Ang Mo Kio Secondary School celebrated its 30th birthday building sandcastles. Yeo Hui Min Stefanie reports.
What a better way to celebrate a birthday than at the beach?
So to mark Ang Mo Kio Secondary School's 30th anniversary on March 14, 1,600 students, teachers and members of the alumni flocked to the beach and let their creativity flow as they worked on a giant sandcastle.
Spanning 35m by 40m across East Coast Park beach, the sculptures were truly a spectacular sight. To illustrate the theme - Moving Dreams, Riding Waves, Soaring Heights, the school contracted the services of Mr Alvin Lee, owner of Beautiful Minds, a sandcastle-building company.
Mr Lee designed the main structure, while the students created smaller ones.
Since early February, student leaders have practised at the beach for hours, learning how to build three dimensional buildings based on drawings done at the draft stage.
On the actual day, these leaders led their schoolmates, under the direction of Mr Lee, to build the sandcastles.
"I didn't realise you needed a lot of patience and teamwork to complete the sandcastle. But it was a lot of fun," said Luo Zhi, 13, from Secondary 1.
Other events held that day included beach volleyball, fitness challenges, stage games and performances and skipping competitions.
Yeo Hui Min Stefanie, 13, is a Secondary 1 student at Ang Mo Kio Secondary School
(The above article had appeared in the IN section of The Straits Times on Monday, 20th April 2009)
Beach Birthday
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Hands-on Session 3 - 28th February 2009
Sunday, March 8, 2009
More information about the actual day. See you there... Be there or be square!
Hands-on Session 3 - 21st February 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
I didn't know so much water is needed to build a sandcastle!
This pail of water seems pretty heavy! With both of us around, carrying it is definitely a piece of cake!
Don't worry! I'll make sure it will not topple.
There's nothing greater than teamwork.
Mr Chio is enjoying the sun, the sandcastles and the sea.
Teachers have to mark our test papers. But now we, students, have to mark the surface of the sandcastle. Ain't our job much easier?
A young bachelor in distress!
Finally, the end of a day of hard work.
Cherie and Hui Cheng standing beside their masterpiece.
One of the masterpieces for the day.
Two damsels waiting to be rescued by their princes.
Another masterpiece.
A pyramid surrounded by many smaller sandcastles.Sandcastle Building Reflections by the Sec 2s
Friday, February 20, 2009
These are the reflections by the Sec 2s for the 1st hands on the Sandcastle Building Session.
1) Name, 2) Reflections and 3) Suggestions for improvement
1) Muhd Nurhaikal:
2) It is a fun activity to learn how to build proper sandcastle and I am able to use the equipment given.
3) We should not build the sandcastle with the public as most of the equipment were taken by them.
1) Li Shuting:
2) It is very fun to make our own sandcastle using the equipments provided.
3) Have breaks in between.
1) Eddie Ng:
2) It is a fun activity which enables me to build sandcastle.
3) The time given should be increased.
1) Tay kian Sam:
2) Fun, but I think more space should be given as it is quite cramp. It is the first time I’m able to build a proper sandcastle.
3) Maybe we can have some free time.
1) Jing Jia:
2) The sandcastle building hands on Session 1 was fun and I learnt a lot of sandcastle building methods from that session.
3) More time for the hands-on activity.
1) Luo cheng:
2) It was interesting and I had lots of fun during the activity. I learnt that building sandcastle are not as easy as it seems.
3) More time for hand on and a little break. :D
1) Wendelyn:
2) The hands-on activity was fun and I enjoy it with my schoolmates. We learnt how to build sandcastles.
3) More time and let us have time to play.
1) Wen Shei:
2) I find the session interesting and fun. I hope to have more at such sessions.
3) More time to build sandcastles.
1) Annette Kong Hui Xin:
2) The session is useful, fun and interesting. It really helps a lot and the outcomes of our handwork were rather great! It requires our perseverance and creativity. It is fun and I really enjoy myself a lot. It really needs teamwork!
3) People in a zone. More students will do different stuffs and work will be done faster and more designs will be seen. It will also save time.
1) Gabriel Tin Kai Jie:
2) It’s very fun and interesting as it requires a lot of thinking and hard work to build a nice castle. I enjoyed myself a lot as we had fun and relieves our boredom.
