OCTOBER 2018

Our NewLearning SpacesWOODGROVE PRIMARY SCHOOLEvery Child Succeeds - A Learner. A Thinker. A Leader with Character.

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Dedicated spaces such as the dance studios and PAL rooms support school programmes like the Learning for Life (LLP) Dance programme, where students learn to develop confidence, creativity and collaborative skills through dance choreography. Our expanded library houses a Performing Arts area and parti-tioned rooms that cater to students’ interests such as MakerSpace for STEAM activi-ties, games corner and quiet areas for self or group study. With the newly upgraded learning spaces and environment, Woodgrove Primary School aims to blaze new trails as the

students discover new learning opportunities. The school also looks forward to the next phase of her journey in grooming current and future generations of students to be Learners, Think-ers and Leaders with Character.

“Woodgrove Primary School aims to blaze new trails as the students discover new learning opportunities.”

Quality Learning Experiences

At Woodgrove, we aim to conti- nuously provide our students with quality learning experiences. Under PERI, we have redesigned the learning spaces in our school to create a vibrant learning envi-ronment that accommodates the different learning needs of our students.

Our learning environment includes flexible and spacious spaces that allow different learning approaches and student activi-ties such as our Applied Learning Programme (ALP) in Drama, where students learn to become effective communicators through drama pedagogies such as Readers Theatre, role-play and improvisation.

Every student in Woodgrove is exposed to the unique benefits of dance from Primary 1 up to Primary 6. The 3E approach to Dance in Woodgrove – Expose, Experience, Express, allows our students to gain knowledge and appreciation of the many dance genres covered throughout six years. Values and character education also play a crucial role in ensuring the success of the Dance programme. From the learning of the variety of dance skills to the coordinating of the dance routines, students develop confidence and mutual respect for one another as they strive towards a common goal at the end of each year’s programme – to showcase their dance routines to the entire level.

The new dance studio embodies the importance of dance in Woodgrove.

The wooden floors and full length mirrors brighten the room

and add a tinge of liveliness during

practice sessions.

With professional sound-proofing done, students

can now practise in a space where

their bodies and mind meld with

the music.

Dancers’ personal experiences “We are grateful for the new dance studio as it is a very conducive place for us to dance. In the past, our practice areas were much smaller. Now, we can hop, jump and skip freely during our dance practices.” - May Myitzu Moe 5D

“I love practising my dance steps in the dance studio. It has large mirror panels that allow me to see clearly and check if my eyes and chin are up while dancing so that I maintain eye contact with the audience.” - Fawaz Putra Nabina 5B

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Synchronising is the name of

the game

The studio is also home to the International Dance group. The dancers are appreciative of the space the studio offers and it can only spur them to greater heights. During curriculum time, dance lessons are also held in the studio.

The experience of exploring dance movements and music in a dedicated space enhances the students' enjoyment of dance and brings about a greater joy in learning.

Lights, Camera, Dance!

Warm up sessions

Joyful music; joyful movements

The PAL room was officially opened in the first quarter of 2018. It has since been heavily utilised for PAL modules such as Visual Arts and Performance Arts for both Primary 1 and 2. The brightly lit room creates a very relaxed environment for students to express themselves freely during activities with their peers. It is also spacious and accommodates up to two classes.

Students use the space in the PAL Room by working in groups to create music and showcase perfor-mances for the class. The wide space allows students to be creative and provides them the opportunity to put up their perfor-mances in a comfortable environ-ment.

The PAL room also allows students to come together in groups and create art work together. In one of the lessons, students were tasked to create their own animal masks using recycled materials and create skits in front of an audience.

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Our very own Team Sculpture

Round and round we go!

The Programme for Active Learning, also known as PAL, is one of PERI’s recommendations to address the increased emphasis on holistic education and development of life skills. It provides a smooth transition for children from pre-school to primary education.

Gotcha!

