NE Show 2009

School Colours Award Recipients 2009

1. Lim Jia Xuan, Prefectorial Board, Appreciation
2. Michael Shaun Low Zhi'en, Track and Field, Merit
3. Muhammad Danish B Radwan, Rugby, Appreciation
4. Wong Ka Wai Elizabeth, String Ensemble, Appreciation
5. Yong Hui Yi, String Ensemble, Appreciation

Final Result for P5.6 in 2009

Top in English...
Tan Eileen
... with a total aggregate score of 78%

Top in Mathematics...
Almas Bte Azman
... with a total aggregate score of 87%

Top in Science...
Assameur Yousef Makhdoom
... with a total aggregate score of 88%

No 1 position in class...
Almas Bte Azman
... she is also rank 32 in school position

No 2 position in class...
Seah Hwee Ling, Sherry
... she is also rank 65 in school position

No 3 position in class...
Luk Ying Xian
... she is also rank 71 in school position

WELL DONE!!!

SA 2 results...

Best in ENGLISH...
Tan Eileen
... with an aggregate score of 78%

Best in MATHEMATICS...
Almas Bte Azman
... with an aggregate score of 84%

Best in SCIENCE...
Ng Shi Xiang
... with an aggregate score of 88%

Best in Progress...
Ong Jun Qiang
Reuben Cho Wei Pin
Assameur Yousef Makhdoom

You make us proud!!!

PSLE 2009 Maths Questions

1. http://forum.channelnewsasia.com/viewtopic.php?p=3138618&sid=a2604a9cf75dacaa79b12580ff28864c
2. http://psle-2009-questions.blogspot.com/

Tips on Taking Examinations

When you take an examinations...
You are demonstrating your ability to understand your knowledge and ability to apply it. Successful test taking avoids carelessness.
Examples of objective tests are true-false, multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank.
Examples of subjective texts are short answer, essay, or oral exams.

These suggestions may help you avoid careless errors!

Prepare:
- Analyze how you did on a similar test in the past.
- Review your previous tests especially when studying for the final exam.
- Each test prepares you for the next; the more tests you take, the better you will develop your test taking strategies.
- Arrive early for tests.
- Before a test, list everything you will need for it that is allowed. (pencils/pens, calculator, dictionary, watch, etc.)
- Good preparation helps you focus on the task at hand.
- Be comfortable but alert.
- Maintain comfortable posture in your seat, but don't "slouch".
- Stay relaxed and confident.
- Have a good attitude.
- Remind yourself that you are well-prepared and are going to do well.
- If you find yourself anxious, take several slow, deep breaths to relax.
- Don't talk about the test to other students just before entering the room: their anxiety can be contagious.

Test Taking:
- Read the instructions carefully. This may be obvious, but it will help you avoid careless errors.
- If there is time, quickly look through the test for an overview.
- Note key terms, jot down brief notes.
- If you can, mark the test or answer sheet with comments that come to mind.
- Answer questions in a strategic order.
- Answer easy questions first to build confidence, score points, and mentally orient yourself to vocabulary, concepts and your studies.
- It may also help you make associations with more difficult questions.
- Then difficult questions or those with the most point value.
- With objective tests, first eliminate those answers you know to be wrong, or are likely to be wrong, don't seem to fit, or where two options are so similar as to be both incorrect.
- With essay questions, broadly outline your answer and sequence the order of your points.

Review:
- Resist the urge to stop as soon as you have completed all the items.
- Review your test to make sure that you have answered all questions, did not miss any answers, did not make simple mistakes.
- Proofread spelling, grammar, punctuation, decimal points, etc.
- Change answers to questions if you made a mistake, or misread the question or if you find information elsewhere in the test that indicates that your first choice is incorrect.
- Decide on and adopt study strategies that work best for you.
- Review your test preparation and identify those habits that worked well and replace those that don't!

Common Proverbs

Don't put all your eggs in one basket.
Don't throw out the baby with the bathwater.
The early bird gets the worm.
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
A stitch in time saves nine.
A penny saved is a penny earned.
Penny wise, pound foolish.
Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.
A friend in need is a friend indeed.
A drop of honey catches more flies than a hogshead of vinegar.
A fool and his money are soon parted.
Birds of a feather flock together.
Don’t count your chickens before they’ve hatched.
One today is worth two tomorrows.

