Final Reflection Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qvXfqSQ9iY-_FrfPim5O9C-ExW-aUWdJ/view?usp=sharing
Author Archives: stanl35240@gapps.uwcsea.edu.sg
Project Week Reflection
Planning Folder: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1eYFGlv3fKQ7Cz5b4zkLrq9bes4zrl6So
Project Week Pictures/Videos: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1te7SkiIug6Wal6sdiHpm47jwWKNxFP_P
Project Week Reflection Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ELrhGVoj_KQyAdlShS18Rwuf9r9iKl7_/view?usp=sharing
Learning Outcomes mentioned: LO2, LO3
Football U19A 2019 Season
In this season of football I played for the school’s A-team in the ACSIS league, as a goalkeeper. Although I have been playing as a goalkeeper for years now, I still managed to make improvements to my ability through training and matches. The season started quick with a pre-season tournament, where I played alright. Although I was the substitute goalkeeper, I managed to get a lot of game time in the league. Additionally, I also got to play in a few matches at the Dragons tournament, where I played well enough not to let in a single goal.
Asides from improving my football skills, I also got to know my team-mates quite well. Although I was already friends with the seniors on my team, football provided me with a great opportunity to talk with the players in the younger grades.
Overall, I believe this was a really good season of football for me. I improved my skills, got to know people, and just generally enjoyed my time with the team. I believe I achieved learning outcome 5, because football is all about collaboration. During games, I had to communicate and work well with my defence in order to help my team win. Additionally, Vir (the other keeper) would train with each other in order to help us both improve.
Blue Dragon – Final Reflection
After 4 years of being part of the GC, my Blue Dragon journey has come to an end. And what a year to end it on. My final Blue Dragon event was the circus performance, done in collaboration with the Blue Dragon kids and our school’s circus club. This event served multiple purposes: It raised awareness and money for Blue Dragon, and it gave the Blue kids an opportunity to showcase their talent to our community.
It was fun being involved in this long process. At the start, Tom and I would delegate tasks to other GC members, and help where needed. As the event drew closer, we took on a more involved role. We went around the school hanging up uncountable posters that promoted the circus. We went to the practice sessions beforehand. We even came to hang out with the Blue kids on the weekend.
Although I didn’t perform any circus acts, I somehow ended up performing a minor role in the actual performance. I was able to use my drama “talents” in a transition act. Although I didn’t volunteer for that as I preferred a more backstage role, it was still fun to be involved in.
When the show finally finished, I had mixed emotions. On the one hand, I was happy that the show went really well and that the audience enjoyed the acts. On the other hand, it was a weird feeling knowing that I had participated in my final Blue Dragon act. When I joined in grade 9, I never knew how much of an impact Blue Dragon would make on me. I didn’t think I would be part of this GC for my entire high school experience. I didn’t think that I would go to Blue Dragon for the majority of my Project Week. But I’m glad grade 9 Kevin decided to join.
I think I fulfilled learning outcome 7, because I am aware of the consequences of the actions I made in GC. There are the quantitative results like the money our GC raised for Blue Dragon, but there were also qualitative impacts. Seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces after the circus performance and knowing what it means shows that what we did really made a positive impact.
3rd EE Reflection
My research method for my topic was quite effective, as I resulted with lots of research from numerous different sources. My research was organized under the author it came from, which was organized into which argument it would support. This allowed me to begin planning my essay even during the research stage. I believe this strategy was appropriate for my essay, as I was able to easily analyze different perspectives on the Tet Offensive. If I was to undertake my research again, I would consider gathering research from more Vietnamese primary sources. Most of my sources was from American authors. If my research contained more Vietnamese sources, I would be able to increase my ability to analyze their perspective on the Tet offensive. This could’ve led to a more balanced essay. That being said, I still believe that I provided a nuanced argument with ample consideration for all major perspectives, even if most of my sources came from American authors. There were further areas I wished to write about in my essay that came up in my research, such as the symbolism found in the Tet Offensive, which the essay’s world limit hindered my ability to further evaluate.
