Sec 3 camp Reflection

Sec 3 Adventure camp

Trekking through swamp and mud, firing ballistic water bombs at miniscule cans, and constructing rafts from tyre and rope, welcome to the Sec 3 camp. This both tiresome and enjoyable camp lasted 3 days and as we ate slept, ate, and played, time took off and it was over before we knew it. Our form teacher always wanted us to push through this camp. We have discovered the reason.

Under the instruction of our English teacher, we were required to write a composition on our Secondary 3 adventure camp.

When we met up a fortnight later to discuss about the composition, the discussion ended when we tried to recall those fond memoirs. As time whiled away, we looked back at the camp and analysed our thoughts. We, through all the joy and laughter, somehow managed to compile our thoughts together. We decided to put to use the two examples which show the most interesting and the difference between the class before and after the camp from someone in our class which unfortunately was not able to attend because of a high fever.

Ng Yu Sheng’s recount: The camp was a blast! It was an exceptionally fun and an awesome time for bonding. (Even though it was not as fun as a Scouts camp..) I felt so much team spirit even though we did not get the best group and the other awards, it certainly was a everlasting moment. I guess throughout the whole camp, the most memorable moment was….a close call with a bench! You must be wandering how can it be the most memorable moment but my shoulder was almost crushed by it. I was only saved through a step which allowed me to dodge the 1 metre high falling projectile while I was not even doing anything!

Lim Wei Xiang’s recount: I was astounded by the significant difference before and after the camp. It was like a wall was shattered between them and they were seen to be more bonded and inviting towards each other. The teamwork between the class increased exponentially before and after the camp, working and playing together like the way childhood friends play with each other. They were also seen to be more lively and active during classes.

As much as we want to show you more of what we, ourselves experienced, we can only show you this much. The most memorable activity of the camp was definitely the "Nature Ramble" station... Where people had to overcome their fears, making that 'giant leap' over that barrier of fear... fear of dirt, fear of mud, fear of just being dirty! In the end, instead of dreading this station, we began to enjoy it! Laughing and smiling, throwing mud at each other, and having pure fun. That was the first and maybe last time we could try it in our whole lives!

The rest of the camp's stations were all planned well, and fit for us being one truly, complete team.

The camp tested our endurance, focus and most importantly... our comradary, whether we could bond as a team, and as a class, to complete every task taken, every challenge faced. At the end of it, we sure did bond together as one class! We went out the camp, as class 3SB(BALOO) on our faces was an attitude that we would all have:"ALL FOR ONE, ONE FOR ALL!"

Ng Yu Sheng                                     

Isaac Ng

Lim Wei Xiang

Richard ong

Sec 3 camp reflection

Team bonding games

The team bonding games helped us to bond with our new class mates. It taught us the strengths of our classmates and also got to know each other better. It also helped us to trust each other more as we had to play games which had to trust in our classmates a lot.

Nature Ramble

This activity required us to trek into the forest near the camp. Part of the trail required us to go into a swamp that is muddy and sticky. The water level in the swamp was waist high. At the beginning, some of us were scared of getting dirty in the mud but eventually conquered their fear. This taught us to be open minded and not to look at things negatively without first experiencing it.

Campfire

The campfire was probably one of the most memorable activities in the camp. At the campfire, there were two large speakers which played some of our favourite songs and the whole school started singing. It was also the time that the classes presented their own cheers. Each class cheered their loudest and were very enthusiastic. It was also the night that we earned the right to wear our long pants.

Overall, the camp has benefited us and we grew closer as a class. It was a very memorable camp.

By: Aloysius Lee
      Haran Dorairaj
      Amos Tan
      William Winarto
       Joshua Cheong

Do's and Don'ts of blogging

As with most things, when you are blogging, what you should and shouldn’t do is determined mostly by what you want to accomplish. There are some good guidelines and we will discuss some of the more prominent ones here, but do not limit yourself. Use these simply as a place to begin and adapt them to your application using your own priorities.

 

Do blog frequently

It can not be made clear enough that frequency is one of the attributes that blogs offer, unlike other formats. It may be an obvious benefit, but the more you blog the more effective you’ll likely become at what you’re doing. Also, it’s more pleasing for viewers if they have an idea of when to expect new content.

Do not post the same content over and over

There are some rare exceptions to this rule. For example, if a viewer requests the same content or asks the same question, you may want to consider posting links to the past answers or posts or at least use some of the quotation formats that let people know this is a fresh posting referencing the same content.

Do post on multiple sites

If you provide a good post or a good answer, it may have a positive impact on the viewer’s assessment of you and draw other viewers to your own blog. If you post on the same subject in multiple places, make sure you put the address of your site in the blog itself or the tags at the end of each post.

Do talk to others

Converse not only about the subject at hand or common interests, but ask for pointers and volunteer about what you’ve learned regarding blogging.

Don’t be afraid to learn about blogging

Make sure you learn about the techniques of blogging. Most services allow you to create very complete and effective blogs without knowing anything about coding or scripting, but the more you learn the more you will have at your disposal.

