A Word to Students 2
Dear students,
Secondary school experience is a time where you learn to discover more of yourself and your potential. Therefore,
take charge of your own learning by looking out for opportunities to challenge and develop yourselves. Only then,
can you truly discover what you can be good at, where your interests lie, and hopefully, by the end of your
secondary school education, have some ideas of what and how you can pursue these experiences at a deeper level
in the next stage of your education.
To do this, you must believe that you have the potential to be a leader and seek to develop it. The school believes
that it has set up the right environment to help you discover your talent by exposing you to a myriad of programmes
and activities. Take the time to look through them in this booklet and then take the initiative to sign up for them.
With each experience that you participate whole-heartedly, you will gain knowledge and skills and become a well-
developed individual who will embrace life and embrace learning.
Happy Learning!
Mrs Ong Hong Peng Mr Hardev Singh Sidhu
Principal Dean, Student All-Round Development
Introduction 3
At Xinmin, we ignite passion, fuel trailblazers and groom leaders for the global community. Our school’s vision
“Leading Hearts, Leading Minds” encapsulates the desire of the community to shape the Leader and Learner who
would thrive in the workplace with 21st-century skills and mind-sets.
This booklet contains information on the various talent development programmes in Xinmin, sorted according to
their key domains and levels of service. Details on our Talent Development Framework, as well as the Science,
Mathematics and Leadership academies, are also provided.
Level 1 programmes have been built in as part of the curriculum for all students; Levels 2, 3 and 4 programmes are
available on an opt-in basis. The Leader and Learner should recognise the progressive nature of the various
programmes, and take charge by making plans for and keeping track of his own development. In Xinmin, we
emphasise that learning and growth is achieved not just through participation in these programmes, but also
through personal reflection using the e-careers platform.
Stephen King
“Talent is cheaper than table salt.
What separates the talented individual from the successful one
is a lot of hard work.”
Talent Development Framework 4
In our Xinmin Talent Development Framework, we classify talent into four domains: Cognitive, Leadership,
Aesthetics and Psychomotor. Within each domain, the various programmes are further structured into four levels of
service, in accordance to Dr Donald Treffinger’s Levels of Service Model. Levels I and II programmes are broad-based
and highly-inclusive, while Levels III and IV programmes place greater emphasis on needs and characteristics of
smaller groups of students.
Level 1: Services for ALL students
The emphasis is on expanding learning opportunities for all students. They are built in as part of the curriculum,
and it is compulsory for all students in the respective levels or streams to go through these programmes, such
as the leadership curriculum which comprise a series of in-house lessons covering basic leadership knowledge.
Level 2: Services for MANY students
There is a shift towards extending experiences for students beyond basic exploration. Participation is usually
voluntary and interest-based, and virtually any student might become involved in Level 2 activities. Examples
would include programmes like the ACS(I) Life Sciences Symposium.
Level 3: Services for SOME students
The focus here is on extending work to provide an appropriate challenge for students who exhibit interest and
ability. Level III programmes include specialised exposure programmes and competitions, such as Singapore
Mathematical Olympiad Training, the Bicultural Immersion and Exchange Programme and the Science and
Technology Research Programme.
Level 4: Services for IDENTIFIED (FEW) students
Level 4 services are put in place to meet the idiosyncratic needs of talented students. Examples include work
attachments at national research institutes, as well as training and empowering students to take charge of
major school programmes such as the Xinmin Adventure Camp.
Identification Process
Co
gnitive
Ae
sthe
tics
Psych
om
oto
r
Lead
ersh
ip
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Levels of Service
De
velo
pm
ent P
roce
ss
Recognition Process
Tracking P
roce
ss
The Leadership Academy 5
In line with the school’s vision – Leading Hearts, Leading Minds, the Student Leadership Academy was set up in 2009
to support the school’s strategic thrust to develop leaders with character. In 2011, after a review and consultation
with both staff and students, a consensus was agreed upon to stipulate our desired outcome as developing Xinmin
students into leaders with hearts, and in accordance with our ASK outcomes.
The Leadership Academy adopts a two-pronged approach to developing student leadership in Xinmin:
1. All students to be schooled in basic knowledge of leadership concepts and applications.
2. Student leadership holders to be given more customised and in-depth training, and also a variety of
platforms to practice their leadership skills, which includes class committees, CCA committees, house
committees, and the Student Council.
The nature of the programmes under the Leadership Academy can be described as follows:
Multi-level – in line with the Xinmin Talent Development Framework, and
Progressive – in which prerequisites are set for each level of training. For example, to qualify for the Level 3 Leadership Workshop, participants must have completed Level 2 workshop and hold positions such as a Student Councillor, a CCA committee member or a key member of the Class Committee.