EE Second Reflection
My extensive research into my EE topic has been completed which allowed me to focus on finishing the written aspect of the essay. My method of conducting research has remained largely unchanged, although I have organized my materials to allow me to make comparisons between historians in a more convenient manner. This allows me to collate all relevant information needed to analyse the historiography available. Additionally, I have added some analysis next to my research notes, to remember why I wrote those specific notes. My understanding of the research process has shifted slightly. I realized that not all research needed to necessarily be directly quoted within the essay, some could simply be utilized as contextual knowledge. Although not all of my research is directly added into the essay, every extra piece of contextual knowledge enhances my ability to provide meaningful analysis. Overall, the development of my essay has been progressing efficiently.
Jun 18 PSE
Grade 11’s challenges and new experiences:
- I was the chair of the Blue Dragon GC
- Project week
- Grade 11 exams
- 4 IAs, 1 EE
- Group 4 Project
How did I tackle one large problem (EE)
I created a plan for myself to follow, which gave me time for research and analysis, and made me work more effectively. I avoided procrastination, which was relatively straightforward as I enjoy the topic of my EE, which is about history. I also communicated frequently with my EE supervisor to gain advice and some insight into my work.
What went wrong?
Not to toot my own horn, but things did not go wrong this year. There were difficult situations, but they were all resolved. I simply persevered until things got better.
Grade 12:
Possible challenges:
- final exams
- IA submissions
- Business Management
- Computer Science
- EE Submission
- College Applications
How will I solve this?
I will continue to follow my current strategy that I employ when dealing with tough situations. I will write down a plan of action. This could be in the form of a schedule to help me finish my IAs and EE in a more timely manner. If I need more help, I could always ask my teachers or parents for advice. They will then be able to provide some additional perspectives into my issue, which could help me resolve it. Additionally, I could ask my friends for help, as they will likely experience the same difficulties as me, and may have their own strategies that deal with the issue. Overall, I am not too concerned about grade 12, and I’m actually looking forward to it. There may be challenges, but I feel prepared to take them on.
Student Led Marimbas – Preparing for performance
Our marimba club plans to perform at the Family Fest this year. In order to make the most of our time on stage, we are practicing the theme songs of Pirates of the Caribbean, the Little Mermaid, and Imagine Dragon’s On Top of The World. Prior to find out out about this great performance opportunity, we had been practicing every Wednesday. In order to perform well, we have not taken to meeting during other times to continue practicing our pieces. We have learnt to play the Marimba as a team through numerous run throughs of all three songs.
I believe I have accomplished LO 4, as I have continued to practice marimba, despite historically not enjoying the playing of music. However, I enjoy the songs we are playing, and also enjoy working with a different group of people, so I have been enjoying the playing of Marimba. It has occasionally been hard, but I persevered and keep practicing my parts, which will hopefully results in a good performance during Family Fest.
Student Led Marimbas
I have decided to join my first creative activity in high school this year. This is student-led marimbas, and the activity involves learning marimba pieces to perform. These pieces are usually covers of movie theme songs, such as the Pirate of the Caribbean theme song. We are currently learning that piece. I have never played marimba before, but do have some musical knowledge, so I have already made significant progress in learning the instrument. I will need to continue practicing with the Marimba before I can play at performances, but I look forward to this challenge.
Blue Dragon – Becoming co-chair
Thomas and I decided to run as co-chairs for Blue Dragon, as we have both been involved for numerous years. Both of us are running for chairs because we believe that we have good ideas for the GC. One such idea is to raise money through mentor time activities, such as dodgeball. This would garner interest an help raise awareness, along with hopefully prompting people to donate some money. This is a new challenge for me, as I will be taking a more involved role than what I’m used to. However, I will welcome this challenge, and hopefully will be able to accomplish something worthwhile.
I believe I have achieved learning outcome LO 2, as his is a new challenge, and I will need new skills. These skills will involve planning large activities, and delegating tasks to others in my GC. I will also need to collaborate with my co-chair Thomas, so that we can work as one person with similar objectives.