Wednesday, 28 November 2007

Holidays

Dear 4F,
How has your holidays been? If you are keen, you are free to share it over blog. ^^

Mine has been quite busy, but it's good to have a rest and wake up later in the day, isn't it? I hope you are all enjoying yourselves in the holidays now.

Yet, continue to keep up revision for what you have learnt this year. Don't forget the holiday homework too!
Has anyone managed to solve all 5 challenges? =)

Saturday, 17 November 2007

This blog

Dearest 4F,
The year is drawing to an end, and it will be a new beginning again next year. Well, though we do not know which classes we will be in the new year, yet one thing is that we know we can still see each other around. Stay happy, continue to keep in touch with your ex-classmates, even those who were in the same class as you from P1-P3.

In one of her comments, Wanfang asked about the outcome of this blog when the year ends. Yes, this blog will continue to function, and it will not be deleted. I agree with her that this blog leaves many memories of the class. I will be logging in here to take a look from time to time. =)

Perhaps 3-5 years down the road, this will still be a place where we can freely post thoughts and views about issues and topics.

If there are updates, I'll try to keep them posted on this blog. Do feel free to share this with your family, especially when you find it's too much information to share when they ask you about school. *smiles* Take it as an opportunity for them to get to know your classmates and the topics we discuss in class.

Take care, and have a restful weekend! Any of you having fabulous plans over the holidays? =) Do take the time to enjoy with your family!

Ms Seow

Thursday, 15 November 2007

Class Party

Dearest 4F pupils,

Today's the last day of school and it's indeed a memorable day! It is for me, and I'm sure it applies to you. Well, I wanted to say a lot of things to you, but there just isn't enough time. Anyway, I'll take the chance to say it here on blog...
Thank you to all the monitors and monitresses who had served so faithfully in class, to Zakis, May, Hui Juan and Wei Hao. You have helped maintain discipline of the class so wonderfully and I appreciate it.
Thank you to all the group leaders who have played a vital role in handing out worksheets, keeping track of classmates who did not hand in theirs, or who did not come. Thank you to Yuxi, Meihang, Brenda, Si Jia, Fazrey, Yoki, Kamarullah, Bin Wei, Jun Zhi, Jacques, Li Xin, Yean Min, Chaow Er, De Xuan, Ee Leng and Zi Yan.

Thank you to the IT monitors who have been a great presence everytime the PC needs to be used. I should think we all agree that Chang Shen ad Nigel have been very prompt in their services and they are also very enthusiastic about helping out. I have recommended them, together with Jun Li as future IT moniors. =)
Thank you to the noise controllers, Siti Ayeeshah and Shafiq, who have tries really hard to keep the class quiet. Though this class is really quite chatty, I would still like to thank you. It really isn't easy.
Thank you to the class 'runners' too! Withouth Si Jia and De Xuan, who do you think takes down attendances? Great job and well done!
Thank you to 'Mr Muscle', Jun Zhi! You've helped in tremendous ways and the board is so clean because you've volunteered yourself to help. Thank you!
Last but not least, I wish to thank EVERY PUPIL from 4F, for helping out in terms 2-4 in the Maths Haven. We all agree that it's something that the whole class can identify with and we are proud to be part of it. Aren't we? =) Thanks for helping out, especially when you have to deal with a huge crowd at times, and handle difficult pupils too. It was a continuous brave effort on your part.

I hope you have enjoyed the class party spread today, especially the food that your classmates have prepared. Special thanks to Nigel, Siti, Chaow Er, Brenda, Meihang, Ferlyn, Yuxi, Kaiting, Ee Leng, Hui Juan, Zi Yan, Jun Zhi and Yoki for bringing food and cutlery. The party was great!!
How was the pizza? =p
Thanks to the rest who were munching the food away. Trust that you have enjoyed yourselves.
Below are the pictures that were taken just now during the party!



Getting ready for the fun shot.
We still see so many munching away.
Haha!
Yes Mano, we see you!









