singapore

5 Exciting Sports for Kids and Teens in Singapore

Nadya Sharfina · June 23, 2023 · 4 Comments

"Childhood and teenage years should encompass more than just studying. Singapore offers a world of exciting sports and activities, fostering joy, skills, and unforgettable experiences beyond the classroom."

Singapore is full of exciting sports and activities for kids and teenagers to try out. Child or teenhood should not be just about studying, should it? There is plenty of excitement and enjoyment to be found outside of the classroom. We have compiled this list of five must-try sports and hobbies that will not only make kids happy but also teach them life skills. So, let’s explore the world of sports and activities and uncover the amazing experiences waiting for your kids!

1. Kinetics Climbing

Kinetics Climbing is a Singapore-based indoor climbing gym. If you enjoy climbing, this is a great spot to visit! It doesn’t matter if you’re a novice or an expert because they offer walls and trails with differing difficulties to climb on.

Kids can try out various styles of climbing at Kinetics Climbing, such as top-rope climbing, lead climbing, and bouldering. The staff ensure that everything is safe and under control, so kids can enjoy themselves without fear. Classes and workshops are on offer here as well.

Aside from climbing, Kinetics Climbing also offers fitness equipment at a store where you can buy climbing gear such as harnesses, ropes, rigging and pulleys. They often hold fun events and competitions for climbers to participate in.

2. Combat Skirmish Laser Tag

Photo by Combat Skirmish Laser Tag on Facebook

Combat Skirmish Laser Tag is a fun-fused laser tag game in Singapore that even parents can enjoy playing with their kids. It’s like a video game, but in real life! Laser tag is all about teamwork and using special guns that shoot harmless infrared rays to tag opponents and score points.

Combat Skirmish Laser Tag includes a variety of game modes and settings to keep things interesting. Kids can play on either open fields or indoor arenas, each with its unique layouts and challenges. You will be geared up with laser tag guns with sensors that detect when you hit someone and maintain a score.

Laser tag is accessible to all ages! You can join in the fun no matter how old you are. It’s ideal for hanging out with friends, having fun with family, or participating in team-building activities. You’ll learn how to create plans, work as a team, and communicate to defeat your opponents and fulfil the objectives.

If you want to play Combat Skirmish Laser Tag, you should make a reservation and go to the location specified in Sin Ming Ln, Midview City. The staff will explain the regulations, provide you with the necessary equipment, and ensure that you understand how to play. Remember that safety is essential, so always follow their rules to have a great time while being safe.

3. Superfly Monkey Dragons

Video by Superfly Monkey Dragons

Superfly Monkey Dragons is a group that offers training, workshops, and events all about parkour, freerunning, and movement culture.

Have you ever seen those videos of people jumping and flipping through cities? That’s parkour! It’s a sport where you use creative and efficient moves like running, jumping, climbing, and vaulting to navigate urban environments. Freerunning is like an advanced version of parkour. It adds acrobatic tricks and lets you express yourself artistically while doing cool moves.

The Superfly Monkey Dragons invite everyone to be a member of their amazing community. It doesn’t matter how old you are or how proficient you are at parkour – they accept everyone! They have customised programs and seminars guided by expert coaches who ensure you learn securely.

Superfly Monkey Dragons also organise gatherings and activities to bring people together. They want to create a strong community and showcase the talents of their amazing practitioners. They occasionally collaborate with other groups to compete and perform in competitions and shows in Singapore and around the world.

4. Z Fencing

Z Fencing is a popular fencing academy in Singapore. They provide workshops and training programs for those interested in learning how to fence.

Fencing is similar to sword fighting. However, it is a sport that employs three types of swords: foil, epee, and sabre. Everything comes down to skill, strategy, and quick thinking. Fencers compete by wearing unique gear and using special equipment. You earn points by making valid touches on your opponent.

Z Fencing is all about providing you with excellent coaching and training. They have experienced trainers who will teach you the proper techniques, footwork, and tactics to help you become a great fencer. They provide group courses as well as personalised training, allowing you to learn at your own speed and enhance your skills.

Z Fencing also focuses on character and values development. They teach you how to be disciplined, to be a good sportsman, and to never give up. They believe in kids becoming not only competent fencers but also well-rounded individuals.

Z Fencing occasionally competes in contests both in Singapore and around the world. This allows fencers to demonstrate their abilities and gain experience in the sport. If you want to learn more about fencing athletically, check out the story of Singaporean fencer Amita Berthier, who became the first Singaporean to win a Junior World Cup title.

