2011 Darwin High School Centre For Excellence
[SINGAPORE EXCURSION]
Preface Boasting internationally acclaimed mathematical and scientific achievements, Singapore, a country of 712 square kilometres and over five million in population, is a place in which mathematical and scientific interests may be nurtured and stimulated. Furthermore, Singapore was also the destination of the educational trip of the Centre For Excellence class of Darwin High School in December of 2011.It was here in Singapore in which the class of fifteen young aspiring students spent a little over a week exploring the multitude of experiences that Singapore has to offer, as well as several days in the neighboring Malaysian city of Malacca (Sri Lankans not included). Educational attractions include but were not limited to the Marina Barrage, a monumental feat in environmental engineering, a dam that serves not only as flood control, but also provides water and a leisure attraction for the city of Singapore, as well as the Singapore Science Centre, filled with a multitude of captivating scientific and physics related tidbits including numerous optical and sensory illusions along with naturally occurring phenomena. Besides these, attractions also included the general must-see destinations of Singapore. Examples of such were the renowned “skyscraper with a boat on the top� otherwise known as the Sands SkyPark, as well as Universal Studies on Sentosa Island. The entire class was also very lucky to have the chance to experience the Australian production of Wicked at the Grand Theatre in Marina Bay Sands However the best way for the experiences that occurred during the trip to be conveyed would be through the words of the participating students themselves. The following are just some of the day to day accounts written by the students of Centre For Excellence, Darwin High School.
Day 1 The majority of us arrived at 4pm at Darwin airport for our flight to depart to Singapore. During this time, we played cards on the carpet, eagerly anticipating the boarding call. After our 4 hour flight, which Mr Northcote slept through, we disembarked the aeroplane and boarded a bus towards Aqueen Hotel on Lavender Street. After checking in and finding the lavish rooms, we feasted in a nearby food court and for the first time, we experienced the colours and tastes of Singaporean cuisine. We then ventured back to our rooms with a stop by a 7 eleven store. Upon the arrival of our hotel, Rhiannon and Taima established their rooms as the “common room” and hosted many of the students until late at night, playing games of Truth or Dare. We began to feel the impact from lack of sleep and decided to hit the hay for the night. -Rhiannon Holdsworth
Day 2 Day two was our first full day in Singapore. Our day began with a lovely continental breakfast consisting of an assortment of deep fried foods and strawberry jam on toast. We then made our way down to the MRT, which was a short walk from our hotel, to the first stop of the day – Orchard Road. There we explored a number of shopping centres, most a bit too expensive for us, but all the same, very exciting to see the amazing buildings and colours. Upon crossing the street, Rhiannon, Jim and I spotted a group of Abercrombie and Fitch male models who were extremely attractive and also happened to have their faces plastered on a nearby billboard. Jim wasn’t impressed. Later on, we experienced some Singaporean culture and cooking at a busy underground food court. The Marina Barrage was our next stop, travelling again via the reliable public transport, unlike in Darwin. Though we had planned to also venture to the top of the Sands SkyPark, we were unable to do so due to heavy rainfall and multiple broken umbrellas purchased at corner shops along Orchard Road. Nevertheless, we set off for our tour through the barrage where our host described the many benefits of the barrage on Singapore’s population. Upon the facts and history we learnt there, a few things included the vast significance the barrage has had on the availability of potable water in Singapore and also how the enormous infrastructure has become a worldwide tourist attraction. Inside the establishment, we were able to view a scale model of the functioning water facility and get an understanding of the mechanics of it, whilst also viewing future plans for Singapore’s second Botanical Gardens and other future plans. The tour guide also gave us a brief overview of the history of Singapore’s water and how initially the country relied on imported water to sustain its growing population. Singapore was in a vulnerable position during droughts and floods and this engineering accomplishment has meant that water can now be stored and exploited, making Singapore one of the few countries in the world harnessing urban catchments. The centre features Singapore’s past and present ideas on how to fully become a sustainable country. During the tour, we also witnessed a couple having their wedding photographs taken and many school kids using the vast grassy area as a picnic spot. -Taima Rahman