“I feel good and comfortable when I am in the PAL room. I also feel I have more ideas when I’m participating in the activities.” - Asher Lew 1G

“The room is big and it gives me the energy to do the activity.” - Aryan Shaqeel Mohd Anis 1G

“I like the PAL room, it looks so clean and bright!” - Jacquelyn Toh Min Xuan 1A

Ready, Set…PAL!

“The PAL room is fun. It is big and we can do lots of group work.” - Deveesh Loganathan Pillai 1A

“There is a lot of space for us to sit around. PAL room makes me happy because I get to work with my friends and teachers comfortably.”- Nur Quraisah Binte Selamat 1C

Get Active @ ISHGet Active @ ISHThe Indoor Sports Hall's (ISH) vast expanse of space with its bright interior allows for a range of physical activities and games to be conducted. Small-sided games as well as Net-barrier lessons can now be carried out even more effectively in the ISH. It is also home to a very unique area that aims to build students' confidence and strength - the Bouldering Wall. Students can now enjoy the benefits of being physically active as the ISH provides a

space for activities and programmes to be run regard-less of rain or shine.

The additional large sheltered area enables PE lessons and Sports CCAs to be conducted concurrently at anytime during the day. This has definitely increased the exercise rate of our students and helped to promote physical activities in school.

Students are taught techniques to climb and traverse the bouldering wall during PE lessons.

Climbing requires focus to find the right body position, balance, and movement to unlock the puzzle-like sequence across the wall. Students may struggle with some routes on the wall but this challenge among others will teach them valuable life lessons like perseverance and resilience.

Climbing walls are excellent for building upper body strength and improving balance, endurance and flexibility as well as encou- raging cooperation and team building with others.

Every bouldering wall lesson is a great opportunity to teach students the importance of responsibility and risk management skills while in a safe and supervised environment.

"I learnt how to climb and fall safely during the bouldering wall lesson. I enjoyed the lesson as it was fun. I was afraid at first but I kept trying to overcome my fear of climbing the wall. I am more confident now." - Rayyan, 5B

"I learnt how to fall safely, hang on the wall and move across it with the support of my hands and legs. I enjoyed the activity on the bouldering wall. It is fun as I learned a lot of new skills. The bouldering wall lesson taught me that with determination, I can achieve my goals." - Izza 5B

The Bouldering

Wall

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Get Active @ ISHGet Active @ ISHThe Indoor Sports Hall's (ISH) vast expanse of space with its bright interior allows for a range of physical activities and games to be conducted. Small-sided games as well as Net-barrier lessons can now be carried out even more effectively in the ISH. It is also home to a very unique area that aims to build students' confidence and strength - the Bouldering Wall. Students can now enjoy the benefits of being physically active as the ISH provides a

space for activities and programmes to be run regard-less of rain or shine.

The additional large sheltered area enables PE lessons and Sports CCAs to be conducted concurrently at anytime during the day. This has definitely increased the exercise rate of our students and helped to promote physical activities in school.

Students are taught techniques to climb and traverse the bouldering wall during PE lessons.

Climbing requires focus to find the right body position, balance, and movement to unlock the puzzle-like sequence across the wall. Students may struggle with some routes on the wall but this challenge among others will teach them valuable life lessons like perseverance and resilience.

Climbing walls are excellent for building upper body strength and improving balance, endurance and flexibility as well as encou- raging cooperation and team building with others.

Every bouldering wall lesson is a great opportunity to teach students the importance of responsibility and risk management skills while in a safe and supervised environment.

"I learnt how to climb and fall safely during the bouldering wall lesson. I enjoyed the lesson as it was fun. I was afraid at first but I kept trying to overcome my fear of climbing the wall. I am more confident now." - Rayyan, 5B

"I learnt how to fall safely, hang on the wall and move across it with the support of my hands and legs. I enjoyed the activity on the bouldering wall. It is fun as I learned a lot of new skills. The bouldering wall lesson taught me that with determination, I can achieve my goals." - Izza 5B

Getting ready for our training

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The 250 metres school running track was opened in February this year. All classes have been taught the proper manner of using the running track such as staying in lane, overtaking on the right only and keeping to the left lane if running at a slower pace.