Do Listen to your viewers

If you were only creating a journal just for you, you could create it on paper or on a computer that was never connected to the Internet. The fact is that blogs are intended to foster communication, so why not listen to the viewers? You don’t have to completely give the blog to them, but you considering their input may help you to better accomplish what you have been attempting to accomplish through your blog.

Don't be afraid to expand

If you started focusing on a certain subject but then you learned more about it, consider expanding your blog to cover the new material that you’ve learned. If your viewers are asking for more info on what you’ve learned then it might be a very good idea. There will also be times that viewers ask for information on a topic you're not familiar with. If you have a broad audience, feel free to learn about the subject and talk about it. The more fantastic content you put online, the better.

To conclude, blogging has many pros and cons, advantages and disadvantages... But it all comes down to the user. Whether the user chooses to use a blog to do wrong things, or to do a good thing. Overall, blogging is a great way of expressing emotion, but not too much of it, and it will help yourself. So its not entirely bad to blog, unless you want to use blogging as a form of your anger, where only bad results would be achieved.

Ng Yu Sheng
Isaac Ng
Lim Wei Xiang
Richard Ong

Do's and Dont's of blogging

Do's
-write feelings and emotions
-personal opinions
-respect other people's opinions
-be open minded
-brainstorm before you blog
-protect your identity

Don'ts
-use vulgarities
-make fun of people
-make fun of religions
-be racist
-limit your topics
-use web links without giving credit
-be afraid to express yourself
-give out personal information

By: Aloysius Lee
      Haran Dorairaj
      Amos Tan
      William Winarto
       Joshua Cheong

Blogging ( Dos and Donts )

     As the technology improves throughout the years, Blogging is nothing special in today cyber network. People all over the world are over exposed to the Internet and the computor including young children. Blogging is the site where people post their personal feelings and reflection on the blog. Anyone visting the blog can see the post and comments on the blog. Hence, this will lead to several consequences about Blogging.

     Dos of Blogging 

     There are several Dos about Blogging. Blogging is a site where people expressed their feelings and showing people what they do on a special day.

They can also express their feeling whether is sad or happy. Therefore, this allow that person to feel more calm and relax instead of hiding it inside your heart. Adding follower would be necessary because if your blog does not have any followers, it would be kind of 'dead'.
 The blogger had to update new post daily or the blog would be lame and boring. The blogger also need to design the blog with attractive features and colours to attract people. Postive and encouraging comments is well appreciated as this will boost up his/her self esteem.
 The blogger also need to set up security protection or warnings as there might be hackers around.

      Don't of Blogging

    There are several Don't about Blogging.
As a blogger, he/she should not post any vulgarity, swear words or any racial discrimination remarks. This would reflect badly on others as a blogger. Moreover, this would let outsiders to have a bad impression of you.
 The blogger must not post his/her address, phone numbers or any other personal information. If this is needed, you can send a private message or email to that particular person. There might be strangers, hackers or spammers out there in the Internet. Recently, a school website was hacked resulting into a pornography site. Hence, this prove that there are hackers around and you could be the victim if you are not careful.

The blogger also should not insult any religion as this would result in a spark of rioting and fighting. If this happen, you could be either be jail or fined. People might feel insulted and this could lead to cyber-bullying. Last but not least, you should not be spending more than 2 hours on the blog because it takes a lot of time. You should spend your time wisely as there are many other things to do instead of blogging.


Done by:
Foo Shao Kai (9)
Charles lee
Leonard Teo
Parth Goda
Evan Wee
Affin


 

Reflections on our Sec 3 camp

First assembly.

Entering Camp Christine,
 feeling excited for the camp.

     '' One for all, all for one '' is a common phrase in our adventurous sec 3 camp at Camp Christine in Sarimbun. We went through different kinds of emotions throughout the camp as we went through different activites of the camp ; happy, sad, annoyed, frustrated, angry, nervous or even irritated. We, as a class got a chance to go through thick or thin together and bond as a class.


 Although we are from different classes and some of those people are not as familiar as those who were from my class. This camp had indeed changed my class for sure and helped us to work as a team and to stay together with each and every one in Secondary 3 Science "B".Before we left, the camp instructors, Tommy and Aishah had given us a group name which was also known as Baloo which was a bear. Other groups were given other names like Akela and Chil.After the camp, I have to admit that I had learnt several important values throughout the camp. For example: leadership, teamwork, commitment, determination, responsibility, friendship and unity. We got to know each other much better through the many games both physically and mentally.

Formal but nice.

 Some of us even overcome our fear and that really motivated me as a juvenile. We went through many physically challenged games such as the ''ladder of success'' ,''Black Hole'' which required not just physical strength but teamwork to support the man being passed through the hole and "Nature Rumble" which started off with everyone complaining about how dirty it was, but we overcame our fears with one another beside each other.The most frustrating thing in the camp that my group experienced was when our tents were flooded with rainwater. My sleeping bag was soaked with water hence,  the extreme discomfort while sleeping at night.The discomfort was then made worse with the mosquitoes in the area. It was very difficult to feel comfortable even without the flooded tent and the mosquitoes as there were six men sleeping in a single tent!


