iMatter Learning Centre: Training RGS Teachers School Learning Journey

25Mar 2021 by Principal

It has always been our stand that education should involve out-of-classroom activities. They expose the student to hands-on work and real life observations not possible to replicate in the classroom. The obvious choice to apply this principle is Science, with its branches of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. However, it can certainly apply to other subjects such as History, Geography, Social Studies and more.

Raffles Girls’ School (RGS) has brought this principle into practice by organising a series of Learning Journeys to MacRitchie Reservoir for its students. The Learning Journey is loosely based on the ABC Waters Learning Trail @ MacRitchie published by PUB (Public Utilities Board). It involves getting to know Singapore’s Water Story, history of the reservoir, the story behind World War II hero, Lim Bo Seng, geography of MacRitchie Reservoir and more. Hands-on experiences include water quality testing, biodiversity survey and lots of mental exercises to link on-site observations to classroom knowledge.

I (Mr Chen) am honoured to have been invited to conduct the training session for a group of RGS teachers to prepare them to run the Learning Journey for their own students. This is after all the first time they are offering such a Learning Journey to their students so they want to learn as much as possible about the wonders in the gem that is MacRitchie Reservoir. As for myself, I was happy to get out of the air-conditioning and yet still teaching. A breath of fresh air and some sunshine are always welcome in our overly hectic schedule.

Selected Highlights of MacRitchie Reservoir

Rubber plants are scattered through parts of the forests. They are proof of the cultivation of Rubber in the same area in the past.

History of MacRitchie Reservoir is illustrated on plaques located throughout the park.

Spillway: If the water level in the reservoir rises too much, excess water is allowed to overflow into this "spillway" which channels the water into Marina Reservoir — Spillway: If the water level in the reservoir rises too much, excess water is allowed to overflow into this “spillway” which channels the water into Marina Reservoir

Zigzag Bridge: Observing the water in the reservoir. Its emerald coloration is due to the presence of algae in the water.

Submerged Boardwalk: Taking a closer look at the aquatic flora and fauna, as well as the construction of the gabions

Radar over the water to monitor the water level in the reservoir

Floating platform in the reservoir hosts an array of water quality monitoring instruments linked via telemetry

Teaching and Learning in iMatter Learning Centre

In iMatter, we believe in experiential learning involving experimentation, hands-on work and the use of real world examples to reinforce the content we teach in class and what the students learn in school. If you are keen to let your child join us in our exciting Science journey, sign him up for our various Science Tuition Programmes.