WS Yearbook 2019

STRATEGIC THRUST 2:

LEARNING
EXCELLENCE

WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2019

AESTHETICS (ART AND MUSIC)

Key Appointment Holder: SH/Aesthetics-Ms Joyce Chia Keh Ling
Department Teachers: Mdm Seoh Siok Yin, Ms Alphonsine Koh, Mrs
Grace Wong Yan Lei, Ms Carita Chew, Mr David Chang
Key Programmes
The aesthetics department aims to inculcate a passion for the arts and
art appreciation amongst students and to allow them to gain exposure
to the local art scene. In our Art Education Learning Journey, students
went to the Singapore Art Museum to develop an appreciation of the
heritage building and the artworks exhibited by local and international
artists.
The Aesthetics and Music programme allowed students to experience
an exciting year in 2019 with a variety of activities both inside and
outside of school. The highlights were:
• Various learning journeys to watch performances outside of school

eg. Phantom of the Opera, Aladdin, piano concerts and jazz concerts.
• A n interesting curriculum which include the use of Ipads, keyboards

and more.
• A wide range of partners are engaged for assembly programmes,

including *SCAPE Singapore.
There was also the Aesthetics Week Concert (Best Springs) where
our Best Springs talent search was conducted. This was a performing
platform to showcase students with the interests and inclinations for
the performing arts.

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WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2019

COMPUTER APPLICATIONS

Key Appointment Holders: HOD /ICT-Mdm Sherry Liew , SH/Chem:
Mdm Koh Caihua
Department Teachers: Mdm Nur Aishah Abdul Rahman, Ms Annie Lee
Hwee Ling, Mdm Khairunnisa Zainal
Department Support Staff: Mr Syed Aliff (Desktop Engineer), Mr
Mathew Simon (Desktop Engineer)
Key Programmes
Besides being equipped with Microsoft Office skills, our CPA curriculum
involves students learning the various programmes:
1) Computer Fundamentals
2) Block-based Coding
3) Digital Drawing
4) MS Office Skills
Achievements for 2019
• National Media Computing Competition 2019

Gold Award Winner of Secondary 2 Animation Category: Guan
Jiahong (2G)
Bronze Award Winner of Secondary 3 Game-Making Category:
Ryan Ho Yan Xing (3G)

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WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2019

DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

Key Appointment Holder: HOD/D&T-Mr Wong Weng Heng
Department Teachers: Mr Robert Teoh Hok Huat, Mr Chandrasekaran
Sockalingam, Mr Lye Kok Hwa, Mr Ricky Yeo
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 Workshop for Sec 3 students at Nanyang
Polytechnic, Design projects in preparation for coursework

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WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2019

ELEMENTS OF BUSINESS SKILLS

Key Appointment Holder: SH/ICT-Mrs Shelia Wang
Department Teachers: Mr Seah Hock Sing, Mr Wade Wang
Achievements and Highlights of 2019
• 11 Sec 3 EBS students completed and achieved the SHATEC Basic

Food Hygiene Certification.
• 3 Sec 3 EBS students participated in the 5-day Marine Youth

Ambassador programme at SEA Aquarium in June 2019. They got
to interact with visitors at the SEA Aquarium and spread the message
of marine conservation.
• 4 Sec 3 EBS students participated in the Formula One Work Experience
Programme at Mandarin Oriental hotel. Through working in the
different departments in the hotel, they got to appreciate what a luxury
hotel does to meet the various needs and wants of the hotel guests.

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WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2019

ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE

Key Appointment Holders: HOD/ELL-Mdm Nora Shahriya, AYH/Sec
3-Ms Veronica Aw, SH/ICT-Mrs Shelia Wang, SH/CCE-Mr Md. Fadzly
Samsuri, ST/EL-Mdm Fauzana Ismail
Department Teachers: Mdm Chan Mei Ping Sarah, Mdm Fu Jilang,
Mdm Khairunnisa Faiqah, Mdm Loke Wei May, Mdm Revathi Rengasamy,
Mdm Shobana Nadaraja, Mdm Siti Norahan Mokhtar , Mdm Wong Yan
Lei Grace, Mr Low Wei Jing Zachary , Mr Mohamed Munir Mohamed
Ismail, Mr Tan Tuck Heng Israel, 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
Highlights for 2019
• National Schools Literature Festival 2019

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WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2019

HUMANITIES

Key Appointment Holders: HOD/Humanities-Ms Siti Zamiara Saripi,
SH/History-Mr Wu Zonglun, AYH/1-Ms Nurhafizahtunnisa Haris, LH/
CCE-Mr Mohd Fadzly Samsuri, ST/SS-Mrs Cheryl Liew
Department Teachers: Mdm Catherine Lee, Mr Emmanuel, Mr Gabriel
Wong, Ms Harliany Hairon, Ms Jasmine Kao, Ms Lydia Tang, Mdm Loke
Wei May, Ms Norhayati Md. Jasni, Mdm Ruhaiza Hasan, Ms Shobana
Nadaraja, Mr Timothy Teh, Ms Yvonne Lee Wei Xin, Mr Zachary Low

Key Programmes
Humanities Week 15 - 19 July 2019
A series of activities were conducted such as the Design of National
Costume challenge for every class. Within the classroom, there
were more fun filled activities in order to instill the joy of learning
in Humanities. For Secondary 3 students, they underwent Student
Journalism known as the Humanities Herald in order to investigate
and discuss social issues in Singapore.