The First Activity: Space Odyssey.

Space Odyssey

On the first day of the camp, we had the Space Odyssey which was also a very clear reminder of what was called teamwork, despite the difficulties in the activity. We learnt that a team , is only as strong as the weakest man. It was nearly impossible to leave a man back there in the activity. One for all , All for one. The activity made the team think really hard about how the last man was to move himself through the hole. A situation that clearly taught us how the team is only as strong as the weakest man.


Outdoor Cooking.

Outdoor Cooking! :D

Although we were lectured by Camp Instructor Tommy and Aishah for being selfish , to take two or more sausages for ourselves to be eaten as we were extremely hungry. Secondary 3 Science "B" is a class that is forty men strong. That day, there were only 40 sausages that could be used for cooking outdoors. It was just nice for the class. However, the team were so hungry that some of the members in the team took two which meant greed and self-centreness. Baloo then learnt to share amongst themselves as it is important to stay together , in order for a team to be good. It was a great learning experience despite people underestimating Outdoor Cooking's purpose in surviving in the wild. This activity taught us how to be considerate in what we do.


Low Elements

Low Elements

Low Elements was one of the easiest and relaxing activity in the camp. It made us to feel like Tarzan as we could swing from tree to tree.
 Instructor Tommy treated the students as a team getting over a river of piranhas.The problem lies in how the team was going to acquire the rope that was still over the river. In addition, the team had to bring a bucket to the other side, before the last man leaves the his side of the river.
 My Group and I felt that the only reason why this activity seemed easy , was because the experience we had beforehand, allowing us to have greater sense of teamwork, increasing the speed in how fast Baloo could successfully move to the other side of the river.This activity taught me that , if a man falls down in a team, the team should go and get him back up, supporting him.


Day 2: The Gladiators in the Nature Ramble, Rafting away as part of the Trekker's Challenge.

Gladiators.

Day 2 of the camp was awesome.In my opinion, not only did we start to appreciate the skills of being a scout, I think cooperation as a team was inevitable. Without cooperation in the team , in the Gladiator activity, what more think of building a catapult together as team. In the Gladiator Activity, Baloo was divided into three teams. Each team were given twenty water bombs, 3 long wooden poles , 3 short wooden poles and some ropes to set up a catapult. The catapult will then be brought forth to shoot a pyramid of cans. The first team to do so , wins the game. Although my team didn't win, it was a splendid experience for us as we had fun. Although, we missed the target sometimes, as long as we kept trying and as long as we don't repeat our mistakes, the chance of winning the game increases. This concept applies to our mistakes in life too.


Nature Ramble.

Muddy!

 This was the most memorable activity in the entire camp. Everyone participating in the activity came with an open heart ; not knowing what lies ahead of us. We trek into the dense forest, to our upmost astonishment we come to a dead end,Our instructor then asked us to slide down into the mud without any support at all. We were all shocked and wanted to head back to camp but our determination held us on and everyone managed to pass that psychological barrier. Back then, my leg were soaking with dirty mud and soil.

As we continue walking into the river, water level began to increase at the same time experiencing the nature of the forest. To make matter worse, it was raining very heavily, the mud became muddier and muddier. All in all, it was one of my best experiences I had in my life and I would not forget such a wonderful experience.

Little Tommy's Raft

Little Baba's Raft 

After that experience, Baloo all wanted to bathe, but instead, we went rafting, allowing us to wash ourselves. Once again, We started to appreciate the usefulness of tying knots. The raft was easy to construct as our class had alot of scouts. These scouts helped to tie the knots that linked the contact points of the raft that we were making. We were split into two groups. The raft was made, everyone in Baloo was given a chance to get onboard, to wash the dirt from the Nature Ramble. All good things had to come an end, the last event after the activities was the campfire.

Assembly before Campfire.

During the last night of the camp, we totally enjoyed ourselves at the campfire. We had campfire songs and had a lot of fun. We were all very excited and later we had fellowship with our new fellow classmates. We were all looking to wear our long pant the following day.
We made cheers together to boost our moral. I felt reluctant as the camp is coming to the end. We packed our bags and bring our flooded tent down. we bade goodbye to our trainers and boarded the bus back to school. It was indeed an enjoyable and meaningful camp after all! Baloo forever!!

Leadership


SHAO KAI: As a prefect in my class, I learnt how to lead the class and motivate my friends to not give up and give our all. Each of us took initiative and commitment to participate 100 percent in whatever things we do. I managed to influence my group and work together as a class to complete our tasks. My friends and I had a whale of time during the camp. We worked as team during the games. For example; Building the raft which requires a lot of teamwork and effort, the blind man's trail which we need to communicate properly in order to walk safely in darkness. Teamwork meant to me , that trust amongst teammates is important.




CHARLES: I feel that after this camp, my class is much more bonded.Trust amongst each other is crucial if a team were to aim to reach a higher standard.I never knew what was the meaning of "One for all, All for one" until I went through this camp. The camp taught me that a team is only as strong as the weakest man of the team.To me, I think that the most important thing that the camp taught me is that if I was in a team, I would rather suffer alone then suffer with the team.Determination and perseverance is needed in order to keep a team going. That applies to EVERY SINGLE MEMBER of the team.

