Lee
Mdm. Ruhaiza Hasan
Mdm. Loke Wei May
Mr. Emmanuel
Mr. Gabriel Wong
Mr. Zachary Low
Ms. Harliany Hairon
Ms. Jasmine Kao
Ms. Norhayati Md. Jasni
Ms. Shobana
Ms. Tamil Alagi
Key Programmes
The Humanities Week
A mix of Humanities-based events held
across the week for the whole school. The
lower secondary students took part in a
Geography and History quiz competition
where they watched a Geography
documentary and History short films, and
were quizzed after the screenings. The
Secondary Three students took part in the
Social Studies Model Cabinet, simulating
a parliament session, discussing national
issues while role-playing as representatives
from various ministries.
Geographical Investigation (GI) and
Historical Investigation (HI)
These were carried out for the Lower
Secondary Classes. For GI, the students
were brought to MacRitchie Reservoir to
conduct tests. Students had the opportunity
to gather first-hand data in this investigative
fieldwork. For HI, Secondary One students
were brought to the National Museum and
Fort Canning Park.
54 WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL | YEARBOOK 2018
Mathematics
Key Appointment Holders
HOD/Math: Mrs. Tan-Ong Yee Ting
Melissa
SH/Math: Mdm. Sharon Koh Wei Xin
YH/US: Mr. Kok Yeong Haur
YH/LS: Mr. Marcus Sze Kah Choon
SSD: Mr. Chong Yung Kuei
Department Teachers
Ms. Annie Lee Hwee Ling
Mr. Chng Xian Yi
Mdm Chor Li Li
Mr. David Chang Liang Kwang
Ms. Eunice Lee Si Hui
Ms. Evelyn Tan Bee Kiaw
Ms. Jolene Chong Yann Shin
Mr. Koh Foo Lim
Mr. Liu Mun Kang
Mr. Liu Youhe
Mr. Mok Kai Fore
Mr. Seah Hock Sing
Mr. Stanley Pang Kah Wee
Mrs. Tan Hoi Hoon
Key Programmes
• Mathematics Portal (ACE-Learning)
• Learning Support Programme(LSP)
for Secondary 1 and 2
• GeoGebra Workshop for Secondary
2 Express
• Structured Remedial Consultation
for Secondary 4 and 5
• Secondary One Math Trail
(Singapore Sports Hub) and Kite-
Making & Flying Programme
Achievements and Highlights of 2018
Singapore Mathematical Olympiad
(SMO)
• 12 students took part in the
Singapore Mathematical Olympiad
(SMO) this year.
Singapore Secondary Mathematics
Competition for Normal Stream
• 12 of our students from both
the lower and upper secondary
levels participated in the All
Singapore Secondary Mathematics
Competition jointly organised by
Clementi Town Secondary School
and Ace-Learning.
WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL | YEARBOOK 2018 55
Mother Tongue (Chinese Language)
Key Appointment Holders
HOD/MTL: Mrs. Doris Chong
AYH/3: Mdm. Teo Chu Yue
Department Teachers
Mr. Chua Hoe Seng
Mr. Goh Se U
Mdm. Jacinthia Loh
Ms. Lim Wan Xin
Mdm. Liu Dongmei
Ms. Tong Huimin
Mr. Wang Bo
Mdm. Wang Xiufang
Mdm. Yan Li
Key Programmes
Enrichment Programmes
• Videography workshop for
Secondary One Higher Chinese
Language students
• Journalism course for Secondary
Two Higher Chinese Language
students
• Public Speaking Workshop for
Secondary Three Higher Chinese
Language students
• Chinese Cultural Programme for
upper secondary classes
Immersion Programme
• Exchange Programme with Taiwan
Xinke Junior High School and
Changan Junior High School
Achievements and Highlights of 2018
MTL Fortnight was organised in Term
1 in conjunction with the Chinese New
Year Celebration. During the 2 weeks,
the following language and cultural
activities were organised:
• Chinese Amazing Race for Secondary
Two classes
• Chinese Language Challenges for
Secondary Three Express/Normal
(Academic) and Secondary Four
Express and Five Normal (Academic)
students
• Cultural Enrichment Programme
for all lower secondary & all Normal
(Technical) classes
• Chinese Chess Competition for all
students
• Learning Journey for Sec 3 classes
• Chinese New Year Inter-class
competition for all classes
• “Create Your Own Newspaper
”Competition for Secondary Three
Higher Chinese Language students
• Participation in the National
Chinese Short Film Competition
for Secondary One Higher Chinese
Language students
56 WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL | YEARBOOK 2018
Mother Tongue (Malay Language)
Key Appointment Holders • 6 students participated in the • Awards:
SH/ML: Ms. Noor Faezah Bte Noor Aziz competition held in conjunction 3rd place
Department Teachers with the annual Malay Language - Amirul Yusri (Sec 3F)
Mr. Hishamudin Bin Awang Chik Month, jointly organised by - Nuraisah (Sec 3E)
Mdm. Misliana Bte Roslinor Malay Language Learning and Consolation
Mdm. Nur Izziana Bte Kamaruddin Promotions Committee, People's - Ameerul Shah (Sec 3F)
Ms. Nur Liyana Bte Osman Association and Bukit Batok East - Nuh Syazani (Sec 3F)
Key Programmes Community Centre. - Nurin Adlyn (Sec 3F)
2018 MT Fortnight: - Ruzita (Sec 3F)
• Cultural Appreciation Programme
for Sec 1s at Pulau Ubin to enable
students to learn about the Malay
culture in a more authentic setting.