The Science Academy 6
The Science Academy houses a wide array of intensive and stimulating research programmes beyond the secondary
school curriculum. In our Biomedical Research Laboratory, students can extract DNA and culture bacteria. The
Science Academy awakens every student’s curiosity and deepens their knowledge, particularly in the Life Sciences.
Strong partnerships with tertiary institutions provide our students with opportunities to sharpen their research skills
under the mentorship of lecturers. Prestigious platforms are made available for young scientists to showcase their
findings – at the annual Singapore Science & Engineering Fair (SSEF) and the school’s Science and Technology
Symposium. At The Science Academy we fuel passion and nurture the inquiring mind to explore new frontiers.
The nature of the programmes under the Science Academy can be described as follows:
Multi-faceted – The Academy offers differentiated programmes in the various domains of Science & Technology to maximize learning opportunities for all students and to develop the talents in them.
Multi-level – In line with the Xinmin Talent Development Framework, the Academy structures its science-based programmes using the Treffinger’s Four Levels of Service, taking into consideration the unique attributes of each level of service.
Training at Level 1 centres mainly on providing exposure. Level I deals with appropriate and challenging content and
process for all learners, and emphasises the importance of the need to guide students in learning specific process
tools as well as content skills, such as creative thinking tools (for generating options) and critical thinking tools (for
evaluating options), problem solving, basic research and inquiry skills.
Level 2’s uniqueness arises from deliberate efforts to engage and stimulate students to test or apply their strengths,
through invitational opportunities, to explore new topics and “dig deeper” into one or more scientific domains. Level
II helps students to verify their emerging talent possibilities.
Level 3 offers group-oriented services, within the school or in collaboration with other agencies, to help students
reach a higher level of accomplishment and build their competence and commitment in a particular talent area or
domain.
Level 4 recognises and responds to an individual’s “blossoming expertise”, providing individually tailored services
that help the student rise to an outstanding level of talent development, expression and productivity.
1. Programmes for all students -
Providing foundational skills and exposure
“Discovering and Building”
2. Programmes for many students -
Engaging and verifying interests
“Curious and Exploring”
3. Programmes for some students -
Meeting the need for alternative opportunities
“Enthusiastic and Performing”
4. Programmes for a few students -Responding to
blossoming expertise and the need for highly
individualized services
“Passionate and Soaring”
The Mathematics Academy 7
The Mathematics Academy organises a wide variety of activities and programmes beyond the Mathematics
curriculum with the objective to nurture Mathematics talents with inquiring minds.
The nature of the programmes under the Mathematics Academy can be described as follows:
Level 1 activities and programmes are planned and executed to involve most of the student population with the
objective of extending learning opportunities beyond the classroom and textbook. Examples include the
Mathematics Trail which all Secondary One students participate in to expose them to the fun elements in applying
what they have learnt in the classroom to real-life situations; and authentic assessment tasks that require students
to solve real-life problems through hands-on activities.
Level 2 activities and programmes aim to stretch the analytical and thinking skills of students who have an interest in
Mathematics. An example of Level 2 activities is participation in the Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC)
which is open to interested students to benchmark them to international standards and to provide exposure to a
different Mathematical problem solving curriculum.
Level 3 seeks to provide differentiated and specialised teaching for a small group of students who are
mathematically inclined. As a level 3 programme, Singapore Mathematical Olympiad Training is conducted for
selected students to hone their mathematical skills in preparation for the Singapore Mathematical Olympiad.
Level 4 focuses on stretching the potential of a few mathematically-talented students who have strong passion for
Mathematics and a keen interest in mathematical research. Students will be mentored by teachers in small groups
and be exposed to Mathematical concepts, research and experiences beyond their curriculum. Level 4 activities
include participation in the Singapore Mathematics Project Festival (SMPF) organised by the Singapore Mathematical
Society, and the Singapore Statistics Poster competition organised by the Department of Statistics and Applied
Probability of the National University of Singapore.
