By Ching Ann Hui (15S03A) and Michelle Choy (15S05A) Photographs by The Raffles Photographic Society
The GCE A-Level results were released on Monday, 3rd March 2014. Even though many envisioned it to be a nerve-wracking day with life-changing repercussions, the atmosphere at the Multi-Purpose Hall was rather light-hearted, with all the J3s excited to see their schoolmates again. Deputy Principal Mr Magendiran was equally pleased to meet the batch of 2013 once again, and commented that “they are spirited, full of energy, and they live up to the traditions of all the previous batches. They have done us proud.”
Before the address began, the batch of 2013 sang the Institution Anthem for the very last time. It was also Mr. Chan Poh Meng’s first time delivering the Principal’s Address to the awaiting J3s, since joining the school in January. He jokingly promised to not dwell very long on the slides, so that they could receive their much awaited results as soon as possible.
Mr Chan addressed the school with the overall statistics of the batch of 2013, and featured some noteworthy students (more can be read here). It seemed as though it was barely after Mr Chan began his speech, when it was time for students to file into their respective venues to collect their results. And when the moment for students finally came, there were varied reactions – some bore glad smiles, others squealed out in joy, ineluctably, there were also tears, and somber silence.
To some, the results came as a pleasant surprise. Benjamin Wong (13S06D) said, “I didn’t really expect this. I expected worse!”, as he clutched his results slip – straight As! When asked about his future plans, he expressed interest in studying in Singapore Management University (SMU).
While speaking to some of the civics and subject tutors, they were pleased with how their form classes had performed. Mrs. Lim, civics tutor of 13S06K, commented that her form class “generally did well”, as did most of the other civics tutors. Mrs. Shirley Tan, deputy principal of Academic Studies in RGS who was there to provide moral support for her ex-students, was “very very proud of all the girls”. When asked about possible tips and suggestions for the current batch of Year Sixes, Mr Edward Ng advised, “as long as the students try their best, I’m sure that the results will come automatically.”
Parents were also very impressed with this year’s results, with many saying that the school performed very well. Mrs. Ang, a parent, expressed appreciation that the school has placed its focus on providing a holistic education for Rafflesians. She was also pleased that by featuring the all-rounders and focusing less on just those that did performed exceptionally academically, less emphasis was placed on results this year.
When asked about their stellar results, many commented that it was ultimately the support from friends and family that helped them over the finishing line. Adam Rafey (13S06K), the former BW house captain of 2013, expressed that it was from “a lot of love from my friends and family. Especially my mum and my dad.” Similarly, Lee Zi Xin said, “Definitely my parents, and friends. We’ll gather all the physics definitions, and really help each other out.”
As for students who were unable to achieve their desired results, Ms Avadhani, a GP tutor, commented that “it’s an opportunity to look at alternative careers and subjects. There isn’t only one way to achieve something or do something, so this is the time to get creative. If they are willing to push themselves, they should be alright.” She also noted that the people who did well are people who’ve been working very consistently, as compared to those who often liked to do last-minute work. For the Year Sixes reading this article, it’s probably time to start reading up on materials outside the syllabus for GP!
Other students also expressed great gratitude for their teachers, both school teachers and CCA teachers. Bryan Yong, captain of the cross country team, expressed thanks to his CCA teacher in-charge Mr. Tay, and his coach Mr. Steven, for really “helping him out through these two years”. Similarly, another student (who wishes to remain anonymous) commented, “my economics teacher Miss Amelia Heng is awesome! She stayed back with me until 6pm for consultations.”
To all those going to take their A-Levels this year, we found this advice by Ang Tiong Han (13S03A) particularly apt:
“Just study hard, and make sure that you don’t have regrets when you actually get your results – even if you don’t do well, you’ll know that you’ve at least put in your very best.”
By Gao Wenxin (14A03A) and Allison Choong (14S05B)
Additional reporting by Valerie Chee (15S07A) and Kang Yi Xi (15S03N)
Anticipation ran high as the 1,239 students from the Class of 2013 awaited the release of the 2013 ‘A’ Level Examinations results today. Overall, the cohort turned in excellent grades, with 97.6% of the cohort achieving 3 H2 passes with a pass in GP or KI. This is above the national average of 91.1%, and an improvement from last year’s 97%. Roughly 68% of the cohort also scored at least 3 H2 distinctions, and 170 students achieved distinctions in all subjects offered (including H3), compared to 129 from last year.
