Wordsworth 2015 Semester 1

Transcription

F
OR
REA YOUR
PLE DING
ASU
RE
WORDSWORTH
Semester 1 - 2015
Issue 1
E-Reader
Library@Xinmin
Who’s Reading
What
Are you frustrated when all copies of the book you desperately want are on
loan?
From February to April this year, our school had the privilege to borrow 40
E-readers from the National Library Board to encourage reading. These Ereaders are akin to the Kindle which allows you to read books in soft copy.
What’s the difference between hard copy and soft copy? Well, you can
download hundreds of online books, all in one light portable device without
having to carry heavy paper books. It is also more convenient for one to
borrow, return and renew the books using the E-reader. Moreover, one need
not worry about losing or spoiling the books, or even forgetting to return the
books on time as the E-reader has a feature to return the books automatically
on the due date.
You might ask, ‘Isn’t it uncomfortable to read using an electronic device?
And what if I forget which page I stopped reading at?’ Well, the E-reader is
designed to make reading comfortable, so you can read the E-reader without
hurting your eyes. It is also recommended not to read it for a prolonged
period of time. The E-reader has multiple features which include bookmarks
to mark preferred pages, a magnifier to zoom in or out on the words and a
dictionary to find definitions of words you do not understand.
If you are interested, all you have to do is ask the school librarian and pass her
your identification card. There are a lot of advantages to using E-readers, so
what are you waiting for? Get your hands on the E-readers now!
2
Find out what Mr
Tay has to say
about reading!
Well Done
Librarians!
5
Interviews with our
Top Librarians!
Feature Books
Blind Date with a Book
A number of storybooks at Library@Xinmin were wrapped in wrapping paper
to prevent anyone from being able to see the contents. These books were then
displayed for the pupils to borrow. As they were all wrapped up, pupils had no
chance to peek at the titles or authors and just had to pick a package, borrow it
and go home with it. They would only know what kind of book they had
borrowed after they had unwrapped the package. This is fun as the books they
had picked would be a surprise. This would also allow pupils to be exposed to
many other interesting books which they may not have read before.
8
Find out more
about these
bestselling books!
1
Done by: Tan Si Jin (401)
and Syarifah Nabihah (204)
Who’s Reading What

We asked Mr Gabriel Tay about his love for reading and the books he reads. Here are his thoughts:
1. Do you enjoy reading? Why?
Yes, I definitely enjoy reading. Reading is a good form of relaxation for me. When I am
engrossed in a book, it takes my mind off daily affairs. Reading also enriches my knowledge
and helps me gain a deeper and wider perspective of certain issues that I am interested in.
2. Can you share with us the book you are currently reading?
I am currently reading a book called “The Sports Gene”. It is written by David Epstein. In short,
it is about the nature vs nuture debate, on whether sporting excellence can be achieved by normal
people overcoming their biological limitations through sheer force of will and obsessive training
or whether great athletes such as Usain Bolt and Michael Phelps are simply genetically gifted.
3. Is there any genre of book or any author you would like to recommend to the readers?
There is no particular genre or author that I would like to recommend. However, I would like to recommend a book
“Second Chance” that can be found in the XMS library. I recommend this book because the author is my running coach.
He has been hit by not one, but 2 major illnesses, first a heart attack and a stroke later. Despite these 2 major setbacks, he
managed to recover successfully and is still fit, active and running. Hopefully, it can serve as an inspiration to many of us.
4. Do you have a favourite book or author?
My favourite book is “The Sports Gene”, mentioned above, because the book was given to me by my ex – students who
visited me last year when I was hospitalised for an injury. I do not have a favourite author. But I like the book “Kite
Runner” by Khaled Hosseini. I read it many years ago and I recall being very moved by the book. I am very sure that one of
these days, I will pick up the book and read it again.
5. Can you share with us some tips on picking books?
I don’t really like picking up books from the internet or from reading reviews. I like to be at a book store, armed with loads
of time and a book in hand. Then I would go through the book, reading the preface, the first chapter and subsequently
flipping through the pages and reading sections that catch my eye. If the book is a page turner, it should be a good read
from the start and subsequently be able to hold your attention. However, this is not a fool proof method of getting good
books. I have bought some duds before which were good at the start but subsequently were very boring. Nevertheless, I
enjoy the experience of being in a book store and taking my time browsing and choosing which books to buy.