Geographical Investigation Experiential Learning 6 - 8 May 2019
In this project, students seek to understand the function of a reservoir
built within a neighbourhood. They will observe how the surface run-
off within the Bt Panjang neighbourhood flows into Pang Sua Pond
and how access water from Pang Sua Pond flows into Upper Seletar
Reservoir and Kranji Reservoir. The macro picture of this interaction
between Man and the environment is how human activities can pollute
this water body, hence affecting the larger water bodies in Singapore
and eventually affecting the amount of water available for all of us.
Students conducted water tests (to check on the turbidity of the water,
level of dissolved oxygen and pH level), all of which are indicators of
water quality. In their science lessons, students work in groups to
produce water filtration system prototypes.

Weather and Climate Investigation
A study of the local weather around the school to see which is the best
venue for a cafe to be built.

Historical Investigation 2019
22 - 24 April Sec 1
26 - 28 March Sec 2

A series of investigations have to be completed in order for students
to find out more about certain topics at hand. Students learn on their
own through inquiry-based learning by exploring places such as the
National Museum and Old Fort Factory.

Highlights for 2019
• Sharing for W5 and W6 schools

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WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2019

MATHEMATICS

Key Appointment Holders: HOD/Math-Mdm Ong Yee Ting Melissa,
SH/Math-Ms Koh Wei Xin Sharon, 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 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,
Mr Ng Yong Heng, Mrs Tan Hoi Hoon
Key Programmes
• S1 Interdisciplinary Trail
• S1NT Kite-flying Mathematics Trail
• S2Exp/NA Algebra Workshop
• S2Exp Geogebra Workshop
• S4/5 Ngee Ann Polytechnic Mathematics Challenge
Highlights for 2019
• S4/5 Ngee Ann Polytechnic Mathematics Challenge

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WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2019

MOTHER TONGUE (CHINESE LANGUAGE)

Key Appointment Holders: HOD/MTL-Mrs Doris Chong, AYH/4-Mdm
Teo Chu Yue
Department Teachers: Mdm Liu Dongmei, Mdm Wang Xiufang, Mdm
Jacinthia Loh, Ms Lim Wan Xin, Ms Tong Huimin, Mr Goh Se U, Mr Chua
Hoe Seng, Mdm Chen Suzhen, Ms Law Khai Lee, MsTeo Song En
Key Programmes
• Enrichment Programmes

- Videography course for 1HCL students
- Journalism course for 2HCL students
• MTL Fortnight Activities
- Chinese Cultural Programme for Lower Sec
- Chinese Amazing Race for Sec 2 classes
- Chinese Language Challenges for Upper Sec
- Chinese Chess Competition for all students
- Learning Journey for Sec 3 classes
• Chinese New Year Celebration
- Chinese New Year Inter-class competition for all classes
Achievements and Highlights for 2019
• Achieved Third Prize in “Create Your Own Newspaper ”Competition
organised by Lianhe Zaobao & Xinmin Sec School (3HCL)
• Participated in National Chinese Short Film Competition (1HCL)
• Participated in National Creative Story Writing Competition (2HCL)

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WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2019

MOTHER TONGUE (MALAY LANGUAGE)

Key Appointment Holder: SH/ML-Ms Noor Faezah Bte Noor Aziz
Department Teachers: Mdm Misliana Bte Roslinor, Ms Nur Liyana Bte
Osman, Mdm Nur Alinah Bte Ali
Key Programmes
• Department Niche: Cooperative Learning Strategies
• Secondary 1 Language and Cultural Immersion Programme to

Pulau Ubin
• S econdary 2 Media Literacy Learning Journey to the SPH Newsroom
• Secondary 3 ECG Learning Journey to JPJC for the MLEP Graduation

Ceremony & Wisuda
• Performance
• Secondary 3 Overseas Language and Cultural Immersion Programme

to Johor, Malaysia
• S econdary 4 & 5 ECG Learning Journey to RI for the 2019 Youth Seminar
• Mother Tongue Fortnight Programme: 2019 Theme - Malay Traditional

Wedding
Achievements and Highlights for 2019
• Hari Raya Concert and Collaboration with Orkestra Sri Temasek
• National Day cum Hari Raya Haji VIA Activity and Collaboration with

Community Pantry @ Assyakirin
• R akan Bahasa (Language Ambassadors) Appointment for the 2019

National Malay Language Month (Secondary 3)
• Participation: Interschool NJC 3T Translation Competition (Secondary

4 & 5)
• P articipation: National Infographic Competition for the Malay

Language Finesse Project (Secondary 2)
• P articipation: Interschool Sahibba (Scrabble) Competition (Secondary 3)

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WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2019

NUTRITION AND FOOD SCIENCE

Key Appointment Holder: ST/FCS-Mdm Selena Samat
Department Teachers: Mdm Puspawati Rosli, Ms Sri Wirdaningsih Subari
Department Support Staff (Lab Assistant): Ms Mardiana Sidi
Key Programmes
• P roject Work Sec 1 – Creating Nutrition Games in groups of fours.

