THE

where we believe and grow, where we are ready for the future

GREEN CONNECTION

2014 TERM 1 NEWSLETTER

2 From thePrincipal’s Desk

3 A New BeginningSec 1 Camp SpriteSec 1 OrientationCCA Fair

6 National Examinations2013 GCE ’O’ Level Results2013 GCE ‘N’ Level Results

13 CelebrationsChinese New Year

14 Collaboration with ParentsLower Secondary MPSUpper Secondary MPS

16 In Service to CommunityNewspaper & Clothes CollectionFengshan CC Food Packing

17 Staff Movement

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESKROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

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I came across this interesting study a while ago, which I shared with my students, and I thought more people deserved to know about it.

A study was conducted on students in Harvard Business School. As you know, Harvard is one of the top universities in the world, and the students who are accepted into its Business School would certainly be very outstanding indeed. The students were asked the question, "Have you set clear, written goals for your future and made plans to accomplish them?" Although these were outstanding students, only 3% of the graduates had written goals and plans. 13% had goals, but not in writing, and a whopping 84% had no specific goals at all. What was interesting was that ten years later, the members of the class were interviewed again, and the findings were astonishing. The 13% of the class who had goals were earning, on average, twice as much as the 84% who had no goals at all. And what about the 3% who had clear, written goals? They were earning, on average, ten times as much as the other 97% put together.

The result of this study is noteworthy not because it shows us how to make lots of money, but rather because it shows us the importance of goal-setting and having clear plans to get there. This study has been replicated in many other forms, whether in weight-loss, improving relationships, or doing well in sports. In all these forms, it has been repeatedly shown that the best way to achieve our goals is to

(1) have very clear and specific targets, and (2) have explicit plans of how to get there.

As we come to the end of the first quarter of the year, it is a good time to reflect on the goals and plans that we have set for ourselves this year. If they are lacking, it is not too late to redirect our efforts, or to beef up our plans, since we still have much of the year ahead of us. As Stephen Covey wrote, in The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, we should always begin with the end in mind, and the studies I have shared above illustrate why this is so.

With that, I wish you a successful year ahead.

Mr Lim Yu Kee Principal

Bedok Green Secondary School

CAMP SPRITEby Herh Peng Lengng 44E1E1 (2013)

CaCampmp SSPRPRITITE is ann anannual signatuurere eeveventn ffor Bedok Green Seecocondndarary y OnO e sttududenentsts.. The overnighg t cacampmp iis anan iintntegegrarallpart off ththee ororientatatiion prograramme sppeciaalllly y tataili orored for our new BGSS students tot engendder a sensnsee ofof sschchooooll bebelolongngininggand facilitate class bonondingng. This year, Camp SPRITE washeheldld oonn 2424 and 25 JaJanuary.

On the first day, our camppers were taskedd toto ccrereatate e aa clclasass s chcheeeerr anandd aa clclass peperfrforormance for Campfif re NNigightht. ThThisis provided an exxccellennt t platfoormm ffor ttheh m to woro k togeetherr aas a class and buildd cammaradeririee amonongsst classsmsmates. ThThe e nenextxt day was reeplpletete e wiww tth mannyy exciitit ngng activvititiies to allow ouur cacampmpererss too hhavavee a a ssplashhinngg gogood time. Theh finale was thhecacampmpfifirere aandn class pperformmance to o alalloow w ouour r SeSecoc ndndarary OnOnee ststududenentsts tto o showcacase theeir aestheticic talents. ThhT rorouuggh h thecamp, the students have nonott ononlyly eenjnjoyoyeded tthehemssm elelvevees,s, bbutut just as importantly, they y have gained a better understtandiding that only when they work together will they be able to come upup wwitithh ththeieir r bebestst ppererformanancece..

A NEW BEGINNING

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Through activities such as the Personal Effectiveness Training and Touch-Typing Workshop, students were able to learn about self-management and acquire the skills needed to make the transition from their primary schools. Students were also given opportunities to realise their leadership potential, discover their interests, as well as get to know their peers, through various team-bonding activities, CCA Trials and the School Dance & Cheer.