LEONARD: In this camp, I learnt more about my friends in Secondary 3 Science "B". I had a fun time, in the the mud trail. I learnt about how teamwork was extremely important in a team. This camp was one of the most memorable camp as many funny things happened such as how everyone was rushing to the bathrooms after debrief and supper.Most importantly, I learnt how to keep my teammates cheerful.

EVAN: This camp made things in my life seem so much better. My group and I managed to overcome our fears together through the different activities.This camp has been etched in my mind as many event occurred that were beyond our expectations. Events such as having to put our shoes in mud, cleaning the filthy toilets, having to walk on a rope that was held together by the team.

PARTH: Having been through this camp , I have gone through times without food as I had to give my food to Saurav as there was some technical issues due to the my food restrictions. That taught me to share. This Sec 3 camp can only be experienced once. Memories of it have been good. I got to know more about my new classmates too.





ARIFFIN: The most memorable part of the camp for me , was going home.As my team and I suffered together, I started to miss my family, remembering how they took care of me at home. This camp made me treasure the close relationships with my family. It was really a memorable and sentimental camp for my team and I. Having felt so lonely, my teammates like Leonard have cheered me up in the camp.The bond as a class has strengthened through this camp. I think it is important for teammates to carry on supporting each other, physically and psychologically.

In retrospect, as a team, in order to keep the team going, we had to motivate each other and determination and perseverance is needed to keep the team going. The team is only as strong as the weakest member in it. Trust is of the utmost importance in the team , so as to reach higher standards. If the team was sad, It takes only one man to cheer them up. Showing how important Initiative is , in the team. If one were to carry out a task, the team should help him as it would make things faster. If one were to be afraid of anything, the team should encourage and not discourage. Lastly, if sacrifices had to be done, in order to keep the team going.

BALOO! SEC 3 CAMP GROUP PHOTO.

Done by:
Foo Shao Kai
Charles Lee
Parth Goda
Evan
Leonard Teo
Ariffin

 A little of Baloo's Cheer: 

Cheer Leader: Baloo OI!!!!

Baloo: OII

Cheer Leader: Baloo OI!!!!

Baloo: OII

Cheer Leader: Baloo! Are you ready?

Baloo: Ya mate! 

Our sec 3 camp reflection

We were from  Different classes,Different background and Different personality.We do not know who our classmates were.We felt uncomfortable and uneasy.This Sec 3 camp certainly changed everything for us.During the first day,We boarded a bus from SAS to go to the Sarimbun Scouts camp.It was a huge place.Then,We had a  short briefing about the camp.First,We learnt how to pitch tents.It was certainly a unique experience.Usually,We have expensive mattress to sleep when we go home.For most of them,These was the first time they were sleeping in a tent.We did not complain as we paired with people whom we did not know.Then,We had our first game.We had to cross with two feets placed on a plastic puzzle and cross a certain point of area.In these game,We improved our communication with each other.There was more teamwork.We cheered for our friends who had difficulty crossing the area.We supported them  all the way.We also finished within our timing set by our instructor.Our most favourite activity was the Nature rumble.We had to trek deep in to the forest.We never abandon our friends.Some of our friends were really helpful.We went as a class together.It was certainly the most fun activity.We were soaked fully with black mud.We also applied the mud on our friends back.At first,We thought the mud was smelly at first but later we decided to enjoy as it is a once in a lifetime opportunity.Friendships blossomed in these activity.Then,We played the game called"black hole".We had to trust our friends to carry us through the hoola-hoop.It was like our friend would carry us through all the troubles we faced.We trusted all our friends after this game.Then,We had to blindfold ourself.We had to communicate with our friends to pass the message whenever there is a log.We also successfully passed destinations that our trainers set.Then,We had to create a class cheer.I felt these was the activity that really bonded us together.We sang the class cheer as one class.There was a great team spirit among us.We sang it with pride and gusto.Then,we had our campfire.As the fire was lit,All the classes sang cheers and songs.We felt so happy.As Mrs Toh said that we could wear long pants,all the classes shouted as loud as they could in happiness.We had a dancing competition.We cheered our representive Gugan as much as we could.Then,We performed our class cheer in front of the teachers and principals.We did not felt shy.We performed our class cheer with pride.At the last day of the camp,we had to clean up the areas we were given.We cleaned at the shortest possible time.We built up certain values likes responsibility and teamwork.After the camp ended,I felt like we left as one class united 3SB.We had a sense of belonging now.These is the beginnning.Some sharings by our group.

Kesigan:"It was the best experience I have ever had in my life."

Rama:"The trainers made these one of the best camps I have ever had."

Marcus alim:"These camp made me know my classmates better."

Choo yan min:"I will never forget these experience all my life."

Done by:Choo yan min,Kesigan,Rama and Marcus alim.