Students brainstorm and create Nutrition Games for their peers as
a fun way to review nutrition topics learnt.
• S ec 2 – Breakfast Dish using Batter in pairs. Students were tasked to use
‘My Healthy Plate’ as a nutritional tool to create healthy and attractive
breakfast dish using either thin or thick batter for young children.
Peer-evaluation and self-evaluation in the form of reflection logs
helped students identify their strengths and areas for improvement.
• Exchange Programme: A group of Sec 2 FCE students led their buddies
from various schools in Hong Kong in preparing and making of local
dessert, Coconut Crepes or locally known as Kueh Dadar
• Learning Journey for Sec 3 F&N students. Sec 3 students embarked
on a Learning Journey to Kampung Glam to discover the vibrant food
scene available there. The learning journey showed the diversity and
richness of Singapore Food Culture.
• A ppreciation Day FCE students decorated and presented a sewn pouch
to a person who has touched their lives to show their appreciation
to them.

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WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2019

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 (PE), Mr Wang Wade
Fengyin (PE), Mr Soh Sim Lian (PE)Department Support Staff (SPE):
Ms Nurul Ain Md Sukhaimi
Key Programmes
• Secondary One Resilience Camp @ Jalan Bahtera
• Secondary Two Resilience Camp @ Sarimbun
• Secondary Three @ Outward Bound School
• WSSS X-Country
• WSSS Sports Day Inter-Class Games for all levels
• Sports Enrichment Programme (Post Exam Activities)

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WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2019

PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTS

Key Appointment Holder: Subject Coordinator-Mrs Charlotte Koh
Department Teachers: Mrs Juliet Tan, Mr Tan Tiong Chuan
Key Programmes
• P roject Work Sec 3: To research the types of non-current assets and

source documents in the business world.
• Structured Remedial Consultation Secondary 3, 4 and 5
• National Accounting Quiz 2019 @Ngee Ann Polytechnic. Students

from Sec 4A participated in the Accounting Maze organised by Ngee
Ann Polytechnic. The students are Kua Lu Yi Lois, Reayun Tan, Toh
Jing Ni Ceritz, Kephas Sim Jing En and Leong Kah Weng.

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WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2019

SCIENCE

Key Appointment Holders: SH/Chemistry-Mdm Koh Caihua , SH/
Physics-Mr Chan Zhenrong, HOD/CCE-Mr Fauroni Sukhaimi, LH/
Guidance-Ms Priscilla Yu Mei Yi , AYH/1-Mdm Siti Anisah A Rahim, ST/
Biology-Mdm Ho Soo Yin
Department Teachers:
Physics Unit-Mr Mok Kai Fore, Mr Prakash s/o Radakrishna, Mr Ricky
Yeo Kar Wai, Mdm Wee Shu Ying
Chemistry Unit- Mdm Francoise Wong Foong Sin, Mdm Lim Shiyun
Gina, Mdm Nur Aishah Abdul Rahman, Mdm Sharena Mohamed, Mr
Siow Gim Onn
Biology Unit-Mr Colin Teo Eu Leng, Ms Dolly Khoo Xuan, Ms Evelyn Tan
Poh Yun, Mdm Ivy Liew Wei Xinm, Mr Mohamed Munir Bin Mohamed
Ismail, Ms Ong Shi Chi, Mdm Zhou Siyang
Department Support Staff (Laboratory Staff): TSO-Mdm Irene
Tan Leng Leng, TSO-Mrs Goh Swee Ing, OSO-Mdm Amuthavali D/O
Kuppusamy Sukhaimi

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WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2019

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 2018 graduates all the best in
their future endeavours!

HOMECOMING 2018

It was a day of reminiscing the past and making
connections for the future. The first for West
Spring where alumni from previous cohorts,
and not just the most recently graduated one
were invited back to celebrate and reflect on
their journeys so far. The band treated the
audience to a wonderful performance that
roused and evoked fond memories of their
time at West Spring. The bonds created and
rekindled lives up to the adage ‘Once a West
Spring student, always a West Spring student!’

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WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2019

SCHOOL EXCELLENCE AWARDS CEREMONY

The 18th 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!

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WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2019
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WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2019

MATHEMATICS & HUMANITIES
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING JOURNEY

Finding commonalities, integrating efforts,
enhancing learning: this is the purpose of the
Secondary One Experiential Learning. The
collaboration between the Geography, Science
and Mathematics departments to enhance
how students learn these three subjects was
truly a memorable experience for the students
involved.