Day 3 Waking up as early as ever, the morning buffet was an interesting experience for everyone as they slowly woke up. However the day was expected to be a busy one and the entire class was soon off to our first destination, the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology. This involved learning not only about how the research was conducted but also the practicalities and limitations of the research. The most surprising thing was that the institute used fish for their experiments, a species called the zebra. This was due to their genes being 95% alike to human genetics, their significantly faster life cycles as well as their ease of mass breeding. This became apparent as we were led into a massive room filled with aisles upon aisles of small tanks filled with the fish. It was also extremely interesting to observe how the zebra fish developed from an egg to a fish, a process that occurred within 24 hours. It starts with one cell that slowly divides and divides in a process called mitosis until it finally forms a fish. After a quick lunch and a timeout to catch our breaths, we were soon on to our next destination, Singapore Zoo. This was a very exciting attraction for all of us and the most interesting and shocking thing to us was that many of the enclosures, especially for the monkeys were entirely open and they were free to roam. To list but a few of the animals that were there, there were all manner of monkeys, tigers, elephants, seals, penguins, turtles, birds, even pygmy hippos and many, many more. A particular highlight of the attraction was the seal show which also included most of the class being splashed. Dinner was at a nearby location outside our next event, the Night Safari. Several of the other classmates also ordered classy mock tails such as fancy pina coladas. Mr Northcote also may have encouraged gambling though without actual money. During dinner we were also entertained by a fire breathing show, the main performer also bearing a striking resemblance to one of our other classmates that were not on the trip. This of course sparked an enthusiastic applause from our general direction throughout the performance. Upon being admitted into the Night Safari, I also realized that I had no idea what the Night Safari actually involved. However I soon discovered and was very surprised. It was a night-time tram ride that passed through numerous sections each containing different animals. The whole purpose was to show animals in a very natural state, at night, unawares of our presence. Thus there were no fences or cages and glass panels. It was very unlike anything that I had seen before. That night, upon being warned of the early start the next day, everyone begrudgingly returned to their rooms to get some sleep. -Chris Zhao
Day 4 & Day 5 – Malacca Expedition Having stayed up quite late Thursday night the seemingly long drive to Malacca was a generally quiet one with many sleeping a solid part of the trip. Getting up at 6am to begin the drive took quite a lot of effort, however the allure of a change in country (and the possibility of being taxed by Mrs Tan for turning up late) meant everyone was up and ready to go. Apart from a few hiccups through customs (we won’t go there) and a certain Mr Cao who thought he’d left his luggage outside the hotel there were no major issues. Breakfast was a choice of sandwiches on the bus or deep fried delicacies from a roadside shop and lunch entertained many with spinning tables and a mass of traditional Malaysian lunch meals. To finish the meal we each tried ‘chendol’ a Malay dessert which most of us enjoyed. Before long we arrived at our luxurious 5-star hotel. Whilst walking up the grand staircase the phrase “a hotel can be judged by its staircases” was used and sure enough the rooms did not disappoint. With a pool and gym on the 4th floor and other extravagances scattered throughout the hotel the 21 floored building also possessed an amazing view over the town and ocean.
In the evening we walked through a massive shopping mall next to our hotel and had dinner, where the ‘Blue Ocean’ spider drink was popular, as well as other intricately presented ‘minuman’ (drinks). Then we commenced the walk to the Malacca night markets, visiting historical sites such as Portuguese forts and convents involved in the past oceanic spice trade. It was said that whoever controlled the spice routes controlled the whole economy, so these towns were valuable assets for countries in the past. The view of the buildings and oceans from the fort was truly spectacular, making you momentarily forget you were in a city which was on par with the “old Singapore”.
