Internationalization
Discover how Anderson Secondary School prepares students for a global world through overseas trips and online exchanges with schools in Indonesia, China, Thailand, and Malaysia.
EXCHANGE PROGRAMMES
The school strongly believes in preparing students for a globalising environment, aiming to enhance their cross-cultural sensitivities and foster interpersonal skills through cultural immersion experiences and interactions with students from our partner schools.
In a significant milestone, this marks the first year since the onset of Covid-19 that we have resumed physical overseas trips and had the privilege of organizing three overseas trips. Additionally, we continued our online Internationalisation Programme which was conducted via Zoom.
ONLINE EXCHANGES
1. Internationalization Programme with SMPK 1 BPK Penabur School, Bandung, Indonesia
On 31 March 2023, Secondary 2 students from Anderson Secondary School had the chance to partake in the Internationalization Programme alongside SMPK 1 BPK Penabur School in Bandung, Indonesia. This marked the third consecutive year of collaboration between the schools for an online exchange programme. The programme involved 29 and 27 students from Bandung and Anderson respectively, who worked together to establish new friendships and facilitate cultural exchange during interactive sessions.
Prior to the online sessions with Penabur students, an Indonesian trainer taught Anderson participants conversational Bahasa Indonesia. This pre-session proved valuable as it equipped students to interact with their Penabur counterparts more confidently. Additionally, a Bandung Food Experience session exposed students to Indonesian cuisine, enhancing their cultural immersion. Despite the virtual nature of the interaction, teachers and students from both schools thoroughly enjoyed the sessions. The presentation segment showcased the students' confidence and eloquence, underscoring their dedicated preparation.
This programme contributed to the development of interpersonal and communication skills, as well as fostering empathy among students from both schools. Beyond these skills, it played a crucial role in building an understanding and appreciation of each other's cultures, fostering a deeper connection between the neighboring countries.
2. Internationalization Programme with Shanghai Experimental School,China
The Internationalization Programme with Shanghai Experimental School (China) took place on 10 November 2023, marking the third consecutive online exchange between the two schools. 18 Sec 3 and Sec 2 students from Anderson, alongside 20 students from Shanghai, actively participated in this enriching experience. The partnership, which began in 2017, has continued to develop ever since.
Throughout the programme, students from both schools engaged in interactive sessions and presentations in both Mandarin and English. The diverse topics shared provided profound insights into Chinese and Singaporean cultures, as well as the lives of teenagers in both regions. An intriguing bilingual forum, centred around the topic 'Will AI dominate mankind in the future?', allowed students to showcase their confidence and fluency. The evident dedication to preparing presentation materials reflected a high standard of participation.
During interaction sessions, students enjoyed meaningful conversations, fostering a deeper understanding of each other's cultures. Overall, the student participants from both schools not only had an enjoyable time but also forged meaningful friendships during this enriching exchange.
OVERSEAS TRIPS
1. Trip to Lopburi & Bangkok, Thailand
Our school organized the Anderson-Winitsuksa Exchange Programme from 5 to 10 November 2023. 20 Sec 2 and 3 students embarked on this enriching journey.
The Director of School, Phra Thepsenabordee, and all Winitsuksa School staff and students warmly welcomed and generously hosted their Singaporean visitors. The trip gained media coverage from the local Wanom Channel, featuring students performing a traditional dance at Wichayen House in traditional costumes.
On the first day at Winitsuksa School, students from both schools engaged in group presentations, sharing insights into their respective histories, cultures, and the lives of teenagers. Additionally, they delved into class immersion, actively participating in discussions to gain a deeper understanding of the teaching and learning dynamics in a Thai classroom. This immersive experience added a profound layer to the cultural exchange, breaking down barriers and enriching the overall learning journey.
