Off the Beaten Path: Learning and Leading Through Sabbaticals

Written by: Teo Tze Hwe Ashton (4O2)

One of the defining features of life at Hwa Chong is the unique Sabbatical week each term—a time when the usual academic routine pauses, allowing students to engage in diverse learning experiences beyond the classroom. Looking back on my four years here, the Sabbatical week has allowed me to engage in enriching and fun activities that have provided me with valuable skills and experiences, and helped me to take a breath of fresh air each term.

Sabbaticals are more than just a break from studies; they are an opportunity to explore subjects and activities that may not be covered in the standard curriculum. I’ve always appreciated how the school curates a wide variety of options, catering to different interests and strengths. These sessions have allowed me to pick up new skills, many of which I might not have considered exploring on my own.

In Secondary 2, I participated in the Fun with Guitar and Ukulele sabbatical, allowing me to learn basic chords on the guitar and play simple tunes. While it was a fun experience, of course, I was met with some challenges of my own. It was the first time I had ever picked up a guitar, and I had difficulty placing my hands at the correct positions for the chords. My fingers felt stiff, and transitioning between chords smoothly was a struggle. However, with practice and guidance from the instructors, I gradually improved. By the end of the sabbatical, I was able to play a few simple songs, which gave me a sense of accomplishment. This experience not only introduced me to the basics of guitar playing but also taught me the value of perseverance and patience when learning a new skill.

Fun with Guitar and Ukulele

In Secondary 3, I opted for two more physically challenging sabbaticals, Football and GoBiking. Spending a week playing football taught me the virtue of teamwork while playing team sports, and the importance of footwork, passing and shooting drills in football. It certainly was a unique experience that taught me a lot. On the other hand, spending a week cycling and exploring trails around Singapore taught me the perseverance it takes to cycle long distances. As a student-trainer and one of the more physically-fit participants in the sabbatical, I had the privilege of leading my own group, learning how to take care of others who may not be as proficient in cycling.

The football sabbatical

Just a few weeks ago, I spent sabbatical week engaging in the Band Together - Keyboard and Drums sabbatical, learning new musical instruments. Initially, it was hard getting to learn how to read sheet music and play the instrument, but after 5 days of practicing and recording videos, I managed to get a good grasp on the fundamentals of playing the keyboard and drumming. It was a fun experience of self learning and discovery.

Band Together - Keyboard and Drums

Looking back, the true value of sabbaticals is its ability to cultivate curiosity and lifelong learning. Sabbaticals have encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and explore new activities, allowing me to pick up skills and discover passions outside of my school life. For those who have more sabbaticals ahead, my advice is to make the most of them. Try something new, challenge yourself and enjoy the experience. These few weeks are a unique opportunity that only extends to students of Hwa Chong, so do treasure it.