Today also marks the first time that Mr Chan Poh Meng delivered the ‘A’ Level results as Principal, and he congratulated the batch on their personal and community achievements. His presentation featured students who were talented in areas of sports, arts, leadership, community service, as well as all-rounder JAE students. One memorable aspect was the emphasis on some “noteworthy tough cookies”, or students who had juggled their school life alongside personal challenges or difficult circumstances.
Our reporters with Mr Chan
Mr Chan also highlighted that 339 students (27%) have achieved a perfect University Admission Score, with the mean score in RI being 85 out of a total possible of 90. In an interview with Raffles Press, Mr Chan reiterated that such “quality grades will put [students] on a good stead” with local university applications, even in competitive faculties, and hopes today’s outcome will help the 2013 batch “achieve their personal aspirations”. He also urged students to broaden their horizons no matter their results, and be open to options beyond traditionally prestigious courses and universities.
Those who were former RGS girls were also surely encouraged by the presence of Mrs Shirley Tan and Ms Chin Jen Fu, who were in attendance today. When approached for comment, Mrs Tan told our reporters that she was very proud of the girls, and that the results were “a great affirmation of all that they have done in all the 6 years, and an affirmation for the RP” as it is “testimony that they are laid very strong foundations.”
Subjects-wise, Biology maintained a 80% distinction rate, as did Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, and History at 70%. Economics has shown an encouraging improvement with a 70% distinction rate as well, and one Economics tutor enthused that the results “couldn’t be better” and that this year saw “highest distinction rate ever”. The percentage of those scoring distinctions in General Paper, Knowledge & Inquiry, English Literature, and Geography have dipped slightly from the previous year; however, it should be noted that the 2013 ‘A’ Levels featured a revised Literature syllabus as well as the removal of the “Vocabulary” section from the GP paper.
Mrs Lim Lai Cheng, surprisingly, also had some final words for the batch via a slide in Mr Chan’s presentation. She asks the students to “always believe in yourself, and through small acts, work towards changing the world.” On that note, we will like to congratulate the Class of 2013 on their achievements and we wish all J3s the very best for their future endeavours!
Class of 2012
9 Distinctions: 10 students (i.e. 0.81%)
At least 8 Distinctions: 88 students (i.e. 78 with 8 Distinctions, i.e. 6.29%)
At least 7 Distinctions: 282 students (i.e. 194 with 7 Distinctions, i.e. 15.65%)
At least 6 Distinctions: 543 students (i.e. 261 with 6 Distinctions, i.e. 21.05%)
There were 1,240 candidates.
Class of 2013
9 Distinctions: 4 students (i.e. 0.32%)
At least 8 Distinctions: 80 students (i.e. 76 with 8 Distinctions, i.e. 6.13%)
At least 7 Distinctions: 277 students (i.e. 197 with 7 Distinctions, i.e. 15.90%)
At least 6 Distinctions 533 students (i.e. 256 with 6 Distinctions, i.e. 20.16%)
Kaleidos – from Ancient Greek Kalos, meaning beautiful, and eidos, meaning form.
We are all aware of that which we call a kaleidoscope, a narrow, enclosed tube filled with beads and pebbles and other beautiful things all crammed and packed into a mangled mess of colour that, when observed, launches into a medley of brilliant light. Kaleidos 2014, a time once so woefully dreaded and eagerly anticipated, has come to a close after 4 short days and an even shorter weekend packed with new experiences, new memories and new friendships.
Or so that’s the plan.
Though to the casual observer orientation must have seemed a jumble of energy, excitement and light, for some of us more inconspicuous pebbles in the midst this was far from the case. Being surrounded by people seemingly on a constant, albeit rather artificial high- the energy can become exhausting, the excitement forced and the light- blinding.
What is an introvert?An oft-seen term that’s frequently tossed around and loudly (and ironically) claimed on the internet. Yet putting the ‘introvert pride’ debate aside, an introvert is simply a person who gains energy by being alone, and expands energy when communicating and interacting with others. By that definition, orientation must of course seem like every introvert’s worst nightmare, when one is literally surrounded by strangers sunrise to sunset. But that does not necessarily have to be the case. While eliminating the socializing aspect of orientation may defeat the purpose of orientation itself, there are still many ways in which one may fulfill the aims of orientation, that is, initiation into a new community, without systematically excluding the needs of those who are not content with relationships formed over the span of 4 days and a lot of adrenaline.