5. Changi Sailing Club

Photo by Changi Sailing Club on Facebook

Changi Sailing Club is a club that focuses on sailing and water activities. It’s near Changi Beach and has a thriving sailing community. Programs and courses are available for people of all ages and ability levels. Kids can progress from beginner to expert sailor. They have a variety of boats to pick from, such as dinghies, catamarans, and keelboats, so you can choose what suits you best.

The club has fantastic instructors that are licensed to teach kids all they need to know about sailing. They will teach kids how to manoeuvre the boat, utilise the sails, and even navigate. Because safety is so crucial, they make certain that everyone follows the rules and stays safe throughout sailing activities.

Changi Sailing Club also organises races, regattas, and events. This is the opportunity to put your talents to the test, compete against other sailors, and have a fantastic day on the sea. They also host social events and activities where people may meet and make friends with other sailors.

If you want to join Changi Sailing Club, there are membership options for individuals, families, and even businesses. As a member, you have access to the club’s facilities, may participate in club events, and be a part of the sailing community.

Big Fun: Five Awesome Activities for Kids in SG

Nadya Sharfina · June 6, 2023 · Leave a Comment

"Singapore, a busy city where different cultures come together, has lots of exciting adventures for kids, making it a perfect place for families."

Singapore has a great reputation for being an awesome place for families. Kids sure can have a fantastic time here, and there are so many cool things for them to do. In this busy city where different cultures unite, parents can relax knowing that their little ones will have an amazing time with lots of exciting adventures.

Here are five super cool places in Singapore that are perfect for kids. They can go on awesome adventures that take them back in time to the days of dinosaurs, or they can get their hearts racing on thrilling rides. These places are designed especially for kids and will make unforgettable memories for the whole family.

1. The Changi Jurassic Mile

The Changi Jurassic Mile, which is located at Singapore Changi Airport, is a fantastic outdoor area where children and parents can have fun while also learning. There is roughly a kilometre-long fantastic track for biking and strolling. Additionally, the best part is that it’s all about dinosaurs!

Gigantic dinosaur models and exhibits are life-sized, so it feels like kids are actually in the presence of these ancient creatures. Kids can spot all sorts of dinosaur replicas along the path, like the massive Tyrannosaurus Rex and the long-necked Brachiosaurus. Furthermore, these life-size dinosaur models are so cool, they’ll grab your kids’ total attention and have them completely absorbed for hours.

Along the Jurassic Mile, there are signages and interactive exhibits that provide your kids with intriguing information about many species of dinosaurs, making the experience even better. They learn something new while also having fun!

2. Skyline Luge Sentosa

Go-karting and tobogganing thrills are combined in this one special experience. An unforgettable experience is provided to visitors of all ages, especially children, as they ride a unique three-wheeled cart downhill on a track.

Children can enjoy a thrilling adventure on the luge. They experience a sensation of independence and exhilaration as they take control of their cart using the handlebars and the basic braking and steering system. In addition, there are numerous tracks at Skyline Luge Sentosa, each with a different level of difficulty. There are gentle slopes for beginners and more challenging tracks for those seeking an extra adrenaline rush. Hence, this allows kids to choose a track that suits their comfort level.

Skyline Luge has scenic views with the wind whooshing through lush greenery and offers panoramic views of Sentosa Island and the surrounding areas. Additionally, kids can enjoy the scenic beauty while having a thrilling ride. It is easily accessible, and a well-known tourist destination. Families may easily fit it into their itinerary and combine it with other attractions on the island.

3. The SEA Aquarium

The SEA Aquarium, is a huge ocean world that families will enjoy visiting. It is among the largest aquariums on earth! It is located on Sentosa Island and is the ideal location for families to embark on an underwater adventure.

Inside the SEA Aquarium, visitors come face to face with an incredible variety of marine life. Over 100,000 marine animals from more than 1,000 different species live here. It’s like a whole new world down there! Furthermore, for kids, it’s even more exciting because they get to see sharks, rays, dolphins, and tons of colourful fish. It’s like being in a real-life ‘Finding Nemo’ animation!

Kid-friendly and interactive areas are also available at the SEA Aquarium. Additionally, kids can engage in educational games and view exhibits. In separate touch pools, they can even interact with starfish and other incredible species. Do attend the feeding sessions as are fascinating to watch.

4. The ArtScience Museum

The ArtScience Museum is quite unique. Because it combines art, science, culture, and technology all in one place, it differs from the usual museum. It’s totally interactive and hands-on, which means visitors can get right in there and be a part of the action.

