TEACHING AND LEARNING INNOVATION REPORT
2023/2024 Academic Year
ART FOR CHANGE: STUDENTS JOIN FORCES TO PAINT MURALS OF HOPE IN CLASSROOMS
The East Campus Mural Service Project brought 13 middle school UWCSEA students together with students from Cahaya Surya Bhakti (CSB), a school for refugee children in Malaysia, to jointly create murals for the CSB school building.
Symbolising the fusion of cultures, ideas, and experiences, the students collaborated together in weekly online sessions and created simplified, “street art” style drawings of animals which were unified into a cohesive mural. Led by passionate educators Rebecca Maynard and Dan Hickey, alongside local artist Amirtah Razali and East Art Technician Daniel Bin Moh’d Fauzi, the East Art Technician, this endeavour was more than just an art project—it was a journey of learning and growth for all involved.
Tim, a Grade 6 student, highlighted the invaluable art skills they acquired and the joy of cultural exchange: It teaches us that we are really privileged that we go to the school we go to and that we have the art supplies we get to paint with.”
Beyond mere brushstrokes on a wall, UWCSEA students learned street art and expressive art making while also learning about volunteering practices and the Five Stages of Service Learning before putting their learnings into artistic practice. On May 20, the students and educators from UWCSEA travelled to Johor Bahru to meet their “art pals” and work alongside each other to bring the mural to life.
As Coralie, a Grade 8 student, eloquently puts it, “We are having a really positive impact by connecting with the CSB students, sharing artworks and other art-related tips.” This project has fostered a sense of belonging, cultivates empathy, and empowers students to make a tangible difference in their communities. Art materials and the fees for the Artist in Residence who worked closely with the students were funded through community giving.
The East Campus Mural Service Project showcases the transformative power of art and collaboration made possible through the generous support of our donors.
GAMELAN ENSEMBLE
STRIKES A HARMONIOUS CHORD WITHIN THE COMMUNITY
“In Gamelan Ensemble I have learned not only to develop my musical skills with the instruments (which were initially very unfamiliar to me) but I have also improved as a member of a team and learned to collaborate with others in order to achieve more together.” – Theo, Grade 7, Dover Campus
With the invaluable support of expert artist-in-residence Faezan Redwan from Gamelan Asmaradana, a non-profit performing arts and music education organisation, and the diligent coordination of Miles Tranter from the Dover Music Department, the newly formed Gamelan Ensemble flourished this past year. Students immersed themselves in the intricate melodies and rhythms of Javanese culture, fostering teamwork and collaboration while building their musical skills. The Gamelan Ensemble’s performances at prestigious events such as UN Night and the Bali Bridges fundraiser have in turn captivated audiences and enriched community gatherings with authentic cultural experiences.
Grade 9 student Effie highlighted the learning and partnership skills cultivated within the ensemble. “I enjoyed learning new instruments in the Gamelan Ensemble. I also learned some Javanese history and music theory in order to better understand and play the instruments with emotions. I also enjoyed working with different people, including my friends but also people that I have never ever met before, we are not even in the same grade!”
Summing up the sentiments of the students in the Gamelan Ensemble, Grade 9 student Mina expressed gratitude for the guidance of their teacher, Faezan, and the opportunity to delve into a new musical realm, “Our teacher Faezan is such an amazing teacher, we couldn’t have gone this far without him. He is always so patient with us and so supportive, always there when we need him for help. I really had a lot of fun in Gamelan Ensemble and wish to continue for the rest of my high school years.”
The Gamelan Ensemble has not only expanded horizons but also fostered a sense of community and appreciation for cultural diversity. Continuing to grow in popularity, the Gamelan Ensemble is expected to perform at various College events in the coming years. As the echoes of Gamelan continue to reverberate, we celebrate the transformative power of music and the giving which made this possible.
BLACK STUDENT UNION: FOSTERING UNITY AND IDENTITY AT UWCSEA
“Meeting all of the older black students in the grades above me changed me more than I thought it would... It helped me be more confident, and, most importantly, seeing many of the other girls wearing their hair in braids prompted me to try doing the same.” – Simone, Grade 10 Dover Campus
Within the walls of UWCSEA Dover Campus, the Black Student Union (BSU) gained significant traction this year as a beacon of inclusivity and empowerment. Formed as a response to the need for a dedicated space to nurture and shed light on the socio-cultural experiences of black students, BSU has blossomed into a community-driven initiative, embracing diversity and advocating for equity within the school community.
“Being a part of this group means a lot to me because they gave me a sense of belonging and support, especially here in Singapore, where most people don’t see someone from my cultural background very often,” noted Indie, Grade 10.
Ray, Grade 10, a non-black member of BSU, emphasised the familial bond nurtured within the group, stating, “When
talking to each other, we do not refer to ourselves as the ‘BSU Community’ or the ‘BSU Group’. We refer to ourselves as the BSU Family... I felt immediately at home.”
Under the guidance of these student leaders along with teacher mentors Bernard Murray, Nina Hall, and Gabrielle Dorsey, BSU has thrived, providing a platform for advocacy, cultural celebration, and community engagement. With funding from the community, BSU was able to host events aimed at providing a sense of belonging, not only for black students but also for those who identify with their message of diversity and inclusion.
