THE MATHEMATICS TRAIL

TUESDAY, 5 MARCH, 2013

THE MATHEMATICS TRAIL

Mrs Jane Koe extended a sincere invitation to me to chaperone the Sec 1 Temasekians for their Mathematics Enrichment Trip to The Singapore Discovery Center on 28 Feb 13 after noon. I hesitated for several days without giving her a valid reason. 

Mathematics has always been my most feared subject during my school days. I even failed my A Math during my Sec 4 Prelims. You can’t imagine how ecstatic I was when I scored C6 for my A Math when my O Levels results were released!  Many times I felt guilty for my children’s less than satisfactory academic achievements in this subject, blaming myself that they inherited such defected genes from me! Nevertheless, I picked up my courage to volunteer on this trip to share with my Sec 1 daughter the positive thought of ‘ I-M-POSSIBLE’.

Probably nobody knew I was more nervous than anyone, going on this first volunteer trip with these lively Temasekians.  Jane, VP Dr Ong Chun Ghee and Mr Toh Wee Kwang were so encouraging.  It was my honor to partner Sec 1-4 Math Class Teacher, Mr Brandon Choy on my gutsy maiden voyage with 39 exuberant students. Their enthusiasm enveloped me totally. The students had to work in groups of twos and given about 1.5 hours to complete their assignments. I was amazed at the brilliant way the Math questions were set out by the Teachers, incorporating social studies and history. I really appreciate the hard work put in by these marvelous Teachers and wonder whether Temasekians appreciate it. We never had such opportunities during our school days.

It is so heartening that these young temasekians were so serious working out their answers as they dart everywhere at The Gateway, trying to locate the ‘Calculator Building’, the correct wall to measure etc. I had to fight back the numerous temptations to help my Sec 1 daughter with her assignment knowing that this is the only way she’ll learn with dignity. However, I did not hesitate to lend a hand in helping other Temasekians interpret the questions.  So, am I cheating?

It seemed that I was more nervous when quite a lot of Temasekians were still stuck at The Gateway with half an hour remaining.  I resorted to chasing these reluctant students, like a good shepherd dog, to the Visionarium, Enterprise and Unity Pavilions to find answers for their assignments. A worried mother I had become, fearing they did not do well. Was I too paranoid?

PSG Parent Ms Soh Siew Leng shared with me that she appreciated how TMS Teachers had worked hard to make this enrichment trip a success and the Temasekians were very well-behaved. She was impressed with VP Dr Ong who came on this trip despite his busy schedules and the encouragements he gave to the Temasekians.  

I had really enjoyed this enrichment trip although I could not find a chance to study all the displays. Nevertheless, I gave myself a pat on my shoulder for a job well done.  My gratitude to the School Management and PSG Committee for involving parents on this trip. I hope more parents would volunteer their service to the school to make our children’s education in TMS a memorable one.

Written by PSG member Mrs Cynthia Lee