SA2 Schedule

23/9(Wed) - EL Oral
25/9(Fri) - MT Oral
12/10(Mon) - Health Education & Social Studies SA2
13/10(Tue) - EL & MT Paper 1
27/10(Tue) - EL Paper 2 & Listening Comprehension SA2
28/10(Wed) - Mathematics SA2
29/10(Thu) - MT Paper 2 & Listening Comprehension SA2
30/10(Fri) - Science SA2

Time Management

Goals of Time Management
- To be able to have control over your life.
- Manage your time, don't let it manage you!
- To be healthier and happier with less stress.

Seven Suggestions for Effectively Managing Your Time

1. Be Organized
- Use time saving tools: appointment calendars, "to do" lists, etc.
- Have an organized workplace, don't waste time looking for things.
- Use your appointment calendar for everything.
- Use "to do" lists for both long and short term tasks.

2. Plan Ahead (Schedule it and it will happen!)
- Determine how long your tasks will take
- Consider whether any activities can be combined.
- Determine if big tasks can be broken down into smaller ones

3. Prioritize Your Tasks
- Use an A-B-C rating system for "to do" lists
- Set goals for both the short term and long term goals.
- Look at "to do"s to gauge the time and resources needed
- Don't postpone the small tasks

4. Avoid Overload
- Include time for rest, relaxation, sleep, eating and exercise.
- Take short breaks during study periods.
- Don't put everything off until the last minute.

5. Practice Effective Study Techniques
- Have an appropriate study environment.
- Split large tasks into more manageable tasks.
- Read for comprehension, rather than just to get to the end of the chapter.
- Be prepared to ask questions as they come up during study.
- Don't wait until just before an exam to ask questions.
- Do the most difficult work first, doing some easier tasks first.
- Be a model student, be attentive and participative in class.
- Be prepared and eager to learn.

6. Be Able to be Flexible
- If the unexpected happens(sickness), you need to be able to reschedule.
- Know how to rearrange your schedule when necessary.
- Know who to ask for help when needed.

7. Have a Vision (why are you doing all of this?)
- Don't forget the "big picture"
- why are you doing the task
- Is it important to your long-term personal goals?
- Have and follow a personal mission statement.
- Know what is important to you.
- Have a positive attitude!

IPW - Maths Guide

1) Creating / Editing of graphs and charts in Excel

(a) A template has been provided in the Project Work folder:

(b) Highlight the data area, then go to Insert a Chart

(c) Select Pie, then click on Next

(d) Click on Next after checking if the chart reflects the numbers entered:

(e) Enter an appropriate title for the chart, before clicking on Finish:

(f) To change the chart / graph type, select the graph, right-click and select Chart Type… It will bring the students back to (c), at which students can select a different chart / graph type.


2) Sum function in Excel

(a) Select the numbers that are to be totaled, then click on the Sum symbol at the top of the screen (Σ):

b) Alternatively, you can type in the Sum function: =SUM (D3:D7) and press Enter.

IPW - Science Guide

Pupils should be able to use diagrams and words to explain how the systems (choose 2) of the body work together.
http://www.teenasthma.ca/project_lungmodel.jsp
http://kidshealth.org/kid/htbw/htbw_main_page.htmlhttp://www.fi.edu/learn/heart/index.html
Other Resources:
http://kidshealth.org/kid/htbw/htbw_main_page.html - A wealth of resources including video clips and articles on the five human systems. Click on the organs that make up the system to access these resources.

Pupils can access detailed information on the various systems on this e-learning site.
http://www.lead.com.sg/ àScience Primary 3 à Digestive System
http://www.lead.com.sg/ àScience Primary 4 à Circulatory System
http://www.lead.com.sg/ àScience Primary 4 à Respiratory System
http://www.lead.com.sg/ àScience Primary 3 à Skeletal System

Pupils are encouraged to bring their own resources (encyclopaedias or other resource materials) to share among their group members. Teacher brainstorms ideas with pupils on how they can incorporate the information they have found into their scrapbook for the athlete. Pupils are to incorporate the information they have found on 2 human systems in their scrapbook on the athlete.

Conclusion
Teacher will guide pupils as they are doing their research on the following topics and provides them with suggestions on how they can incorporate what they have found in their scrapbook.

IPW - English Guide

General
1. What is your full name, class, age, race and date of birth?

Training
2. What sport do you play in school?
3. How often do you have training?
4. What do you do during training? Do you have any specific roles and responsibilities?
5. What do you learn from training?
6. How do you feel towards training?