SEC 1 ORIENTATIONby Mdm Nur HazwahIn early January, a week of meaningful and fun-filled activities was organized to welcome the newSecondary One students to our Bedok Green family. These activities aimed to allow students to work in teams and bond with one another as they familiarised themselves with their new environment.

CCA FAIRby Mr Vincent Ng

Every year, a CCA Fair is held to introduce the Secondary One students to the various Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) that our school has to offer.

This year’s CCA Fair was held on 9th January in the School Hall. It started off with a mini concert put up by the various Performing Arts groups to showcase the wonderful talents of our students. The boys from the National Cadet Corps almost stole the show with their dazzling display of nerves and skill in a precision drill performance. Our Wushu students also put up an impressive show of their pugilistic prowess.

After the performances, the Secondary One students toured the various CCA booths to obtain more information to help them make a more cognizant decision in choosing their CCA.

It was certainly a dynamic and vibrant day in Bedok Green Secondary School with all twenty-one CCAs in action on the same afternoon!

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10 Subjects with % Passes

Above National Average

8 Subjects with 100% Passes 5 other Subjects with % Passes

above National Average

ADDITIONAL MATHEMATICS CHINESE

BIOLOGY SCIENCE (PHYSICS, CHEMISTRY)

CHEMISTRY SCIENCE (CHEMISTRY,

BIOLOGY)

PHYSICS FOOD AND NUTRITION

GEOGRAPHY PRINCIPLES AND ACCOUNTS

MALAY

HINDI

TAMIL

Subjects with % Passes Above National Average

‘O’ LEVEL RESULTS - 4E

Overall School Performance - 4E

Pass at least 33 Subjects 97.4% vs National 98..11%%

Paassss aatt lleeaasstt 55 SSuubbjjects 88.2% vs National 91.2%

4E - Percentage Qualliiffyying For:

JJCC: 5577..99%%

Prre-U: 8866.22%%

PPoolly: 95.44%

HINDI MALAY

TAMIL CHINESE

PHYSICS ADDITIONAL MATHEMATICS

BIOLOGY SCIENCE (PHYSICS, CHEMISTRY)

SCIENCE (CHEMISTRY, BIOLOGY)

9 Subjects with % Distinctions Above

National Average

TAKING FLIGHT

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4E TOP SCORERS

Keith Chan Kwan Kit

Herh Peng Leng

Situ Zhengjie

Ying Xiaokage

Tan Yuan Qi

Ong Yi Fang

Darien Soh Zihao

Koh Yun Yi

Kingston Tan Jing Rong

Yap Woon Hwee Sheryl

Tan Jian Sheng

Ong Kok Han

Peh Zhi Wei

Lee Ming En

Shawn Wong Zheng Jie

Chrystal Tan Ai Peng

Nur Rizahamizah Bte Ahsim

Faith Ong Chiu Ning

Pung Yang Yu, Angeline

Loke Boon

Srishti Aggarwal

Wong Weng Kit

Lewin Sim Le Wei

Huang Wanting

Low Siu Ling

4E TOP SCORERKEITH CHAN KWAN KIT (L1R5 - 7)by Ahmad Badaruddin BinZulkifli (4E3)Keith Chan from 4E1 was last year’s (2013) top scorer for the GCE ‘O’ Level Examinations. Keith had a broad smile on hisface when he heard his name being called to come on stage for achieving a total of 7 points. In a recent interview, Keith was asked about his feelings on being the top scorer. He replied, “I’m actuallydisappointed that I got an A2 for my Biology paper but of course, I’m extremely over the moon for scoring a total of 7points. I knew it was possible from the start and with hard work and determination; I am where I am today. It took me some time to get used to juggling my busy schedule but I got the hang of it sooner or later. I’d like to thank my teachers for being ever so supportive and my classmates who continue to push each other despite the struggles. My advice to this year’sbatch of students taking the national examination is to not get easily distracted by things because it is so easy to lose out on the necessary information and key points during lessons.”

Keith is now studying in the Arts stream of Victoria Junior College. We wish him all the best in the future.