• Food Appreciation Programme for
Sec 2s to enable the students to try
out making Malay traditional kuehs -’
kueh dadar’ and ‘ondeh-ondeh’.
• Literary Appreciation Programme
for Sec 3s following the theme of
puppetry.
• Cultural Exploration Programme for
Sec 4s and 5s at the Kampong Glam
area.
2018 Hari Raya Concert (Collaboration
with West View Primary School):
• This year, the ML unit collaborated
with the ML unit of West View Primary
School for the annual concert.
W5 Cluster Public Speaking Workshop:
• The Sec 3 Normal (Technical) students
attended a public speaking skills
workshop organised by the W5 Cluster
Champions group over at Bukit
Panjang Government High School.
Achievements and Highlights of 2018
Raffles Institution Youth Seminar 2018
• The Sec 4 and 5s Malay students
attended a seminar at R.I on 14th April
2018 to inject awareness on the effect
of fake news and to prepare the youth
when facing fake news.
Malay Language Elective Programme
(MLEP) Graduation Showcase 2018
• The Sec 3s attended the MLEP
showcase titled, 'Tepuk Amai-amai'.
The showcase coincides with a book
launch, 'Epilog Nila Bangsa'.
National Bitara Kata App Competition
2018
• 4 students from Sec 1 and 2
participated in the National Bitara
Kata App Competition. The students
are Dani Hazrie (Sec 1F), Rian Haziq
(Sec 1E), Muhammad Darwisy (Sec
1G), Nurul Azrina (Sec 2F) and Iffah
Nur Sabrinah (Sec 2F).
Madda Maddi: Malay Literature and Arts
Competition 2018
WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL | YEARBOOK 2018 57
Nutrition and Food Science
Key Appointment Holders
ST/FCS: Mdm. Selena Samat
Department Teachers
Mdm. Puspawati Rosli
Ms. Sri Wirdaningsih Subari
Department Support Staff
Lab Assistant: Ms. Mardiana Sidi
Key Programmes
Baking Craft Workshop
• Students had an opportunity to
attend an enrichment program at
Baking Industry Training College
(BITC), during the March Holidays
to learn and sharpen their culinary
skills and techniques.
Masterclass
• Led by ex-student from ITE College
East and former AED, Mr Hidayat
who recently graduated from SIT,
students learnt choux pastry making
skills to prepare both sweet and
savoury puffs.
Research Techniques in Food Science
Investigation
• This workshop heightens Upper
Secondary F&N students’ awareness
on the various research techniques
in food science investigations.
Project Work
• Sec 1 – Healthy Wraps for
Adolescents
• Sec 2 – Cupcake Kaleidoscope
• In pairs, the students were tasked
to use ‘My Healthy Plate’ as a
nutritional tool to create healthy
and attractive Wraps for adolescents
(Sec 1s) and Fusion Cupcakes (Sec
2) to show the diversity of Singapore
Food Scene. Peer evaluation and
self evaluation in the form of
reflection logs helped students
identify their strengths and areas for
improvement.
