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More Than Old Objects: My AMUSE Sabbatical
At Hwa Chong, Sabbatical Week encourages students to encounter learning in new and meaningful settings. The AMUSE sabbatical brought students into museum spaces, where they explored how artefacts and exhibitions can make national stories more vivid and personal. In this reflection, Hanwen shares how the experience changed the way he viewed museums and helped him better understand the responsibility that comes with learning in such spaces. Written by: Zhang Hanwen (3P2, 2026)
Yvonne Koh
Jun 12 min read


Wild/Well-Being: Finding Calm, Challenge and Connection
At Hwa Chong, Sabbatical Week gives students the opportunity to explore learning beyond the regular classroom, including programmes that nurture both curiosity and well-being. The Wild/Well-Being sabbatical invited students to discover how nature, play, reflection and shared experiences can support mental and emotional wellness. Through visits to green spaces, team challenges, mindfulness activities and creative projects, students learnt that well-being is not found in one pl
Yvonne Koh
Jun 13 min read


Fencing Sabbatical: A Surprising Dive into Swordsmanship
At Hwa Chong, Sabbatical Week gives students the chance to explore new interests and step into experiences they may not have chosen at first. In this reflection, Jiye shares how the Fencing Sabbatical turned an unexpected second choice into an engaging week of technical learning, friendly competition, and new appreciation for the sport. Written by: Zhao Jiye (3P3, 2026) For the Term 2 Sabbaticals, I was assigned to fencing even though it had been my second choice. At first, I
Yvonne Koh
Jun 13 min read


0xdeadbeef: Sharing My Passion for Cybersecurity
At Hwa Chong, Sabbatical Week also provides opportunities for students to take ownership of learning by designing and leading programmes for their peers. In this reflection, Yuzhong shares how organising the cybersecurity sabbatical “0xdeadbeef” deepened his technical knowledge, challenged him as a trainer, and allowed him to give back to the school community through a subject he is passionate about. Written by: Fu Yuzhong (4A3, 2026) From 18 to 22 May, I was given the opport
Yvonne Koh
Jun 13 min read


Making Music with Our Bodies: My Five-Day Body Percussion Sabbatical
At Hwa Chong, Sabbatical Week gives students the chance to explore learning beyond the usual classroom setting, often in unexpected and memorable ways. Through hands-on programmes across diverse areas, students discover new interests, develop confidence, and sometimes even reconnect with talents they had set aside. In this reflection, Tyler shares how the Body Percussion Sabbatical turned from an uncertain start into an unforgettable experience of rhythm, friendship, and redi
Yvonne Koh
Jun 12 min read


Learning Game Development with Godot
Written by: Tan Kai Wen Declan (4A2, 2026) Sabbatical Week is one of the defining features of the Hwa Chong experience. Held twice a year, it gives students the opportunity to step away from the usual hectic and stressful academic routine and immerse ourselves in enriching experiences. From exploring unfamiliar topics to making new friends, this week encourages us to step out of our comfort zones and fully embrace learning. This time, I had the privilege of attending the Game
Yvonne Koh
Jun 12 min read


More Than a Game: My Pickleball Sabbatical
At Hwa Chong, Sabbatical Week offers students the opportunity to step beyond their regular timetable and explore a wide range of interest-based programmes. From sports and the arts to technology, culture and service learning, these programmes allow students to discover new passions, develop practical skills, and learn beyond the classroom. In this reflection, Joon Hao shares how the Pickleball Sabbatical helped him grow not only as a player, but also as a teammate. Written by
Yvonne Koh
Jun 12 min read


Project Collar: Fun with Pets!
Written by: Zeng Yuhang Eugene (4O3, 2026) At Hwa Chong, Sabbatical Weeks in Terms 1 and 2 offer a welcome shift from the usual pace of school life, providing students with platforms to immerse themselves in hands-on, interest-driven experiences both in and beyond campus. This year, I was honoured to initiate the Project Collar: Fun with Pets! Sabbatical course, alongside four other core team members of Project Collar 8.0. The course was conducted during the Term 2 Sabbatical
Yvonne Koh
Jun 12 min read


Finding Our Voices: Reflections from Orator’s Edge
The Orator’s Edge sabbatical gave students the opportunity to explore the art of public speaking through speeches, quick-thinking activities, presentation practice, and reflection. In this article, Lincoln and Shane share how the course helped them rethink what it means to speak with confidence, authenticity, and connection. Speaking is About Connection Written by: Lincoln Ang Yuk Kai (3O2, 2026) Many people think public speaking is just about standing straight, using a loud
Yvonne Koh
Jun 14 min read