STILL getting ready for the shot.
Haha...
Hmm, Chang Shen is missing from the picture!
Mano jumping and trying to reach for a place in the picture!








Finally, a pretty shot! *smiles*



A fUn shot.
















Clearing up the class.
Thanks to all who have stayed back!







Goodbye 4F, and thanks for spending the most wonderful year together.
If you ever hear the song 'If We Hold On Together', do remember the times we've persevered through and the months we spent holding each other together as a class.
Take care, and have a restful holiday.
Oh yes, wishing you a blessed Christmas too!
Your form teacher,
Ms Seow

Wednesday, 31 October 2007

Sudoku!

Hello class,
I've recently added a Sudoku game in the blog. It's found at the bottom of the page. Do go and try it out and submit your scores! =)

Saturday, 27 October 2007

Deserts

Hi 4F,
If you remembered, we came across deserts when going through our English paper last week? I promised to get some information on the blog about deserts. Here they are.

Read on!

Where are hot deserts found?
In the centre or on the west coasts of continents.
Usually between latitudes 10 degrees and 30 degrees north or south of the Equator.
Where the prevailing wind (most common wind direction) comes from the dry land.

Why are these deserts dry?
The prevailing wind blows across land so it does not carry much moisture.
In Britain air usually rises, then air cols cools and condensation gives cloud and rain. BUT... In hot deserts air descends, then air gets warmer causes evaporation and cloudless skies.

Why is there a big difference between day and night temperatures in deserts?

DAY TIME:
In the day temperatures are very high. the sun's rays beat down and heat the ground surface
It is very hot in the day and can be very cold at night because there are no clouds to:
Keep the ground shaded by day.
Trap the heat at night.

Problems of survival in the desert:
Very high temperatures in the day/ strong sun.
Lack of nutrients/soil.
Being eaten by animals.
Little rain; occasional storms.
Competition from other plants.
Reproducing is difficult.
Removed by people.
Strong wind and sand storms.
Very cold at night.

Desert animals
Camels are among many animals which have specially adapted features so that they can survive in desert environment.

They have two eyelids.
Leathery mouths.
They can close their nose.
Padded feet.
Camels store fat in their humps, which can be broken down to provide food and water. This helps them survive long journeys in the desert.


Desert King Snake
Average Lifespan 10 years
Scientific name: lampropeltis getula splendida
Group: Colubird
Origin or range: North America
Relative size: Average (compared to other snakes)
Desert Kingsnakes are found in arid regions of the Southwest United States and Northern Mexico. They are quite easy to keep in captivity and are relatively non-aggressive.

Adapted from: http://www.didcotgirls.oxon.sch.uk/depts/geog/bcs_geography/deserts.htm


View http://www.inchinapinch.com/hab_pgs/terres/desert/plants.htm for more information.

Hello

Hello class,
I've taken out the chatbox because it has been misused. Despite warnings, offensive language is still used against classmates, which is not good. Instead, I've put up a class poll about this blog. Do go and view it. =)

How has life been after the exams? Take this time to reflect through the time you spent learning and studying. Now's a good time to catch up on knowledge you didn't quite understand before the exams.

Thursday, 11 October 2007

If We Hold On Together

Hi class,
I'm glad you liked the song. I've found a better version, where this little girl sings. You might want to listen to it if you have the time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64rQaoASn6k

URL

The URL of If We Hold On Together is here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZYA0KpJiK0

If We Hold On Together

Dearest 4F,
It has indeed been a stressful week for all of us and I would like to encourage you with this song by Diana Ross, a popular singer, with If We Hold On Together.

This song encourages us to think and imagine the dreams we've always wanted to have. It may be to have good relationships with our siblings, it may be to excel in our studies, to fulfil your ambition, or it may also be to be a good friend to your classmates. Whatever your dreams are, holding on together is very important. Know that your family, friends and teachers are there for you, supporting you in your phases in life.

