First Crust

Tonight was the premiere of the new English drama serial, "First Class". To be honest, I was kind of looking forward to the show, as it was set in my previous teaching school. It was interesting to see Jade Seah and other actors walking around the school during the filming process. This, was about 2 months ago. Even though they were filming in school, I didn't really know much about the plot until i saw some snippets of the show being advertised on television. It didn't leave me impressed. However, I decided to give it a fair-go and watch it anyway. After all, being objective is what matters the most in this case. Yet, what i saw tonight, didn't leave me very impressed at all. In fact, i was rather disappointed. Its not that i cannot laugh at myself, but i felt that the show didn't really do justice to how much hard work teachers really put in for their students.

While i understand that the show is made for entertainment purposes, i felt that the show should also have attempted to inject a does of realism into the show. It is exactly this kind of show that sends out the wrong signals to students and the public over what a real school is like. Indeed, it seems to me that the show is more about the life of a zookeeper rather than that of a teacher. I think it would help if i went in-depth into a few particular characters to analyze why the show didn't quite make the cut in my opinion.

Firstly, the show trivialized the role of individual characters in the school. Take the example of the vice-principal, played by Nicholas Lee. He plays an extremely insecure VP. And the way he acts it seems as if he is a control freak who is extremely ineffective. In real life, VPs never ever 'arrow' work to teachers on the spot nor do they put down their staff in public. That, is unprofessional.

Secondly, the show also made rather broad stereotypes. For example, the effeminate home economics teacher. While i've got nothing against effeminate teachers, i felt that it was unfair to stereotype male and home economics teachers as being effeminate. There are many male home economics teachers who are really masculine. I won't even begin to talk about the discipline master. 

I really felt that the show could have done more to project a perhaps more accurate picture of what the school environment is really like. We don't exclude pupils, in fact, as far as possible, we try to be supportive of them. But when they are insolent, then, its discipline that's required. As teachers, we really try our best for our students, and we're concerned about their future, and not just our own future. Of course, we are also concerned for our own careers, to be realistic. But, i hardly doubt its to that extent as portrayed in the show.

Well, i just hope that the subsequent episodes will be better.

Remember students, this is a show and not real life. In real life, if you behave like one of these actors, you will be dealt with. Seriously. 

Enough ranting. 

Take care and stay safe

Mr Goh

Unfit..

I ran 2.4km today. Its been awhile since i last ran a real 2.4km on a proper track with proper timing. In fact, its been almost a year since i last took my IPPT. And today's results were less than satisfying, in fact, it was dismal. I clocked a total of 11 minutes and 50 seconds. Not good at all. My last timing was 10 minutes and 20 seconds. In other words, i am running too slowly. 

For those of you that don't know, i am supposed to be the team captain for the NIE director's relay. Basically, its a group of 4 guys and 2 girls (6 in total) each running 2.4km in the fastest time possible in order to win $300. The task looks daunting considering that we have only about three weeks left to train. I'm not sure about the rest, but i hope they're faster than me. I'm starting off on a really lousy note. I guess there's much more room for improvement.... Time for the daily running sessions again... No more slacking....

Sighz. Time to get my fitness back...

On a separate note, i bought a new CD from Hillsong. Its entitled 'This is our God', and its absolutely fabulous. I'm definitely enjoying these songs. With previous Hillsong CDs, its taken me awhile to like the music. But with this one, its different. The songs really captivated me from the first time... A definite buy if you're Christian...

Take care and stay safe

Mr Goh

Another picture with the Sec 1s.

Another picture with Hazel and Jiahui from 1E1. 

:)

Mr Goh

As one chapter closes, another opens

Today marked exactly 4 months since i was posted to this school. So much as changed in four months. There have been ups and there have been downs, but i have had the time of my life, and i definitely wouldn't trade this experience for anything else. In a sense, i've come one full circle. I began my solo teaching career in 2N3, hence, i guess its apt that i end it in 2N3 as well. 

Even as i look at all the well-wishes wish they wrote, I feel a real sense of achievement. I became a teacher because i wanted to make a difference in someone's life. But the truth is, these students really made a difference in my life. I guess its a two-way process. We learn from each other. I have been so blessed to have been a part of this class and this school.

As one chapter closes, another one opens. Yes, its only been 4 months, but it feels as if i've know this class for so long. Hence, parting is difficult. But at the same time, i'm going off to study, i'm going to be an even more effective teacher.

Thank you, 2N3

Take care and stay safe

Mr Goh

Photos!

The class even bought me a cake! Wow! Thanks Larry. You did a great job!

That's me playing with the soft toy one of my students gave me. I'm a huge fun of 'Twas the night before Christmas'. I wonder how they knew that... anyway... see the matching shirt? Thanks Jacqueline.

Thanks to 1E2. They really touched my heart. I was stunned when i walked into the class yesterday. For a brief moment, i didn't know how to react.

Thanks all my Sec 1s. You guys are terrific.

Take care and stay safe

Mr Goh

Of awesome students with terrific hearts

To be completely honest, when i first received my posting order to Bendemeer Secondary School, i was somewhat stunned. I wasn't expecting to go to a secondary school as i was told that i would be put for Junior College. But as things would turn out, there was no mistake about my posting and God had it all planned out from the beginning.

I have learnt so much in this school and i would not trade it for anything else. The students that i have come into contact with have just been so awesome that i am left speechless. Well, i was left almost in tears today. They really touched my heart. I kinda knew about the farewell party for me beforehand, but i definitely wasn't prepared for what was to happen in the classroom. As i walked in, the class was dark and i was really surprised when i was presented with a sheet of well-wishers from everyone in the class. It really touched me. (I'm going to be framing this up and i will put it on my wall in my room at home as a reminder to myself of what a privilege it is to have taught such a class. It will almost remind me of why i became a teacher) I am truly so blessed.

As i read some of the cards, i can feel tears welling up in my eyes already. Gosh, i'm gonna miss these students so bad. Sometimes, i teach and i wonder if any learning had taken place at all. Yesh, sometimes i get frustrated as well, but at the end of this, i look back and i realize how lovely students are at heart. I am glad. :) It is this sort of stuff that will take a person very far in life. Be nice and people will be nice to you.

I don't know how i'm gonna handle tomorrow. I don't want to know. To a certain extent, i don't really want to leave this school, but at the same time, i want to go off and study to improve my teaching methods. These students, deserve only the best from me. Hence, i've gotta give them my best. 

I won't disappoint you class. I'm gonna study hard and do really well.

Take care and stay safe (yes Camy)

Mr Goh

The Night Safari

Hmm.. seems like its been awhile since I last updated... So much has been happening and i've been either too tired or too busy to blog.

I had the chance to visit the Night Safari last Saturday with a group of friends from New Zealand. Believe it or not, this was my first time going to the night safari despite being a Singaporean and living in Singapore. I've been to many places around the world, but i've never even been to my own local tourist attraction despite living here. It was rather ironical, so, when the chance came up for me to visit the place, i didn't refuse. I'm glad i didn't, cos' it turned out pretty well. However, for $32, i must admit that it was a tad too expensive. I guess that's the 'tourist tax'. I guess the night safari is one of those place where you visit once, and you'd probably never go back again. Its a good place for tourists, but as a local, i guess once is enough.

On a separate note, its my final week in school. Gosh, i'll so miss this place and the students here. Its with mixed feelings really. On the one hand, i'm excited about going back to study and for my career to move on. On the other hand, i'm gonna miss this place... Ah well, everything is for a time and a season. Its learning to enjoy whatever season you're in that will result in a much happier person. 

Stay cool.

Take care and stay safe

Mr Goh