趣玩双语游戏,放飞少年梦想 ——华中2026年双语精灵欢乐营圆满落幕
龙宸宇(中四启元一班 4O1, 2026) 陈昊泽(中三启元三班 3O3, 2026) 摄影:黄睿宏(中二启元二班 2O2, 2026) 为了推广双语双文化,并让更多小学生感受华中的校园氛围,我校5月8日至9日举办了以“群英荟萃,双语天下”为主题的双语精灵欢乐营。本次活动吸引了来自10所小学的102名小六学生参与。通过丰富的双语游戏与团队挑战,孩子们在轻松愉快的氛围中体验了双语学习的乐趣,同时也锻炼了跨文化交流与团队合作能力。 每一场成功的活动背后,都离不开筹委们长时间的默默付出。今年的欢乐营主要由双文化课程及语特的学生负责筹备。早在三个月前,团队便开始了紧锣密鼓的策划。从设计游戏内容、讨论流程,到场地安排与工作分配,每个细节都经过反复推敲。面对巨大的工作量,筹备会议常常持续到晚上九点以后。 今年的营长中四生梁凯胜同学还有一层特殊的身份——他是2022年双语精灵欢乐营的参与者。四年后,他从参与者转变为组织者,感触良多。他表示:“组织这场活动是一段充实且难忘的里程。我们倾注心血,希望它能成为小六生心中珍贵的记忆。同时,我也
Pan Yun Li
Jun 12 min read


青年同行,共创社会未来
刘宣麟 (中三启元三班 3O3, 2026) 前言 在现代社会中,青年早已不只是社会发展的“旁观者”,而是推动社会进步的重要力量。由我校品德与公民教育理事会(Values In Action Council,简称 VIAC)举办的社区行动大会(Community Action Convention, 简称 CAC),正是一个让青年了解社会、参与社会,并尝试解决社会问题的平台。今年的 CAC 吸引了来自新加坡多所中学的一百多名学生,以及我校多个专题作业团队参与。通过项目展览、义工活动、 社会议题讨论及嘉宾分享,活动不仅让学生们进一步认识社会问题,也让他们学会如何以行动回应社会需求。 这场活动不仅仅是一场普通的论坛,更像是一堂真正走出课堂的 “社会实践课”。来自不同学校的学生聚集在一起,在交流与合作中激发创意,也让更多青年意识到,社会改变其实离自己并不遥远。 图一:全体人员参与大合照 展示青年项目,传递社会关怀 活动现场设有多个社会项目展区,由不同学校的专题作业团队及青年组织进行介绍与展示。其中 包括关注流浪动物与宠物福利的 Project..
Pan Yun Li
Jun 14 min read


从零开始:我的空手道初体验
孙梓航 (中一聚英一班 1i1, 2026) 在参加这五天的空手道训练营之前,我其实非常担心。因为是第一次接触空手道,我害怕训练会很辛苦,也担心教练会十分严厉。没想到,五天下来,我才发现自己完全想多了。这个训练营不但一点也不枯燥,反而让我觉得既有趣、又放松,还特别酷! 首先,训练过程真的非常有趣,一点也不无聊。我们的教练十分亲切,就像邻家大哥哥一样,总是笑容满面,很容易相处。他不会一开始就要求我们完成高难度动作,而是把训练设计成各种好玩的小游戏,让我们在轻松的气氛中学习。 其中有一次,教练让我们两人一组,进行类似猜拳的反应训练。一个人负责进攻,另一个人负责防守。防守的人必须集中精神,判断对方什么时候会突然出拳;一旦对方出手,就要立刻挡下攻击,并迅速反击。大家常常因为判断失误,或者动作慢了半拍,而变得手忙脚乱。看到彼此慌张又滑稽的样子,全场顿时笑成一片,气氛特别欢乐。每天的训练都在笑声中结束,让人觉得时间过得飞快,不知不觉就到了放学时间。 最让我开心的是,这个训练营真的让我彻底放松了下来。刚升上中一时,我还不太适应新的学习环境,再加上各种测验和功课
Pan Yun Li
May 292 min read