58 WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL | YEARBOOK 2018
Physical Education
Key Appointment Holders
HOD/PE & CCA: Mr. Kelvin Poon Weng
Hong
HOD/Guidance: Mr. Philip Kumaran
Sinkaram
SH/PE & CCA: Mr. Chen Yuliang
Department Teachers
Ms. Evelyn Tan Poh Yun
Mr. Wang Wade Fengyin
Mr. Soh Sim Lian
Department Support Staff
SPE: Ms. Nurul Ain Md Sukhaimi
Key Programmes
• Secondary Two Adventure Camp @
Pulau Ubin
• Outward Bound School for
Secondary Three students
• WSSS Annual Sports Day
• Inter-Class Competition for all levels
• Inter-CCA Games
• Sports Enrichment Programme (Post
Exam Activities)
WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL | YEARBOOK 2018 59
Principles of Accounts
Key Appointment Holders
Subject Coordinator: Mr. Wong Soon
Hong Andy
ST/POA: Mr. Tan Tiong Chuan
Department Teachers
Mrs. Charlotte Koh
Mrs. Juliet Tan
Key Programmes
Teaching of POA with ICT
60 WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL | YEARBOOK 2018
Key Appointment Holders Science
HOD/Science: Mdm. Goh Jia Li
HOD/CCE: Mr. Fauroni Sukhaimi
SH/Chemistry: Mdm. Koh Caihua
LH/Guidance: Ms. Priscilla Yu Mei Yi
AYH/4: Mdm. Siti Anisah A Rahim
ST/Biology: Mdm. Ho Soo Yin
Department Teachers
Physics Unit
Mr. Prakash s/o Radakrishna
Mr. Chan Zhenrong
Mr. Mok Kai Fore
Mdm. Wee Shu Ying
Chemistry Unit
Mdm. Sharena Mohamed
Mr. Siow Gim Onn
Mdm. Lim Shiyun Gina
Mdm. Nur Aishah Abdul Rahman
Mdm. Francoise Wong Foong Sin
Mr. Joel Lee Jia Wen
Biology Unit
Mdm. Zhou Siyang
Mr. Colin Teo Eu Leng
Ms. Ong Shi Chi
Ms. Evelyn Tan Poh Yun
Mr. Mohamed Munir Bin Mohamed Ismail
Ms. Dolly Khoo Xuan
Department Support Staff
TSO: Mdm. Irene Tan Leng Leng; Mrs. Goh
Swee Ing
OSO: Mdm. Amuthavali D/O Kuppusamy
Key Programmes
Enrichment Activities in 2018
• Nature Learning Journey at Sentosa,
BrainFest at Singapore Science Centre
and Central Narcotics Bureau Heritage
Gallery Tour for Secondary One students
• Singapore Science Centre Enrichment
Program: Unstoppable Force vs
Immovable Object for Secondary Two
students
• Energy Efficiency Centre Tour for
Secondary Three Normal (Technical)
students
• Learning Journey to National Kidney
Foundation for Secondary Three Express
students
• Advanced Elective Module @ Nanyang
Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic and
Singapore Polytechnic for Secondary
Three Normal (Academic) students.
• Science & Technology Elective Module
for Secondary Three & Four Normal
(Technical) students
Motorsports Application
• Design & Build Your Own Glider
Achievements and Highlights of 2018
W5 Open Classroom
• W5 Special Interest Group sharing by
Mr. Prakash s/o Radakrishna for teacher
leaders in the cluster.
WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL | YEARBOOK 2018 61
Aesthetics Week
Students enjoyed an array of performances in and
out of school. Some of our talented students also
performed for their peers during an afternoon assembly
dedicated to aesthetics performances.
Humanities Week
To make the learning of the Humanities more engaging,
students participated in various games and quizzes that
tickled their brains. The Upper Secondary Humanities
students also participated in the Model Cabinet,
where they argued ideas based on the parliamentary
discussion model.
62 WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL | YEARBOOK 2018
ELL Week
During this annual event, students get the opportunity
to learn English and Literature in more meaningful and
fun ways through games, performances and exciting
quizzes!
Mother Tongue
Fortnight
Every year, during the MT Fortnight, students get
immersed in an environment that helps in their learning
of Mother Tongue. A variety of interesting and engaging
activities are organised to encourage participation,
appreciation and the Joy of Learning!
WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL | YEARBOOK 2018 63
Applied Learning
Programme
Our Applied Learning Programme - Critical Thinking and
Effective Communication through media Literacy - has
allowed our students to learn various skills beyond
the classroom subjects. Students learn to interview
subjects and conduct research into topics that interest
them. They advocate ideals and ideas they believe in
and present these through oral and media platforms.
64 WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL | YEARBOOK 2018
Learning for Life
Programme
West Spring’s Learning for Life Programme (LLP),
Sportsmanship, Teamwork and Resilience Through
Sports (STAR), has given our students varied
opportunities to lead a healthier lifestyle. Students
attend workshops on mental skills, sports nutrition,
peak performance and injury and recovery. With
better knowledge of their bodies and the sports they
participate in, students make better decisions and do
better in their sporting pursuits.
WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL | YEARBOOK 2018 65
Chinese New Year
Celebrations
Chinese New Year celebrations in the school is almost
always accompanied by a Lion Dance performance
which becomes the highlight of the event. The class
parties strengthened the bonds between the classmates
as they learnt about the Chinese culture and practices.