Sec 3 Camp Reflection

Sec 3 Camp Reflection

The secondary 3 camp was definitely a memorable experience for us. The camp made us bond as a class because the games that we played gave us courage to talk to our classmates who we had little interaction before. The various games also made us trust one another. Throughout the camp, we also got to know each other better which thus allowed us to cooperate better. Another way we got to bond was when our class pit on our thinking caps and think of ideas for our class cheer which was needed for our campfire night. During the camp, we also had many activities which we really enjoyed. For example, we enjoyed the nature ramble, blind man’s trial and the river crossing game.

Nature Ramble

For the nature ramble, we had to have commitment and to give it our all because we had to trek through the mud while it was raining heavily. Most of us, were starting to shiver because it was very cold. Others were just glad that their feet, hands and body that was covered in mud could be completely washed off by the rain. Next, we had to look out and support one another in the event someone got injured or went missing because of the slippery mud.

Blind Man’s Trial

For this game, we needed a lot, probably the most, cooperation and trust when walking and later for finding our other members by making animal sounds. It was really a very fun game because we couldn’t see and so we needed to make use of our other senses.

River Crossing Game

For this game, we had to trust our friends and we really needed a lot of thinking to strategize properly on how we get across the ‘river’ with our bucket of water.

For my group, it enabled us to have a better sense of belonging. Like what our form teacher Mr Benedict Tan would say, “The only 2 groups of friends which you would grow close to are either from your sec 3 or sec 4 class or National Service days.” During the camp, we really worked together and we think we can trust our friends, specifically our classmates because we went through a lot of hardships as a class. We can safely say that we are proud to be in 3SB.

Done by: Lau Zhong Yi

                James Ong

                Joel Lim

                Eugene Ho

                Wesley Foo 

Dos and Don’ts of Blogging

People use blogs to write their reflections of the day. It is what one might think of as an online diary. The only difference is that it might not be as personal because other people who are online can see what a person that manages a blog types and what he thinks. In blogging, there are many thinks we should do and not do.

Dos

Firstly, about the dos of blogging. Other users of the internet that visit blogs should first of all add positive comments for the vibrancy of the blog. If one does not add comments, the blog would end up ‘dead’. Next, the person that manages a blog website, he/she should update daily otherwise, the blog would not have any vibrancy. People should also add in experiences and lessons that they have learnt in a day to a blog post. This way, people who read the post can learn from what the writer wants others to learn. Finally, people who comment should add encouraging statements and not negative ones. This can actually start a ‘cyber war’ and sooner or later, one side will feel as if they have been mocked, insulted or bullied. Cyber bullied.

Don’ts

The number of don’ts of blogging could possibly be more than the dos. First of all, obscene pictures or pornography, like any other website, are banned so should therefore not be added on blog posts. This could possibly affect minors that visit the blogs. They would learn of these X-rated pictures and will eventually get addicted to them. Next, comments that contain racist, vulgar, criticism, gossips, swears, and homosexuality is one of the don’ts of blogging because this can lead to cyber-bullying. Finally, people should not post their personal information like their home address or hand phone number. This can lead to stalkers, prank calls, or spamming of emails.

Done by: Lau Zhong Yi

               James Ong

               Joel Lim

               Eugene Ho

               Wesley Foo

pros and cons of blogging

A blog has advantages when it comes to writing. Blog readers expect a more relaxed form of language, allowing authors to write in a much more casual tone than they would if they were writing an article. For most authors, this is much easier. It's also acceptable to discuss topics or ideas that are not fully developed yet. The temporal nature of blogging makes it easier to write a brief introduction with a promise to deliver more later..  If you are truly a good writer or know how to get your point across better online then you may indeed be a good blogger.  Blogging can give a person fame, e-fame, status and popularity by being good and capturing and maintaining visitors.  Blogging allows the person to become more creative and improves your typing speed, accuracy and internet knowledge.
The major disadvantage of a blog is that blog audiences tend to expect more frequent updates than article based audiences. We also have to be in the right mindset when we u do a blog. The content will have to be compelling and eye-catching.You also have to decorate your blog to make it look interesting and unique to not make the blog boring.We also are not free to say what we think as the public is looking at the blog.We also need to take into consideration of the diferent age groups to cater to their needs..A lot of precious time may be also lost.These are the pros and cons of blogging.
Marcus alim
Choo yan min
Rama
Kesigan

THE MOST MEMORABLE ACTIVITY IN THE SEC 3 CAMP?

  This secondary three camp has been a very meaningful one.Although there were times when things were tough,we as a class manage to pull it through together through thick and thin with some encouragment and moral support.


    There were a whole load of activities we did such as the dry activities which required teamwork all the while.We had to put our mind and souls together as one to overcome all the problems faced.We all had to co-operate and we learnt to give in sometimes in order to agree with each other.However I had another activity I have to mention which in my opinion is the most meaningful and memorable activity in the whole camp-the Nature Ramble.


    Not only was the "Nature Ramble" the best activity in the camp,but it was also one of the best time and best experience I had in my life.I remember if asked for the best time in life,most children and teenagers would say being top in a computer game or sitting on an inverted roller coster.This was actually the first time I had come into contact with mud,black thick mud!At first,when I smelt and saw the black,thick mud,I was utterly disgusted but when we went on,it started to rain.I was drenched.I had in mind not to have a shower after the hike and was trying to keep all dirt,mud and water below my tie level.However the downpour changed my plans.


