ISSUE 7: Term 2 Week 1, 22 March 2017 AESTHEHumanities! Weekly Exclusively brought to you by the AES Humanities Department Through learning we re-create ourselves. Through learning we become able to do something we were never able to do. ~ Peter Senge~ ALL ABOUT THE BIG WORLD WE LIVE IN EXCLUSIVE NEWS TODAY DAIRY FARM NATURE PARK Secondary 1 Geographical Investigation Trip On 3 rd and 10 th February, the Secondary 1 students went for their Geographical Investigation (GI) trip at the Dairy Farm Nature Park. Set in a rustic environment with multiple trails for hiking and biking, the park offers a host of recreational activities and amenities such as nature trail and former quarry. In addition, it is Singapore s first field study hub for schools. Students were required to walk through the journey into the park while discussing with their classmates what they get to see along the way. Let s continue to read on students reflection on their GI trip.
Class 1/1: Rain or Shine In our GI, we helped and cooperated with one another to complete our tasks. We truly enjoyed exploring the tropical rainforest and seeing the diversity of plants and animal species although the humidity made it a little uncomfortable for all of us. Nevertheless, we persevered through the journey which allowed us to witness a couple of monkeys, hear birds chirping and breathe in fresh air. It was a learning experiences being in the tropical rainforest and we realised how important it is for us to take care of our environment. Class 1/2: Using our senses! We went to Dairy Farm and I think what we enjoyed the most was walking on the trails and exploring the whole place. The weather was slightly humid so it was tiring to walk from school to the place and back. But we all remain enthusiastic and engaged throughout the journey. We used our senses to make observations. We learnt that we can use them to make learn more about things around us. We also get to understand the subject geography in detail and no doubt, the journey to experience and see the natural tropical rainforest was a meaningful one. 2
Class 1/3: Peaceful Nature We collected information about the trees and took some pictures and sketches at Dairy Farm Nature Park. We saw and identified plant species and it was refreshing to breathe the cool forest air for once. We also touched the leaves and parts of trees that we learned in class. As we walked the trail, we realized how peaceful nature is when we stood in silence to hear trees gentling rustling and birds singing in the background. I also learnt that everyone can do things to save the rainforest. Even little things, such as reminding ourselves to stop wasting paper can be a powerful message to increase awareness on the importance of the rainforests. Class 1/4: Being observant! We used our senses to hear the chirping sounds that was made by the insects which was indeed fascinating! Overall, we learnt new skills such as sketching while ensuring that our team remains united and cooperative. As a class, we went to the Dairy Farm and paced our steps along the way. We enjoyed exploring and observing the different things we see in the nature reserve. 3
THE BATTLE OF PASIR PANJANG & THE MALAY REGIMENT Secondary 2 Historical Investigation Trip On 8 and 9 th February, the Secondary 2 students went for their Historical Investigation (HI) trip at Reflections at Bukit Chandu. It is a World War II Interpretative Centre housed in a restored black and white colonial bungalow close to the former battle site The Battle of Pasir Panjang, where 1,400 brave soldiers from the Malay Regiment heroically defended the last stand against a 13,000 strong Japanese army. The students were required to complete activities and tasks at 5 different stations in the museum. Let s continue to read on students reflection on their HI trip. 4
Class 2/1: An eye-opening experience for us We went to Bukit Chandu for our Historical Investigation. The place was loaded with historical value. Our first thought was that there were many steps to climb to reach the destination. We saw artefacts related to the Japanese Occupation in Singapore. The exhibit that left the greatest impression on us was the video clip on the Battle of Bukit Chandu. The Malay Regiment defended Bukit Chandu against the Japanese and were brutally murdered. However, Lieutenant Adnan refused to surrender and remove his uniform. He displayed loyalty towards the country. J.O had a huge impact on the views we had towards the country. Many people suffered and died during the war. We felt sad that our ancestors had to live through those torturous conditions. We feel lucky that we do not have to go through the same experience. 5
Class 2/2: Different races stepped out to help one another We learned quite a lot about the Japanese Occupation in Singapore from the trip. The people in Singapore had a tough life during the Japanese Occupation but interestingly, the people from different races stepped out to help one another when they were in times of difficulty. Our favourite exhibit was the well of reflections. It shows different incidents during the Japanese Occupation in Singapore. There are also personal accounts of people who experienced and survived the Japanese Occupation around the well. The HI trip was an interesting experience for all of us. The teachers made it even more fun by pretending to be the Japanese soldiers and let us experience the life under Japanese rule! 6
Class 2/3: An eye-opening experience for us During this HI trip, our thoughts about the Japanese Occupation were horrifying as we did not know how badly the locals were treated back then during the dark period. It was nothing as compared to our teacher s words and what we studied in class. Only when we were at the museum that we get to see the tools they used to torture and kill the locals who disobeyed them. As we go through the activities (which made us feel like we were locals living during the Syonan years), some of us felt scared! But this entire trip made us realised that the peace we enjoy today should not be taken for granted. Overall, we did have lots of fun! 7
Class 2/4: Loyalty Towards the Country We were excited to see a historic place. We were going to Bukit Chandu to learn about the Japanese Occupation. It was located in a big Western bungalow. We had to climb up a long flight of stairs. Once we were inside we saw many artefacts, drawings and we watched a video on the Malay Regiment. We felt that we learnt a lot at the rest station. We had to role play at prisoners. We had to march and we faced discrimination. We got a little biscuits and some Milo in the end. In the end, I learnt that life was tough during the Japanese Occupation and we learnt how people had suffered at that time. 8