This is a meaningful song. Do ponder over the lyrics and you might just want to sing it to yourself when you feel really stressed, or down, or simply when you just need some encouragement. =)

The lyrics are as follows:

Don't lose your way
With each passing day
You've come so far
Don't throw it away
Live believing
Dreams are for weaving
Wonders are waiting to start
Live your story
Faith, hope & glory
Hold to the truth in your heart

If we hold on together
I know our dreams will never die
Dreams see us through to forever
Where clouds roll by
For you and I

Souls in the wind
Must learn how to bend
Seek out a star
Hold on to the end
Valley, mountain
There is a fountain
Washes our tears all away
Words are swaying
Someone is praying
Please let us come home to stay

If we hold on together
I know our dreams will never die
Dreams see us through to forever
Where clouds roll by
For you and I

When we are out there in the dark
We'll dream about the sun
In the dark we'll feel the light
Warm our hearts, everyone

If we hold on together
I know our dreams will never die
Dreams see us through to forever
As high as souls can fly
The clouds roll by
For you and I

Lyrics taken from: http://lyrics007.com

Monday, 8 October 2007

How to relax

Hi 4F,
These tips are taken from 'English At Work'.
Hope you find these useful. =)

This is often the opposite of how you are feeling when under pressure.
This is exactly what you have to do.
In order for your voice to remain calm and for your brain to "think", you have to be as relaxed as possible.
1. Take deep breaths. Feel your diaphragm rise and fall as you inhale and exhale.
2. Be positive! Take a second and give yourself a positive and affirming message.
3. Clench invisible muscles (thighs, biceps and feet) for a few seconds and release.


Other than how to relax, there is some tips on English writing. Take a look!
What is the difference between spicy & hot?
Can they be used interchangeably?
'Hot' has at least two meanings.
One of those is the same as 'spicy'.
Unfortunately, it also refers to temperature, so a meal can be 'hot' (temperature) without being 'hot' (spicy).
Sometimes it is necessary to indicate which of the meanings is intended and then you might hearsomeone say:
'This chicken is spicy hot.'
Take care and all the best for the English paper tomorrow! Remember to check and check and check through the paper. Do not leave any stones unturned as this is the first and last time you will be attempting this paper. Check for tenses, check for spelling, check for missing pages, check for punctuation, check for correct name and register number written and shaded properly. Check that shading is done properly and errors erased clearly.
Ok, I think I've done a fair bit of nagging, but you know what Ms Seow means. These little things add up to a lot, actually. Persevere!!!

Wednesday, 3 October 2007

How 4F relieves stress in the midst of exams

One of our journal entries was 'How I relieve myself of exam stress'.



Pupils of 4F contributed to this topic by offering their views and habits on how to cope with stress. Let's see what they are. Perhaps you might want to adopt them too!



Ee Leng: Listening to music/ Exercising



Li Xin: Sleep whenever she likes/ Play



Wei Hao: Play with sibling/ Play PC/ Watch TV



Bin Cheng: Read book/ Taking naps/ Playing



Nigel: Playing games/ Basketball



Ferlyn: Watch TV/ Play on the PC/ Do homework anytime



Yean Min: Don't think of anything



Chang Shen: Play games/ Soccer/ Play on the handphone/ Eat/ Sleep



Brenda: Go to the beach and shout 'ahhh!'/ Play with friends and family/ Go out and breathe in fresh air

Natalie: Not studying too hard for exams (care to explain further?)/ Listening to music

Ju Xiang: Play PC games/ Call a friend up to talk/ Watch TV/ Play with friends at the void deck

Khalisah: Sleep/ Play with cousin/ Go out and cycle/ Rollerblade/ Watch TV/ Read book/ Revise work

Zakis: Go to bed/ Read a book, feel sleepy, go sleep, wake up, and then stress is forgotten!

Zi Yan: Watch TV/ play with toys/ Play PC

Wanfang: Going for Band practise

Kamarullah: Stay in at home/ Do work in aircon room

Fazrey: Sleep

It's good that most of you have an outlet of relieving stress, class! =) Oh yes, maintain a healthy diet too! That's essential.