  When i was all soaked and dirty,I decided to just have fun in the mud since this might be the last time.First it was my legs that became muddy ,my shirt and face followed suit and too became muddy.I was having an awesomely amazing time!


 There was a sense of britherhood in us when we were going through the whole process of teamwork in the hike.Enemies became friends and friends became brothers.We were all helping each other by informing others of a rock or a slope underneath the murky water.We were all very alive and all of us showed much enthusiasm.

Although the "Nature Ramble" was the most meaningful activity,there were many other activities which was also meaningful such as the campfire.


  No matter whatever pain we went through we all did not complain however,we tried to enjoy the camp,and thus enjoying it to the fullest.Whatever memories and experience we had in the camp will definitely be scared in out minds forever.




SENSE OF BELONGING

I think the camp has acheived its objective by bonding the class through differnt activities.It has helped every individual realsi their role in their class,giving them a sense of belonging.

  Through different challenges and games during the three day long camp,we were required to communicate and work together to complete those challenges and games.Through the communication and teamwork displayed,we also had the opportunity to befriend new calssmates,observe each other's behavior and get to know their individual personality.

 The instructors have also thought us many cheers which boosted our moral when we were tired and weary.during these times of exhaustion,we would also spur each other on,encouraging each other to persevere.

 At the highlight of the camp which was the campfire,we had to create a cheer of our own to perform during the campfire.Together,we came up with a relatively good cheer despite being given less than 30 minutes to create our cheer.When we performed,I was sure each and every one of us were cheering the loudest we possibly could.

 In conclusion,I am glad that the activities have given us a sense of belonging and class-spirit which will enable us to be a co-operative and be a chemically combined class for the rest of the many years to come.

BONDING AS A CLASS

   Due to the activities in the camp,alot of class bonding could be seen such as shinning torchlight above ones shower cubicle when there were no lights to improve his vision,helping yo completely close his group's tent when it is raining and everyone is away and also when in nature ramble supporting and helping friends who are a little clumsy or cannot get proper footing.New friends,who were previously from other classes,were made.We could see new friends hanging out and getting to know each other.The activity called "black hole" was about carrying a person through the hula hoop without touching the hoop.This activity was very challenging as it involved a lot of planning and teamwork.In the end we decided to send the heavy and strong people to the other side while we carried the lightest in the end as the manpower decreased.Another activity which was to carry a rop in the form of a loops in a circle and making one of our classmates to walk on the rope without toching the ground.It was challenging but we came through with perseverence.Everyone was concern for the friend who was walking on the rope and tried their best to hold on thight and not let the rope go,even the least strongest held on withou ot complaining.These were some of the activities in the camp which truly helped us to bond as a class.Going through thick and thin made us better class.We think that the camp has achieved to make us bond and know each other better.

PERSONAL REFLECTIONS

I thought that the camp was really a good opportunity to make new friends whom I did not know because of the new class.It also helped us to work as a class and co-operated with each other.It seemed to me that the camp was mostly about teamwork oriented activities to improve our ways of communication and do proper decision making.These activities have enabled our class to work better,faster and more efficiently.We learnt to get down and dirty together as a class in this awesome camp!
                                                                                                     -saurav
 

 

 

This camp had been a great success in my opinion although there were times when it was tough, but we all had each other to lean on. I am sure most of us had a splendid time.

I have not encountered the kind of team spirit for a very long time but I finally got to feel it once again in the camp. During the dry activities, we all brainstormed for ideas to overcome all the obstacles we encountered. Foes became friends. We all put the past behind us and participated in the activity wholeheartedly.

There was an IC appointed for every activity. He was the one who came up with the ideas for that activity. I was appointed as an IC for one od the activity and I felt great sense of respect as everyone cooperated and we all tried to agree to one idea and finally got things done swiftly without much argument. There were some activities when we ran out of ideas to tackle the problem. We tried our best though, thus the instructor gave us a hint hence making us think.

I felt a great sense of brotherhood when we were in the Nature Ramble. We all helped each other by hinting to one another if there was a rock or a sudden slope underneath the murky water.

Overall, I felt that this camp had been an awesomely good one. All the memories would be etched deeply into my mind and would stay there forever.

                                                                      -kia yi

 

 

Before the camp,I was very nervous and afraid about the camp.I feared that I would have to go through ridiculus activities and have sleepless nights,like some other camps I had been to.However,this camp was different.I had participated in some of the most more memorable activities such as the dirty and wet "Nature Ramble".Instead of sleeping in dormitary,we slept in tents which is a first for me.Although we would find some puddle  of water after a downpour in the tents.We could still sleep comfortably.In fact,I think I slept like a baby!The camp site was beautiful and quiet too.In conclusion,this was the best school camp I have ever been too and I hope future secondary three students would have the same kind of fun and joy like I did.