LEVEL 1 Extending learning opportunities beyond the classroom
(e.g. Mathematics Trail, ATT)
LEVEL 2 Stretching analytical and thinking skills
(e.g. AMC)
LEVEL 4
Providing challenges
to stretch potential
(e.g. SMPF)
LEVEL 3 Providing differentiated
and specialised teaching
(e.g. Mathematics Olympiad training)
Overview of Programmes 8
Level Domain of Talent
Cognitive Leadership Aesthetics Psychomotor
1 -Mother Tongue
Language Festival
-News-in-Education
Programme (NiE)
- Mathematics Trail
- D&T Bridge
Competition
-Sec 1 Public Speaking
Enrichment
- Oral Presentation in
Curriculum
- Reading Programme
- Theatre Visits
-Leadership modules
during CCE
-Post Mid-Year Exam
Visual Art Activities
- Sec 2E Drama
- Sec 2N Drama-in-
curriculum
- X’thetics Day
-Swim Safer Programme
- Multi-Sports Carnival
- Inter – Class
Games/Inter – CCA
Captains Ball
- Cross – Country/Night-
to-Day Run
- Introduction to Dragon
boating
2 - Budding Writers
Programme (Author-in-
Residence Programme)
- Ask the Author: A Day
in the life of …
- Budding Emcees
Programme (MTL)
- Xinmin Budding
Journalists Programme
(School Based)
- UNSW ICAS Science
- Australian Math
Competition
- Mathematical
Modelling Module
- D&T Learning Journey
- D&T Pupils Seminar
-Talks by invited writers
and journalists
- UNSW ICAS English
- Level 2 Leadership
workshops
-Leadership Adventure
Camp
-UG /CCA leadership
training (HQ)
-Art Learning Journey
-Aesthetics CCAs
-Personal Responsibility
In Daily Effort (PRIDE)
Overview of Programmes 9
Level Domain of Talent
Cognitive Leadership Aesthetics Psychomotor
- Xinmin Spelling Bee
3 - Chinese Creative
Writing Competition
- National Annual
Chinese Literature Camp
- Xinmin Budding
Journalists (SPH)
- National Language
Based Competitions
- Bicultural Exchange &
Immersion Programme
- Science Overseas
Learning Journey to
Curtin University
- Singapore
Mathematical Olympiad
Training
- Bull’s Eye Competition
- STEM programme
- LAMDA Oral
Assessment
- Commonwealth Essay
Writing Competition
- National Literature
Festival
- Level 3 Leadership
Workshop
-Level 3 Leadership
Camp
-Overseas Service
Learning Trips
-Student Council
-UG /CCA leadership
training (HQ)
- Dikir Barat
Performance &
Competition
-Aesthetics CCAs
-Swim Safer Customised
Programme
- Combined Sports Meet
4 - Creative Arts
Programme (CL & ML)
- Creative Arts
Programme (ELL)
- Chinese Reading
Report Competition
- Singapore Junior
Physics Olympiad
- Singapore Statistics
-Level 4 leadership
workshops
- Campus Change
Makers
-UG/CCA leadership
training
-Aesthetics CCAs - Volleyball, Badminton,
Shooting and
Rockclimbing CCA
Overview of Programmes 10
Level Domain of Talent
Cognitive Leadership Aesthetics Psychomotor
Poster Competition
- Singapore
Mathematics Project
Festival
- Plain English Speaking
Award (PESA)
Levels 2 – 4 Opt-in Programmes 11
Key Domain
Programme Quick Facts
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Budding Writers Programme
(Author-in-Residence Programme)
Interested in Chinese Language literary writing? Participate in
the author-in-residence programme in which you will be taught
writing skills by renowned local writers.
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Ask the Author: A Day in the life of …
The objective is to bring writers into school to meet and interact
with students and teachers. It is a great chance for students and
teachers to delve into the world of literature outside of the
school curriculum, and Higher Mother Tongue Language
students are strongly encouraged to participate.
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Budding Emcee Programme
The Programme moulds confident speakers who are able to
helm school and even community events. They are put through
rigorous public speaking training that hones their verbal
articulation and stage confidence. Students will have to attend
preparatory training sessions regularly before events.
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2 Xinmin Spelling Bee
The Xinmin Spelling Bee is an annual internal competition held
during post-exam activities in which contestants are asked to
spell a broad selection of words, usually with a varying degree
of difficulty. The objective is to raise awareness of the
importance of spelling and make the learning of English fun.
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Talks by invited writers and journalists
Students interested in writing are encouraged to attend talks by
invited writers and journalists where they share what it is like
being a writer or a journalist, their inspiration for writing and
also some writing tips.