Okie, here's Ms Seow signing off for now.
Wow, it's been a tiring week. Have been having a cold on and off while teaching... =p Hope to get better soon.

See you tomorrow!

Monday, 1 October 2007

Happy Children's Day

Hello 4F,
HAPPY CHILDREN'S DAY!!!

It's a holiday for all of you, and I'm sure you've had a good rest over the weekend too. Well, here's wishing all of you good health and all the best as you revise for the coming exams. Don't forget to have regular vision breaks or have a jog from time to time. *smiles*

Here's something I found regarding how the first Children's Day was celebrated in Singapore, by the National Library Board...

http://infopedia.nlb.gov.sg/articles/SIP_1171_2006-06-02.html

The first Children's DaySchools in Singapore first celebrated Children's Day on 23 October 1961.On Wednesday 3 August 1961, the Ministry of Education announced that the estimated 37,000 school children in Singapore would be celebrating Children's Day for the first time that year. The day chosen for the celebration was Monday 23 October . The date was in keeping with the United Nation's Children's Day which fell on 22 October but since it was a Sunday, the celebration was held the following day, on Monday 23. Children's Day was marked as a school holiday.

For the first celebration, the Ministry of Education had a Children's Day song composed. Schools functioned for only two hours on that day; the morning session started from 7:45 am to 9:45 am, while the afternoon from 10 am to 12 noon. After the singing of the Children's Day song, principals delivered a special message from the Minister for Education, Mr Yong Nyuk Lin. Schools also announced the names of students to receive honours for their gallantry and outstanding achievements. Schools also had the choice to organise impromptu concerts, talentime, debates or film shows on that day.

AuthorNor-Afidah Abd Rahman

Friday, 28 September 2007

Composition Writing Tips

Dear 4F,
It was a fruitful afternoon of supplementary today learning more about composition tips. Some 20 of us came for supplementary and discussed through what and how to improve in preparation of the comong compostion exam. Well, for those who have missed it due to some reason or other, here's the notes! Since you couldn't make it, you'll have to print them out. =)

Preparation:
1. Get enough rest the night before, and make sure you know how to spell words that are commonly mis-spelt.
2. Read through your English notebook, as well as your composition file.
3. Go through all errors previously made and try spelling or writing them (especially for tenses) correctly this time round.
4. Look out for words that have been underlined with a tick. Those phrases are well-written and it would be good to use in composition if the situation allows.
5. Be adventurous in writing, and try to think of an ending that people do not usually write.
6. Describe feelings of people, as well as appearance of characters.
7. Check through tenses.
8. Check through spelling.
9. Do not write too much dialogue in the composition. At the most, write about 2-3 of them.
10. Write at least 3 paragraphs, including introduction, complication, resolution and coda.
11. Avoid long sentences.
12. Keep word length to approximately 160-200.
13. Use specific words if possible, try not to use words that are too general.

Writing a story:
Once an incident is chosen, you should keep three rules in mind.
1. Remember to involve readers (which are the composition markers) in the story. It is much more interesting to actually recreate an incident for readers than to simply tell about it.
2. Find a generalization which the story supports. This is the only way the writer's personal experience will take on meaning for readers
3. Remember that although the main component of a narrative is the story, details must be carefully selected to support, explain, and enhance the story.
Stories are generally written in the first person that is, using "I." However, third person ("he," "she," or "it") can also be used.
Stories rely on concrete, sensory details to convey their point. These details should create a unified, forceful effect, a dominant impression
Stories should include these story conventions: a plot, including setting and characters; a climax; and an ending.