这一刻,光头是最美的发型
郭宇航 (中一启元二班 1O2, 2026) 刘子墨 (中一聚英一班 1i1,2026) 5月14日,我校和新加坡癌症基金会开展以“携手同行”为主题的公益剃发活动,号召同学们用行动与罹患癌症的儿童共情,让关怀与善意洒满人间。本次活动不仅以直观的方式普及公益理念,也通过爱心募捐的形式,为患病孩童送去切实的帮助与希望。 在我们的生活中,大多数青少年沐浴在阳光与健康之中,无忧无虑地成长、学习。但有一群特殊的孩子,他们本该拥有烂漫的童年,却被癌症的病痛束缚住了身体。漫长的化疗过程,让他们被迫剃去头发,承受着病痛的折磨与外貌变化带来的自卑与敏感,在最好的青春年华与病魔抗争。为了让更多人看见这群患病儿童的困境,减少大众对癌症患者的疏离,同时为他们筹集治疗与生活援助资金,新加坡癌症基金会连续多年走进我校,与我们联办公益剃发活动。 倡议发出后,我校百余师生踊跃参与剃发。平日里爱惜秀发的同学们,毅然选择放下对外貌的顾虑,参与公益剃发活动。不少同学全程坦然从容,眼神坚定,用最纯粹的行动告诉所有癌症患病儿童:你们从不孤单,我
Pan Yun Li
May 292 min read


From Research to Reflection: What IEF and SSYS Taught Us
Written by: Jiang Yuxuan (4i2) and Zhao Zilin Wesley (4i3) Introduction In 2026, we were grateful for the opportunity to participate in two major platforms for scientific research and innovation: the International Elementz Fair (IEF) from 21-23 April, organised by Anderson Serangoon Junior College, where our project received a Gold award, and the 14th Congress Search for SEAMEO Young Scientists (SSYS) Congress in Penang from 9-12 February, organised by SEAMEO, where we were
Pan Yun Li
May 273 min read


Hair for Hope 2026: Small Actions, Big Impact
Written by: Ethan Lim Kaiyang (3P1, 2026) On 14 May, Hwa Chong came together for Hair for Hope, an annual movement in support of children battling cancer. Organised by the ProEd Council, the event saw 129 brave shavees stepping forward in solidarity, while the school community raised an incredible $47,820, far surpassing the original target of $30,000. Hair for Hope in Hwa Chong was a really meaningful experience for many of us. People came together to raise funds and support
Yvonne Koh
May 261 min read


棋海迷踪: Discovering the Art of Chinese Chess
Written by: Jairus Ong Qi Le (2A1, 2026) This year, I joined the 棋海迷踪:中国象棋(晋级)拓展课程 (Chinese Chess) sabbatical. In this sabbatical, we first learnt the movements of each chess piece before progressing to more challenging concepts such as opening moves and mid-game tactics. In the final few days, we were also introduced to checkmate strategies, using different pieces to trap the other player’s “king” piece. In addition, we learnt new gameplay methods, such as “uncovering chess”
Yvonne Koh
May 262 min read


Finding My Rhythm Through Handball
Written by: Han Peng (1P3, 2026) I was uncertain whether I had made the right choice. Tap! Nothing could be changed now. I had already clicked the submit button and locked Handball in as my first choice. In the days leading up to the release of our sabbatical results, I was excited to find out what I would get. I was hoping for Handball. It was by far one of my favourite sports to play during P.E., along with Basketball. I loved its competitiveness and fast-paced nature, some
Yvonne Koh
May 262 min read


Sculpting amidst chatter in the common room: The SL project designed for student relaxation
Written by: Francesca Widjaja (26A14) Edited by: Gilbert Goh (25S6C) Multiple sculptures placed on newspaper. Lin Keting/VIA PUBSOC On 28 April 2026, laughter could be heard from the common room. Students gathered around a table covered in newspaper, absorbed in modelling tiny, colourful clay figurines. Students referred to pictures on their phone to sculpt perhaps a rat or a chick, and also shared their designs with each other. Some poked fun at misshapen attempts, but the a
Gilbert Goh
May 222 min read


A Prismatic and Enriching Experience for students at Anatomy Challenge 2026
Written by: Tham Song Wei (26S7B) Edited by: Gilbert Goh (25S6C) On 18 April 2026, 289 students from 26 schools participated in the Anatomy Challenge, an annual competition which has been organised by the NTU Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine since 2017. This year’s theme, “Perceptual Prism”, tested students on their anatomical and clinical knowledge of the five senses of the human body. 12 students from Hwa Chong Institution participated in Anatomy Challenge 2026, achieving
Gilbert Goh
May 222 min read


One Last Chord -- Tsubasa XI: 奇迹 Kiseki by Guitar Ensemble
Written by: Lee Seng Hun Jayden (26S6V) Edited by: Lei Yanyang (25S61) The stage during the performance, as seen from a phone recording. Studio Ardent The pause during Zenzenzense lasted just a little longer than expected. On stage, forty guitarists sat waiting beneath the lights while their conductor spoke to the audience — a segment they had only decided to include a few hours earlier. Nobody knew exactly when the music would resume. Yet when the cue finally came, the ensem
LEI YANYANG HCI
May 212 min read
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