Hari Raya
Aidilfitri Celebrations
This year, our school collaborated with West View Primary
for the Hari Raya celebrations. Students from West View
were invited to perform the silat for our students to raise
awareness on Malay culture. Our own students also
performed for the West View Primary students.
66 WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL | YEARBOOK 2018
Code For Fun &
Elective Modules and Advanced Elective Modules
Our students get to learn useful skills through the Code For Fun workshops and the EM and AEM they attend.
They learn in a different environment and could see the relevance of their current learning to the real world.
They also find out more about the courses that are available in these tertiary institutions.
WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL | YEARBOOK 2018 67
Results Release
Our N and O Level graduands came back to West Spring
on an afternoon full of anticipation and excitement.
Whilst some whooped in joy, there were undeniably
those who shed tears of regret. Despite their results,
we wish our 2017 graduates all the best in their future
endeavours!
School Excellence
Awards Ceremony
The 17th School Excellence Awards Ceremony celebrated
the achievements of the students and their families,
staff and partners. Graced by Mr. Liang Eng Hwa, Adviser
for Zhenghua GROs, guests were treated to splendid
performances from our award-winning Performing Arts
groups. Congratulations to all the award winners!
68 WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL | YEARBOOK 2018
Homecoming 2018
Our N and O Level graduands came back to West Spring
on an afternoon full of anticipation and excitement.
Whilst some whooped in joy, there were undeniably
those who shed tears of regret. Despite their results,
we wish our 2017 graduates all the best in their future
endeavours!
Sec 4/5 Valediction
Ceremony
Our graduating 2018 batch were treated to an afternoon
of recollection and sharing of thanks and appreciation.
4 student valedictorians shared on their journey in West
Spring and gave thanks to their friends and teachers for
the experiences they have gained.
WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL | YEARBOOK 2018 69
Inter-Class Games
(Sec 1 - 5)
The Inter-Class Games are always highly anticipated
by our students. They get to compete against other
classes, while building camaraderie, teamwork and
sportsmanship at the same time.
Sports Day 2018
An event always looked forward to by staff and students
alike, this year, it was held at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium.
Everyone was involved in competitive and noncompetitive
events and the sun that was beating down did not drain
anyone’s spirits. It was a glorious day for a day out in the
sun!
70 WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL | YEARBOOK 2018
Visit by Taiwan
Xinke Junior High
School
A day of interaction and learning awaited our visitors
from Taiwan. They sat in our classes and learnt together
with their buddies from West Spring. Our students also
got the opportunity to host them and be their guides
over the course of their time here. Our students will be
visiting them in November as part of the exchange.
WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL | YEARBOOK 2018 71
Staff Excellence
5MS &
Professional Hour Sessions
The 5-Minute Sharing (5MS) and Professional Hour
(PH) Sessions culminated in the Learning Festival for
the staff. The dedicated Monday mornings were spent
with the teachers sharing on the Singapore Teaching
Practice and working together to improve teaching
and learning in the school. The Learning Festival is an
annual event for the staff and acts as a platform for
them to share on their projects and learning during
the PH Sessions.
Learning Festival
74 WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL | YEARBOOK 2018
BInevgeisntnitiunrgeTeachers’
Three of our teachers this year graduated from the
National Institute of Education. They are Ms. Nur Liyana,
Ms. Jasmine Kao and Ms. Yvonne Lim. Congratulations
and welcome to the teaching fraternity!
SSNteaartfvifoicnMeaOlAEDwaLayrodnAsgwaanrdds
We would like to congratulate the following staff on
achieving the MOE Long Service Awards:
5 years with MOE Mdm. Xie Xinyi
Ms. Harliany Bte Hairon Ms. Priscilla Yu Mei Yi
Ms. Koh Cai Hua 15 years with MOE
Mdm. Nur Aishah Abdul Mdm. Cheryl Koh Ye Hsia
Rahman Mdm. Fauzana Binte Ismail
Mr. Wang Bo Mr. Johar Bin Husin
10 years with MOE Mdm. Nora Bte Shahriya
Mr. Abdul Azis 20 years with MOE
Mr. Chen Yuliang Mdm. Ho Soo Yin
Mdm. Goh Jiali 35 years with MOE
Mdm. Liu Dongmei Mr. Andrew Lim
Mr. Siow Gim Onn
Mdm. Wang Xiufang
The following staff also received the National Day
Awards this year:
Mdm. Joy Sim Bee Lian received
The Commendation Medal
Mdm. Tan Leng Leng Irene received
The Efficiency Medal
Mdm. Selena Bte Samat received
The Long Service Medal
Ms. Joyce Chia also received the Associate
Award of Academy of Singapore Teachers 2018
WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL | YEARBOOK 2018 75
Two exciting staff bonding sessions were held this Staff Bonding
year; the ‘Exercise to De-Stress’ Day in Semester 1 Activities
and the Learning Journey to River Safari in Semester
2. Our teachers and staff participated in various
activities such as Yoga, Zumba, Piloxing, Soccer and
even Tai-chi. They had a great time moving those
tired muscles and laughing at each other’s antics!