During the afternoon learning journey, Anderson staff and students were taken to the impressive Pa Sak Cholasit Dam Project, a crucial irrigation initiative supplying water to plantations in the Pa Sak and lower Chao Phraya valleys. The tram ride along the scenic 4,860m dam filled our students with exhilaration. A delightful pause at the Flower House Café & Bistro allowed students to enjoy sweet refreshments while relishing a wonderful view of the flowers, providing a serene break before the next adventure.
Another fascinating location was Wichayen House, a historical gem located just 300 metres from Prang Khaek. In traditional Thai costumes, students explored the historical site and captured joyful memories.
Amidst all these cultural explorations, it is worth noting that all students enjoyed delectable Thai cuisines and were very pleased. This culinary delight added another layer to the cultural immersion, as flavours of Thai dishes became an integral part of the overall experience.
A significant highlight was the Joint Performance (Mini-Concert) during the farewell lunch. Students from both schools showcased their talents, celebrating the unity and diversity of Singaporean and Thai cultures. This mini concert provided a platform for students to share their artistic expressions, fostering a deeper appreciation for each other's backgrounds.
As the participants bid farewell to their new-found friends and these remarkable places, the echoes of laughter, appreciation for Thai culture, and the lingering taste of Thai cuisine left lasting memories.
2. EMAS & MLEP Trip to Kedah & Penang (14 – 18 Nov 2023)
69 students and 9 teachers from Anderson Secondary School, Tanjong Katong Secondary School, and Bukit Panjang Government High School participated in a programme organized by the Ministry of Education (MOE). The students engaged in Malay conversations, gaining a deeper understanding of the Nusantara region's ethnic groups, languages, cultures, and traditions. The trip showcased the relevance of the Malay language in neighbouring countries and fostered collaborative work among students from all three EMAS & MLEP centres.
The visit to SMK Syed Mohamed Al-Bukhary School involved discussions on Malay Literature, cultural exchanges, and presentations by students from both schools. The primary aim was to promote cultural exchange and mutual learning. Additionally, students visited Kedah State Museum to witness Mek Mulung, a traditional art form, and participated in a hands-on experience with trainers and dancers, culminating in a collective performance.
The poetry writing workshop session focused on introducing and sharing various poetry writing techniques. Group activities were incorporated to enhance engagement. Each group participated by sharing and presenting their poems, receiving feedback from Swadaya. This interactive session fostered creativity, collaboration, and dialogue in the exploration of poetry writing.
The visit to Suka Ramai Rice Mill included a guided tour of the mill situated amidst picturesque paddy fields. The subsequent morning offered students the opportunity to explore a bee farm at Taman Madu Lebah Bukit Besar. They sampled 'madu kelulut,' honey from stingless honeybees, known for its slightly sour and less sweet taste.
In Penang, participants enjoyed a captivating Boria performance by the renowned Boria Omara troupe in Malaysia. The event included interactive discussions, offering valuable insights into the intricacies of this rich art form. Students were grouped into three categories, namely singing, dancing, and acting, to explore various aspects of the Boria performance, resulting in a rewarding and meaningful experience.
3. Layar Nusantara 1 : Trip to Johor Bahru
On 17 November 2023, 18 Sec 2 and Sec 4 students participated in a day trip to Johor Bahru.
The excursion provided students a unique opportunity to explore their culture and language. They engaged in interviews with locals, gained insights into local produce as well as immersed themselves in Kampung culture through visits and conversations with Kampung residents.
The day included a visit to a traditional kampung near the foothills of Gunung Pulai, located at Pontian. Students observed a variety of tropical plants and had a hands-on experience with ducks, kampong chickens, and goats. Activities such as playing ‘gasing’, weaving rattan baskets, and trying their hand at making ‘ondeh-ondeh’ enriched the experience.
A traditional kampong lunch, Nasi Ambang, added a communal touch as students and staff sat on floor mats, enjoying the fragrant Javanese cuisine. This excursion not only encourages students to actively use the Malay language but also deepens their understanding of Malay culture within the broader Malay Archipelago.
