Vice-PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

In education, we get to impact many lives. We have a role towards adding value to the learning of students. am a firm believer in holistic education and that our foremost task is to teach our students how to learn, in particular given the fastchanging landscape. Skills and a disposition to inquire and learn will be required for our future generations to stay at the forefront of change and ensure our continued ability to be relevant.

My teaching journey began in a junior college, where I was involved in two areas that were closely aligned to my educational beliefs – project work, where students have the opportunity to explore creatively and also think creatively beyond their academic subjects, and character development, where we sought to ground students in values and help them develop a personal vision, be more resilient, respectful and compassionate. After a brief stint in MOE HQ, I then had the privilege to engage in policy work on climate change and sustainable development through a secondment, an area of work that is at the same time distinct and yet related in that it played an important role in the future of our nation. Returning to a secondary school thereafter, I had the opportunity to better understand the various factors influencing students’ learning dispositions and innovate with my team of teachers to better reach out to them.

AI is in an exciting phase of riding new waves, as we strive towards helping students develop the joy of learning while we as educators seek to harness the joy of teaching in inspiring students to be inquisitive learners – to learn how to learn. Each individual has the capacity to grow and develop. Every student is capable of learning and achieving; likewise every teacher is capable of contributing towards our shared vision of nurturing young ladies and gentlemen who care, learn and excel for AI and for nation.

Hobbies and Interests

I appreciate quiet time to read – both fiction for leisure and non-fiction for self-improvement and ideation. My favourite authors include Jeffrey Archer, Nelson Demille and Tony Parsons. While some of Archer’s books tend towards painting perfect protagonists, it is always nice to indulge in some idealism to keep ourselves going; Demille uses a satirical approach which makes for dry humour to lighten the mood; Parsons’ Man and Boy series examines relationship issues which keep me grounded in my emotions and appreciative of my family. I also enjoy exercising – going for runs, in particular, is refreshing for me, and an important source of inspiration –with the occasional recreational game when my friends and I are able to coincide our schedules, such as badminton and soccer.

Mr Terence Yao Vice-Principal