3) Lesser people in a group. Too many people in a group make it hard to have much chance at building a structure on the main castle and it will be boring if you can’t build much.
1) Lu Shi Xian:
2) It is a very exciting activity as it requires teamwork and encourages us to use our creativity. Although we failed the few times, we slowly got the hang of it and can build a nice castle.
3) Larger area , as many people crowding around an area will affect how they work and how fast we finish.
1) Nur Atiqah Bte Aihar:
2) It was very fun and enjoyable. We learn how to build sandcastle and use our creativity.
3) Lesser people in a certain area.
1) Rowena Cheng:
2) It was extremely fun, combining ideas into one castle. Building it in teams, allowed us to bond, and have fun together.
3) The time for building the sandcastle could be longer.
1) Yong Joey:
2) I was able to learn how to work with sand better. It also helps to build my teamwork and bond together. I am excited for 14th march 2009.
3) Extension of time.
1) Qiuying:
2)The activity was very fun. From this activity I learnt that teamwork needed for good workmanship and this activity will help bond a class together.
3) The time for building the sandcastle can be longer.
1) Xiao Xi:
2) I had lots of fun and learnt a lot through this experience. At first I thought sandcastle building is a very easy task, from this experience I learnt that is not an east task which requires effort.
3) Bigger pails, give more time to through with the sand first, then start building.
1) Ong Dun Kai:
2) We learnt more about sandcastle building and I think it is a good experience for us.
3) More equipments, space and time.
1) Go Qing Yi:
2) I think it is a good experience and try out before the actual day before it helps us to get ready and confidently.
3) Time can be lengthened. More equipment can be given.
1) Jolyn:
2) Fun & enriching. Manage to gain a lot from it.
3) The time elevation could be extended.
1) Der Yunn:
2) It is very exciting and fun making and learning sandcastle building.
3) More tools to make sandcastle.
1) Seow Meng:
2)When I build sandcastle alone, when I was young, I felt as if I was suffering from depression. Now that we did it as a group. I feel more open. (ps. I have not suffered depression in any stage of my life.)
3) -
1) Seah Caiyin:
2) I find that the first session of the sandcastle building was fun and interesting as this is my first time participating such program for the school. I will be looking forward to the family day on the 14th march!
3) Please supply more things to make the sandcastle as there are many people in a group.
1) Karine Lau:
2) I enjoyed this activity very much. It taught me that building sandcastle requires teamwork and determination.
3) Extension of time.
1) Denise Teo:
2) The sandcastle building was interesting and fun. This activity requires our creativity and lots of teamwork. I really enjoyed it a lot.
3) Lesser people in a group as some people do not have the chance to build the sandcastle.
1) Syabiel .A:
2) It was tiring making the caslte perfect but it was fun! I want to go again!!
3) More time! More hands on! Time to eat!
1) Christopher Lim:
2) It was quite tiring but very fun. I had a great time making the sandcastle. I would like to do it again.
3) More space. More free time before we start. Snack break! More time to make the sandcastle.
1) Woon Tsea Hwa:
2) Learning how to use the equipment and building sandcastles is fun. It would definitely be a challenge to lead the school-but I’m confident we can do it!
3) The time given to build the sandcastles should be longer. And there must be more equipment.
1) Ng Wan Qing:
2) This activity definitely helped prepare us to be more confident for actual event. I am sure on that day successful.
3) The time could be extended! The rest are fine.
1) Jordon Goh:
2) I like the sandcastle building because it was fun and I like it.
3) Add the hours and session.
1) Saimen Imanuel
2) The whether is cooling and rather crowded, sandcastle building is fun and joyful.
3) Additional hours and session.
1) Bonn:
2) I like the sandcastle that we have built. It is big, nice and the instructor helps us a lot.
3) -
1) Arlette
2) I like the sandcastle building. The whether was good and the instructor was very nice and helpful.
3) -
1) Saw Su Min:
2) I feel that the first session of the sandcastle building was fun and exciting as it was my first time building the sandcastle under the hot with my schoolmates. I am looking forward to the family on 14th march!
3) Bigger space to build sandcastle.
1) Elvis Khaw Rui En:
2) The sandcastle building is very interesting and fun. It requires our creativity to think of a castle to build. Although there were a lot of people in a group, everyone had a chance to build something on the main castle.