The learning journey to River Safari included a staff
re-envisioning exercise where West Spring staff
discussed and re-think what it means to instill joy in
learning in our teaching, and ultimately, to bring back
that love for learning in our students.
SantadfLf eRaer-neinnvgisJioounrinnegyExercise
76 WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL | YEARBOOK 2018
Teachers’ Day Celebrations
“Holiday” was the theme for this year’s Teachers’ Day
celebrations. Dressed in their travelling best, the teachers
were entertained with a host of fun and games as they
interacted and enjoyed each other’s company. Thank you
to all our staff for making 2018 a wonderful year!
WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL | YEARBOOK 2018 77
Student Essays
Why do fewer women
than men play
football?
Written By: Christon, 2A, 2018
T he World Cup held in Russia has recently ended, from the World Cup, wouldn’t it be different instead?
with France emerging victorious from the original These are some of the consequences of
thirty-two teams which qualified to enter the World
Cup. However, have we ever taken into consideration female discrimination, due to an imbalance
this – if there’s a World Cup for the men’s national of power between men and women, and the
teams, where’s the World Cup for Women? Would viewership between them. Not only does female
the “football frenzy” change, or will it stay? Will there discrimination raise questions about its practices,
be viewership for the World Cup Women? Will the it also underestimates the true ability of female
reception towards such an event be equal to that footballers, of which some of them are better
towards the current World Cup for men’s national than the opposite gender, but do not have the
football teams? These questions lead us to question opportunity to display their remarkable talent. Not
the influence women have over part of the sports all men have the interest in football, but even those
industry, and whether female discrimination could be who do, do not necessarily have to be better than
one of the causes of it. females. There surely are amateur male footballers
who cannot compare themselves to professional
Fewer women play football than men due to the female footballers, but are given more funding and
stereotypes that have been created by the more given extra attention than the female footballers.
dominant gender, the men. Such stereotypes include This increases the tendency for the male footballers
being inferior to men in terms of ability, suitability, to think that they are very good or superior even,
and the sole purpose to demotivate female football but not because of the lack of checks and balances
wannabes, due to the less demand for women for the dominant gender. As a result, even the best
footballers globally. The purpose of such stereotypes of the best of female footballers are underpaid and
is probably to tell potential female footballers – given fewer opportunities to display their talents to
“There is no point. There’s no future for trying to the world, which is such a pity.
pursue such a career.”
Lastly, both men and women can be equally
However, these stereotypes turn out to be false. skilled. Both genders need equal training to reach
Most of the world is used to seeing men playing the benchmark that is required of them. Without
football as it is more common in the football industry. benchmarks and hard work, anyone will be bad
Many male footballers have been used by various at football. Many people fail to notice this, which
companies to advertise products which attracts contributes to the continued survival of the
people not only to the product itself, but also to the impression that men better than women at football.
celebrity advertising it. Many of these advertisements
reach out to a huge number of people via mass media In conclusion, female footballers are less
such as television, newspapers and magazines. common and less seen due to stereotypes and false
Male footballers receive more attention probably impressions. What if we provide a chance for dreams
because they can increase the reputation of their to bloom? Are dreams gender classified? If we can be
country or attract more fans to watch or support more aware about giving female footballers the right
them. Due to the huge number of fans attracted to to step out on the field, I don’t see why such a reality
male football matches, a false impression is created is impossible. If opportunities are provided, the
that football is reserved for males. Think about it. females will have more or equal attention as given to
What if you suddenly see a tournament on television males. However, if stereotypes and false impressions
and you are attracted to it, only to realise that it is a still continue to exist, I’m afraid nothing will change.
female match? Wouldn’t it be interesting because it There’s one thing for certain – fate can be changed,
is something new, yet ironically weird because the but only with effort.
match is foreign to us? But if the match is one of those
80 WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL | YEARBOOK 2018
Write about an experience that
made you feel grateful to be born in
your country.
W henever I see the picture on the wall that Written By: Marcelle Lee, 1C, 2018
my family and I took together, I would be
reminded of the day my father was robbed while blankly and each other, at a loss as to what we
we were in Malaysia for a holiday. This experience should do. I heard curious mumbling from some
made me extremely grateful to be born in passers-by.
Singapore.