4E Top Scorers

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2 0 1 3 G C E ‘ O ’ L E V E L RESULTS

Overall School Performance - 5N

Pass at least 3 Subjects 91.2% vs National 86.9%

Pass at least 5 Subjects 52.9% vs National 51.6%

5N - Percentage Qualifying For:

JC: 17.6%

Pre-U: 45.6%

Poly: 76.5%

10 Subjects with % Passes

Above National Average

4 Subjects with 100% Passes 6 other Subjects with % Passes

above National Average

ADDITIONAL MATHEMATICS MATHEMATICS

CHINESE SCIENCE (PHYSICS, CHEMISTRY)

MALAY SCIENCE (CHEMISTRY, BIOLOGY)

HIGHER CHINESE COMBINED HUMANITIES

PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTS

FOOD AND NUTRITION

10 Subjects with % Passes Above National Average

CHINESE ADDITIONAL MATHEMATICS

HIGHER CHINESE SCIENCE (PHYSICS, CHEMISTRY)

4 Subjects with % Distinctions Above National

Average

‘O’ LEVEL RESULTS - 5N

TAKING FLIGHT

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Zheng Zhenkai

Eden Chua Sheng Jie

Lin Jie

Koh Chong Zhe

Jovan Yong Chuan Min

Tan Siu Ee

Tan Jie Wei

Kho Jian Jie

Lim Yen Yong

Muhammad Haikal B Bohran

Hu Chukai

Gan Ting Li

5N TOP SCORERS 5N TOP SCORERZHENG ZHENKAI (L1R5 - 12)by Hanisah Binte Hassim (4E3)Ahmad Badaruddin BinZulkifli (4E3)Nadia Binte Johan (4E4)When asked about being the

top 5N scorer in BGSS,

Zheng Zhenkai from 5N1

replied that he was so in awe

that words couldn’t be heard

from him after seeing his

name and picture on the

screen. “I didn’t at all;

expect that I would have

achieved it. You know, I really have to give my teachers

the credit for being so patient with me when I had so

much doubt to clear.” And when asked for some words of

encouragement for the upcoming batch of students taking

the GCE O Level Examinations next year, Zhenkai said,

“Do not worry too much for your A-Maths and Sciences.

As long as you have paid attention in class and revised

your work enough, you’ll be able to do it, but don’t leave

out your other subjects as well!”

Zhenkai is now studying in Serangoon Junior College.

We wish him well in his endeavours.

Tan Jie Wei, who previously transferred from the Normal Technical Stream, scored a commendable L1B4 of 15 points.

5N Top Scorers

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2013 GCE ‘N’ LEVEL RESULTS

Overall School Performance - 4N

90.9% Promoted to 5NA vs

National 72.76%

10 Subjects with % Passes

Above National Average

7 Subjects with 100% Passes 5 other Subjects with % Passes

above National Average

ADDITIONAL MATHEMATICS MATHEMATICS SYLL A

CHINESE SCIENCE (PHYSICS, CHEMISTRY)

ENGLISH LANGUAGE SYLL A SCIENCE (CHEMISTRY, BIOLOGY)

MALAY DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTS COMBINED HUMANITIES

FOOD AND NUTRITION

PANJABI

12 Subjects with % Passes Above National Average

CHINESE ENGLISH LANGUAGE SYLL A

MALAY PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTS

COMBINED HUMANITIES ADDITIONAL MATHEMATICS

MATHEMATICS SYLL A SCIENCE (PHYSICS, CHEMISTRY)

SCIENCE (CHEMISTRY, BIOLOGY)

9 Subjects with % Distinctions Above National

Average

NORMAL (ACADEMIC)

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4N TOP SCORERS REFLECTIONS FROM4N TOP SCORERWEE FENG YEE (L1B4 - 5)(This was what Feng Yee repl ied over an emailinterview.)

“Feeling anxious for the national exams is normal, but the key to do well is to

maintain your composure d u r i n g t h e p a p e r s . I

prepared for N-levels by constructing mind-maps

and notes as it helps me to note the key points of each topic. My advice is to start

work early, do not revise at the last minute and clarify all doubts with your teachers early. All the best to those taking their national exams

this year. Do your best and the best will come to you.”