Vacancies: 20, Sec 2E or 2NA
students
Duration: May – Sep 2016
Teacher -in-charge: Ms Kee Bee
Hwa (CL) & Mr Ahmad (ML)
Vacancies: 20 Sec 1 to Sec 5
students
Duration: Jan – Nov 2016
Prep training in Jun Holidays
Teacher-in-charge: Ms Liang
Qian (CL) & Mdm Norliza (ML)
Vacancies: Selected Sec 1 students
Duration: Post exam
Teacher-in-charge: Mr Chow
Zhen Zao
Vacancies: open to all levels
Duration: Jan – Oct 2016
Teacher -in-charge: Ms Kee Bee
Hwa (CL) & Mr Ahmad (ML)
Vacancies: Open to all
Duration: once a year
Teacher-in-charge: Mrs Amy
Chan
Levels 2 – 4 Opt-in Programmes 12 C
ognit
ive
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UNSW ICAS (English) The International Competitions and Assessments for Schools
(ICAS) are independent skills-based assessments with a
competitive element. The English tests the school organises are
the English Comprehension and Writing. Students who opt in
would need to pay for the tests. They will receive
comprehensive reports on their performance level. Students
who perform well also receive a certificate to recognise their
achievement.
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Australian Math Competition
The Australian Math Competition is an opt-in competition for
interested students to stretch their analytical and thinking skills.
The competition provides students exposure to a different
Mathematical problem solving curriculum, and the opportunity
to benchmark their Mathematical standards internationally.
Cog
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Mathematical Modelling Module
The Mathematical Modelling Module provides students the
opportunity to go through the process of formulating and
improving a mathematical model to represent and solve real-
world problems. This experience will help students better
appreciate the connections between mathematics and the real-
world as well as support their development of 21st century
competencies.
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2 Xinmin Budding Journalists Programme
(School Based) This programme aims to help students appreciate editorial
decisions, equip students with basic skills to gather news and
package it for print media, help students use these newly
acquired skills to generate news, help students to appreciate
rapidly changing technology that affects journalism.
Cog
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D&T Pupils Seminar
A Seminar aims to inspire D&T students to sketch to design. The
students will have the opportunity to think of solutions for
everyday problems and show their ideas on an online platform.
Vacancies: Open to all Sec 1 to 3s
Duration: June – July 2016
Teacher-in-charge: Ms Ulrica
Liang
Vacancies: Any Sec 2 or 3
students
Duration: Once-off
Teacher-in-charge: Mr Firdaus
Vacancies: 30 Sec 1 to Sec 4
students
Duration: whole year
Teacher-in-charge: Ms Joanne
Chan (CL) & Mr Fayumi (ML)
Vacancies: Any Sec 2 or 3
students
Duration: Once-off
Teacher-in-charge: Ms Lin
Minglei
Vacancies: Sec 4 & 5 D & T
students
Duration: 4hrs
Teacher-in-charge: Mdm Pok
Levels 2 – 4 Opt-in Programmes 13
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D&T Learning Journey
To broaden students learning experiences, and enable them to
be more creative in identifying design opportunities and
generate and develop design solutions.
Cog
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UNSW ICAS Science
The International Competitions and Assessments for Schools
(ICAS) are independent skills-based assessments with a
competitive element. This provides a good “window” for the
students to discover and recognise their strengths, talents, and
interests in the sciences, and for the department to identify
science talents, assess and develop the potential in
them. Students who opt in would need to pay for the tests. They
will receive comprehensive reports on their performance level.
Students who perform well also receive a certificate to
recognise their achievement.
Key Domain
Programme Quick Facts
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Science Overseas Learning Journey to Curtin
University This is an overseas learning trip to Perth, Western Australia and
promises to be an exciting and enriching learning journey for
students keen in learning more about Science and going beyond
the textbooks.
Cog
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Bull’s Eye Competition Organised by the Mechanical Engineering Division of Ngee Ann
Polytechnic, This exciting event is designed to inspire a passion
for science and engineering, and afford students the
opportunity to demonstrate their ability to creatively apply their
skills and knowledge of design and technology, mechanics,
electricity, motor and drive system.
Cog
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STEM programme
A competition that provides learning opportunities for students
to apply their knowledge and skills in science, mathematics and
technology to solve real-world problems.
Vacancies: Sec 3 D & T students
Duration: 4hrs
Teacher-in-charge: Mdm Pok
Vacancies: Sec 2 & 3 students
Duration: Jun to Nov 2016
Teacher-in-charge: Mr Roslee &
Mr Jacob Wang
Vacancies: Sec 2 students
Duration: 6hrs in Sep 2016
Teacher-in-charge: Mr James Tan
and Mr Lionel Lim
Vacancies: 20 places for lower
secondary students only
Duration: Nov once every 2 years
Teacher-in-charge: Mrs Kwek
Ying Sy & Mr Lin Shun Yi
Vacancies: Open to all Sec 1 to 5
students
Duration: April (Yearly)
Teacher-in-charge: Mrs Annie Ng
Levels 2 – 4 Opt-in Programmes 14 C
ognit
ive
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Chinese Creative Writing Competition This is an inter-school competition that challenges your ability
to clearly express your thoughts, feelings and emotions.