3) Lesser people in a group. Some people may have a little chance to build something in the main castle.
1) Name, 2) Reflections and 3) Suggestions for improvement
1) Muhd Nurhaikal:
2) It is a fun activity to learn how to build proper sandcastle and I am able to use the equipment given.
3) We should not build the sandcastle with the public as most of the equipment were taken by them.
1) Li Shuting:
2) It is very fun to make our own sandcastle using the equipments provided.
3) Have breaks in between.
1) Eddie Ng:
2) It is a fun activity which enables me to build sandcastle.
3) The time given should be increased.
1) Tay kian Sam:
2) Fun, but I think more space should be given as it is quite cramp. It is the first time I’m able to build a proper sandcastle.
3) Maybe we can have some free time.
1) Jing Jia:
2) The sandcastle building hands on Session 1 was fun and I learnt a lot of sandcastle building methods from that session.
3) More time for the hands-on activity.
1) Luo cheng:
2) It was interesting and I had lots of fun during the activity. I learnt that building sandcastle are not as easy as it seems.
3) More time for hand on and a little break. :D
1) Wendelyn:
2) The hands-on activity was fun and I enjoy it with my schoolmates. We learnt how to build sandcastles.
3) More time and let us have time to play.
1) Wen Shei:
2) I find the session interesting and fun. I hope to have more at such sessions.
3) More time to build sandcastles.
1) Annette Kong Hui Xin:
2) The session is useful, fun and interesting. It really helps a lot and the outcomes of our handwork were rather great! It requires our perseverance and creativity. It is fun and I really enjoy myself a lot. It really needs teamwork!
3) People in a zone. More students will do different stuffs and work will be done faster and more designs will be seen. It will also save time.
1) Gabriel Tin Kai Jie:
2) It’s very fun and interesting as it requires a lot of thinking and hard work to build a nice castle. I enjoyed myself a lot as we had fun and relieves our boredom.
3) Lesser people in a group. Too many people in a group make it hard to have much chance at building a structure on the main castle and it will be boring if you can’t build much.
1) Lu Shi Xian:
2) It is a very exciting activity as it requires teamwork and encourages us to use our creativity. Although we failed the few times, we slowly got the hang of it and can build a nice castle.
3) Larger area , as many people crowding around an area will affect how they work and how fast we finish.
1) Nur Atiqah Bte Aihar:
2) It was very fun and enjoyable. We learn how to build sandcastle and use our creativity.
3) Lesser people in a certain area.
1) Rowena Cheng:
2) It was extremely fun, combining ideas into one castle. Building it in teams, allowed us to bond, and have fun together.
3) The time for building the sandcastle could be longer.
1) Yong Joey:
2) I was able to learn how to work with sand better. It also helps to build my teamwork and bond together. I am excited for 14th march 2009.
3) Extension of time.
1) Qiuying:
2)The activity was very fun. From this activity I learnt that teamwork needed for good workmanship and this activity will help bond a class together.
3) The time for building the sandcastle can be longer.
1) Xiao Xi:
2) I had lots of fun and learnt a lot through this experience. At first I thought sandcastle building is a very easy task, from this experience I learnt that is not an east task which requires effort.
3) Bigger pails, give more time to through with the sand first, then start building.
1) Ong Dun Kai:
2) We learnt more about sandcastle building and I think it is a good experience for us.
3) More equipments, space and time.
1) Go Qing Yi:
2) I think it is a good experience and try out before the actual day before it helps us to get ready and confidently.
3) Time can be lengthened. More equipment can be given.
1) Jolyn:
2) Fun & enriching. Manage to gain a lot from it.
3) The time elevation could be extended.
1) Der Yunn:
2) It is very exciting and fun making and learning sandcastle building.
3) More tools to make sandcastle.
1) Seow Meng:
2)When I build sandcastle alone, when I was young, I felt as if I was suffering from depression. Now that we did it as a group. I feel more open. (ps. I have not suffered depression in any stage of my life.)
3) -
1) Seah Caiyin:
2) I find that the first session of the sandcastle building was fun and interesting as this is my first time participating such program for the school. I will be looking forward to the family day on the 14th march!
3) Please supply more things to make the sandcastle as there are many people in a group.