5.What is your favourite/most inspirational quote?
“It is better to be kind than to be right.” -Anne Lamott
2
What’s Happening
in the Library
Open House 2014 & Secondary One CCA Orientation
Open House 2014
On 22nd November 2014, our Librarians took part in
the annual Open House, where the school is open to
the public for parents and primary school students to
see the variety of CCAs Xinmin has to offer. The
Librarians did a presentation for the parents and
students about what our CCA has to offer. The
presentation included the types of activities in the
CCAs and the different types of skills developed in
our CCAs.
Secondary One
CCA Orientation
During the Secondary One Orientation, the
Secondary One students went around the school
to see the different CCAs. Our librarians
presented to the students about library as a
CCA. The students learnt how the librarians
used the MacBooks to create the two enewsletters, Inside Xinmin and Wordsworth.
The librarians also shared about the various
activities in our CCA.
Done
Selvira
Melia
(305)
Done
by:by:Jiang
Ling
(202)
Done
by:
Selvira
(203)
and Charmaine (203)
3
What’s Happening
in the Library
Secondary One Induction & Library Camp
Secondary One Induction
During the induction, the librarians did a presentation. It covered the
library rules and regulations, the Dewey Decimal System, the
recommended reads and magazines as well as the surrounding shelves.
After the presentation, the Secondary Ones enjoyed a game called "The
Amazing Race". In this game, they were given a few questions that
required them to search for the books, applying what they had learnt from
the presentation.
"I feel that the presentation that I had to put up built up my confidence and
improved my oral presentation skills." Syarifah Nabihah Class:204
Library Camp
The librarians enjoyed themselves during the Library Camp from 13th to 14th
March 2015. The planning committee planned a variety of games different from
past years such as blind walk, three-legged race and Minute-to-Win-It games.
These games allowed the new librarians to familiarise themselves with the
current librarians while the graduating librarians had left fond memories.
Many graduated librarians had also surprised the librarians with a visit.
Former Head Librarian, Koh Wei Ling, said she came back “for the people and
the recollecting of memories with my batch and the seniors”.
Done by: Syarifah Nabihah (204)
and Tan Si Jin (401)
4
Well Done Librarians!
Well-peforming Librarians
This year, we are proud to announce that many of our graduated librarians have done us proud in
the ‘O’ levels. We hereby want to congratulate them and also share their experiences.
Jasmine Tay
What were your strategies in coping well with your studies?
To do well academically, it is very important to ask your teachers or friends questions
when you are unclear about a topic. This is because your doubts will only accumulate if
you do not clear them up.
Another thing which helped me a lot was to pay attention during lessons. Even though it
may be tiring to do so especially after a long day of studying, it is wise to do so as it can
save a large amount of time.
Another strategy would be to start revision early. That was repeatedly impressed upon us
by the teachers. Doing so allowed me to finish going through everything that I had learnt
earlier, which then gave me time to put the knowledge into practice and consolidate the
information.
How did you manage your time juggling your CCA and studies?
Setting priorities helped a lot when I was trying to manage my CCA and studies. Even though CCA may be
demanding at times, I think it is important to set aside some time for studies in order to do well. CCA and studies
are equally important but we should not sacrifice one for the other. Listing the things to be done for CCA and
studies and then ranking them according to their importance was a great help. It allowed me to focus on the more
important task at hand, try to complete it as quickly as possible, and move on to the next one.
What are the study skills that you have applied during exams?
One of my study skills is to take clear and precise notes that can be used again and again. Something that is
familiar during your revision will be helpful, as it can stimulate your memory, allowing you to retrieve the
information needed more easily. Do not neglect your weaker subjects or the subjects that you dislike. Spend more
time on them instead and prepare more for them. Take a break every now and then so that you can recharge your
batteries. Ensure that you do not overexert yourself while studying which may tire you out unnecessarily.
What are the things to take note of during examinations?
During examinations, always ensure that you remember your index number and have the necessary stationery.