The markets were very popular, with roadside performers and stalls galore, ranging from deep fried snacks to delicate jade jewellery. Watching our pockets and trying not to fall down unseen steps sounded stressful, but adventuring through these markets was fun. After the markets we wondered back to the Hotel Equatorial or to the mall to do some late night shopping, trying to spend the large of amounts of Malaysian money we had unnecessarily changed. Waking up on Saturday was much easier, some getting up at 7am to enjoy the chilly 4th floor pool, while some slept in until 8.30 and all enjoying a buffet breakfast at the Equatorial. Ready to go at about 10.30 all 14 of us jumped on the bus once again heading in the direction of the historical Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum. The museum, made up of three long-standing houses owned by the ‌ family, displayed the diverse cultural influences in Malaccan history. After this intriguing ‌ the bus journey back to Singapore began. The long hours between our stops at an organic farm, roadside eatery and our destination were passed by card games, lively conversation and much sleeping. This was broken up by the delicious experience of tasting the queen of the fruits, durians. After an entire day of travelling on a bus everyone was relieved to eventually return to Singapore yet were grateful to have experienced yet another colourful culture. -Miranda Cowley and Darcy Moffatt
Day 6 The Botanical Gardens were beautiful, with a light drizzle giving our experience a decidedly rainforestesque aspect. There were many types of flowers and strange plants, as well as some well-placed souvenir shops to milk the beauty of the gardens. The gardens covered a surprisingly large area, with plenty of walking on offer. The ArtScience museum had a very interesting ‘Titanic’ display, but that was really all it offered. The highlight of the museum among the students was the sketch of a phallus which was created with love by a few thoughtful boys.
These are some memorable quotes from the trip that while may not make any sense now were hilarious at the time:
“Dude, how do you spell Singapore?” (Jim, Day 1) “Let’s take a shortcut” (Je, Day 6) “Samuel eat chicken rice for breakfast, lunch and tea” (Samuel’s grandmother’s sister, Day 6) “This is so boring” (Prabhatha, whilst on a ride at universal studios, Day 7) “Hey, this drink has Viagra in it” (Prabhatha, Day 7) “This is like Dora the Explorer” (Jethro, Day 7 at songs of the sea) “Beauty is pain” (Samuel, Day 8)
-Jethro Dickens
Day 7 Plenty of sleep was necessary for this thrilling day of Singapore. It was one of the days many of us were all excited for. Finally, it was the day we finally got to visit one of the tremendous theme parks in Singapore, Universal Studios. It was obvious that we shouldn’t eat too much breakfast, as this adventurous day consisted of many vigorous rides and roller coasters which would cause us to feel ill. After the delicious continental buffet, we set off to Sentosa Island by MRT where we spent the majority of our day.
After catching MRTs, Monorails and plenty of walking, we finally arrived at the enormous Universal Studios which made all of us ecstatic. The park features the world's tallest pair of duelling roller coasters that are based on the hit television series, Battlestar Galactica; a castle from the world of Shrek, Monster Rock, a live musical show featuring the infamous Universal Monsters and finally the world premiere of Transformers: The Ride which was fortunately opened recently. The only downside was that some of the attractions required a long waiting time due to its popularity.
The park was also accompanied by several eateries which allowed us to eat lunch; one of which was a creative sci-fi themed cafe. This unique sci-fi themed cafe was designed with streaks of blue lighting and consisted of many varieties of food and beverages. The exhausting day caused the students to be worn out, however there was still yet more to come. Within the island of Sentosa, we watched the spectacular show named Songs of the Sea which features dramatic special effects, engaging music and exhibiting Singapore’s finest pyrotechnics, also accompanied by a live cast. The stunning array of lights, lasers, and fire and water jets combined with striking computer image projections was definitely a visual feast to the audience. After a long, thrilling day at Sentosa Island, it was time that we finally headed back to the hotel where students finally got some valuable rest and prepared themselves for the next breathtaking day. -Showmik Chowdhury
Day 8 Today we went to the Singapore science centre alone with the omni-Theatre and Snow City. We began the day at the science centre which is full of interactive exhibits. There was an optical illusion exhibit, sound, electricity, technology, maths and a biology exhibit which included a UV room, allowing you to see the bacteria on your clothing. We all enjoyed being able to interact with the exhibits. After a quick lunch at the museum, we headed over to one of the most the technologically advanced movie theatres in the world - the omniplanitarium. We watched flying monsters, a documentary by Sir David Attenborough. An intriguing show which included lifelike terrasoars gliding across the 6 story high spherical screen. Unfortunately, the screen was a little straining on the eyes, with huge amounts of panning and objects that were too large to follow. We then rushed back to the science centre