Cog
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National Annual Chinese Literature Camp Organised by RGS, this camp allows students who are interested
in Chinese Literature to Further their Interests through the
various organized workshops and seminars. Students will have
the opportunity to meet some of the famous authors in person.
Cog
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Xinmin Budding Journalists (SPH) Students selected will have a chance to attend specialized
workshops by SPH.
Cog
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National Language Based Competitions Interested students should register with the MT teachers.
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NUS Geography Challenge Students who are keen to explore Geography beyond the
textbook and the classroom should sign up for this.
Vacancies: 10 students
Duration: 2 months
Commitment: Students will have
to attend training sessions in
preparation for the competition,
totalling 30 hours.
Teacher-in-charge: Mr Jason
Ting
Vacancies: 2 Sec 1 to 4 Express
students
Duration: Mar – Sep 2016
Teacher-in-charge: Ms Kee Bee
Hwa
Vacancies: 20 Sec 3 – 4 Students
Duration: May to July 2016
Teacher-in-charge: Mdm Sun
Ying
Vacancies: 4 Sec 1 to 4 students
for ML and CL each
Duration: Whole year
Teacher-in-charge: Ms Joanne
Chan (CL) & Mr Fayumi (ML)
Vacancies: Sec 1 to 4 Express
students
Duration: Whole year weekly
training
Teacher-in-charge: Mr Tang (CL),
Mr Effendy (ML)
Levels 2 – 4 Opt-in Programmes 15 C
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Model United Nations
Be among tomorrow's leaders
engaging in debates and
discussions on today's issues,
simulating conferences held
by various councils of the
United Nations!
Sign up for this prestigious and
reputed programme.
Cog
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Singapore Mathematical Olympiad
The Singapore Mathematical Olympiad is the largest and oldest
mathematics competition in Singapore. Students will undergo a
rigorous selection process to be admitted into this prestigious
competition. Participants will undergo regular training sessions
to hone their mathematical skills in preparation for the
Singapore Mathematical Olympiad.
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LAMDA Oral Assessment This is an extension of the Sec 1 Public Speaking Enrichment.
Interested students would need to prepare a short oral
presentation and pay for their assessment by LAMDA assessors
from the United Kingdom. Students who do well would receive
certification by the renowned institution.
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Commonwealth Essay Writing Competition
The Commonwealth Essay Competition aims to nurture the
creative talents of young people and promote literacy,
expression and creativity among students by celebrating
excellence and imagination. All Sec 1 to Sec 3 Express and
Normal Academic students will prepare their essays but
teachers will select the best pieces to be submitted for the
competition.
Vacancies: 60 vacancies by
selection, Sec 1E to 4E students
Duration : 6 – 10 training sessions
from February to June 2016
Teacher-in-charge: Mr Bennett
Lim
Vacancies: Open to all, especially
Sec 1s
Duration: Jul to Aug 2016
Teacher-in-charge: Mr Colin Low
Vacancies: Selected Sec 1 to 3
E/NA students
Duration: Submission by April
Teacher-in-charge: Ms Ten Yu
Ping
Vacancies: 10 students
Duration: 2 months
Commitment: Students will have
to attend training sessions in
preparation for the competition,
totalling 30 hours.
Teacher-in-charge: Ms Nanthini
& Ms Gwyneth Chua
Levels 2 – 4 Opt-in Programmes 16
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National Literature Festival
The National Schools Literature Festival is an annual event
organised by MOE in collaboration with Lit Up Singapore,
Emerging Writers and Performers Festival. Various competitions
are held during the festival: Upper Secondary Set Text Debate,
Upper Secondary Unseen Poem Debate, Lower Secondary
Poetry Slam, Lower Secondary Drama Book Trailer, and
Literature Book Parade. Students will be selected to participate
in the festival by their respective English and Literature
teachers.
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Bicultural Exchange & Immersion Programme
Want to develop a greater awareness of the nuances of
different cultures of various groups of people in other societies,
as well as better understand the social, economic and political
developments of their countries?
Sign up for the bicultural trips by seeing the teacher in charge!