Taking a trip to Pang Sua Pond and learning
the functions of a reservoir built within a
neighbourhood allowed students to see
for themselves the intricate workings of a
reservoir and how Man interacts with the
environment. They appreciate how human
activities can pollute water bodies, hence
affecting the water available to us.

Students conducted Geographical
Investigations into the turbidity of the water,
the levels of dissolved oxygen and pH levels
– all indicators of water quality. They then
went on to produce water filtration system
prototypes in their Science lessons. They used
their Mathematical knowledge to calculate
the perimeter and estimated volume of water.
The combination of these allowed them to
see how each subject correlates with others
and the links they can draw helped them to
understand the relevance of what they are
learning in class.

The whole experience allowed students to
gain awareness of the techniques involved in
obtaining drinking water from non-portable
sources, and how the water quality affects
aquatic life. This truly reflects learning in the
real world.

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WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2019

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 National Costume
Design Competition where students created
the most unique and innovative costume the
represents the Singaporean identity.

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WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2019

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 were
organised to encourage participation,
appreciation and the Joy of Learning!

ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND
LITERATURE 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 online
quizzes. Many more students participated in
Scrabble QR Code Grammar Quiz and Pohto
Caption Competition thus having more joy in
the learning of English Language!

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WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2019

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 learned to
conduct research into topics that interest
them and to validate the information they
have found online. They advocated ideals
and ideas they believe in and presented these
through oral and media platforms.

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WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2019

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 attended workshops on mental skills,
sports nutrition, peak performance and injury
and recovery. With better knowledge of their
bodies and the sports they participated in,
students made better decisions and did better
in their sporting pursuits.

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WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2019

CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS

Chinese New Year celebrations in the school is
almost always accompanied by Festive Drums
& Guzheng performance which becomes the
highlight of the event. The class parties also
strengthened the bonds between classmates
as students learnt about the Chinese culture
and practices.

HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI CELEBRATIONS

This year, our school collaborated with Orkestra
Sri Temasek for the Hari Raya Concert and
Celebrations. Students were introduced to
the various types of Malay music, traditional
Malay instruments and sang along to Hari
Raya songs. Our Secondary One students
also put up a short skit on the importance
of maintaining good family ties and building
positive friendships. The concert concluded
with a dance performance and a sing along
session with our West Spring staff and students.

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WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2019

SEC 4/5 VALEDICTION CEREMONY

Our graduating 2019 batch were treated to an
afternoon of recollection and sharing of thanks
and appreciation. 4 student valedictorians
shared on their respective journeys in West
Spring and gave thanks to their friends and
teachers for the experiences they have gained
and valuable guidance they have received.

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WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2019

INTER-CLASS GAMES (SEC 1 - 5)

The Inter-Class Games were always highly
anticipated by our students. They got to
compete against other classes, while building
camaraderie, teamwork and sportsmanship
at the same time.

ELECTIVE MODULES AND ADVANCED
ELECTIVE MODULES

Our students learnt useful skills through
the various Elective Module and Advanced
Elective Module workshops they attended.
They learned in a different environment
and could see the relevance of their current
learning to the real world. They also found out
more about the courses that are available in
these tertiary institutions.

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WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2019

CROSS COUNTRY 2019

SPORTS DAY 2019

An event always looked forward to by staff
and students alike, this year, it was held at
the Bukit Gombak Stadium. Everyone was
involved in competitive and non-competitive
events and the sun that was beating down did
not drain anyone’s spirits. It was a glorious
day for a fun time out in the sun!

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WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2019

VISIT BY TAIWAN XINKE
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

A day of interaction and learning awaited
our visitors from Shanghai and 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.
Taiwan students also played amazing race
with our students and interacted well with one
another. Our students will be visiting Taiwan
Schools in 2020 as part of the exchange.

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STRATEGIC THRUST 3:

STAFF
EXCELLENCE

WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2019

5MS, PH SESSIONS & LEARNING FESTIVAL

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.

GRADUATION OF BEGINNING TEACHERS

Two of our teachers this year graduated from the National Institute of Education. They are Mr
Timothy Teh Kar Keong, a Geography and Social Studies teacher, and Ms Ivy Kerk, a Science
Biology teacher. Congratulations and welcome to the teaching fraternity!

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WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2019

STAFF MOE LONG SERVICE AWARDS &
NATIONAL DAY AWARDS

We would like to congratulate the following
staff on achieving the MOE Long Service
Awards:
5 years with MOE
Mr Chandrasekaran s/o Sockalingam
Ms Revathi d/o Rengasamy
Ms Sri Wirdaningsih Binte Subari
Ms Tong Hui Min
Mr Wong Qi Hao, Gabriel
Mdm Wong Yan Lei, Grace
10 years with MOE
Mdm Au Qin Yi, Veronica
Mdm Teo Chu Yue
Mdm Zhou Siyang
15 years with MOE
Mdm Lee Yin Ping, Catherine
Mdm Loh Yan Luan, Jacinthia
Mdm Nur Alinah Bte Ali
20 years with MOE
Mdm Ong Yee Ting, Melissa
25 years with MOE
Mdm Selena Bte Samat
35 years with MOE
Mr Liu Mun Kang
MOE Service Excellence Award 2019
Silver Award to Ms Melissa Tong
The Commendation Medal 2019
Mr Kok Yeong Haur