In September 2023, a second BSU chapter was formed at East Campus by Seiiy, Grade 11 and under the guidance of teachers Chantel Marson and MJ Johnson. This extended the supportive network for students to find mentorship, guidance, and camaraderie. With plans to expand outreach and foster mentorship between high school and middle school students, BSU is poised to continue its legacy of empowerment and unity next year through community-building, cultural immersion and storytelling.
NO-PHONE ZONES & WELLBEING PODS TRANSFORM SCHOOL SPACES, ELEVATING WELLBEING AND SOCIAL INTERACTION
Play is where we learn our limits. Play is where we learn our passions. Play is where we form lifelong bonds with others. Play is where we thrive.” – Timothy Lovatt, Head of Digital Learning
There is a buzz on campus as educators, students and parents are putting down their phones and engaging in lively competition at the foosball tables and other recreational activities recently installed across Dover and East Campuses.
On East, we recently unveiled our first High School Wellbeing Pod as part of a new initiative to create student designed social spaces on campus. Spearheaded by Theo Sweeting, Head of Innovation, East and supported by Kelly Low, Project Manager, Facilities Operation Dover Campus, this project aims to foster face-to-face interaction, relaxation, and connections among students. Importantly, the initiative also addresses the perennial challenge of finding offline moments in an academically competitive environment. “The impact was immediate,” remarked Kate Levy, Vice Principal for Grades 9-10. “Students, previously immersed in solitary phone use, now gather to play foosball, laugh, and build community across grade levels.” Hannah, a Grade 10 student, emphasised the significance of these spaces in alleviating the pressures of high school life. “In high school, students can easily feel overwhelmed, so this space allows them a place to relax and hang out with friends in between all the pressure, making their day better,” said Hannah.
Funding from the UWCSEA community empowered student groups to take ownership over their own space including arcade machines built in house by the DT department using components recycled via the student group Tech Tinkerers. Plans to build similar spaces throughout the High School block include quiet reading areas, spaces for strategy games, and sensory zones.
Similarly on Dover Campus, community support from the Foundation was used to create “No Phone Zones” across the campus. Foosball tables have been the first of the No-Phone-Zone games to arrive, and they will be followed by a variety of other activities to meet a wide range of interests across campus. With continuous usage since its inception, the No Phone Zones have become a hub of activity, sparking intense foosball matches, laughter, and conversation. “Everywhere I look there are kids of different ages NOT on their phones, playing and laughing. This initiative was a triumph. I’m so glad we made this happen,” said Ellie Alchin, Director of Teaching & Learning, Dover Campus. Future plans for the No Phone Zones include measuring the impact of the project on student device self-management as well as development of a local service where students can care for and maintain the equipment.
The transformation of once dormant spaces into vibrant hubs of social interaction underscores the importance of student-driven initiatives that enhance well being and foster a sense of belonging within the school community.
DUAL CAMPUS PEDAL KART GRAND
PRIX IGNITES INNOVATION AND UNITY
Race day was an exhilarating and worthy conclusion to hundreds of collective hours of creative problem-solving, authentic and meaningful inter-generational collaboration, and deepening resilience developed through sweat and bicycle grease.” – Luke Milburn, Head of Innovation, Dover Campus
The first dual-campus pedal kart race at UWCSEA on 1 June 2024, was an exciting showcase of teamwork, innovation, and creativity, bringing together various departments and expertise to support the school’s strategic commitment to immersive learning and exploration. Four teams of 10 riders each from Dover and East Campus competed around an 800 metre circuit on a rainy but thrilling day where students challenged themselves and each other. The East Campus teams raised awareness for the GCs Kuma Cambodia and Blue Dragon while the Dover Campus teams focused on optimising for speed and performance.
Grade 5 through 11 students with a wide array of interests supported the teams. Those who had been studying mechanical engineering played a pivotal role in ensuring the karts were finely tuned for optimal performance, from aligned wheels to ergonomic postures, while electrical engineering students equipped the karts with essential tracking devices, communication systems, and even entertainment features like music systems. Aesthetic designers injected flair and identity into the karts, ensuring they stood out on the track. Aerodynamic engineers refined the karts’ design for maximum efficiency, reminiscent of derby racers on a grand scale and textile engineers contributed to team branding, fostering a sense of unity and pride among participants.
On race day, the student leadership was clearly evident as older students engaged and involved Junior and Middle School students through mentorship, coaching and collaboration. Team members that were unable to race on the day contributed to the event by helping out with race management, tracking team laps, taking responsibility for the livestream broadcast, facilitating team communications, designing and building ramps for the speed bumps along the course and helping with event setup and clearance.
“Although the teams from Dover and East Campuses had different agendas, all the students worked together to support each other during the race. It is programmes like these that give our students the agency to make choices and develop critical skills. By working collaboratively, they learn to innovate, solve problems, and appreciate the strengths each individual brings to the table. For all participants, this race was not just about winning but about fostering a sense of community, resilience, and shared achievement” said Matthew Weaver, Head of Innovation, East Campus.