Suddenly, a couple dressed in sports attire
A few years ago, my family and I went to stepped out of the crowd and ran towards the
Malaysia during the December holidays. We were direction where the robber was headed in. My
walking around in a shopping mall filled with siblings looked at me with a slight smile. It seemed
throngs of people. There were children begging like we could get the wallet back. My family and I
their parents to get them new toys, and teenagers decided to follow them.
walking out of shops happily with bags of clothes
in tow. My family and I were at the shopping mall to The couple tried their best to catch up with the
shop for clothes. All of us were elated. It had been robber. They ran as fast as the speed of lightning.
a long time since we had gone to Malaysia to shop. I could see beads of sweat trickling down their
My siblings and I bought a lot of clothes earlier. We foreheads. My family and I were worried that we
were chatting happily about the clothes we had just would not be able to get the wallet back. However,
bought while my parents were discussing about not long after, the couple managed to catch up
where to go next. My mother then suggested going with the robber. I heaved a huge sigh of relief. The
to a cake shop nearby before going back to the couple held the robber in their arms. The robber,
shopping mall to continue our shopping spree. My a lanky man, struggled to break free from their
siblings and I agreed at once. We always visited the clutches but was unable to. He had no choice but to
cake shop whenever we visited Malaysia. We then return the wallet back to my father.
walked towards the escalator, ready to go down to
the carpark to get our car. After getting his wallet back, my father checked
to see if everything was still inside. Thankfully, all
While walking to the escalator, my father took the money he had brought out that day was still
out his wallet to check if the money he had brought inside. Nothing was lost. My father then told the
out that day was still there. He opened his wallet. couple to let go of the robber’s arm. However, they
A thick wad of cash was protruding out. I noticed were unwilling to do so. They wanted to report
a suspicious-looking man not far away, dressed him to the police. My father hesitantly agreed. He
in all-black, wearing a mask. He was staring at my wanted to give the robber a second chance but
father’s wallet. I sensed that something was amiss. was afraid that others would fall prey to him if he
I had a premonition and suspected that he was continued to rob. My father fished out his mobile
about to rob my father. I walk closer to my father phone from his pocket and was about to call the
and told him about the man. My father took a quick police. The robber felt guilty and pleaded with my
glance of the man and told me nonchalantly that I father not to call the police. Knowing how tender-
was just thinking too much. He then kept his wallet hearted my father could be, I thought that he would
in his pocket. relent but instead, my father ignored the robber
and went ahead to call the police. Finally, the police
Just as my father was keeping his wallet, the arrived at the scene of the crime and the robber
suspicious man ran over and snatched the wallet was arrested.
away. My father was shocked. Nevertheless, he
had to get his wallet back. He chased after the My father was extremely grateful to the couple
robber but was unable to catch up with his speed. who had helped us and thanked them profusely.
I panicked. I had never seen a robbery case take The couple, who was still panting from the sprint
place in Singapore before, so we did not know how earlier, smiled at us and reminded us to be more
to react there and then. “Will we be able to get careful in the future.
the wallet back?” I thought. Countless thoughts
went through my mind. I did not know what to do. From this experience, I learnt to be more careful
I turned and saw the expressions on my siblings’ to avoid areas where robbery could possibly take
faces. With their mouths gaped open, I could tell place, especially when I am overseas. It truly was an
that they were as flabbergasted as me. We stared unforgettable experience that made me extremely
grateful to be born in Singapore, where it is safe
and the majority of citizens behave in a civic and
socially responsible manner.
WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL | YEARBOOK 2018 81
Write about an unforgettable experience Written By:
while you were on vacation with your family. Zoey Lim, 2C, 2018
T he loud, blaring music emitting from my phone began to fade away and the ground grew closer.
caused me to wake up from my peaceful slumber. Excited to explore the city of Seoul, we got off
I groaned as I pulled the covers above my head,
desperately trying to drown out the obnoxious song the plane, passed through customs, retrieved our
emitting from my phone. I sighed in resignation as I suitcases, and hailed a cab to our hotel in record
forced myself out of my cocoon of blankets to turn time.
off my alarm.
When the vehicle pulled up to our hotel, my father
Squinting as my eyes adjusted to the brightness tipped the driver as we grabbed our suitcases and
of my phone’s screen, I untangled my limbs from my quickly checked in. We made our way to our room,
blanket and shuffled into the bathroom. I quickly the silence only broken by the muffled sounds of the
brushed my teeth and splashed some cold water onto wheels of our suitcases rolling across the carpeted
my face before changing into the clothes I had picked floor of the hallway. When we opened the door to the
out the previous night. I grabbed my backpack and room, my jaw dropped in shock. The sheets on the
my sky blue suitcase, and made my way downstairs. bed were immaculate, with not a crease in sight. The
After leaving my bags at the front door, I walked into large cushioned loveseat, wallpaper, and carpet all
the dining room, still rubbing sleep from my eyes, matched a neutral colour palette, giving the room an
and sat down at the table. I pulled out my phone inviting and warm appearance. A light fixture hanging
and was catching up on the latest news when the from the ceiling cast a soft glow throughout the
tantalising aroma of pancakes drifted towards me. I room. After getting over our shock, we left our bags in
looked up to see my mother setting down four plates the room and quickly left, excited to start exploring.