to watch the fire tornado demonstration. An exhilarating experience with a column of fire climbing to 6 meters inside a specially designed glass chamber. We then headed over to snow city. After we got kitted up in clothes that would look ridiculous in any Darwin wardrobe, we stepped into the huge freezer with temperatures that ranged between -5 and -9 degrees Celsius. Snow city had a large tobogganing hill, which after climbing, you could slide down in groups of up to five on inflatable rings, though, just once, they let all 15 of us slide down together. We went to have a picture in the snow which turned into a massive snow fight, resulting in some very cold and wet clothes. After snow city, we got back on the MRT and headed off in our own directions with a curfew of 10pm. Some went to little India, China town or Dhoby Ghaut. Half of us came back before 8, buying lots of fruit, bakery goods and chocolate on the way home. We had a UNO party with fruit chocolate fondue and decorated the room with strings of flowers we bought in little India (we later learnt not to eat fruit on the bed). The other half of us were a little late in getting back. Overall it was a very interesting day and we all really enjoyed ourselves. -Chloe Wallent and Louise Jettner
Day 9 We kicked off the day with an early start around 8am, we enjoyed a breakfast quite different to what we are used to back home. We are not used to eating fried food and sausages in the morning for breakfast. After breakfast we headed out towards the NEWater Plant via MRT and bus. We experienced how Singapore had revolutionised its dependence on natural resources. We were also given a few samples of pure H2O, however we learned that we should not excessively consume this water as it does not contain any nutrients hence it could induce reverse osmosis within the body. It was a very rewarding experience. After we headed out the Singapore Discovery Centre, upon arrival we were led into a theatre where we watched a short movie which lasted about 40 minutes. To be completely honest the majority of the class thought it was quite humourous rather than touching. Later in the day we headed out on a shuttle bus which showed us around the camp of the Singapore militia, it was indeed very interesting as to how soldiers complete their training and we were surprised to learn that the majority of training is completed in Queensland due to Singapore’s small land. It was a very interesting display with amusing effects, we enjoyed it a lot. The tour guide then led us to arena and we were treated to a game of laser tag, this involved a team of 5 persons per group. It was indeed an interesting display. Later that evening we headed out towards Sarangoon to go the PARTYWORLD which is a karaoke and leisure club. We were provided with a spectacular room complete with plush sofas, massage chairs, multiple plasmas, a pool table and a very exotic massage chair which indulged everyone with a relaxing massage. We sang the night away and got very competitive whilst playing pool, enjoying complimentary drinks and finger food. Overall we had a great and enjoyable night; many of us haven’t participated in karaoke in our lives. Regardless we all had a great time. -Saad Abbas and Jim Browne
Day 10 Waking up to the sound of the alarm clock, the sunshine of Singapore greeted us to another yet new day. After enjoying a long warm shower, our bodies were dragged down stairs to fill our nutrients that would be needed for our adventurous day that was installed for us. Riding the MRT to Tempanine we got off to a rough start as the planned “5 minute walk” turned out to being more then 15. As our group finally found our way to “Wild Wild Wet” we enjoyed the water park going on different water slides and wave pools until 1 O’clock. Lunch was a choice of a variety of cuisines that was located next to the park. After eating our lunches the group was split up into people who wanted to go shopping and people who wanted to go back to the hotel and relax. After being hyped up about the “Wicked musical”, everyone was getting ready dressed in their best outfits. An hour of dressing and spraying went pass as everyone was finally ready to head to the MRT station boarding the train that would lead us to Marina Bay. On the arrival of Marina Bay camera flashes exploded everywhere as the mob made its entrance to the theatre…. As the curtains of the theatre rose up a sense of excitement and emotions could be felt. By the end of the musical a mixture of action packed and thoughtful feelings wrapped us. Through the musical it had made us realise the real meaning of friendship and how it was also with us never leaving our sides. -Je Jun
Day 11 Today was the last day of the Singapore school trip for most of us. How did we feel? Exhausted, due to having 5 hours of sleep and then going to Marina Bay Sands SkyPark and looking at the spectacular view. However there were a few problems with this. For starters, it’s 56 stories high and provides us with a full panoramic view of its surroundings. While this did make the journey 56 stories up worth it for most of us, I was terrified. The wooden floor was also a cause for worry, as it would gently sway and send chills down my spine because I kept visualising us falling to our doom. While up at the SkyPark, we had a 20 minute guided tour, which took us into the hotel guests’ area on top, where there was a pool that looked like it led right off the edge of the hotel- that was pretty much it for the tour.