Some conjunctions to use in replacement of common words:

To show addition
· and · in addition · besides · furthermore · moreover · what's more · too · not only ... but also · both ... and · not so obvious · as well as · another

To show time
· now · since · after this · at length · thereafter · already · at length · after a few hours · in the end · afterwards · then · later · previously · formerly · at an earlier time · at the same time · simultaneously · meanwhile · in the meantime · and then

To show sequence
· first, second, etc. · next · former · latter · final · last

To emphasize
· obviously · in fact · as a matter of fact · indeed · what's more · even without this · especially · truly · really · certainly · moreover · in truth · above all

To compare
· similarly · likewise · in like manner · parallel with · in the same category · comparable to · equally important

To contrast
· on the other hand · on the contrary · conversely · by contrast · from another point of view · more important · but · yet · and yet · however · still · after all · for all that · although this is true · while this is true · in spite of · though· even though· nonetheless · nevertheless · notwithstanding · in spite of this

To include
· namely · especially · specifically · in detail · including · in particular · to list · to enumerate

To repeat
· to repeat · in brief · in short · as I have said · as I have noted · in other words · once more · again · yet again · that is

To give examples
· for instance · for example · to demonstrate · to illustrate · as an illustration · a case in point · another case

To show purpose
· to · in order to · so that · for the purpose of · with this in mind · with this in view

To conclude
· to conclude · in conclusion · thus · finally · last · to end

To infer
· hence · so · therefore · consequently · as a result · for this reason · this being the case · it follows that ...

To summarize
· in brief · in summary · on the whole · to sum up · in other words · briefly · in short · in conclusion

To exclude
· with this exception · all except · all but · except for this · not that · but not · neither ... nor

To show condition
· if · whether

To show alternatives
· or · either ... or · whether ...or not

To concede
· no doubt · admitting · to be sure · certainly · indeed · granted · true · in any case · in any event

To refute
· no · hardly · on the contrary · never

To mark
· with respect to · as for ... · concerning · in point of reference

To link
· in general · to resume · in particular · to continue · to return · along with

To paint a picture
· imagine this scene · to illustrate my point · let's examine this idea closely

In ending, here is a checklist whenever you write a piece of composition:
Checklist for composition:

Have you checked for…

 Correct tenses?

 Three-finger spacing for paragraphing?

 Capital letters for the start of each sentence?

 Correct punctuation?

 Correct spelling?

 Appropriate expressions?

 No Singlish?

 A concluding paragraph?

 Any way you can make your story more unusual or interesting?

Saturday, 22 September 2007

Thank you

Thank you De Xuan for recommending a website on making science toys! I found it interesting. =) For those who missed it on the comment page, it is at http://www.sciencetoymaker.org/index.html
You might want to spend your December holidays making some of these interesting toys.

Thanks also to Chang Shen for recommending that a chat box be put up on this site. It's already been put up. One rule of thumb, do not put up any comment that poses a personal attack or offence to anyone, to spread rumours. A suggestion is to put up encouraging words to your classmates as well as quotable quotes to act as food for thought.

Take care! I can see that some of you are feeling stressed. Pace yourselves well and steady.

Saturday, 15 September 2007

Area and Perimeter

Hello Class,
This is an excellent website on Area and Perimeter. Do take a look and take part in the activities in there. This will give you a basic recap and understanding to our last topic.

It's at: http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks2/maths/perimeter_and_area/index.html

Friday, 14 September 2007

Oral exam tips

Adapted from:
http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/academicsupport/nav03.cfm nav03=51996&nav02=50367&nav01=59481

Hello 4F, oral is round the corner and here are some tips on how to improve in oral. I've adapted it from this website.

Oral Exam Tip 1
Know the process and your ability to speak

Oral Exam Tip 2
Practice, Practice, Practice
The most common error students make is not being prepared to talk about the topic. Students expect to go into the exam and be asked questions by the teacher. Practice alone in front of a mirror and with a buddy. Ask each other questions and analyze the responses. Get feedback about your tone of voice and volume.

Oral Exam Tip 3
Start off right
Look and act professional. Smile! You are not there to be executed – introduce yourself and give your teacher examiner all of your attention. Keep good posture and maintain eye contact. Listen carefully to the questions and make sure you understand exactly what is being asked – paraphrase if you need to. Never interrupt.