of golden-brown, fluffy pancakes, and a bottle of
sticky sweet maple syrup onto the table. My mouth “Look! I think it’s snowing! ” gasped my brother
began to water as i drizzled the syrup over my stack in excitement as we walked out of the hotel. Tiny
of pancakes. snowflakes were drifting down from the clouds
above, glowing softly as they reflected the sunlight.
We quickly scarfed down the delicious meal,
wanting to not miss our flight. My brother quickly ran We ran to the nearest park, using directions from
back to his room to grab his favourite toys, and we my father’s phone. Eventually, we arrived at the park
quickly hailed a cab to the airport. We clambered into where there was a big open field where children ran
the car as the kind driver helped my father to load around playing in the snow. As I was still admiring
our suitcases into the trunk of the car. I sank down the layer of pure white snow covering every visible
into the soft cushions of the faux leather car seat, surface, I felt something freezing cold hit the back
and dug my earpieces out of my backpack. I listened of my coat. I spun around to find my brother with a
to some music as I watched the city lights whiz past mischievous grin on his face, holding a handful of
the window. Before i knew it, we had arrived at the snowballs ready to be launched in my direction. Our
airport. I thanked the driver as he handed me my parents merely laughed at our antics as I ran around
suitcase, and we squeezed our way to the check-in chasing him with some snowballs of my own, the
counter. I turned up the volume of my music so as to crunch of snow beneath our shoes barely audible
drown out the shuffling of thousands of feet across through our loud laughter.
the polished marble tiles of the airport floor and
the excited chattering of the tourists that had just Worn out by the running, I collapsed onto the
arrived. ground, my fall cushioned by the snow. I spread my
limbs out and started making a snow angel, sighing
We boarded our plane and found our seats, in satisfaction as the cool snow cooled my body
stowing our carry-ons into the overhead cabins. I down. Spotting me laying on the ground, my brother
dropped into the seat i would be confined in for the dropped next to me and began making a snow angel
next few hours and sighed. I took out my phone and of his own. After the snow angels were made, we
turned it off in advance, and quickly made myself. simply laid on the ground, enjoying the feeling of the
Resting my head against the wall of the plane, I icy snow on our backs and relaxed. Out of the corner
was slowly lulled to sleep by the soft whirring of the of my eye, i could see my parents kneeling in the
plane’s engine. snow, making a snowman. I grinned, happy that they
were enjoying themselves too.
After a long and refreshing nap, I was awoken by
the pilot announcing over the public address system After playing around in the snow for what
that the plane would be landing in fifteen minutes. seemed like hours, we finally decided to head back
I spared a glance out of the window I was seated to the hotel, having tired ourselves out playing. As I
beside and was greeted with a view straight out of dropped onto the carpeted floor of the hotel room in
an animated movie. The clouds were tinted with soft exhaustion, I smiled contentedly, thankful that I was
pinks and baby blues, thin rays of sunlight filtering able to witness and appreciate the beauty of snow
through the puffy clouds. I watched on as the colours and the joy it brought to me and my family during our
vacation in Seoul.
82 WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL | YEARBOOK 2018
Write about an unforgettable experience
while you were on vacation with your family.
Written By: Sai Hein Fa, 2C, 2018
T he first thing I heard was a continuous beep and, later, a paths and hid behind something large; for me, a tree. As
chime-like alarm. I opened my eyes to see that it was my the trucks stopped moving, I heard the ‘click’ sound of a car
two alarm clocks on a bedside table; a watch and my personal door opening and, taking a quick glance, saw several people
mobile phone. 7 a.m., both alarms read on their screens. I shut waring torn clothes and holding guns and knives. One of the
the alarms of both items off before struggling to wake up from men ordered the others to search the area for something, but
the comfortable and cushioned bed that I had immediately I did not understand as they might have been speaking their
dozed off on last night. My parents and I had arrived in Bhutan own language. Then, I knew that they were poachers. Tour
yesterday for a memorable vacation during the June holidays. guide David had warned us about them on the bus. As I took
After I washed up, I went out of my room, which was part of the another quick glance, I saw one of the men heading towards
hotel room my parents booked, to find that both my parents my hiding spot.
