In my message last year, I mentioned that we had begun the “Teach Less, Learn More” (TLLM) journey with a seminar, followed by many more discussions and sharing sessions at school and department levels. I am pleased to observe that there are more student-centred lessons being carried out in the classroom, with some teachers using the thematic approach and others using coursework or project work approach. TLLM is about shifting the focus from ‘quantity’ to ‘quality’. ‘More quality’ in terms of classroom interaction, opportunities for expression, the learning of life-long skills and the building of character through innovative and effective teaching approaches. ‘Less quantity’ in terms of rote-learning, repetitive tests, and following prescribed answers and set formulae.

As a school, we have implemented, or will be implementing, some new programmes to keep up with the momentum in our focus on TLLM.

Some of these new programmes include:

Environment Education Programme (EEP) Module for the Sec 1. It is a 5 week module that integrates Science and Geography, covering topics like pollution and other environment related issues. The pedagogy takes on the experiential learning approach, with most part of the lesson conducted outside the classroom.

Current Affairs for all students. This is a newly introduced non-examinable subject that builds on the existing reading programme. A typical lesson includes reading of articles on global/local issues, followed by a class discussion. The main objectives of the programme are to raise students’ awareness of current issues, develop their critical thinking skills, as well as to provide a platform for social interaction in class.

Life skills programme for selected Sec 3 N(T) students. This is an extension to the Elective Module (EM) that we offered to Sec 3N(T) students since last year. In this programme, students learn a variety of skills, ranging from IT skills to personal management skills.

In addition to our focus on TLLM, we will continue with our efforts in character and leadership development. We were awarded the National Education (NE) Development Award last year for our efforts in inculcating NE values, and we will consolidate and improve on the NE programme this year. We have also refined our Community Involvement Programme (CIP) to make it more structured. As for leadership development, we will be launching a new student leadership development programme this year to fully develop the leadership potential in our students.

We are committed to our mission of providing a challenging curriculum to enhance the capacity of our students with competencies and attitudes for the future.

May 2006 be a fruitful year for all members of the Marsiling family!

Loke Chee Pheng
Principal

Click here to read the principal's message for 2008.
Click here to read the principal's message for 2007.