Primary 4 and 6 students use the track for the National Physical Fitness Award (NAPFA) 1.6km run/walk test. They are taught how to pace themselves for a long distance run and for the actual test. Students also take the initiative to use the track during Active Recess to jog and participate in the Run challenge where they take turns to run one lap at a time.

Nestled right under the new Indoor Sports Hall is an open area large enough to contain the school’s student population. This is the school’s new Sheltered Play Area (SPA). With the national campaign to encourage all Singaporeans young and old to be active and healthy, this expansive area serves as an important venue where students get to play different games during recess as well as during CCAs.

Most of the Primary 1 and Primary 2 PE lessons are conducted at the SPA. The large area allows for up to two classes of PE lessons to be conducted concurrently. Besides PE lessons, the SPA is also used for mass sports events and programmes like the Sports Exposure Programme (SEP) as well as the recent Sports Carnival where the Primary 1 and Primary 2 students

competed at unique and fun-filled activity stations.

The SPA is also used exclusively for Active Recess – an initiative by the school to engage the students in more physical activities and games. During Active Recess, students participate in team games like Frisbee and modified Handball. Other games like Badminton and modified target games are also part and parcel of this invigorating programme.

Students' feedback on using the running track

“I enjoy running with my friends because it is fun and we can keep fit together.” - Yong Dewei 3F

“I like to run on the track as it is big and it has a lot of space. Even if I fall, I will not be hurt. I like to run so that I can be active and keep fit with my friends.” - Oke Qi En Freyalyn 4A “I enjoy running on the track as I can become fitter and my muscles can become stron-ger. Then I can grow up faster. When my stamina improves, I can be prepared for the NAPFA Test.”- Muhammad Anishq Matiin Bin Fazlin 5C

“I enjoy running on the track to keep fit and improve my speed and stamina.” - Hu Qiaoyu, 5D

Making sure we have the right step

Getting ready for the next shot

Classes in the same level compete to see which class can accumulate the most number of laps at the end of the month.

The objective of such a challenge is to build a sense of sportsmanship and team-spirit in our students.

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Welcome to the game stall!

Off we go!

Rain, Shine, Play

Track-ing Our Way to Fitness

Besides being a popular go-to location during recess breaks, the garden is primarily a place of learning for students. Students get to observe and learn about the flora and fauna in the garden, building their knowledge of biodi-versity.

The eco-garden encour-ages students to have an appetite for learning and instills in them a sense of responsibility in caring for the environment.

Currently the eco-garden houses ‘butterfly-attracting plants’ such as

The Science Department aims to develop in students a lively curiosity about things and to be able to think, conceptualize and express them-selves. Central to the learning of Science is students’ participation in the learning process during science experiments. Laboratory experi-ments provide an opportunity for students to ask questions, probe for answers, conduct investigations, and collect data. As students conduct these experiments, they are engaged in active learning rather than being passive recipients of knowledge.

During curriculum hours, the Curie's Curiosity Laboratory is buzzing with group discussions as students observe, handle and manipulate science apparatus to develop a deep understanding of science concepts. Conducting experiments enable students to interact with data and to observe scientific

“The laboratory is spacious and nice. I enjoyed the secret message activity because I got to do it with my friends and it was different from what we usually do in class.” - Ng Yi Xuan, Geraldine, 6C

“I like doing science experiments! I can’t wait for more programmes in the laboratory!”- Loh Fong Yeow Jerrard, 3F

phenomena. Resilience and resourcefulness is built as they work on challenging investigations within short periods of time. They also learn about relationship man-agement as they interact with their group mates to reinforce each other's understanding of science concepts.

Programmes that foster and promote a curious mindset are being piloted and planned to provide students an avenue to pursue their interest in Science. The success of the first programme in the Curie's Curiosity Laboratory has encouraged the teachers to plan more programmes that extend students’ learning beyond the curriculum. Our students can look forward to more exciting learning opportunities as the laboratory gets outfitted with more apparatus and equipment.