Vacancies: Sec 2E/2NA/3E
students (ML); Sec 3E/NA
students (CL)
Duration: June/Nov 2016
Teacher-in-charge: Mr. Tau Jun
Hui (CL) & Mr. Effendy (ML)
Vacancies: Selected Sec 1 to 3
Literature students
Duration: once a year in July
Teacher-in-charge: Mrs Amy
Chan
Levels 2 – 4 Opt-in Programmes 17
Key Domain
Programme Quick Facts
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Plain English Speaking Award (PESA)
PESA is a programme organised by YMCA of Singapore, in
partnership with MOE, the National Library Board and Speak
Good English Movement. The competition trains students to
sharpen their speaking skills and to build confidence in public
presentation. Shortlisted students will present a speech to the
teachers-in-charge. Selected students will be trained for the
actual competition.
Cog
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Chinese Reading Report Competition
This is an international competition
which requires you to make critical
analyses of books, and evaluate on their
quality, meaning and significance.
Cog
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Creative Arts Programme (EL) CAP is a prestigious writing programme annually organised by
the Gifted Education Branch (MOE) and the University Scholars
Programme (NUS) to nurture talented young writers. Students
who are selected to participate in CAP would have the privilege
of learning the art of writing under the tutelage of various
renowned Singaporean writers. Interested students would need
to prove their flair for writing and work on their portfolio in the
Nov-Dec holidays.
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Creative Arts Programme (CL & ML) Interested students need to submit a writing portfolio and
selected students will have the opportunity to work under the
guidance of a local author. Interested students must have
attended and completed the Author In Residence Programme in
Level 2.
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Singapore Statistics Poster Competition
The Singapore Statistics Poster Competition is organised by the
Department of Statistics and Applied Probability of the National
University of Singapore. The annual competition aims to
increase student awareness of statistics, its relevance to
scientific research and the development of statistical reasoning
in students. Participants will work in a team of four to design a
statistics poster, under the mentorship of a teacher.
Vacancies: 4, Sec 3E or 4E HCL
students nominated by teachers
Duration: Mar – Jul 2016
Teacher-in-charge: Ms Xiao
Yanfei
Vacancies: Selected Sec 1 and 2
student
Duration: once a Year +
Residential Camp June 2016
Teacher-in-charge: Ms Ten Yu
Ping
Vacancies: 4 Sec ¾ students
Duration: Mar – Nov 2016
Teacher-in-charge: Mr Tang Chun
Chieh
Vacancies: Up to 8 students by
selection, Upper secondary
students.
Duration: Jan – Jul 2016
Teacher-in-charge: Mrs Junie Sim
Vacancies: 2 selected students
from lower Sec and Sec 3
Duration: Once a year in May to
Aug
Teacher-in-charge: Mr Colin Low
(lower Sec) & Ms Ten Yu Ping
(upper Sec)
Levels 2 – 4 Opt-in Programmes 18
Key Domain
Programme Quick Facts
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Singapore Junior Physics Olympiad
The Singapore Junior Physics Olympiad (SJPO) is a Physics
competition organized by the Institute of Physics Singapore.
This is an annual competition to encourage the study and
appreciation of Physics among all secondary school students at
a higher level.
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4 Singapore Mathematics Project Festival
The Singapore Mathematics Project Festival (SMPF) was
inaugurated by the Singapore Mathematical Society in 2001 to
encourage secondary school students in Singapore to carry out
and present innovative and creative work in Mathematics.
Participants of the SMPF will work in a small group to complete
and showcase their mathematics project, under close teacher
mentorship.
Key Domain
Programme Quick Facts
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Level 2 Leadership Workshops
Develop communication and project management skills in this
leadership programme targeted at grooming leaders for small
group settings. There will be two 4-hour sessions of core
modules, and six 2.5-hour sessions of elective modules, out of
which you choose two which best meet your needs.
Vacancies: Open to all upper Sec
Pure Physics students
Duration: 4 training sessions of 3
hrs each [Yearly]
Teacher-in-charge: Mr Chua Qing
Jun
Vacancies:160, Sec 1 – 3 students
nominated by teachers
Duration:
First run: Beginning of Term 2
Second run: End of Term 2
Commitment: Participants are
required to complete all core
modules and 2 elective modules.
Teacher-in-charge: Mr Hardev
Singh, Ms Gwyneth Chua & Mr
Effendy
Vacancies: 4 Sec 3 students by
selection
Duration: May 2016 - Mar 2017
Teacher-in-charge: Ms Yap Bee Leng
& Mrs Kwek Yin Sy
Levels 2 – 4 Opt-in Programmes 19 L
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Xinmin Leadership Adventure Camp
(participants)
Potential student leaders from
Student Council and Co-
Curricular Activity Groups will
undergo an adventurous
experience that includes the
Challenge Ropes Course,
Abseiling, a communication
workshop and various team-
building games. You will build
confidence and resilience, as
well as practice teamwork and
explore your leadership
potential. All budding leaders
are highly urged to attend this
camp!