Oral Exam Tip 4
Organize your responses & have a “pat lead” rehearsed
Take a minute to compose your thoughts & organize your answers. Answer general questions with a two-part “pat lead” answer – give your answer and elaborate on each point. A pat lead will help you frame your answers and give you focus if you are anxious. (class, this works especially well for picture conversation!)

Oral Exam Tip 5
Answer the question
Be direct and to the point.
Use two or three key points or examples to demonstrate your knowledge. State what you know and stop.
If the teacher examiner does not respond and time drags on, ask if there is any element you should elaborate on.

Oral Exam Tip 6
Exit with grace
Rise and say 'thank you' to the teacher examiner. Say something pleasant and be sure to maintain good eye contact. Smile as you leave – the key is to exit on a positive note. Do NOT ask your teacher examiner how well you have done in the exam.

Thursday, 13 September 2007

Maths Exam tips

Adapted from http://www.studygs.net/tsttak6.htm

Preparation:
Begin preparing early

Pay attention during class:
Every minute you daydream in class is many more minutes of studying later.
Do assigned homework problems: math is a building process and in order to understand the next step you need to comprehend the present, and previous, ones.

Simulate test conditions:
After you have studied and think you know the material, practice it under test conditions.
Solve unassigned homework problems and see if you can finish them in the allotted time for the exam.

Find a Maths buddy in class
Not only will other students be able to help you with problems, but by helping others you will better learn the material. If you are unable teach another student a topic you believe you know, chances are you don't know that topic very well after all. If you can't teach it, you don't know it!

Testing: during the exam

Read through the exam:
With reading through the whole exam you can know what is expected of you;
prioritize items on the test;
pace yourself.

Carefully read the instructions:
Make sure you are answering the question that is being asked!
Often students know how to solve a problem, but they misread or misinterpret the question itself;

Check that you have correctly written your steps:
Don't skip steps.
Start from the beginning;
Clearly
write each step of the solution
Be neat and don't rush writing numbers down.
KEEP CHECKING your solution as you are working.
Neatness makes it easier to recheck your work;
Double check your math,

Don't Dilly Dally:
If you get stuck on a problem move on and come back to it later.When you are finished, recheck all your work.


The last point is very important. Keep up your confidence for the exams! It's only a stone's throw away. Persevere and do your best, class!

Wednesday, 12 September 2007

Posting of comments online

Dear class,
I understand that you were very eager to post your comments on the blog today during lab period. I would want to send out a reminder to post comments that relate to the TOPICS in the blog. No spam messages and messages that are not in line with the blog titles, as you will not achieve maximum benefit from this blog. This blog then becomes a blog where you rant your feelings anyhow.

I would appreciate that you treat the blog as part of your online learning journey.

I would not hesitate to remove any post that does not reflect the topic presented.

Thanks.
Ms Seow

Friday, 7 September 2007

English

Taken from: http://www.938LIVE.sg/sgem/issue95(5september).htm

How do you write a persuasive text?
Regardless of the type of work you do, there are times when you need to be able to persuade your reader.
How can you effectively achieve your aim?

Below are some guidelines which could be used when writing to persuade:
1 Plan your writing - determine the purpose for writing, the reader (his/her background, needs etc) and the context (ie the situation which led to the need for the particular piece of writing)
2 Know your product/service well
3 Anticipate the reader's reaction or concerns, and consider how to counteract any possible negative thoughts or responses
4 Emphasise the benefit(s) to the reader and/or his/her organisation - be honest and sincere
5 Create a desire for the product/service - be objective when providing the relevant information 6 Create a positive feeling in the reader - organise the content of your writing in a manner which is likely to be well-received by the reader " Show sound reasoning, based on credible evidence
7 Provide all necessary information so that the reader is able to make a decision without having to clarify issues with you
8 Organise the content into coherent and cohesive paragraphs
9 Include illustrations such as graphs, tables, drawings, photographs etc, if appropriate
10 Establish your credibility, to make the reader want to consider your ideas
11 Use vocabulary and a tone appropriate for the purpose, reader and context
12 Ensure that your writing is free of errors in spelling (including capitalisation), punctuation and language use
13 Prompt the reader to take action (eg to place an order) or to re-consider his/her way of thinking
After sending off the proposal, follow up by calling the reader over the telephone or making a visit in person so that you can answer any queries which the reader may have. Prompt the reader again to take action.