Competition
7. How long have you been representing Gongshang for competition in your particular sport?
8. When was your most recent competition?
9. Tell us some highlights of the competition and some reflections (thoughts and feelings) you had

Diet
10. What types of food do you normally eat?
11. Do you eat anything special in preparation for training/competition?

Academics
12. What subjects do you like best? Why?
13. How do you juggle between school and training?
14. Do you have extra help in your various subjects? If so, what are they?

Leisure
15. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Conclusion
16. Please share with us how you spend your time on a typical training day by giving us a breakdown of the number of hours you spend doing various activities.
17. To what and to whom do you owe your success to?
18. How would you play host to an overseas athlete who has come to Singapore if you were given this opportunity (places of interest you would take them etc)?
19. What are the challenges faced being a student-athlete? How do you overcome these obstacles?
20. What do you enjoy most about your sport?

Suggested Sections for Scrapbook
1) Cover Page
2) Contents Page
3) Timeline of Athlete’s Life
4) Biodata of Athlete
5) Training & Competition
6) Academics & School
7) Other Interests
8) Reflections

Additional Resources:
http://www.hpb.gov.sg/edumaterials/default.aspx - ABCs of Healthy Eating
http://www.hpb.gov.sg/foodforhealth/article.aspx?id=6086 – Healthy Eating for Children
http://www.hpb.gov.sg/foodforhealth/article.aspx?id=5634&lifestage=Children – The Role that Fat Plays in our Diet
http://www.hpb.gov.sg/foodforhealth/article.aspx?id=2640 – Dietary Tips that will help you do better in sports
http://www.hpb.gov.sg/foodforhealth/article.aspx?id=2648 – The Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables

Some Information about H1N1 Virus

Preventing the Flu: Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs

1. Avoid close contact.
   Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
2. Stay home when you are sick.
   If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
3. Cover your mouth and nose.
   Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
4. Clean your hands.
   Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
   Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
6. Practice other good health habits.
   Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food

Spelling 3

1. sleepless night
2. awed by the sheer size of the stadium
3. hit by the wall of sound
4. warmed up to the screams of adoring fans
5. bursting with anxiety
6. anticipation hung heavy in the air
7. whistle signalled the commencement of the match
8. refused to resort to underhand methods
9. restrained fury
10. fought like lions
11. coach screamed his instructions from the sidelines
12. taken aback by the intensity in his eyes
13. collapsed onto the pitch
14. ecstatic
15. raised the trophy in triumph

Using at least 5 words / phrases from the list above, prepare a short paragraph of at least 80 words on an experience whereby you were one of the players in a team competition.

Spelling 2

1. deafening explosion
2. gave a rude jerk
3. plunged into pitch darkness
4. darkness closed in around me
5. came to a screeching halt
6. cold fear gripped me
7. shrill cry escaped from my lips
8. fumbled around in the dark
9. moans and groans filled the air
10. panic-stricken
11. beads of perspiration trickled down my forehead
12. palms were cold and clammy
13. struggled to maintain my composure
14. took deep breaths to steady my trembling hands
15. after what seemed like an eternity

Using at least 5 words / phrases from the list above, prepare a short paragraph of at least 80 words on an experience whereby you were trapped.

Spelling 1

1. decked out in a trench coat and sunglasses
2. heavily-tattooed man with bulging muscles
3. had a long, lean face, a shock of unruly hair and bushy eyebrows
4. stormed into the shop
5. eyes were darting around suspiciously
6. stealing furtive glances
7. aroused my suspicion
8. brandishing a knife wildly
9. pointed a gun menacingly
10. snarled and growled
11. fired a few warning shots at the ceiling
12. felt the cool blade of the knife pressed against my neck
13. blood drained from my face
14. froze, not daring to move an inch
15. ransacked the shop for valuables

Using at least 5 words / phrases from the list above, prepare a short paragraph of at least 80 words on a scene of a robbery.

Racial Harmony Day

The theme for this year's Racial Harmony Day is "Who's your neighbour". Yes, that's right, this year is all about friendship and understanding the cultures and traditions of your neighbours, be it a neighbour at home, at work or in school. Hence, on Tues, 21 July, we would encourage everyone to come dressed in your favourite neighbour's ethnic costume so it could be just about any traditional outfit! Dress up and wow us! :) :)

In addition, we are having a photo-caption contest. Take a picture with a neighbour/friend and tell us something interesting (be it cultural practices or quirky traditions) about your friend's race (in less than 50 words) and send it to ho_wei_wei_joanne@moe.edu.sg by Mon, 27 July 2009. The students can take part too so do bring your camera on 21 july to take photos with/for them! We will getting some student photographers to take photos for some students during recess on 21 july too. Look out for them!