1) Karine Lau:
2) I enjoyed this activity very much. It taught me that building sandcastle requires teamwork and determination.
3) Extension of time.
1) Denise Teo:
2) The sandcastle building was interesting and fun. This activity requires our creativity and lots of teamwork. I really enjoyed it a lot.
3) Lesser people in a group as some people do not have the chance to build the sandcastle.
1) Syabiel .A:
2) It was tiring making the caslte perfect but it was fun! I want to go again!!
3) More time! More hands on! Time to eat!
1) Christopher Lim:
2) It was quite tiring but very fun. I had a great time making the sandcastle. I would like to do it again.
3) More space. More free time before we start. Snack break! More time to make the sandcastle.
1) Woon Tsea Hwa:
2) Learning how to use the equipment and building sandcastles is fun. It would definitely be a challenge to lead the school-but I’m confident we can do it!
3) The time given to build the sandcastles should be longer. And there must be more equipment.
1) Ng Wan Qing:
2) This activity definitely helped prepare us to be more confident for actual event. I am sure on that day successful.
3) The time could be extended! The rest are fine.
1) Jordon Goh:
2) I like the sandcastle building because it was fun and I like it.
3) Add the hours and session.
1) Saimen Imanuel
2) The whether is cooling and rather crowded, sandcastle building is fun and joyful.
3) Additional hours and session.
1) Bonn:
2) I like the sandcastle that we have built. It is big, nice and the instructor helps us a lot.
3) -
1) Arlette
2) I like the sandcastle building. The whether was good and the instructor was very nice and helpful.
3) -
1) Saw Su Min:
2) I feel that the first session of the sandcastle building was fun and exciting as it was my first time building the sandcastle under the hot with my schoolmates. I am looking forward to the family on 14th march!
3) Bigger space to build sandcastle.
1) Elvis Khaw Rui En:
2) The sandcastle building is very interesting and fun. It requires our creativity to think of a castle to build. Although there were a lot of people in a group, everyone had a chance to build something on the main castle.
3) Lesser people in a group. Some people may have a little chance to build something in the main castle.
Hands-on Session 2 - 14th February 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
On the 14 of February, both of us went for the sandcastle building activity at East Coast Park. We were to meet at the school at 2pm. The school was then filled with both secondary 3 and 4 pupils, including us, secondary two students who did not attend the earlier practise. Soon the bus arrived, and we got in, heading to East Coast Park for the sandcastle building. As we were so excited, a minute seemed like an hour to us.
Finally, we arrived at our destination, and got out of the bus. The air was definitely fresher than what we had in the bus. We gathered at the beach for a briefing on how to build the sandcastle. It was fascinating to know what we could do so much with just a few sandcastle building tools which we played with when we were kids. We then got up and started building the sandcastles. We were divided into many groups.
Some went to collect water while the others tried to build the sandcastles. Water was poured to make the sand stronger so that the sandcastles would stand. After much time and effort, we managed to mould the sand to take the shape of the sandcastles. Further improvements had to be made.
Everybody was cooperating and having lots of fun, playing with the water and sand. Our group's sandcastle fell as we tried to add more details to it. However, we carried on and rebuilt the sandcastle once more and succeeded this time. We had to apply one of the Habits of Mind, persisting, before we can see the product of our labour. The satisfaction we had after completing the castle was superb. The feeling we had brought us back to our days when we were still kids.
Other groups had also made fantastic sandcastles and they looked great.
There were visitors who had also joined in the fun.
Everyone took photos with their masterpiece.
Time flew very fast. Then it was already 6.30pm. Mr Siva gave us a debriefing, reaffirming a job well done by every single AMKsian present.
We took a group photo to remember the day that we had toiled so hard but had fun at the same time working together in teams.
We were dismissed by the instructors and left, making way to the car park for the bus. We believe everyone is looking forward to the next hands-on sandcastle building session.
Reflected by Goh Bao Sheng and Gabriel Tiu of 2/2
Finally, we arrived at our destination, and got out of the bus. The air was definitely fresher than what we had in the bus. We gathered at the beach for a briefing on how to build the sandcastle. It was fascinating to know what we could do so much with just a few sandcastle building tools which we played with when we were kids. We then got up and started building the sandcastles. We were divided into many groups.