4N Top Scorers

Wee Feng Yee Thee En Jie

Valerie Ong Wen

Bin

Wong Sui Ming

Low Hong Hao Choy Wan Ling

Muhammad Ammar

B Hisham

Yam Shien Hui

Tan Ming Wang Noor Diyanah Bte

Mohamed J

Ow Soey Ying Nurliyana Bte

Mohamad Yunos

Khoo Meng Yao,

Nigel

Kirby Ngian Cheng

Hiam

Lim Yan Ting, Emily Robert Hartanto

Tan Ee Kian, Oliver Kwa Min Er

Tan Sheng Jie, Jack Farhad Chand B

Feroz Chand

Wee Yao Jie, Joshua Hiresh Sandhu

Jubilian Ho Hong Yi Xie Xuan

Lim Zhao Xiang Christopher Lim Wei

Boon

Charmaine Chong

Fang Ling

Shaun Ng Zixuan

Jonathan Chia Jia

Kang

Nur Fazilin Bte

Omar

Nurul Asyiqin Bte

Sam

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SCIENCE SYLLABUS T 45.5%

1 Subject with % Distinctions

Above National Average

NORMAL (TECHNICAL)

4 Subjects with 100% Passes

BASIC CHINESE

BASIC MALAY

ART SYLLABUS T

SCIENCE SYLLABUS T

4 Subjects with 100%

Passes

TOP SCORERS Grades

Raihan Bin Osman 5 As

Tan Hong Yu, Sebastian 3 As

Muhammad Shukri B

Sabbi

3 As

4T Top Scorers

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CHINESE NEW YEARby Mrs Kanta Wadhwani

On 30 Jan 2014, our school celebrated Chinese New Year with a concert and class activities specially designed for the occasion. As part of the school tradition, students made cards for their family, friends and teachers. Class activities also included reflections on Chinese New Year as well as paper-cutting and design. To welcome the Year Of The Horse, students were treated to a special Chinese New Year Concert jointly organised by the Aesthetics Department and the Citizenship Education Committee. Students from the Guzheng Ensemble, Wushu rendered a rousing performance which added to the celebratory mood. In addition, our international students – Kyaw Myo Khant, Choi Ahyoung and Chanhom Natchalai – also shared with the school how the New Year was celebrated in their home countries. Students and staff also took part in a Chinese Calligraphy Competition and a Chinese New Year Quiz which were jointly organised by the Parents Support Group and the Citizenship Education Committee.

SCHOOL EVENTS

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DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDSSSSSSSSSSSSSSr

CELEBRATIONS

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UUPPPPEERR SSEEC MPSby Mr Lee Beng Wah & Mr Loh Kee SengOOOnOn theh eveveniningn of 23 JJananuauaryy, 202014, thepparentts ofof oouru Secc 33,, 4 4 && 55 students wereeiinnvited to mmeeeet t thee scschohool leaded rs and form ttteteacachehersrs.. ThThee obobjejectives of this sessiion weree ttto intntroduducece tthehe sstataffff ttoo pap rents, updpdata e them ooon school achievemene tst , as wwelelll as highlight ttththe e didiffffererenent t ror utes of prprogogression to higher eeeducation. Parents were also ggivivenen aadvdviciceeaaand suggestions on how they could supporttttheir children in the preparation foforr ththeie r eexaminations.PParents also met their children’ss foormrmmm tteachers in the classrooms, where they wwereree bbbbrbrbrieieiefefeed d ono the syly labus requirements of eachhh ssubject. Just before tthhe sseseessisisiononon, thththe ee papaparererentntntssswwere also invited to a talk entitled "Loving ToGGrow - Helping your child to love knowledge aacquisition" from 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm, oorganised by Family Matters @ School.