                                                                                                            -ernest

 

 

It was such a pity that I had to go home on the first day of the camp.I felt unwell even before any activity started.I was well taken care of by the teachers.They kept making sure I was alright and that I had enough rest.It was also very kind of Mr.Benedict Tan to drive me all the way back to school so that my parents can pick me up.Although I did not have as much fun as my fellow 3sb classmates did,I will remember how interesting this "camp" was for me!

                                                                                     -tat keng

 

 

The camp for me was the most fun I have had since,from performing cheers to bonding together as a class and to sleeping together with your friends in tents.The camp also allowed me to make new friends with my new classmates.The most fun part of the camp was when we were all sleeping in the tents,me and some of our friends did not want to sleep but decided to walk around in the middle of the night avoiding trainers and fooling around.The camp for me was an opportunity to also get to know my current friends even better.Overall the camp was so enjoyable that it woke me up from my slumber.This is a camp i would not mind to participate again! 

 

                                                                             -thiviyan

 

 

 

 

 

done by:ernest

              tat keng

                saurav

                    kia yi

                       thiviyan

pros and cons of blogging

Nowadays,blogging is getting more and more popular as the ways of communication changed from the past ten years.Blogging is becoming popular as we are able to communicate with one another without meeting each other or see eye to eye.Blogging is also free unlike sms,a commom source of messaging used by most people today.But you can only blog when you are connected to the internet.


           There are some restrictions to blogging.We should not violate others privacy as everybody has their own personal space.We should not insult one another by using vulgarities or words that can hurt ones feelings and emotions as others may view your post.The blog is not completely yours therefore you should not type as you wish on the blog,you should care for the other users and your audience.


       We should also express our views and opinions on the blog so that others will know what we have learnt through this inccident,and learn from your personal experiences.



   We can also be creative and make the blog look interesting so that others would want to read it.By doing so,we can educate one another through different experiences.We should also be original and not copyright others as they have place in the hardwork to do it and you cannot just copy it.



   By promoting blogging to others,we can create a network where where everybody can blog to one another about their differnt experiences,and share their personal knowledge and interest.

done by:Ernest
             kia yi
             tat keng
             saurav
             thiviyan

Pros and Cons of living in Potong Pasir

Have you ever what does it feels like to be living in Potong Pasir? Potong Pasir is a small estate in Singapore, but do you know that it is filled with an abundant of amenities? Due to its small area of land, there are several Pros and Cons in Potong Pasir. Potong Pasir also faces several limitations. Let me explain these following points.

As you can see in Potong Pasir, there are many uniquely designed flats with a slanted roof. It has a huge surface area of land to accommodate residents living there. Its flats are so unique that you cannot find it elsewhere in Singapore. There are also many beautiful condominiums which provide luxury to those who can afford it. Although, there have a huge area of land, they do not have enough land to build new high-rise flats. Moreover, these flats are rather old and not attractive to the eyes of other people. I suggest than they should renovate the flats and repaint the walls of the flat with more attractive colours. These condominium are rather small, hence they have fewer facilities compared to those in the cities.

The Potong Pasir community centre is located along a side road in Potong Pasir. It provides a wide range of courses and activities. This community centre provides the resident to have a time of leisure and relaxation. It have many facilities such as basketball court, a hall to held gathering, a child development centre, an archery range and several other courses or workshops etc. Singapore is progressing rapidly but Potong Pasir has not progress much since. There are many other community centre that has a bigger area and also offers a variety of courses and programmes which are more attractive and unique. Moreover, its location is not ideal to the public. People may not discover that there is a community centre in Potong Pasir. The area is also small and is not renovated. Hence, they would find it hard to attract younger generation patrons. Therefore, people may not support the community centre. To attract more people, I suggest that they could give out leaflets, renovated or even expand the community centre. I am sure that one day Potong Pasir will have a community centre that they will be proud of.

Next, Potong Pasir has many shops that cater to the needs of the residents living there. There are quite a number of shops which offers them a range of necessities. For local favourites, McDonalds and KFC are often filled with students and for those who have a sweet tooth, there is a bubble tea and desserts shop just a stroll away. There are also several provision shops and 2 coffee shops nearby and not forgetting ABC shop which sells goods at incredibly low prices. However, due to the limited number of shop, residents may find it very troublesome to buy food as they usually dine at those same places. It could be even better if they build a small shopping mall or at least a Fairprice shop instead of a small wet market.

You will notice that there is a ‘weird-looking’ playground just right beside the community centre. Usually, we do not find this type of playground in Singapore anymore. The height of the structure could be a source of danger to the children. It also has challenging ‘climb ropes’, this makes it even harder for children to scale. Kids may lose their balance and injured themselves or even fractured a bone. This is definitely not suitable for primary school student.

Coming to my last point, the Kallang River is one of the main features in Potong Pasir. This allows the resident to appreciate the nature of the river. Imagine yourself breathing through the fresh air the moment when you open your window in the morning and experiencing the tranquillity of the river. There are inconsiderate residents who litters into the river, polluting its water making it unsuitable for water recreational sports like kayaking or swimming. It is a source of danger to the people. However improvement works can be implemented along the river just like Bishan water recreational park. With this new water park in the neighbourhood, more hype will be created in Potong Pasir

To conclude, there may be several negative views on Potong Pasir, but I feel that Potong Pasir is truly a place where people live in harmony and is most definitely a great place to live in.