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During school hours, the eco-garden at Woodgrove Primary School is abuzz with students milling around, exploring and discovering nature and its wonders.

Nurturing Nature Lovers @Eco-Garden

Curie's Curiosity Lab: Inspiring The Next Generation Of Scientists

vegetable plot featuring ladies fingers, creepers and a beautiful pond with three miniature water fountains.

Many students have expressed that they love nature and that the eco-garden brings them closer to it. They also enjoy looking at the plants and fish in the pond on a daily basis.

The authentic learning environment that the eco-garden provides will be further enhanced with

the use of ICT in promoting learning amongst our students.

the peacock tree flower, a fernarium, palms, a herbs and spices patch, a

Enjoying nature at our doorstep

Observing science in action

We make crafts such as crochet items to raise funds at Woodgrove Primary's Charity Bazaar and create balloon sculp-tures to add to the joy at the Children’s Day cele-brations. In my years  of experi-ence as a PSG member, the teachers have been a source of inspiration to me. Their dedication and determination to maximise our children's potential encourages me to continue supporting the school. Being involved in school activities has provided me with many oppor-tunities to foster strong and lasting friendships with other PSG mem-

bers. I am thankful for all the oppor-tunities I have been blessed with. My thanks to Woodgrove Primary School, my fellow PSG members, and caring teachers, all of  whom have made my journey as a volun-teer an inspiring and fulfilling one.

Mdm Thilagavathi, also known as Mrs Siva, is a Senior Teacher (Science) at Woodgrove Primary School. Besides developing the competencies of her fellow Science colleagues, she is also in-charge of teacher mentoring and championing Learner-Centred Education approaches for the Science Depart-ment. “I strongly believe that my passion and love for the Science subject has led me to where I am now - a Senior Teacher in Woodgrove Primary School. I have been in this school for the past 18 years and I am grateful to the school leaders for having guided me well to achieve my goals. I am always excited and passionate about the teaching of the Science curriculum. It is always a pleasure to see my students learning new concepts with great curiosity and being able to make connections between what they have learnt in the textbook to the real world context. One activity that promotes Science

The main reason why I first joined the Parent Support Group (PSG) was to familiarise myself with the school environment, programmes and the teachers. I started out as a PSG member in 2002 and continued serving until 2005. I resumed volun-teering in 2014, when my youngest child enrolled into the school as a Primary 1 student. As a Vice-Chairperson, I oversee the PSG operations and help other members during school events. As a team, the PSG members provide support in the organisation  and running of  various school events.

Mdm Thilagavathi Kumarasamy

Mdm Mislina Binte Timat

application is Science Buskers, an annual event where all Primary 6 students put into practice what they have learnt during their Science lessons. They design exhibits and projects which are showcased during recess. Such an event truly provides an excellent platform to nurture the Joy of Learning in students and develop in them an Entrepreneurial Dare as they go beyond the classroom, apply their learning to real world contexts and pursue their interests.

As the overall teacher-in-charge of the Structured Mentoring Programme in this school, I work very closely with other Senior Teachers to build the competencies of beginning teachers and other less experienced teachers in areas such as pedagogy and classroom management. This is another area which I feel very strongly about. As a Senior Teacher, I will continue to give support to my colleagues so that they have the confidence to do what they do best - Teach!”

In this edition, we meet Mdm Thilagavathi Kumarasamy, one of our longest-serving staff in Woodgrove Primary School, and Mdm Mislina Binte Timat, the Parent Support Group (PSG) Vice-Chairperson.

CONTACT USAt Woodgrove Primary School, we welcome your comments, compliments or feedback about our school, our programmes, our staff and our key school suppliers.

http://woodgrovepri.moe.edu.sgE-mail: woodgrove_ps@moe.edu.sg+65 6894 3371 [General Office]+65 6894 33728

Mrs Siva sharing her expertise with others

Our Woodgrove FamilyPassionate And Committed To Serve

Mdm Mislina (seated) serving sweet potatoes to pupils during Total Defence Day.