By Singapore Polytechnic

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We normally describe the height of a building and mountain as follows:
The tallest building.

The highest mountain.

Can we say the tallest mountain and highest building?

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English explains the use of high as "the distance above the ground" and tall as "the length from top to bottom".

The word tall is commonly used to describe objects that are not only high but also narrow, such as people, trees, buildings and other objects of the same sort of shape.

By Singapore Polytechnic

Saturday, 1 September 2007

Exam preparation in Term 4

Dear 4F,
As term 3 draws to a close and term 4 starts in 1 week time, it is time to prepare for SA2 once again. The last 3 terms have indeed been very fulfilling and enriching, and there were moments where we were busy and tired too. Take this holiday as a time to rest and recharge yourselves. Spend time with your family members and keep up with exercise and good health.

This September holidays is also a time for you to start revising for the final year examination, if you had not yet started. There are so many things that we have learnt from primary 1 to primary 4, and it is almost impossible to start and finish revising for the exam just a day before. In taking an exam, the 'P' and 'R' in PRRICE can be put into practice.

'P' stands for 'perseverance', and this ingredient is always needed when we need to overcome a big challenge. When we persevere, we do not give up halfway, but push on toward our goal, which is to meet our aim for the subject. Remember the times we have review tests and we set targets? We persevere to reach our target. When we do not meet our target, we try again and again until we meet out target. Even for myself, Ms Seow, my primary 5 teacher many years ago taught my class perseverance. It is because of this teacher's words that I learnt not to give up easily. Try it, won't you?

'R' stands for 'responsibility'. In studying, we need to be responsible for our grades and try to perform to the best of our abilities. When we are responsible, we start our revision early and cover all that we have learnt in school. Do we leave any doubts unanswered? The answer is: NO. If we leave our questions unanswered, we lose out in understanding and our revision is not complete. This is not responsibility, and more needs to be done. When we are responsible, we ask teachers the things we do not understand, and we have extra forms of revision at home too. This will help us be prepared for the exams, and be confident when answering the questions. Apart from that, do not forget the saying 'An apple a day, keeps the doctor away!' Keep yourself healthy too. Eat and sleep well. Studying through the night will make you tired and you cannot concentrate on revision.

Most of all, enjoy the learning process! =) Exams are not set to make pupils fail. Exams test what you have learnt, and stretch you to think and apply what you have absorbed in class. If you have been mentally prepared for the exams a long way ahead, I'm sure that SA2 will be a challenge all of you can rise up to.

Take care!

Discount at Popular bookshop

Hello 4F,
I was just dropping by Popular bookshop earlier in the evening to get some stationery, and realised that from now till 16th September 2007, there will be pre-renovation sale of items at the
1) Toa Payoh HDB Hub branch, and
2) Marine Parade Central branch

For stationery and multimedia items, there is a 20% off.
For English books or assessment books, there is 10% off for 1 book purchased, and 20% off for 3 or more books purchased.
For Chinese books, there will be 10 % off for 1 book purchased, and 30% off for 3 or more books purchased.
For CDs purchased at CD Rama, there will be double the points gained for every $20 nett purchase in a single receipt.

Opening hours are: (Toa Payoh branch)
Monday - Friday: 11am - 9.30pm
Saturday, Sunday, Public Holidays: 10.30am - 10pm

For Marine Parade branch, opening hours are:
Monday - Thursday, Sunday: 11am - 9pm
Friday, Saturday, Public Holidays: 10am - 9.30pm


I enjoyed some discounts due to this. So, if you are thinking of getting some assessment books for revision or to top up stationery items, perhaps you might want to patronise Popular bookshop at Marine Parade or at Toa Payoh HDB Hub. =)

Wednesday, 29 August 2007

Spark C camp

Hi 4F,
I'm sure you have enjoyed every bit of the Spark C camp that had just ended like 2 hours ago. =) From your expressions, I could see that you have had thorough fun!