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WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2019

STAFF BONDING ACTIVITIES & STAFF
WORKSHOP AND LEARNING JOURNEY

An exciting staff bonding session was held
at the year-end where teachers and the staff
of the school went on a Learning Journey to
The Learning Forest at Singapore Botanical
Gardens. Our teachers and staff participated in
various games at designated stations such as
2 Truths, 1 Lie and Broken Charade. They had
a great time being creative, moving those tired
muscles and laughing at each other’s antics!
The learning journey also included a staff
workshop where West Spring staff discussed
and re-think the strategies to make further
improvements to staff competencies and to
allow for more student voice in moving the
school forward.

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WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2019

TEACHERS’ DAY CELEBRATIONS

“The Movies” was the theme for this year’s
Teachers’ Day celebrations. Dressed as their
favourite movie characters, 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
2019 yet another wonderful year!

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WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2019

OUR TEACHERS AND STAFF

COMPUTER
APPLICATIONS
AND ELEMENTS OF
BUSINESS SKILLS

DESIGN AND
TECHNOLOGY,
NUTRITION AND
FOOD SCIENCE

AND ART

ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE

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WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2019

HUMANITIES

MATHEMATICS &
PRINCIPLES OF
ACCOUNTS

MOTHER TONGUE
LANGUAGE

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PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND MUSIC

SCIENCE

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EXECUTIVE AND ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
SCHOOL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

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STUDENTS’
ESSAYS

WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2019

A MEMORABLE INCIDENT THAT
HAPPENED IN SCHOOL

by Kimberly Chew Zi Qi,1B

It was the first day of school for me as a secondary school classmates and telling them which position each of us
student of West Spring Secondary School. I stepped into should stand. Therefore, we were actually given a chance
the school gate with butterflies in my stomach, feeling to speak to our classmates. Apart from the game, we also
extremely nervous. I bade goodbye to my parents and played the game “Dictionary”. We needed to guess what
walked towards the multi-purpose hall under the Indoor our classmates were drawing on the small whiteboard in
Sports Hall where I saw many unfamiliar faces. My heart order to score points for the class.
started to palpitate wildly as I saw my new classmates A while later, it was time for us to head back to the school
and form teachers. The teachers took our attendance hall. The seniors were told to introduce the school’s
before we went up to the hall. After that, we went up to our cheer to us. They introduced it to us by saying out the
classroo Ms In class, our teachers taught us how to create cheer themselves first. Then, we tried saying the cheer
our nametags for our subject teachers to memorise our out together as a level. The cheer that we recited was
names more easily. We also met our subject teachers on actually quite resounding and clear, unlike at the start
the first day. They shared with us more about themselves of the orientation when most of us were shy and did not
and the subjects that they would be teaching us. dare to speak up. At the end of the orientation, most of us
After a long day in school, the entire secondary one level became more open and comfortable with one another. I
attended an orientation event. This event is one of the walked out of the school gate with a sense of relief and
most interesting events that happened in school so far satisfaction. I felt satisfied with myself as I was able to make
as I had learnt many things from it. The orientation event some new friends and know more about my classmates.
was planned and conducted by some of the secondary I felt that this event was important as it had allowed me to
three seniors. Our teachers told us that they had spent a know my classmates better. It was also a meaningful and
lot of time and effort planning it for us. The orientation memorable event as many of us were given the opportunity
event was mainly split up into three parts. to communicate with our new classmates. Hence, we were
At the start of the event, we were told to sit in a circle and able to make many new friends. From this event, I had
introduce ourselves. We introduced ourselves by sharing learnt that having unity and teamwork as a class is very
with our classmates our hobbies and the things we like important. When we tried forming letters as a class, we
doing. Since everyone just knew one another and was very faced many difficulties, especially when forming letters
shy, most of us spoke very softly. Our seniors encouraged us that were more challenging. During this time, my class did
by telling us to speak up loudly and be more comfortable not give up. Instead, we persevered and tried to re-arrange
with each other as the class would be spending the next ourselves again. We engaged in teamwork and developed
two years together. After the introduction, we played unity and resilience together as a class. I felt that this class
games like “Blow Wind Blow” and “The hamburger”. We spirit is very unique and essential. Without unity, we will
got to know our classmates better through these games. not be able to overcome many difficulties and obstacles.
It was also a great time for bonding. We will also be defeated by these difficulties very easily.
Next, the seniors brought us around the school for a school Although the orientation was just a one day event, it would
tour. They introduced different parts of the school to us in be forever etched in my mind as it taught me many things.
order to let us know the environment of the school better. This is indeed an unforgettable and memorable incident
Besides the school tour, we also played games at different that would remain vivid in my memory for a long time.
places of the school. For example, we tried forming letters
given by our seniors using our bodies. I felt that this game
was extremely meaningful and brilliant as when we formed
the letters, we needed to communicate by talking to our