Kids will find interactive exhibits at the ArtScience Museum that are all about getting them involved. They can touch, play, and interact with different installations. It’s like a playground of creativity and learning. Instead of just looking at stuff behind glass, kids can actually be a part of the experience. The fun doesn’t stop at the museum doors, there’s even more to explore just steps away.

Additionally, families can visit along with other fantastic surrounding attractions in the Marina Bay area. Nearby attractions include Gardens by the Bay and the Marina Bay Sands Skypark. so that when visiting Singapore, parents and children can have a full and interesting adventure.

5. Universal Studios Singapore

Universal Studios Singapore is a super popular theme park that families get to visit when they’re on Sentosa Island. Each zone has a distinct theme and is divided into several sections, Hollywood, New York, Sci-Fi City, Ancient Egypt, Lost World, and Far Far Away. Each zone is all about kids’ favourite movies and characters.

Universal Studios Singapore has rides for families of all ages. Whether they’re into gentle rides like the Madagascar Crate Adventure or the Dino-Soarin’ in the Lost World zone, thrilling rides like the Transformers Ride or the Battlestar Galactica duelling roller coasters, there’s something for everyone.

Throughout the day, there are participatory street performances, musicals, parades, and stunt acts that parents and children may enjoy. The fun doesn’t stop there. There are gift shops everywhere, so kids can grab some cool merchandise from their favourite movies and characters. It’s the perfect way to remember a fun day out at Universal Studios Singapore.

If you are looking for somewhere to eat with the kids after all that play, check out Best Restaurants with Play Areas in Singapore!

9 Ghost Stories That Haunt Singapore Schools

Nadya Sharfina · May 31, 2023 · 7 Comments

"Many schools appear to have a fascinating and haunted past that still captures our imagination."

Years after students have left school, you will still hear them discussing one aspect of their teenage lives with great intensity and conviction. In Singapore’s schools, there are spooky stories and supernatural experiences that give people goosebumps for life. Many schools appear to have a fascinating and haunted past that still captures our imagination. Within their walls, ghostly figures appear, strange sounds echo, and eerie encounters unfold, creating a collection of ghost stories deeply woven into the culture of Singapore schools. These supernatural tales have been passed down through generations, whispered among students and teachers.

Let’s explore the supernatural realm together and discover eight of the scariest ghost stories that have become a part of the shared folklore that thrives within Singapore’s schools.

1. The Ghost of Old Admiralty Secondary School

Old Admiralty Secondary School, which closed in 1994, is known as one of the most haunted schools in Singapore. According to legend, the spirit of a deceased student still haunts the empty halls. Visitors have reported hearing footsteps and whispers with no visible source. Some even claim to have seen objects move on their own, creating a chilling atmosphere linked to the school’s ghostly history.

2. The Haunted Classroom at CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls’ School

CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls’ School has a classroom with an eerie reputation. Many students have seen a ghostly figure sitting at one of the desks, even when no one else is present. The room carries an unsettling presence, and some students have heard strange laughter coming from nowhere, sparking curiosity and unease about the supernatural happenings in that classroom.

3. The Mysterious Piano at Victoria School

Photo by Christian GAFENESCH on Unsplash

At Victoria School, there is a captivating story about a mysterious music room. According to the tale, a former music teacher who loved playing the piano has left behind a supernatural presence. When night falls, the music room comes alive with an eerie enchantment as the piano starts playing by itself. The haunting melody echoes through the corridors, mesmerising those who listen and leaving them with a lingering sense of the supernatural.

4. The Crying Child of Nan Chiau High School

Nan Chiau High School has the haunting legend of a ghostly child’s sorrowful cries. Students and teachers have heard the heartbreaking sobs in the school’s quiet corridors. The unexplained weeping creates an eerie and sombre atmosphere as it echoes through the hallways. Even though the ghostly child’s origins are unclear, those who hear its eerie screams are left feeling both sympathetic and uneasy. Harry Potter’s ‘Moaning Myrtle’ definitely comes to mind…

5. The Headless Statue at Raffles Institution

Raffles Institution, a school with a rich history, has a spooky story about a haunted statue. The statue of Sir Stamford Raffles, an important figure from Singapore’s history, is said to sometimes appear without a head at night. The sight of the headless statue terrifies those who see it, leaving them wondering about the mysterious haunting.

6. The Haunted Lake and Labyrinth of Chung Cheng High School

There are some fairly creepy stories going around at Chung Cheng High School. According to some, it is haunted by the spirits of Japanese soldiers. The school has a big lake. Legend has it that if you walk around it three times and ring a nearby bell three times, a creepy mermaid might pop up from the water.