Done by: Foo Shao Kai (9)

Eugene Ho
Phua Kia Yi
Saurav Ghante

Living in Potong Pasir. The plus and minus.

In Singapore, Potong Pasir is currently managed by the longest serving opposition Member of Parliament, Mr Chiam See Tong. Potong Pasir is very much different from the modern estate areas like Punggol, Sengkang.Despite all the differences, it is still a prospering town in Singapore.It has a wide range of amenities.Nothing is perfect in the world after all, there are always a plus and minus to everything.

Whenever we want to move our place of stay from one place to another , we will have to consider the positive and negative influences in the area.In terms of the amenities in Potong Pasir, it is safe to say that it has a wide range of facilities. 

Facilities that are not available are probably due to the lack of land area in the town itself. Education in Potong Pasir is of no problem as residents with boys can go to St Andrew's Village for education from Kindergarten, all the way to Junior College.Unfortunately, residents with girls will have to seek education at a school, outside Potong Pasir.

The facilities also include public transport, in and out of Potong Pasir, Public transport include the Mass Rapid Transit(MRT) and the many bus services. Potong Pasir happens to be on the North East Line of MRT, making it a convenient place to travel to for those going towards Harbourfront Station or Punggol Station. This will make travelling easier for commuters to go around Singapore, with the Circle Line being developed. The station itself have many user-friendly facilities such as a ramp for wheelchair users in the neighbourhood.

There is also a structural difference in how Potong Pasir is developed, as compared to modern towns like Sengkang which has many tall buildings used for residents to live.In Potong Pasir, many of the housing flats have slanted roofs, including the tall HDB flats. The housing flats are also arranged in a particular manner which makes it a really unique formation of housing estate.There is also a clear difference in the areas in Potong Pasir that are being developed for Condominium and Private Housing Estates.

There are also places in Potong Pasir that are made, just for Community Purposes, such as the Community Centre of Potong Pasir, the Hindu Temple.All these places were made for the convenience of the residents staying in Potong Pasir. Other than buildings, there is a street soccer court for the young teenagers to play in.In the Community Centre, there are also basketball courts and many other facilities.The facilities also include the many fast food restaurants in the area, which are meant for the working adults and for the children and teenagers to enjoy.There are also many stores that sell quality goods at a very cheap price nearby.

The atmosphere in Potong Pasir is like a countryside village which is nice, warm and it allows a close relationship with nature. The environment is all due to the cheap grocery stores under the flats, the Kallang River that flows through Potong Pasir , from Lower Pierce Reservoir to the Marina Barrage, the migratory birds that lives near the river during a certain month in the year and the places that are meant for the residents to use.


On the other hand, Potong Pasir has its negative sides too, such as it's small community and the crowded places in Potong Pasir at lunchtimes in the fast food restaurants.That brings me to the point about how unhealthy the food is in Potong Pasir, as there are 2 fast food restaurants, MacDonald and K.F.C. The food in the restaurants are unhealthy as it is usually really oily and many pupils from St Andrew's School would go to the fast food restaurant after school as the food is delicious and it fits the taste of a typical teenager.

There is a small variety of entertainment as there is no shopping malls in
Potong Pasir, probably due to the lack of land area. The nearest shopping mall is at Serangoon, which is the NEX mall or Plaza Singapura at Dhoby Ghaut.The residents also have to travel all the way to those malls , just to catch a movie.

Residents with cars will have to suffer the morning rush as there will be other cars from outside Potong Pasir coming in, to send their children to school. The rush hour is made worse with the narrow roads in Potong Pasir.It would be very troublesome for a person to go to the hospital or even call for an ambulance from Potong Pasir due to the narrow roads.

There is also a lack of events to bond the residents in the neighbourhood There should be more events to bond the elderly and the teenagers as the generation gap is getting bigger in Singapore, we face an aging population.There are also many food eateries, like Broadway in Potong Pasir where the elderly can sit down, have coffee and talk about what has happened recently, strengthening bonds between them

Lastly, a sense of responsibility will have to instilled into the residents as there are many irresponsible residents that litter in Potong Pasir , to make it worse, in the Kallang River.By having a sense of responsibility, the residents will take care of the environment better.




In retrospect, Potong Pasir is a very serene place to live in for those who likes living at a countryside, enjoying nature. It is a very convenient place to live in, especially for the elderly people.

Education for the boys is of no problem for the residents.The housing flats that exists in Potong Pasir are very classical and it is very suitable for the elderly people to live in. However, Potong Pasir does not have any suitable places of education for girls other than Ascension Kindergarten and Cedar Girl's Secondary School which is quite a distance away from Potong Pasir as compared to the distance, a boy have to travel to St Andrew's School.

 The residents here should be more friendly to each other , especially between the elderly and the young due to the differences in interest. Lastly, responsibility must be instilled onto the residents to prevent litter in the environment such as the roads and the Kallang River.

Made by: Charles Lee
                Leonard Teo
                Ariffin
                Evan Wee
                Parth Goda.


1st February 2011