Key Domain
Programme Quick Facts
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Overseas Service Learning Trips The overseas service-learning trips aim to broaden
students’ perspectives of the world around them and to
appreciate cultural diversity through interaction with the
local community. Personal involvement in planning and
executing meaningful and beneficial
overseas community service projects also seeks to
develop sound character and important life skills in the
participants.
Vacancies: 150, Sec 2 potential
CCA leaders nominated by
teachers
Duration: 7 – 10 Jun 2016
Venue: MOE Diary Farm OALC
Teacher-in-charge: Mr Ganesan,
Mr Singh, Ms Gwyneth Chua &
Mr Effendy
Vacancies: Cambodia (25),
Thailand (20). Open to Sec 3E,
3NA, 3NT & 4NA only
Duration: 10 days in Nov
Commitment: Fund-raising for
project costs, at least 5
preparation sessions before
departure, at least 3 post-trip
sessions
Teacher-in-charge: Mr Elias Loo
Levels 2 – 4 Opt-in Programmes 20 L
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Student Council
Being the school’s pinnacle student leadership body, the
Student Council (SC) takes charge of organising major school
events including the Secondary 1 Orientation programme for
their juniors, the Leadership Adventure Camp for Secondary 2
potential CCA leaders, and Teachers’ Day concert for their
teachers. There are seemingly countless opportunities for every
Student Councillor to hone their leadership skills throughout
the year.
The Executive Committee, and all Student Councillors work
closely with the school administration, teachers, CCA leaders
and students to serve the long-term interests of the schools and
realise their dreams.
Vacancies: All students
Recruitment period:
Term 2 and Term 3
Commitment: Student
Councillors are committed to the
Council throughout their years
of study in Xinmin
Teacher-in-charge: Mrs Cindy
Wong
Levels 2 – 4 Opt-in Programmes 21
Key Domain
Programme Quick Facts
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Level 3 Leadership Workshops
There will be six modules conducted in this programme,
including proposal writing, delegation, public speaking and
conflict resolution skills. To qualify, you must have completed
Level 2 workshop and hold leadership positions such as Student
Councillor, Class Chair/Vice-chairperson, or CCA Executive
Committee member.
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Xinmin Leadership Adventure Camp (facilitators) Contribute to organising and leading the Sec 2s in the important
learning journey of theirs. This is one of the most fun ways to
serve others and hone your own leadership skills as well.
Vacancies: 70,
Sec 2 – 3 students
Duration:
2D1N camp in March 2016
Commitment: Participants are
required to complete all
modules.
Teachers-in-charge: Mr Effendy
& Ms Gwyneth Chua
Vacancies: 30, Sec 3 or Sec 4s
Duration: 7-10 Jun 2016
Venue: MOE Diary Farm OALC
Commitment: Training sessions
will be held on Saturdays in the
months before the camp.
Teacher-in-charge: Mr Ganesan,
Mr Effendy, Mr Singh and Ms
Gwyneth Chua
Levels 2 – 4 Opt-in Programmes 22
Key Domain
Programme Quick Facts
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Campus Change Makers This platform aims to address the calls of students who wish to
carry out meaningful projects for their community, but may lack
funds, resources and guidance to do so. In collaboration with
National Youth Council’s Campus Changemakers programme,
students get the opportunity to propose and implement a
project to serve an area of community’s needs. Through
proposing their proposal to a group of student panelists,
students can apply for funding and resources. A teacher mentor
will also be attached to each project group to guide students
through the planning and implementation process.
Complementing the existing Values-in-action (VIA) initiatives,
this programme seeks to promote meaningful community
participation. Interested students may register through our
Xinmin Change Initiators E Portal on our Website.
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Level 4 Leadership Workshops
Level 4 Leadership Workshops focus on equipping our top
leaders with mentoring and succession planning skills. As the
heads of all CCAs and the top leaders of Student Council, our
Level 4 leaders are to inspire all students in working towards a
shared vision. To qualify, you must complete the Level 3
Leadership programme, and you hold top leadership positions
in the school.
Vacancies: Open to all students.
Duration: Term 2 onwards
Commitment: Presentation of proposal to student panel, preparation sessions before actual project, implementation of project
Teachers-in-charge: Ms Jane Toh
Mr James Tan
Vacancies: 30, Sec 3 students
Duration: Beginning of Term 2
Commitment: Participants are
required to complete all modules.