Some went to collect water while the others tried to build the sandcastles. Water was poured to make the sand stronger so that the sandcastles would stand. After much time and effort, we managed to mould the sand to take the shape of the sandcastles. Further improvements had to be made.
Everybody was cooperating and having lots of fun, playing with the water and sand. Our group's sandcastle fell as we tried to add more details to it. However, we carried on and rebuilt the sandcastle once more and succeeded this time. We had to apply one of the Habits of Mind, persisting, before we can see the product of our labour. The satisfaction we had after completing the castle was superb. The feeling we had brought us back to our days when we were still kids.
Other groups had also made fantastic sandcastles and they looked great.
There were visitors who had also joined in the fun.
Everyone took photos with their masterpiece.
Time flew very fast. Then it was already 6.30pm. Mr Siva gave us a debriefing, reaffirming a job well done by every single AMKsian present.
We took a group photo to remember the day that we had toiled so hard but had fun at the same time working together in teams.
We were dismissed by the instructors and left, making way to the car park for the bus. We believe everyone is looking forward to the next hands-on sandcastle building session.
Reflected by Goh Bao Sheng and Gabriel Tiu of 2/2
Hands-on Session 1 - 7th February 2009
In preparation for the AMKsian Family day, the student leaders for that day had to go for a hands on activity at East Coast Park on the 7th of February. It was a long journey on the bus. Everyone was impatient to arrive at the beach. Everyone was pumped up for the hands on activity as soon as we arrived. We were all very enthusiastic about it.
We were briefed by Mr. Siva and then by an instructor at the beach. We first learnt how to pack sand. We had to pour water over it to make it harder. The instructor taught us the different kinds of moulds we could us to make the sandcastle. We were then separated into different groups and we got started. I went down to the sea to fill some buckets with water. It was back breaking work and I even got splashed by water! I was dripping wet when I returned to the building site. My friends and I had to go thru and fro to fill up a whole barrel with water. I was very tired by then.
However, the instructor insisted that I were to do something instead of resting. So, my friends and I followed the instructor’s instructions. He then told me to build a castle all by myself! I was rather shocked as I was quite unsure of how to do so. The instructor patiently taught me the simple steps and guide lines. I got to work.
After a few minutes of hard work, toil and sweat, I finished building my castle. I was amazed at how I was able to pick up the skill so quickly. The instructor then instructed a group of us to link our castles together with our neighbouring group by building a long wall across. It was tiring but fun as well. We got to work together with the other group and our bond became stronger. At the end of the day, we were staring at the network of sandcastles in front of our eyes with wonderment and awe.
Time sure flies when you are having fun. It was already 6pm. Mr. Siva then debriefed us and we headed back to school. The whole experience was enjoyable and memorable. I am sure that the other AMKsians are looking forward to the Family Day on 14th March as I am.
Reflected by Nur Atiqah Ashari of 2/2
We were briefed by Mr. Siva and then by an instructor at the beach. We first learnt how to pack sand. We had to pour water over it to make it harder. The instructor taught us the different kinds of moulds we could us to make the sandcastle. We were then separated into different groups and we got started. I went down to the sea to fill some buckets with water. It was back breaking work and I even got splashed by water! I was dripping wet when I returned to the building site. My friends and I had to go thru and fro to fill up a whole barrel with water. I was very tired by then.
However, the instructor insisted that I were to do something instead of resting. So, my friends and I followed the instructor’s instructions. He then told me to build a castle all by myself! I was rather shocked as I was quite unsure of how to do so. The instructor patiently taught me the simple steps and guide lines. I got to work.
After a few minutes of hard work, toil and sweat, I finished building my castle. I was amazed at how I was able to pick up the skill so quickly. The instructor then instructed a group of us to link our castles together with our neighbouring group by building a long wall across. It was tiring but fun as well. We got to work together with the other group and our bond became stronger. At the end of the day, we were staring at the network of sandcastles in front of our eyes with wonderment and awe.
Time sure flies when you are having fun. It was already 6pm. Mr. Siva then debriefed us and we headed back to school. The whole experience was enjoyable and memorable. I am sure that the other AMKsians are looking forward to the Family Day on 14th March as I am.
Reflected by Nur Atiqah Ashari of 2/2
Conceptualisation Stage