After the tour and making it safely back down to the floor, we had free time to do shopping so we parted ways here and went to do our own shopping. From memory Louise, Chloe, Miranda, Darcy and Chris went to Orchard Road, while Sam Yick and I went to Sunshine Plaza and Plaza Singapura, traversing seven storey shopping centres and braving the circle line on our lonesome. Once everyone’s shopping was done, we planned to rendezvous back at the hotel for some last minute packing and preparations and to everyone’s surprise, I returned back to the hotel with Sam in one piece. After getting our passports and new shopping packed, we head to the airport. We arrived at approximately 6:30pm Singaporean time and went to check in and once that was all over, we headed to Saboten for dinner, a Japanese restaurant. There are few words which could describe our experience at the restaurant, but some of them are fatty, greasy and cold. The food we ordered was so greasy and unhealthy it was a pleasure to eat; chances are there were tonnes of MSG in the food since it tasted so good. After the pleasant meal and enjoying everyone’s company, we went to the departure lounge, saying our final farewells to Chris and Mrs. Tan, who were staying behind to go on further holidays. In the departure lounge we had some time to kill and we did this by means of shopping and taking terrible pictures of each other. Showmik, Prabatha, Jim and Je, went and brought matching “I <3 SG” shirts, and wore them until we reached Darwin- we pretended we didn’t know them for the time being. After stocking
up on junk food for the plane and chilling on the ground, we made our way onto our flight and departed for home. There are few words which could describe the flight, but some are: terrible, painful and sleep deprived. I am unsure whether others got to sleep well, but I sure didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t due to the arm rest not staying up and the lights being full blown for the flight. Arriving in Darwin was a bitter-sweet feeling, we were reunited with our family and hometown but we had to leave behind the cheap food, amazing shopping and cleanliness of Singapore. However regardless of what we each felt, one thing was certain: we were home. -Michael Cao
Reflections
“The trip was fantastic. Mrs Tan and “I really enjoyed the trip and wished Mr Northcote did a really good job of it was longer. There was nothing on organizing everything. Singapore is a the trip that I did not like and I had lovely place; I wouldn’t hesitate to go a great time.” there again.” – Jim Browne -Louise Jettner
“The best bit was most definitely the Wicked play!!! It was fun to ‘dress up’ and see something of such a calibre as it was.” – Miranda Cowley
“I love Singapore and will never forget any of the amazing stuff we did.” – Rhiannon Holdsworth
“The entire trip was fantastic, Wicked was an amazing musical, all you can eat buffet with hash browns, fried rice was amazing, good company with friends including new bonds with Louise and Chloe especially.”
-Michael Cao
“A trip of a lifetime, made even better with friends and teachers – good company, overall a very excellent trip” -Sa’ad Abbas
"The Singapore trip was one of the “Singapore trip was tonnes of fun, if “Singapore was the best time I’ve best trips I have been on; it allowed only it had been longer! I really ever had and it’s not just because it’s me to become closer to my friends enjoyed the different cultures and all a great city to be in but time spent and build a better relationship with the activities that Mrs Tan and Mr with friends, new and old, is peers & teachers. It was a Northcote planned for us, it was well something that can’t be beat. Oh and tremendous experience and was worth it” Wicked was amazing!” definitely worth the money!" – Chloe Wallent -Chris Zhao -Showmik Chowdhury
“Singapore overall was the most amazing trip- one I will never forget. However the highlight was definitely seeing the musical Wicked. The singing, dancing, costumes and acting were all perfect and left me amazed. It was the perfect end to such an awesome trip. “ –Darcy Moffatt
“Not a regular school trip, but a trip of life” –Je Shortcut Jun
"I laughed. I cried. I sang. A great experience. Wicked was immense" –Jethro Dickens
“Being immersed in culture, education and FUN!!! Good!” –Sam Yick
“Definitely memories I will always cherish. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people, teachers, or place to visit!!” –Taima Rahman
“It was a brilliant trip - above my expectations. Fantastic bonding with students and teachers alike. LOVE IT !!!!!!!!” –Esther Tan
“Enjoyed it very much, an exhilarating experience, it was great time with my friends.” -Prabatha De Silva
It was a fantastic trip, all the students were fantastic, especially since the atmosphere was exceedingly relaxed and independent, the behavior was also outstanding, everyone was friendly, everyone was involved, there to have a go and participated fully, a fun packed program. -Kevin Northcote