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WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2019

WRITE ABOUT AN OCCASION WHEN YOUR
IMPRESSION OF SOMEONE CHANGED
AFTER YOU SPENT TIME INTERACTING WITH
HIM OR HER. DESCRIBE THE LESSONS
LEARNT FROM THIS EXPERIENCE.

by Mavis Chong, 2C

“Look at that look she has on her face. She’s always so proud me. However, after talking to her, I found out that she was not
of herself!” I remarked to my best friend, Mary. such a bad person like everyone else had thought. Lindy was
just an average student like us who had simply worked harder
Mary, too, was extremely annoyed with the top scorers of the than everyone else to achieve what she wanted. From then on,
class, Lindy. Our class had just received our marks for the class my impression of her changed completely.
test that we recently took. Of course, just like everyone had
expected, Lindy topped the class once again. What irritated Ever since that incident, I learned that we should not judge a
me the most was the smug look that she always had after book by its cover. The way we look at someone and think of
knowing her results. them may not really be how they are actually like. We should
not let what we assume get the best of us as what we assume
I sighed in exhaustion for the umpteenth time, glancing at the of someone may not always be true. Sometimes, the way a
stack of files I had been carrying for the past twenty minutes, person acts may have reasons behind it that the person does
making sure that they did not fall off my arms that were numb not want us to know. Similarly, Lindy had reasons for always
and sore. Mary had just gone home and I was still half way being the top of the class.
through my journey back home. My shoulders hurt from the
pressure of my heavy school bag. Just then, a teenage boy Likewise, although someone may seem to be rude and impolite
came sprinting in my direction. In a split second, he bumped most of the time, they might actually be sweet and kind on the
into me, causing me to loosen my grip on the files. The teenage inside. Some of us may always seem rough and ill-mannered
boy bowed apologetically before running off. Bending down to because we want to appear strong in front of others. No one
pick up my files, I spotted someone who knelt down beside me wants to look weak and be bullied or judged.
and lent me a helping hand. It was Lindy. What was she doing
here? I wondered. In addition, I also learned that to achieve something that you
want, you should always put in effort for it. If no effort or work is
After thanking her multiple times, Lindy gave me a warm smile put in, there will absolutely be no progress of gaining or achieving
before handing the files back to me. It turned out that she lived it. Lindy had put in her best effort and worked extremely hard
nearby as well. We sat down at a bench not far away from us to to score well in her examinations just so that she could satisfy
chat and she shared with me about her strict parents. She said her parents and convince them that she was capable of taking
that if she did not top the class in any examination, she would care of a dog on top of her studies.
not be able to get a pet dog that she had been wishing for ever
since she was a child. As a result, she worked really hard day Overall, through this unforgettable experience, many lessons
and night to satisfy her parent’s desires as she hated the idea were learnt and my interaction with Lindy made me reflect
of disappointing them. on my past actions of how I had used to judge her based on
how she had seemed. Now, my impression of her has changed
“I know that many classmates dislike me because of my reaction completely – I now think that she is actually a very hardworking
to my results…but that is just me displaying my happiness at and helpful girl who works really hard to achieve what she wants.
being one step closer to be able to get a pet dog,” she had said.

Because of Lindy’s apparent snobbishness, many students had
avoided her and refused to make friends with her, including

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WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2019

WRITE ABOUT AN OCCASION WHEN
YOU HAD TO COMPLETE A GROUP
ASSIGNMENT. DESCRIBE THE LESSONS
LEARNT FROM THIS EXPERIENCE.