There will be 1 student winner per level and 2 prizes for teachers! Each will win a pair of movie tickets! Do take part and have fun! We will squeeze more $$ from our funds and give out more prizes if there are lots of participants! :P

[Important!] Do help us remind the students to dress up on 21 july. They can be dressed in any ethnic costume (NO Superman/ Princesses costumes etc unless the students made friends with races from Hollywood/Fairyland) but they must still wear school shoes and socks.

Message from the NESS Dept

'though', 'although' and 'even though'

Though, although and even though are used to show a contrast between two clauses:
Our new neighbours are quite nice (this is good) though their two dogs bark all day long. (this isn’t good)

We can use though or although with no difference in meaning. But, some differences are:

Though is more common than although in conversation or writing.
Though (but not although) can come at the end of a sentence:
My new bike is really fast. I don’t like the colour, though.
Though (but not although) can be used as an adverb:
I’m not good at maths but I can help you with your geography, though, if you want.

The meaning of though is similar to however, but though is much more common than however in conversation.

Even though can be used to make the contrast between two clauses stronger:
Dad got back from work really late, even though he had promised to take mum to the cinema.

==============================================

They are similar in meaning, yes. They all serve to record something that is surprising or unexpected. But the difference in usage is that although, though and even though are all conjunctions, whilst in spite of and despite are both prepositions.

So usage requires:
in spite of + noun
although + clause
despite + noun
though + clause
even though + clause

Although and though can be used in the same way. Though is perhaps more common in informal speech and writing, whereas although can be used in a wide variety of styles.

Compare:
'Our new neighbours are quite nice, though their dog is a bit of a nuisance.'
'She insisted on keeping her coat on, although it was extremely warm in the house as the central heating was on.'
'Although she was commended for completing the Millennium Dome project on time and within budget, management felt that it was now time for a new person with different talents to take over.'

Though is often used with even in order to give emphasis:
'I managed to get good results in my exams, even though I went out four times a week when I was supposed to be revising.'

Whilst despite might be thought more formal than in spite of - it is, after all, one word rather than three - there is really very little difference in usage between the two:
'Despite the appalling weather, they succeeded in walking to the top of Ben Nevis.'
'They decided to get married in spite of the huge differences in their ages.'

So, to summarise: despite and although: similar meanings, but different syntax required. Compare:
'Although it was raining heavily, we finished the game of football.'
'We finished the game of football in spite of the heavy rain.'
'Despite his strong Welsh accent, we understood most of what he was saying.'
'Even though he had a strong Welsh accent, we understood most of what he was saying.'
One further word. Although, despite and in spite of are normally used as prepositions, they can also be used in adverbial constructions with -ing, thus:
'I managed to pass my exams, despite going out four times a week during the revision period.'
'In spite of feeling terribly sick, I went to work every day that week.'
'Despite being severely handicapped, he managed to complete the race.'

Precautionary Measures to Cope With Influenza A (H1N1) When School Reopens

Schools will re-open on Monday, 29 June 2009, as scheduled. To slow down the spread of the H1N1 virus in the school community and in Singapore when school re-opens, MOE will issue a 7-day Leave of Absence (LOA) to all school staff and students returning from affected countries , on and after 22 June 2009, to stay away from school. There will also be stepped up precautionary measures and public education efforts in schools.

Implementation of Leave of Absence (LOA)
Schools will communicate with all parents via multiple channels to obtain the updated travel history of their children, inform them of the implementation of LOA, and update them on any new advisories given out by MOH. The multiple channels include phone calls, emails, postal letters and notices on school websites.

Schools will remind all school staff and students to exercise social responsibility to declare their travel history if they have been to affected countries and to stay at home for 7 days before returning to schools.

Continuity in Learning for Students on LOA
For students who are issued LOA, schools will provide Home-Based Learning (HBL) lessons to them, based on what the rest of their classmates are learning in school. Schools will deliver the materials for HBL and monitor the students’ progress through various channels, such as mail, telephone, hand delivery, email and the school’s learning management system. Schools will also keep parents informed of the learning activities and accompanying study schedule. This will allow parents to play a complementary role by helping to monitor their children’s progress in following the lessons prepared by the teachers. When these students return to school, teachers may also conduct make-up lessons to ensure they catch up with their classmates.