Something that most may agree on, yet few dare to say, is that orientation can be rather superficial, a fact that can be ascertained by the sobering small number of OGs that manage to stay together throughout the two short years in JC. Despite the various OG ‘bonding’ activities and the copious amount of time spent together, it seems I’ve come away from orientation knowing absolutely nothing about anyone. And before an angry mob descends upon me in protest, I would just like you to stop and think for a moment about how much you truly know about your OG mates. What are their hopes, their stories, their fears, their loves? And no, whom they choose to shoot, shag, or marry doesn’t count. While we applaud the efforts of some OGLs to initiate ‘H2HT’s within the OG, the whole idea of forcing a connection can be rather oxymoronic.
Perhaps the real issue here can be put across by a Year Five, who commented that “I am more comfortable knowing a person before choosing to spend time with them because I know I will enjoy it, which is the opposite of orientation.” Personally, I have no qualms about being chummy with people I’ve only just met, but many people fail to realize that this may cause some discomfort amongst introverts who prefer interacting with people within their own comfort zone, and that comfort zone takes time to expand to accommodate new people – time which we don’t have.
In a period crippled with uncertainty and anxiety, trying to drown out your apprehension through fun and games and loud music may not appeal to everyone. Some may say that it all comes together with time, yet ought not the point of orientation to be to ease this process of transition? Perhaps some changes to enable better quality interaction with our peers may be at hand to benefit not just those who require deeper interaction to feel comfortable with people but everyone as a whole. While OGs may broaden your social circle and enable you to meet a larger variety of people, bringing 20 people together and then tearing them apart immediately after seems rather cruel, especially for those who already have trouble forming relationships quickly. Indeed, some introverted Year 5s admitted to intentionally distancing themselves somewhat from their OGs because there is little meaning in the superficial interactions that do not culminate into genuine friendships. Perhaps orientation should be geared less towards a focus on the OG alone and instead directed towards developing a passion and sense of identity with the school. The focus and emphasis of “socializing” with our OGmates is really only a fraction of the big picture, that is, providing a smoother transition into the school and its systems.
Even within the OG/House system, the large amount of physical bonding activities may not be the most effective in bringing people closer. Speaking candidly from an introvert’s perspective, team-building activities may even be a factor in widening the gap between introverts and extroverts; while extroverts derive energy and enjoyment from them, introverts tend to shrink and retreat, preferring more intimate one-on-one time with their OG mates instead. Activities like station games and war games may be a lot of fun, but some time could be set aside for more meaningful getting-to-know-you activities, instead of relying solely on OG dinners and downtime to really sit down and talk. This is especially so when you consider how these times usually end up occupied more by embarrassing dares and forfeits than anything more sincere. As a self-proclaimed introverted batchmate aptly put, “what brought us together as an OG were the times we sat together and ‘talked about strange things’.” True and heartfelt interactions were much likelier when the introverts feel comfortable with their fellow OGmates, possibly even with the slight nudges of their extroverted friends. To be plunged into team-building activities is a prospect that appeals more to the extroverts, and continues to prove itself intimidating and tiring to others.
However, as OIC Ruthanne so fittingly puts it: ‘Orientation doesn’t necessarily cater to any type, extroverts or introverts. Rather, it is dependent on how willing the individual is to participate; life is all about choices after all.’ It is easy to claim the short end of the stick, but rarely is anything moulded and pressed to fit precisely your form. Nothing stops you from making this your experience, be it as an introvert, extrovert, or somewhere in between. Proposals and planning can only go so far, but at the end of the day, the real stories and friendships you forge are of your own creation, and worth so much more than words.
By Feng Zhuo (14S03S) Photos taken from the Orientation Facebook Page
Orientation. That big word associated with hope, anticipation, and perhaps even a bit of fear. It’s coming your way, but you don’t know what to expect. “Will this be the start of something promising?” You wonder. The optimist in you is determined to make the four days the best in your life yet, challenged only by the quiet naysayer that co-habitates within your heart, a soft voice which whispers fears and worries about that oh-so-hyped-up event. “What if I can’t make any friends during Orientation?” “What if it just ends up being the worst event of my life?” True, those are valid concerns (and so emerges the naysayer in the writer), but don’t ignore the trusty old optimist which asserts that it’s still too early to tell, especially when you suddenly realise: “Hey, I actually don’t have a clue about what ANY of the four days entail!” So here’s a little help on that.
Now, let’s go back to the root word.
Orientation. noun.