by Ian Ng, 2C

It was the start of the term and our teacher had introduced how to do some simple editing and many more. However,
to us a new subject called “Applied Learning Project” besides learning some skills, I also picked up a few vital
or “ALP” for short. This year, we had to come up with a values that would put me in good stead for life. For
project about our neighbourhood. We had to act out a example, when our group members had different ideas
skit and interview the residents in the neighbourhood on what to do, we eventually went along with the idea
and ask them a few questions. We formed groups of four that had the most votes. We did this because we believed
and started our work immediately. that some of us had to just give in and compromise in one
Our group leader, Jasper, said that we should interview way or another for the greater good of the group. If some
the elderly while the other two members in our group of us had not given in and had started arguing instead, it
thought that we should interview the people working in would not have done anyone any good and would have
the neighbourhood. However, I thought that we should just caused rifts in the team. The argument would then be
interview the students in the neighbourhood. As such, never-ending. Through this experience, I learned that we
we all had different ideas and could not decide which should give and take when we think of the greater good
interviewee profile to work with. In the end, we decided and the bigger picture at hand.
to go with the idea of interviewing people who work in the In addition, I also Iearnt about determination and teamwork
neighbourhood as there were more people who supported through this experience. Although none of us knew how
this particular idea as compared to the rest. to edit videos at first, we put all our heart and soul into
During the course of carrying out our project, we met learning how to do it well, such as taking the initiative
another obstacle along the way as we all did not have any to consult our teacher and sacrificing our personal time
idea of, or experience with, editing the videos. As this was to learn the skill. We were extremely determined and
new to all of us, we were at a loss and did not know what through hard work, we overcame the odds! We were
to do. However, we had no choice but to learn together as even complimented by the teacher for displaying such
a group. We approached our ALP teacher for ideas on how a high-quality video. I felt elated as I thought that this
to get started while other groups were already halfway was a huge breakthrough for us, given that we had failed
done with their editing. Terrified and worried that we countless times prior to that. What mattered most was
would not be able to complete our work on time, our group that we had managed to get back up and learn from our
put in our 101% focus on editing our work even though it mistakes and correct them. For instance, when one of
was tough. Eventually, slowly but surely, we managed to our members did something wrongly, the others would
catch up with the other groups and submitted our final encourage him to try again and do better, rather than
product before the deadline. This was all thanks to our blaming him for doing it wrongly.
group’s great chemistry and determination throughout As I look back at this experience, I am really thankful
the journey. towards the school for arranging such a special and fruitful
Through this experience of implementing our ALP project, programme for us, and I look forward to learning more life
I have learned many things such as how to hold a camera lessons from other similar projects in the future.
properly, what was a good angle to film a certain scene,

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WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2019

WRITE ABOUT AN OCCASION WHEN
YOU LEARNT A NEW SKILL. DESCRIBE
THE LESSONS LEARNT FROM THIS
EXPERIENCE.

by Justin Choo, 2C

Thunder roared in the vast horizon as grey ominous clouds spread warmth to make our environment and community
slowly loomed overhead. Rain droplets pelted on the a positive place to live in. Even if the person in need is a
damaged make-shift roof of our miniature shelter that complete stranger whom you are unfamiliar with, they
we had scavenged from a nearby pile of materials. It was will be more than grateful to receive your help when you
the annual camp for the graduating classes in my primary are showing kindness to them and this definitely helps
school. We were having an outdoor activity where we had make our world a nicer place to live in.
to create a fire and cook a meal using materials provided In addition, I have also gained more knowledge on the
by the instructors. Sadly, rain clouds had formed and value of teamwork. When we were scrambling around
we had to take immediate shelter. However, the nearest looking for materials to create our make-shift tent, we
shelter was too far away for anyone to seek hence the were each assigned roles by our group leader to collect
instructors on duty had tasked us to create a make-shift certain materials that were required to build the shelter.
shelter using the materials and a few pieces of rope. This enabled us to work faster than other groups in making
It was then that we realised that none of us knew how to tie the shelter and we thus managed to seek shelter quickly
a knot to hold up the make-shift tent and its walls! We were as well.
in a bit of a pickle. My group members started frantically Furthermore, I have also learnt how to tie multiple types
scrambling with the rope in hopes that it would magically of knots now which will enable me to help myself or others
tie itself but to no avail. It was then that we realised there in any situation that requires knot tying. Even when we
was no hope – we were going to get drenched in the rain! did not know how to tie the knot, we had resilience in
At that moment, like a good Samaritan, an instructor had not giving up and kept on trying even if it had meant
sensed our distress and offered us his assistance. He tied failure. We gave it our all and every group member was
the rope with such ease that it seemed as if it had tied responsible in playing his or her part in making our shelter
itself the moment he touched it. He then proceeded to a successful one even if it had meant getting drenched as
cramp together with us under our make-shift shelter like a a team. We worked extremely hard as a group to persevere
pack of sardines. Deftly, he instructed each and every one and eventually, our labour bore fruits. We had all learnt
of our group members how to tie a knot and the different how to tie knots!
varieties of knots that one could make.

From that incident which I can still remember really Last but not least, through this encounter, I experienced
clearly till the present day, I have learnt that we should kindness first-hand and I now try my best to pass on that
be kind to others and help them in need because when kindness to those around me, be it my family, friends or
you have difficulties, they will help you back. It is really a stranger in the hopes that they too, will pass it on and
important to be kind to everyone around us and help make our world a better and kinder place to live in.

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WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2019

FAIRY TALES CAN CARRY POWERFUL
MESSAGES. WHICH FAIRY TALE HAS BEEN
THE MOST INFLUENTIAL IN SHAPING YOUR
ATTITUDE TOWARDS LIFE?