Remain calm while doing the paper so that you have a clear mind and are able to consider the questions properly.
Take note of the time limit and plan your time properly. If you are unable to finish a question, move on instead of
spending too much time on it.
How do you think being in Library has honed your leadership skills and improved you as a person?
I think joining Library provided me with a lot of opportunities to improve my leadership skills. There were actually
many activities we had to plan and organise, such as camps. Everyone had a chance to lead these events and I learnt
to communicate effectively with my teammates and work well with one another. I was also entrusted with a
leadership role which allowed me to learn how to take charge of a situation and speak out.
Any tips for this batch of Librarians?
Be consistent in your studies and put in effort instead of doing everything at the last minute. Be open with your
friends and family. Learn to rely on them and share your feelings with them. Remain positive and never stop
working towards your goals. It is possible to improve by leaps and bounds.
Done by:Tan Si Jin (401)
5
I am not sure what strategies I used, but one very important factor to do well in
the O Levels is to always make yourself like the subject that you are working on! I
used to hate Additional Mathematics when I was in Secondary Three, but over
time as I followed my teacher and asked my classmates questions, I slowly grew to
love Additional Mathematics. When you are stuck on a particular Math question
or a difficult Chemistry theory, do not ever give up on it! Persevere and ask many
questions and persuade yourself to hang on.
Chee Xin Yi
Doing my homework and read-ups in between lessons is one useful technique to manage your time well!
Always refresh and revise what you have learnt during the previous lesson and make a mental note to read
it again when you go home! As I had heavy commitments on the school newsletter in Secondary Four,
time management was a challenge for me. However, if you do not procrastinate and focus on your
priorities, it will turn out all right.
Practice makes perfect! Practising your weaker chapters or sections makes you familiar with the methods
of working and, makes your mind work faster when you face the questions in future! Taking short naps
when I am home from school helps me to rejuvenate and reenergise myself to study at night!
Take note of how much time should be allocated for each question, and make sure there is always
sufficient time to check afterwards. If you are stuck on a question, move on and tell yourself you can come
back to conquer it. Keeping a peaceful state of mind makes you think faster and solve quicker. You should
also try to write whatever you know about the question first for having something written is better than
leaving the question blank.
How do you think being in Library has honed your leadership skills and improved you as a person?
Library@Xinmin gave me many opportunities to work with wonderful teammates in the newsletter team,
including taking part in the Straits Times National Youth Media Competition. I have also learnt skills in
public speaking when I got the chance to speak in front of the school about the importance of reading. I
have learnt many skills such as bonding during field trips, organising yearly camps and introducing our
CCA during Open House and Secondary One Induction.
Whenever you feel like it is hopeless to go on while studying, tell yourself it is a challenge in itself and not
an obstacle.
6
You always have to believe in your ability and persevere to the end. Behind every
successful student is a mountain of hard work and a sea of perspiration. The size of the
mountain and the sea, differs from person to person. Sometimes, you will find yourself
having to put in more time and effort compared to others, but it is at this point in time
that you have to strive for your goals.
Teng Wei Wen
I never thought of any elaborate strategies or created timetables to help me with my
time management. That is not to say that I have an innate ability to juggle my two
CCAs and my studies. At one point in time, I was getting less than 5 hours of sleep
each day. But this need not happen and with constant adherence to a timetable or
strategy, you should be able to juggle your time well. The key phrase here is “constant
adherence”.
I found that I was more of an auditory learner and studied better alone at home. I was never able to study
efficiently in a group. However, this is not a one-size-fits-all skill. People should experience the various forms
of revision and stick to what they are most comfortable with.
Besides the advice that the teachers give, I believe that one’s rate of breathing and the number of times he/she
looks at a timepiece is also important. They are relatively accurate symptoms of growing anxiety. I believe
that keeping a calm mind is important especially as many ‘O’ level questions can be answered by logic and
calm, rational calculation. Anxiety will not help you to recall anything.
How do you think being in Library has honed your leadership skills and improve you as a person?
“Leadership skills” is understandably, a very broad term and refers to a combination of different skills.