Inside the school’s auditorium, a labyrinthine network of interconnected doors and winding passages exists. According to local legend, these rooms may have had a dark background, possibly serving as torture chambers in the past.

7. The Moving Mannequin at Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ School

At some point in the past, a mannequin was placed in the classroom to remember a girl after she died by suicide. The mannequin wore her uniform and had her name tag. The classroom was located on the ground floor and faced the track and field. Students noticed something peculiar during their physical education classes – the mannequin always seemed to be facing them, despite its original positioning towards the front of the class.

8. The “White House” of Montfort Secondary School

The “White House,” a historic structure that houses the school and is located in Hougang, is rumoured to be haunted. Students and workers who have been inside the structure have claimed to have heard eerie footsteps, strange noises, and seen apparitions. Some speculate that the ghostly presence may be connected to the school’s past or prior residents.

9. The Haunting of Katie from St. Margaret’s

At St. Margaret’s Secondary School, one ghost story has continued to unsettle students over the years. It centres around an old photo of a girl named “Katie,” which was once displayed outside the school hall. According to the story, Katie was a former student who tragically took her own life. What made the photo even more disturbing was that the closer you looked at her face, the blurrier it appeared.

Adding to the mystery, a poker card signed “Katie” used to be pasted high up on the canteen wall. The card always showed the number 4, and the signature never moved—but students claimed the pattern and colour of the card would change from time to time, even though no one had touched it. Since the ceiling was very high, it only added to the eerie feeling.

For more horror stories, check out 5 of the Creepiest School Ghost Stories in Asia and Uncover the Top 8 Haunted Locations in Singapore.

No More Boredom! Thanks to Subject Based Banding

Nadya Sharfina · May 17, 2023 · 10 Comments

"Education in Singapore: Breaking barriers, fostering inclusivity, and transforming futures through subject-based banding."

The streaming system in Singapore started in 1980. In more recent times, it has been criticised for limiting opportunities and labelling students based on their academic performance. In response, the Ministry of Education has announced the full implementation of subject-based banding (SBB) in more than two-thirds of secondary schools by 2023, with all schools adopting it by 2024.

Under the SBB system, students from different streams will take non-academic subjects together and can choose academic subjects at different levels based on their abilities and interests. This approach fosters inclusivity, provides a more personalised learning experience, and allows students to pursue their passions.

While the implementation of SBB has posed challenges, such as ensuring teachers are equipped to teach in mixed-ability classes, the system promises results when it comes to improving student outcomes and eventually, transforming the education landscape in Singapore.

1. How Subject-Based Banding Works

Under the SBB system, students from the Express, Normal (Academic), and Normal (Technical) streams are placed in the same mixed-form class and take six non-academic subjects together, including physical education and art. Students can then take subjects at three levels – G1, G2, and G3, mapped from today’s Normal (Technical), Normal (Academic), and Express standards, respectively.

2. Benefits of SBB

The SBB system has been designed to provide students with a more personalised learning experience and to help them find their niche. The traditional streaming system in Singapore has been criticised for labelling students and limiting their opportunities based on their academic performance. Full SBB aims to remove the stigma of being in the Normal (Academic) or Normal (Technical) streams and provide students with more flexibility in choosing the subjects they want to study at a level that suits their abilities.

The benefits of the SBB system over the traditional streaming system are many:

Students are no longer labelled and confined to a specific stream based on their academic performance.
Students are given the freedom to choose subjects at a level that suits their abilities and interests.
It helps to foster a sense of inclusivity and allows students to pursue their passions.
Teachers can cater to the different needs of each student.
It helps to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

3. Impact and Challenges of SBB

The impact of full SBB on student learning and engagement has been positive so far. Students are more motivated to learn as they are studying subjects they are interested in and at a level that suits their abilities. The mixed-form classes have also created a more inclusive learning environment where students from different streams interact with and learn from each other. Teachers are also reporting that they are better able to cater to the individual needs of their students, resulting in better student outcomes.

However, the implementation of full SBB has not been without its challenges. One of the main concerns is that students who are more academically inclined may not be challenged enough in the mixed-form class. To address this issue, students are able to take subjects at three different levels, with G3 being the most advanced level. Another challenge has been ensuring that teachers are equipped to teach in a mixed-ability class. Teachers have had to learn new pedagogical approaches such as differentiated instruction in order to cater to the varying abilities and interests of their students.

With the ongoing commitment and effort from educators and policymakers, full SBB has the potential to transform the education landscape in Singapore and perhaps even provide a model for other countries to follow.