Teacher-in-charge: Mrs Cindy
Wong
Levels 2 – 4 Opt-in Programmes 23
Key Domain
Programme Quick Facts
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Art Learning Journey
An experiential learning through outdoor drawing excursions
and also Gallery Museum Visits for a greater understanding of
contemporary artists.
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Post Mid-Year Exam Visual Art Activities
An opportunity for students to experience various forms of Art
out of classroom curriculum time, such as Tape sculpture, Wire
Sculpture, Contemporary Weaving etc.
Key Domain
Programme Quick Facts
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Xinmin’s Got Talent
This is a platform for you to display your talent. If you think that
you can sing, dance, perform martial arts or a balancing act,
amaze others with your magic tricks or perform any musical
instrument, jump on board!
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Dikir Barat Performance & Competition
Students of all races will be given
trainings and exposure in this
traditional performing art form of
the Malay cultures. After that,
they will perform during the
Mother Tongue Language Festival
and represent the school in
national competitions.
Vacancies: Upper Sec students
Duration: 4 hrs
Teacher-in-charge: Ms Grace Ho
& Ms Siti Salihah
Vacancies: Lower Sec students
Duration: 4 hrs May 2016
Teacher-in-charge: Ms Grace Ho
& Ms Siti Salihah
Vacancies: All students
Duration: Feb to April 2016
Teacher-in-charge: Ms Cindy
Beh, Ms Siti Salihah
Vacancies: 15 – 20 all levels
Duration: Jan – Jun, 2016
Teacher-in-charge: Mdm Norliza
Levels 2 – 4 Opt-in Programmes 24
Key Domain
Programme Quick Facts
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Personal Responsibility In Daily Effort (PRIDE):
The PRIDE programme aims to instil in our students the habit of
engaging in daily physical activity. Activities include walking,
jogging, strength and conditioning, stair climbing, sports and
games, nutritional talks etc. In taking a holistic approach, the
goal is to help students build up good exercise and eating habits
so that they will be equipped with the knowledge and skills
necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle in future.
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Swim Safer Customised Programme:
For high ability students who have already achieved Stage 6, the
highest standard, in the Swim Safer programme, there will be a
customised swimming programme to cater to their needs.
http://www.myactivesg.com/swimsafer
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Combined Sports Meet The Combined Sports Meet is a collaboration between Xinmin
Secondary, Nan Chiau Secondary and Yishun Town Secondary
School. Boys and girls of all 3 schools will battle it out on the
track over various sprint and middle distance events. Power
and strength will be on display as schools fight for bragging
rights in the Javelin and Shot Put events. But more importantly,
through this healthy competition, it provides a platform for
students from all 3 schools to embody the Olympic values of
Respect, Friendship and Excellence.
Vacancies: All overweight
students and students who want
to participate
Duration: 4 x a week for 30 mins
during recess
Teacher-in-charge: Mrs Ho Yen
Peng
Vacancies: selected students
Commitment: 8 weeks of training,
twice a week, 2 – 3 hours each
session from June to July
Teacher-in-charge: Mr Gabriel
Tay
Vacancies: Sec 1s
Duration: 12 hrs (total), 1.5 hrs
per session, once a week
Teacher-in-charge: Mr Jeremy
Tan
Epilogue 25
Tu ne quaesieris, scire nefas, quem mihi, quem tibi
finem di dederint, Leuconoe, nec Babylonios
temptaris numeros. ut melius, quidquid erit, pati.
seu pluris hiemes seu tribuit Iuppiter ultimam,
quae nunc oppositis debilitat pumicibus mare Tyrrhenum:
sapias, vina liques et spatio brevi
spem longam reseces. dum loquimur, fugerit invida
aetas: carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero.
Don't ask (it's forbidden to know) what end
the gods have granted to me or you, Leuconoe. Don't
play with Babylonian
fortune-telling either. How much better it is to endure
whatever will be!
Whether Jupiter has allotted to you many more winters
or this final one
which even now wears out the Tyrrhenian sea on the
rocks placed opposite
— be wise, strain the wine, and scale back your long
hopes
to a short period. While we speak, envious time will have
{already} fled
Seize the day, trusting as little as possible in the future.
Above is a poem in the first of four books of Latin lyric poems by Horace, titled Tu ne quaesieris. It is a short rebuke
to a woman worrying about the future; it closes with the famous line carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero
(seize the day, trusting tomorrow as little as possible).
As Theodore Roosevelt puts it, “In a moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing to do. The worst
thing you can do is nothing.”
This statement is a call to action. It encourages one to take charge of our own development rather than be passive
and let things happen or let others decide for us.
Take charge – develop your talent to the fullest potential; act now!