Variations and related short forms include OG, OGL and even OGlings. Let’s get started clearing down all those clouds of confusion that might have subconsciously scattered over your head as you read through that sentence.
The OG is just about the most important term throughout your entire course of orientation. Those two letters will be like family to you in your ever-expanding vocabulary of short forms in J1, a parallel to what they stand for throughout the duration of your orientation. The OG, or Orientation Group, is a group of twenty people from your house, who are just as excited, clueless and scared as you are on your first day. The First day, a first awkward ‘nice to meet you’, and a first eagerly returned “how do you do”; this group will stand testament to a series of your firsts in this new phase of life. This is also when any pent-up gender awkwardness slowly melts away, because, as in life, you don’t get to choose who to be with. Say goodbye to your girl friends or bros, say hello to that long-dreaded (or long-awaited) gender interaction! Each OG will have approximately ten boys and ten girls, so you better beat off those stereotypes you hold of the opposite gender, because the next thing you know, you will be dancing with someone from that foreign species in a traditional(ly embarrassing) orientation event called the batch dance. But hey, who said it had to be awkward, right? Your confident self proclaims that as a true Rafflesian, you will embody the Fortitude of the FIRE values and be a good sport even when the going gets tough (or really awkward) during the batch dance.
Over the course of orientation, you will need seniors, who put the ‘L’ in ‘OGL’. As Orientation Group Leaders, they will be grouped in threes to fours, heading a single OG, and looking out for who they affectionately term as their OGlings. And there you have it, this is what makes up a basic OG unit, with people from different genders, schools and even levels coming together as one unit, ready to brave the new challenges that orientation, or even J1 life, will throw at them.
“Wait! I still don’t know what the next four days are going to entail!” Before you start panicking again, let’s hear from the Orientation I/Cs themselves regarding the key highlights of Orientation. According to Ruthanne, “Each day typically has at least one highlight, so Station Games, War Games, External Activity and O’Nite are definitely things to look out for. Our Storyline plot and decorations this year are quite amazing too, so if you ask me, I’d say everything is a highlight!” The other Orientation I/C, Ernest, feels that the Batch Song and Dance are events to look forward to. He also reveals that this year’s theme, Kaleidos, was chosen based on the hopes for the J1s’ new school life to be similar to a Kaleidoscope, where filtered rays of life can pass through to form an array of incandescent colours, symbolizing the start of a vibrant experience.
On the Batch Dance, Orientation Programmes and Logistics I/C, Arjun, fondly recalls from his personal experiences. “It is made to be a bit tricky each year…but that’s the whole fun of the Batch Dance! You and your dance partner get to have so much fun trying – and in my case, failing – to keep up with the moves! I still remember when it came to one dance move where you just had to sway and clap, suddenly the WHOLE batch was in perfect unison and everyone just burst out laughing. Of course, I also remember when my dance partner accidentally punched me in the face. Let me tell you, it is not fun to get punched by a judoka.”
For those who are worried about dancing with two left feet, fret not, there is another more exciting highlight to look out for. OGlings (time to get used to being addressed with this new term!) can look forward to O’Nite, which is the final night of Orientation. Each OG will get to dress up under themes that are decided by the OGs themselves, and there will even be a prize for the best dressed from each House. OGlings can dress up as superheroes, soft toys, or even an invading species from Mars. (Just remember to keep your costumes appropriate for a school environment!) At the mention of O’Nite, Arjun recalls how his own OG dressed up as a wedding procession, complete with bride and groom, best men and bridesmaids, a wedding photographer, musicians, and even flower girls! Needless to say, the OG swept everyone off their feet and proudly won the Best Dressed OG award for their house.
Of course, no OGling will ever leave Orientation forgetting the (one-of-a-kind) experience of War Games. War Games I/C, Zhi Peng, gives his take on the games. “As the name suggests, War Games is the time where many of the OGlings go crazy, as the games involve teamwork and elements that will engage everyone participating in it. With the addition of competition between the houses, it will definitely be intense, exciting and memorable!” Regarding the concerns that have surfaced on RJ Confessions about the possible violence involved, Zhi Peng responds, “As the games are carried out, there is no doubt some OGlings might get carried away and be excessively competitive and violent, but our I/Cs will be there to manage the situation if things get out of hand! It will get a little physical for some of the games but it really adds to the fun. Just take care of yourself and others and all will be well.”