by Aretha Ong, 4C

Fairty tales can carry powerful messages and I personally positives and not complaining about the negatives, life
agree with this statement as one of my all-time favourite became simpler and easier to live.
fairy tale, Cinderella, has greatly shaped me to be who I am Last but certainly not the least, I have learnt from Cinderella
today. It has also shaped my attitude towards situations to be nice to everyone, no matter how badly they treat me
in life. because in the end, there really is no point in bearing a
This fairy tale has taught me to cherish every moment in grudge against someone for long. Even though Cinderella
life, as the saying, ‘Bibbi-di, poppi-di poof!’, everything can was treated badly by her own family members, she was still
just disappear in one second. In the fairytale, Cinderella nice to them and never once thought about evil schemes to
cherished every moment she had at the ball, and never harm them, despite them always finding despicable plans
once complained about the short amount of time she to harm her. Honestly, I am not the nicest person in the
was given to have her own freedom. She seized every world, in fact, I do have a bad temper and I lash out easily.
second of it, from exploring the castle, to dancing in the However, after watching Cinderella, her lovely personality
ball, and even having a chance to talk to the prince. Ever touched me and made me want to change myself for the
since I watched that fairytale, I learnt to be thankful and better. I used to get mad when people disregarded me and
to cherish every second of my life, as being thankful and did not listen to my opinions. After watching Cinderella,
grateful will bring about greater happiness in life, rather I have learnt to live my own life and be nice to others
than sulking and thinking about the what-ifs. regardless of how they would have treated me because it
Another key takeaway I have learnt from Cinderella is to is their own loss for being rude. The world will be a much
always smile and tolerate pain, rather than to complain better place even if just one person changes and tries to
and wish for a better life. When getting bullied and starved be nice to others around him or her. If no one is taking the
by her stepmother and stepsisters, she never once fought first step, then I will take the first step to change; after all
back or complained about her unfortunate life. Instead, the world is mine to change as well.
she kept quiet and obeyed them, as she knew there was In conclusion, yes, fairytales do bring about powerful
no point in fighting back because it will only bring more messages that influence lives. I am one living example of
harm than good. After watching Cinderella, I sympathized someone who has changed her attitude in life just from
with her and learnt to appreciate the things I have, and one fairytale she has loved ever since she was a child.
to not complain about those I do not have. When thrown “Have faith,” Cinderella would say, and “treat others the
with many chores to do, I have stopped complaining about way you want to be treated.” Cinderella really does have
the load, instead, I think about how neatly I can clean the a heart of gold and I am truly touched by her beautiful
house and how quickly I could do it. By focusing on the perspectives on life.

92

WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2019

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR
BIGGEST CHALLENGE TO ACHIEVING YOUR
DREAMS? HOW DO YOU THINK YOU CAN
OVERCOME IT?

by Soh Yu Xi, 5B

In my earnest opinion, I think that my greatest obstacles Another example would be the gifted Faith Ng, whose play
to my lifelong dream – to be a successful and renowned “Normal” touched the hearts of all teenagers in different
author – would be trying to gain recognition as an amateur streams in Singapore as well as gained global attention.
as well as my family. Therefore by giving my parents examples of renowned
Firstly, my family is an obstacle as like any other typical authors, I am showing them it is not impossible for writers
Singaporean family, they deem the profession of an author living in Singapore to only forever remain obscure; but is
as an occupation that will not help me financially, nor do also possible to thrive. Another way for me to overcome
they think that it is a stable one. Time and time again, they this would be to participate and win awards for writing
have consistently emphasised and highlighted the great globally so that I can prove that I have a future in writing.
importance of working in more reputable and favoured Secondly, in line to gaining recognition, I will, as
jobs, for instance as a lawyer or surgeon. Regardless of aforementioned, join and win international writing
my feelings, they always paint these occupations in an competitions but will also start by establishing myself
optimistic, glorious light and usually say that as long as as a writer at the Canadian company, Wattpad, famed
I am in these jobs, I will never have to know hardships, for bringing authors success. For example, it has brought
woe or be trapped in a penurious state of poverty, which Wattpad books like “The Kissing Booth” and “After” much
is what my parents believe what my dream job will get fame after their authors won the Wattys – an annual
me – arduous ordeals of countless trials and tribulations Wattpad competition – which I aspire to win to start being
and making me utterly penniless. recognised and officially start my journey as a published
However, I have never let my parents’ melodramatic author. Additionally, I can apply and join Singapore’s
worries and words get to me; rather, I have accepted National Arts Council so that the government can also
that there is a valid, brutal honesty to their advice, but acknowledge my undying love for writing and even permit
my passion and love for the literate arts make my faith me to represent Singapore in the literacy areas.
in my dream firm and unwavering. I truly believe that I Thus, in conclusion, I am confident that to pursue my goal
can overcome this by convincing my family to trust in as a celebrated author, I must, most importantly, have full
me and my gifted talent for writing, and often cite world- confidence in my writing skills as well as be cognizant of
renowned and globally-acclaimed Singaporean authors the fact that not everyone will be support and that I have
and playwrights like Kevin Kwan, who published the hit to accept and not be dissuaded by it. Lastly, by joining
book “Crazy Rich Asians”, which became a hit and popular government organisations and global contests, I can gain
movie internationally, helping him rise to the pinnacle of exposure and recognition as long as I win them.
fame as well as allowed him to live a decadent lap of luxury.

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OUR
CLASSES

WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2019

CLASS 1A

CLASS 1B

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WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2019

CLASS 1C

CLASS 1D

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WEST SPRING SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2019

CLASS 1E

CLASS 1F

98