COLLABORATION WITH PARENTS

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LOWER SEC MPSby Mdm Salenah & Mr Tan Yang Hui

The Secondary 1 and 2 Meet-the-Parents-Session (MPS) was held on 16th January 2014. The objectives of the MPS were to introduce the form teachers to the parents, update the parents on school matters and to share issues specific to the different levels. The focus for Secondary One students was the transition to secondary school life, while Secondary Two students and their parents were briefed on the Subject Selection (for Upper Secondary) Exercise and how that would impact future educational options. In addition, Family Matters @ School organized talks to cater to the different levels, such as “Transition from Primary to Secondary School Life” for the parents of Secondary One students and “How would parents’ involvement impact teens learning potential?” for the parents of Secondary Two students. The MPS was well received by parents.

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by Nur Afifah Syaza (4E4)

Upon hearing about the Old Newspaper & Clothes Collection we would be participating in, my class took the initiative to divide ourselves into four groups, with each group assigned different blocks to hand out leaflets. The leaflets would let the residents know what we would be doing so that they could prepare the necessary items for us. My team, which consisted of 7 people, decided to split up into 2 groups, with each group in charge of distributing the leaflets to 6 different levels in the block.

Whilst carrying out the activity on the actual day, I felt jittery and excited, not knowing what to expect from the residents. Some of the residents had misinterpreted our intentions in coming to their homes on a Saturday morning and immediately shooed us away, but others were friendly and even offered to help us bring the old newspapers to the ground

floor of the block. It warmed my heart, knowing that some were willing to go out of their way to assist us in our collection.

After we were told how much newspaper and old clothes we collected, I felt a surge of pride in my class, knowing that for once, we worked together in accomplishing a task together. I’ve also learnt that, in the people around us, there is often more than meets the eye. For example, Ryan, a fellow classmate who seemed shy and withdrawn, readily stepped forward to translate and explain our intentions to Mandarin-speaking Chinese residents.

SEC 4 & 5 OLD NEWSPAPERS AND CLOTHES COLLECTION (11 JAN 2014)

IN SERVICE TO COMMUNITY

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Mrs Helen Lee Miss Tan Jialin Grace

STAFF MEMBERS ON PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT LEAVE (PDL)

CNY FOOD-PACKING @ FENGSHAN COMMUNITY CLUBby Tan Yun Zhu (3N1)

It was only during our first meeting with the Fengshan CC staff that I found out that I had to plan the packing of the goodie bags. I felt quite confused as I had to decide what food would go in the goodie bags. We also had to take into consideration the weight of the food as well. Thankfully, with the help of the organising team, we managed to plan the things that had to be done. It was quite an experience approaching the Operations Manager (OM) to borrow trolleys from the school for the day we would distribute the goodie bags.

On the actual day of the event, we were very happy that almost all the students who had signed up as volunteers reported punctually. Although we had to walk quite a long distance carrying the goodie bags, all our hard work and tiredness was worth it when we saw the smiles on the residents' faces. One resident was so grateful that she shed tears as she held on to a volunteer's hands. Another resident also offered drinks to one of the teams while they were distributing the food.

It was definitely an unforgettable experience and we hope that our love of serving the community will spread to other BGSS students.

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STAFF MOVEMENT

Name Subject/Position

Mr Tan Yang Hui Maths / ChemistrySH / Year Head 1

Mdm Noor Afidah Bte Abdul Rahman

Malay Language SH / Malay Language

Mdm Siti Fatimah Bte Haji Mohson

Nutrition & Food Science / English SH / Nutrition & Food Science

Mr Yeap Keng Hwee Biology / Chemistry

Mr Prabhu s/o Gobi Nathan Chemistry / Biology

Mr Lee Heng Hiang Chemistry / Mathematics

Mdm Kang Liwen Cheryl Ann Accounting / Mathematics

Mdm Lim Ah Geok OSO

Miss Koh Hui Ying Social Studies / English

Miss Yeo Sue Rae Amelia Social Studies / English

NEW POSTINGS

IN SERVICE TO COMMUNITY

Mrs Usha Bhaskaran Mrs Pang-Tang Xueli Shirley

Mr Yang Haozhi Steve Mr Koh Poh Siang

Mr Lim Soo Kian John Mr Cheong Hock Man

Miss Chew Li Shan Lydia Miss Yong Chiew Yoon

STAFF MEMBERS WHO LEFT

Our warmest wishes for their future endeavours.