However, amidst all this fun and games, it might be time for the easily-tired to do a little bit of mental preparation. The programme ends at 5pm everyday, except for the last day, which will culminate into an event (O’Nite) that will end at 7pm. OGlings might also want to note that most OGs choose to stay back for OG dinners to enhance the Orientation experience, making the daily schedule end even later, depending on how enthusiastic your OG is. Regarding this, Arjun shares the personal experience of his first OG dinner. “You should also make the most of your OG dinner on the first night. After every day during Orientation, all OGs go out to eat, but I think it’s safe to say that that first meal is the most important by far. Start talking to your OG mates. Get food together, share your likes and dislikes, your CCAs, play games like “Two Truths One Lie” – whatever works! Just be as open as possible and make that night last for as long as possible.” However, the writer would like to caution all incoming J1s to prepare themselves for the “people mountain people sea” at J8 during dinnertime throughout the course of orientation, made up of people none other than their very own batchmates. As such, it would be good to explore other alternatives, such as going to the nearby Thomson area, or even ordering pizza to school.
While Orientation might sound like a very exciting experience for many, some may find it very daunting because of the energy and enthusiasm it requires over the span of four days. This may be a little overwhelming, especially for some of the new JAE students who have just entered Raffles and are new to the school environment and culture. However, Arjun gives his take on that.
“I think the most important advice I can give is very simple – be willing to try new things. That’s the purpose of Orientation after all! The change from Secondary School to JC life is honestly quite drastic, and Orientation serves to open you up to new experiences so you can enjoy JC to the fullest. In fact, many of the activities you’ll be taking part in are planned to take you just a bit out of your comfort zone. Maybe you don’t like making too many new friends. Maybe you don’t like physical games. Maybe you’ve never talked to someone of the opposite gender before – who knows! But if you come with an open mind and an enthusiastic spirit, you’ll be able to make the most out of your Orientation experience.”
Ruthanne also pitches in on how to make the best out of the experience, “The J1s should really try to get to know their OGLs better! Aside from being their leaders during Orientation, OGLs can really prove to be great sources of advice and support. After all, they’ve already gone through the same problems the J1s will be going through! So don’t distance your OGLs and treat them as your friends. They can be your pillars of support even after Orientation.”
However, if one were to ask any J2 senior regarding the sustainability of the bond in their OG, it would be easy to find out that not all OGs manage to stay together amidst all the challenges and new unshared experiences that come as part and parcel of J1 life. While some OGs, like Arjun’s, can proudly claim their title as “one of the most bonded OGs in the batch”, “meeting for breakfast every morning and making it a point to go out during every holiday, even going for school events and plays together”, it would only be fair if the other side of the picture was shown. It is the truth that many OGs do ultimately break apart, with the duration of this process depending on how much effort the OG puts in. An anonymous Year 6 even declares, “I haven’t seen my OG since the end of Orientation!” But regardless of the final outcome, just like how Year 6 Leong Yee Ting wisely puts it, “Just be open and try to treasure what little time you have with your OG mates. Maybe you were thrown together for a reason; maybe not – but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the moment while you can, and just let it be thereafter.” In fact, instead of not letting it hinder you, let it be your motivation. Be that person that you’ve always wanted to be; get to know the people you’ve always wanted to know; make full use of the time you are given with your OG, because that fresh, new, experience as a wide-eyed J1 only comes once.
Concluding with a heartfelt statement from Arjun, “Most people don’t remember the specifics of any of these activities during Orientation – in fact, most of us have long forgotten the steps to our Batch Dance – but you will always remember the experience.” Orientation might be The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, but who cares? Nothing changes it from being Your Orientation.
With that, the writer wishes all J1s (or soon-to-be OGlings) an amazing Kaleidos 2014.
Here’s to the start of something new.
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Follow Orientation 2014 on:
Facebook: facebook.com/kaleidos14
Twitter and Instagram: @kaleidos14
(Click here for the Kaleidos 2014 Publicity Video)
Perhaps because my views were blinkered by the heavily televised debates between American Presidential candidates or by watching my own debating heroes when I was younger, I always believed that debating was about the individual. A grandstanding, intellectual fencing match between six speakers who were divided into two teams for argument’s sake. To the casual observer, debates are often decided by one person – typically the one who sounds the most stylish, makes the sharpest rebuttals, and pummels the opposing team into submission.
![[O] Kaleidos FB Banner](https://i0.wp.com/rafflespress.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/o-kaleidos-fb-banner.png)