had finished washing up at the same time as I had, even
though I had woken up later than them. “Oh, please don’t capture me. Please,” I thought, as the
footsteps of the poacher came closer. He was already a few
“Son, remember that we’ll be leaving the hotel at 8 a.m. steps behind me when, suddenly, the sound of marching
for our nature tour that will start at 8.30 a.m., alright?” my boots filled the air and I heard the poacher leading shouting
father reminded. I gave a slight nod to him. As our family something and the men, including the one heading towards
walked out and locked the hotel room door behind us, we my hiding spot, ran back to their truck. Then, I realised what
headed for the restaurant on the tallest level by taking the was also happening: tour guide David had also said that the
lift. As we entered the lift, we saw a few other tourists waiting Bhutanese soldiers were serious about their wildlife and
inside as the lift went higher. It was so crowded that everyone their goal was to also protect and preserve all wildlife in their
had to free as much space as possible. Finally, as the lift natural habitats. Before I could think more, I heard shots of
reached the tallest level and the door opened, we were greeted gunfire as the poachers fled from the oncoming gunfire from
by an aromatic and fragrant smell of different varieties of food. the wildlife soldiers. As they escaped, I took the chance to run
back to the trail, never seeing the rare animal again.
As we walked out of the lift, we saw different delicacies,
ranging from Western to East Asian to local food, being I ran as fast as I could, with my heart beating as fast as
displayed proudly in large trays heated by a blue flame the sound of a horse galloping. The forest around me passed
underneath. The delicious treats awaiting us were in a variety in a flash before my very eyes. Not long after, I heard an
of colours, from the mix of green, red and purple of the Caesar echo of voices. They were calling my name. That must be my
salad to the plain, dark brown of the chicken sausages. As my parents finding me, thinking that I got lost and scared. I ran
parents and I chose our picks, we were also mindful to choose towards the direction of the calling voices. Finally, I saw the
which looked undamaged and were healthy. Then, we began people calling me.
to dig in.
“Mom! Dad! I’m sorry for running away. I though I had
After we ate, we left the restaurant, took the slow and seen something in the forest and I chased it, but then I saw
slightly suffocating elevator ride, and went back to our some poachers,” I apologised. My parents, instead of scolding
room for some important items, including insect repellents, me, held me closely and told me how worried they were.
umbrellas and so on. When we finished, we left our hotel room, Then, tour guide David questioned, “Wait, what’s that thing
locked it, headed downstairs to the counter and handed it to on your shoe?” I looked at my shoe, only to find that there
the old and friendly woman manning the counter for safe- was a tuft of fur on it. David carefully took it from my shoes
keeping. As we hailed a taxi to the meeting point, the tour and inspected it, saying, “I’ve never seen this before.” At that
agency, I looked outside the dirty car window to see different moment, his eyes lit up. He continued, “I think he has found a
aspects of urbanisation, some small shops and open-air new species.”
markets as the taxi whizzed by. Not long after, we reached the
tour agency. When we reached the hotel, and unlocked our room, I
quickly went for a shower and after that, I quickly went for
We were trekking through the nature park, which had a a shower and after that, I went to use the laptop my father
mix of putrid and scented smells. We had taken the tour bus of had brought along on the trop. For nearly an hour, thanks
our tour group from the city centre to the outskirts of the city, to the slow wi-fi connection in the hotel, I managed to find
totalling nearly three hours. As we walked, I realised that the what looked like a similar animal on the internet with an
air was getting colder. Our tour guide, David, seemed to notice extinct date: “c. 2000, unconfirmed”. This could mean that
our confusion and explained, “Even though the time of the either I had rediscovered a species, or I could have found a
year is summer and the low-lying cities are warm, the nature sub-species that was a cross-breed. Luckily, my guess was
parks stay cool all year round, thanks to the evaporation of confirmed the next day; my parents and I headed back to the
water from some plants, the elevated height and much more.” tour agency and they said I might have found a new sub-
species.
As I was walking behind my parents, I noticed a set of ears
poke out of the grass on my left flank, but soon disappeared From this vacation, I learnt that the Earth is always
without a trace. I knew that I had to follow and find out what changing, from increased poaching to even new or extinct
animal it was. When no one was looking, I strayed out of the species found. Every action we do is either a boon or a bane
group in search of the animal. As I searched and searched, I to the Earth, and that we also know that knowledge is always
saw the same set of ears again, but this time the animal raised changing. Adults we meet emphasise on the meaning of
its head up to look at me. It looked like it was a small deer-rat- climate change, global warming and how our Earth can be
like animal but with some distinct features. However, before I affected positively, like recycling and reusing, or negatively,
could look further, I heard the sound of trucks. using unnecessary items and contributing to pollution. This
had really been a memorable vacation for me.
Upon hearing the sound, both the animal and I split
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Our Classes
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, MDM. FAUZANA ISMAIL
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