Share your experiences here with your friends. I'm sure you have lots to air. Hee!
It doesn't matter if your sharing is long or short, or if you have only 1 word to describe your experience. Just type your thoughts down.

Thursday, 23 August 2007

'GREY' vs 'GRAY'

When do we use the words 'grey' and 'gray'?
The word 'grey' is a colour when black is mixed with white. This is the proper spelling for the description.
Do we use the word 'gray'?
Well, 'gray' is the american spelling for 'grey'. As we use British English to communicate in Singapore, we use the word 'grey' and not 'gray'.

Please be mindful when you are using this word. =)

Saturday, 18 August 2007

Using 'THAN' and 'THEN'

Dear class,
Ever wondered how to differentiate between the words 'THAN' and 'THEN'?
There are some of us who are confused when to use these 2 words.
Their meanings are different.
From the dictionary, 'THAN' is used as a "function word to indicate difference of kind, manner, or identity; used especially with some adjectives and adverbs that express diversity 2 : rather than -- usually used only after prefer, preferable, and preferably3 : other than"

In simple words, 'than' is used for comparison betweeon people, things, or objects.

As for 'THEN', the meanings are "1 : at that time2 a : soon after that : next in order of time b : following next after in order of position, narration, or enumeration : being next in a series c : in addition : BESIDES 3 a (1) : in that case (2) -- used after but to qualify or offset a preceding statement b : according to that : as may be inferred c : as it appears : by way of summing up d : as a necessary consequence "

In simple words, 'then' is used when there's something to be added on to a sentence or information.

Do go through these meanings and usage of words carefully and use them appropriately in English, Maths and Science.

Friday, 17 August 2007

Meihang's Very Difficult Question

Hi 4F,

Remember sometime ago that Meihang set a really difficult question for the class?

Well, here's the question. You are welcome to post your workings and solutions online here!

Every perfect entry from each group will gain you 200 points.



Mr Tan gets $7000 every month. He spends $130 on water bills and $60 more on electricity bills. He spends $300 on groceries. He spends $409 on food. Every Saturday, he works for his neighbour and earns $6.20. He then gives $30.50 to the orphanage and saves the rest. How much did he save?

So, what are you waiting for? Get your pencils and start working on the sum now!
Competition ends at the end of next Friday, 24/08/2007, at 2359 hours.
Have a blessed weekend ahead!

Sunday, 12 August 2007

National Day celebration photos

Hello 4F,
Here are the national day celebration photos you posed to, on 8th August at the school parade ground. Enjoy! =)






























































































































































































Hope you enjoyed the photos in all. =)
Hope you also had a great long weekend.
See you all tomorrow in school!

Tuesday, 7 August 2007

National Day happenings

Tomorrow will be 8th August 2007 and most schools in Singapore will be celebrating National Day. It is a special day for all of us Singaporeans and it is a prideful event to participate in. If our forefathers had not toiled so hard many years ago, we would not have this day.

This is a new thread that allows you to post your thoughts about National Day as well as your reflections about this coming National Day.

A good website to visit would be http://www.ndp.org.sg/, especially if you like to hear and sing to the beat of the National Day songs. Do take time to rest apart from completing the homework too. Pace yourselves and have good rest too, don't forget.

Monday, 6 August 2007

Welcome 4F!

Hello 4F, Ms Seow has just created a blog for the class and would like all of you to put your posts in the form of comments online.
In this blog, I will be sending posts regarding some of the items that are taught in class as well as useful tips for exams. If there are any questions you want to ask or clarify, do feel free to send a comment so that I can reply. Please take note that getting your comments online will take sometime because I would need to approve of it first.
Bear in mind also that spam (comments other than school work) comments will not be published or entertained.
Let's enjoy this learning journey together and discover much more that we can learn from school, shall we? =)