Woodlands Ring Secondary School Motivating Our Students through

Woodlands Ring Secondary School Motivating Our Students through Building Resiliency Sharing at APS Global Education Conference 2012 12 July 2012

“Purpose and Meaning are essential to build a community of mind. ” Thomas Sergiovanni Through the gates of Woodlands Ring Secondary School, Walk the BEST!

Scope • • Who do we serve What Guides Us How Do We Build Resiliency What Are Some Observable Outcomes Through the gates of Woodlands Ring Secondary School, Walk the BEST!

Who Do We Serve Families with low income Low in self -efficacy Low in selfconfidence Secondary 4 NT & 5 students make up 11 - 12% of student population Through the gates of Woodlands Ring Secondary School, Walk the BEST!

What Guides Us Our Belief “Our students are Capable, Capable Teachable and Lovable. ” Lovable Create Culture of Care Through the gates of Woodlands Ring Secondary School, Walk the BEST!

What Guides Us School Philosophy “Every child is unique, unique whose potential can be maximized so as to contribute selflessly to society. ” Teachers’ Pledge: We will … bring out the best in our students We will guide our … useful and good citizens of Singap Through the gates of Woodlands Ring Secondary School, Walk the BEST!

What Guides Us Vision, Mission, Motto & Values Work Rise Responsibility Respect Serve Resilience Mental Model: increase resiliency increase motivation Successful Learners! Through the gates of Woodlands Ring Secondary School, Walk the BEST!

How Do We Build Resiliency Emphases in the WRS Curriculum Culture of Learning People Our Focus Students’ Voice Quality Relationships Through the gates of Woodlands Ring Secondary School, Walk the BEST!

Character & Citizenship Education Framework Provide Opportunities for Meaningful Participation Set and Communicate High Expectations Active Citizens Increase Prosocial Bonding Responsibility Respect Resilience Provide Care & Support adapted from Henderson & Milstein’s Resiliency Wheel Set Clear, Consistent Boundaries Teach Lifeskills, Social & Emotional Competencies Vibrant Leaders

Culture of Learning How Do We Build Resiliency Teaching of values and Social Emotional competencies – Creating “Motivation Mondays” & “Celebration Fridays” – displaying quotations around the school and using them frequently – Role-modelling by School Leaders – Practising language patterns of influence Through the gates of Woodlands Ring Secondary School, Walk the BEST!

Building Quality Relationships How Do We Build Resiliency Increasing pro-social bonding – – Matching teachers to class profile Introducing “Teach the Child” Programme Celebrating Blessings Day On-going class visits to give pep talks (visibility of School Leaders) – Learning at Week ‘X’ – Recognition: priority seating at Quadrangle for morning assembly Through the gates of Woodlands Ring Secondary School, Walk the BEST!

Students’ Voice How Do We Build Resiliency Providing opportunities for meaningful participation – Showcasing talents and success stories – Participating in Students’ Forum – Planning of school events: “Technically Normal” Day – Naming of Class and Classroom Decoration – Appointing Student Canteen Managers Through the gates of Woodlands Ring Secondary School, Walk the BEST!

Partnership How Do We Build Resiliency Setting and communicating high expectations with strong support – Parents (especially for Secondary 5 students) – Higher Institutes of Education Through the gates of Woodlands Ring Secondary School, Walk the BEST!

What Are Some Observable Outcomes Quantitative data • Attendance: consistently ~98% • Punctuality: consistently ~98% • Progression rate: – 100% for 4 NT – 77% in 2009 to 82% in 2011 for S 5 Through the gates of Woodlands Ring Secondary School, Walk the BEST!

What Are Some Observable Outcomes Percentage of 4 NT & S 5 Students Achieving Distinctions in CCA Grade 80 70 60 50 4 NT 40 S 5 30 20 10 0 2009 2010 2011 Through the gates of Woodlands Ring Secondary School, Walk the BEST!

What Are Some Observable Outcomes Quality of School Experience Survey Mean Response Index from 2007 to 2011 for 4 NA Through the gates of Woodlands Ring Secondary School, Walk the BEST!

What Are Some Observable Outcomes Quality of School Experience Survey Mean Response Index from 2007 to 2011 for 4 NT Through the gates of Woodlands Ring Secondary School, Walk the BEST!

Special Mention What Are Some Observable Outcomes • 4 NT students from Robotics Club coached ITE & JC students • 4 NT students selected as Chairpersons of CCAs • S 5 student achieved the NCC Outstanding Cadet Award 2012 • 4 NT & S 5 students shortlisted for the Lee Kuan Yew All-round Student Award interview in 2010 & 2012, respectively Through the gates of Woodlands Ring Secondary School, Walk the BEST!

What’s Next • Deepening teachers’ professional practice in developing students’ 21 st century competencies • Increasing teachers’ competencies in reflective practice • Enhancing engagement with parents and external stakeholders as partners in education Through the gates of Woodlands Ring Secondary School, Walk the BEST!

• For further correspondence and collaboration, email: chong_jack_sheng@moe. gov. sg • To download slides, visit: http: //www. woodlandsringsec. moe. edu. sg/ Through the gates of Woodlands Ring Secondary School, Walk the BEST!

“Purpose and Meaning are essential to build a community of mind. ” Thomas Sergiovanni Singapore Teachers’ Vision: Lead. Care. Inspire Through the gates of Woodlands Ring Secondary School, Walk the BEST!