Of the four schools that we visited in the last trip to Singapore, Northlight touched me most.
In Northlight as an educationist once said, "The heart of education is the education of the heart".
There are many practising principles here which I can associate with my teaching vocation.
Northlight caters to the group of students who are drop-outs at the tender age of 12 having failed the PLSE (primary level school exam) once, twice and at times even thrice. How does one help the plight of these children? They are not academically inclined but that does not mean they are of no earthly use. They are not the Hwa Chong or Crescent or MGS material but they are still children who pine for love and appreciation asking for directions in life. The 'Florence Nightingale' in the real teacher will come to the rescue.
Like all responsible parents with their children's best interests at heart, the Northlight teachers are volunteers geared up to give their best shot and service. Teachers come in out of their own accord and that is why the school is so different. They all work from their hearts making sure they make right imprints in the souls of young people.
The Principal, Mrs. Chuah, a quiet and firm lady leads a team of people to execute a great challenge for Singapore. Here, her main intention is to instill self -worth in these PLSE under- achievers and to nurture courage and strength for them to face adversities in the days ahead.
To strategise this, words of encouragement and positive reinforcement are reminded in every dominion of the school and what better ways than to tell her charges?
Notices to remind kindness especially so when they can be unkind to others in their scrambles to get what they want. Don't we do that too?
The boxes say a thousand words. It is good to live with hope- though I may not be the best I still have hope . In my counselling sessions with under-achievers , this is fundamental. A string of As is not the ultimate. It is important to know that you are important to someone.
Northlight also tells her boys that their future is in their own hands in the toilets too. Make it ; don't break it. Many boys with normal capacities too need this reminder. Some are given too good a life; all thanks to sacrificial parents who will do anything just to ensure a future for their sons.
Ultimately, we teachers in school do that in our teaching; but not all is well. Students of various backgrounds and cultures carry different values to school but the bottom line is - we are all humans who need love, care, acceptance, appreciation and they need to be inculcated.
Values - the most difficult to teach and yet- crucial for survival.
A student recreation centre is established to allow deserving students who have earned points through good behaviour, commendable service or other gestures which warrant appreciation to enjoy an afternoon savouring in the best ever in the room. Dedicated parents give the extra hand in the afternoons to man the room so that teachers can be relieved of the duty. A win-win situation.
The visitors were mesmerised at the well-thought room so that recreation and reflection can be at their best. It was so meticulously planned, arranged and fun that it can only stimulate further positive effects on the students. At the helm of her education policy, Northlight still give its best shot at character building.
A billiard board for enthusiastic boys and girls trying at the game.
At a corner, we witnessed a pet's corner. All species of guppies available for the fish enthusiasts.
The place is also a centre for play stations. Very up to date and meeting the needs of the teenager; having the latest gadgets giving one no reason to ask for more.
I thought the clocks signify a reminder that can last a lifetime as the words of wisdom are so very real and meaningful. Do you not think so? These words are relevant through eternity.
The Northlight Reminder again - profound and true- reminded through a game.
Mrs. Chuah in her wisdom, while hoping to arm her students with good character traits , is also aware that they need to know how to read for instruction, direction and living skills.
Many who knock at the doors of Northlight cannot read, count and write. So under her careful planning a child must know how to read.
The 3 boys virtually could not read when they first joined Northlight. The school adopted a commendable programme by engaging a part time teacher, Hanis, who is stationed in a most conducive reading room where students run to her during recess for the extra tuition. Now the 3 boys proudly read in front of us.
Teacher Hanis testified that all you need to teach them to read is to be approachable, loving and caring. The rest of the reading skills will come in naturally when she reads to her proteges patiently. She suggested the Peter and Jane series as one good reading material.
It really brought back old memories when I also used this series to start my girls' reading career. This is a powerful series and is my recommendation to young mothers. It will spur your child to greater levels of reading achievements which last for a lifetime. I would read to my girls everyday until they read aloud on their own. Once you have managed to hit series 4a, the child becomes an independent reader. Trust me.
This is again another reminder to relate the importance of reading- this time in the girls' toilet. Reading Maketh a Man - the real truth. A truth that has been drummed into my students day in and out and a habit that will help them write effectively.
Next, Northlight embarked upon a the "Math Works for Us" programme where students acquire the foundation mathematical skills for daily living and work. Mrs. Chuah constantly reminded us that the students do not seem able to count not because they lack anything serious but rather it's the way they are taught. It's using the approach they understand and sometimes she shared that their counting logic works well with the layman for e.g. using a cup to measure a certain quantity instead of the conventional scale.
Their simplicity towards daily needs causes her to say this:
"We wanted to make a difference in the lives of the students but ended up making a difference in our own lives."
I thought the statement was so profound. Many a time I have students who make a difference in my life when they teach me to be patient, unassuming and remind me how fortunate I am when compared to their unfortunate states.
A teacher using the Interactive Smart board to create maths lessons in class. Apparently the use of this teaching aid has increased the students' understanding in the subject.
Armed with sufficient reading abilities and counting skills, Northlight emphasises on Vocational Education - the gateway to a decent living.
Students are taught retailing skills and Northlight had association with private entities to allow them to have some hours of training after school.
A retailing room in the school for the students to practise business skills.
The school cooperative is one avenue for the students to display their entrepreneurship acumen. I am also glad to say Seafield has one of the best cooperatives in the state- so well run and the students so enthusiastic, learning how to make a go at a young age.
Their saloon is impressive.
An offer for a family package - not bad.
A skill important to the hotel industry. Keeping the room and toilet in order. The sink in the picture seems similar to the ones in the teachers' toilet in Seafield!
Culinary endeavours - what better way to eke a living in life. We were informed that the teacher training them has a chain store in Singapore . Why the need to teach in Northlight? Mrs. Chuah said that the 'tauke' could not bear waking up every morning with a $ sign in his eyes anymore. His good nature tells him that he must help the underprivileged. Northlight is a good avenue to help. How nice to know that there are such people around. We want to be his friend, right?
We were served this during the visit. How kind of them. Free visit, free food and free information. Thank you.
A kitchen big and practical enough for the students to learn culinary skills.
I believe there are many other features that I have not been able to observe but one thing I do know - Northlight though only about 2 years old has made such a great impact in the Singapore Society that many from near and far have come to learn from them including the MOE of Malaysia.
Mrs. Chuah shared that parents are so appreciative that they are compiling a special print about Northlight to be presented to the teachers on Teacher's Day. They have been touched by the teachers' dedication and hard work and most of all Northlight has given a new hope and meaning to their children. After all it's every parent's wish that their children grow up to be of use to the society around them. They need not be doctors, lawyers, economists, professionals...they only need to practise right values , eke a decent living, be happy and out of trouble. That is success.
SHINE - Sincere, Honest and Innovative, valuing Network and Excellence - the Logo of Northlight - may all who seek it find it.
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