However, I believe that Library hones many if not most of these skills to a certain degree. But most of all, I
feel that Library trains perseverance. Sometimes, it is extremely difficult to do your duty as a librarian and
our journey can be as arduous as anybody else’s. The lesson we have hammered into us at the end of the four
years, is to persevere, even in the face of invincible odds.
A CCA is made up of the people within it and everybody’s contributions or lack thereof affects everybody
else. If everybody is willing to give a bit of enthusiasm and respect to one another, then the CCA will be
something that people look forward to. Remember, this is your journey. It can be difficult, only if you make it
so.
7
Feature Books
Interworld & Divergent Trilogy
Interworld
Joey Harker thought he was an average teenage with an extremely poor sense of
direction---he could get lost in his own house! However, after a Social Studies school
trip, Joey found himself lost in another world and he realised he was a talented
Walker, who could walk from one world to another effortlessly. Joey met Jay who
was part of InterWorld, an organisation that keeps the multi-verse balanced between
science and magic, Joey also learnt about Binary, an organisation that tries to make
the worlds too scientific and HEX, an organisation that tries making them too
magical. While trying to take Joey to the InterWorld Headquarter, Base Town, Jay
was bitten by a giant serpent and died. Feeling guilty as it was his fault that the
serpent bit Jay, Joey decided to join InterWorld and take over Jay’s work. However,
Joey soon faced challenges that put him and other members in a perilous situation.
A collaboration by Neil Gaiman and Michael Reaves, InterWorld is a page-turner for
those interested in Fantasy and Science Fiction. InterWorld is followed by The
Silver Dream and Eternity’s Wheel.
Divergent Trilogy
Divergent trilogy is a series of young adult science fiction adventure novels by Veronica Roth. The trilogy
consists of Divergent, Insurgent and Allegiant. It is a young-adult dystopian novel set in the so-called Divergent
Universe.
Divergent, Insurgent and Allegiant all take place in the same area, a futuristic and dystopian vision of Chicago.
Society defines its citizens by their social and personality-related affiliation with five different factions, which
removes the threat of anyone exercising independent will and re-threatening the population's safety. Beatrice
Prior, who later changed her name to Tris, an Abnegation-born and Dauntless transfer, must figure out her life
as a Divergent. If the Dauntless leaders find her out she will be killed. She must learn to conceal her ability.
And as the journey continues , Tris must keep everyone safe-including herself.
and Venus Lim (301)
8
N
ARR EW
IVA
LS!
Book Reviews
Sheila Turnage, Three Times Lucky
Call no.: TUR
Rising sixth grader Miss Moses LoBeau lives in the small town of Tupelo Landing, NC,
where everyone's business is fair game and no secret is sacred. She washed ashore in a
hurricane eleven years ago, and she's been making waves ever since. Although Mo hopes
someday to find her "upstream mother", she's found a home with the Colonel--a café owner
with a forgotten past of his own--and Miss Lana, the fabulous café hostess. She will protect
those she loves with every bit of her strong will and tough attitude. So when a lawman comes
to town asking about a murder, Mo and her best friend, Dale Earnhardt Johnson III, set out
to uncover the truth in hopes of saving the only family Mo has ever known.
Andrew Lane, Death Cloud
Call no.: LAN
As his classmates pack up and prepare to depart boarding school for summer break, 14-year-old
Sherlock Holmes is summoned to the headmaster's study. There, Sherlock's older brother,
Mycroft, shares some disturbing news. Their father has been dispatched to India, and due to their
mother's delicate condition, Sherlock will not be able to return home for the summer. Sherlock
pleads his case to stay in London with Mycroft, but his older brother's job prohibits him from
caring for the inquisitive and active teenager.
Sherlock's summer turns from mind-numbingly dull to promising after he meets a boy his age
while hiking in the woods around his uncle's estate. Through unconventional training methods,
Crowe taps into Sherlock's inquisitive nature and powers of deduction. During one excursion,
young Sherlock spies what appears to be a cloud of black smoke rising from a man's body. After
discovering a disfigured corpse covered with bloody boils, he uses observation and intuition to
deduce how the body got into the woods and what caused the man's death. As he and his cohorts
dig deeper, they uncover a sinister plot masterminded by a twisted villain bent on bringing down
the British Empire.
William Fiennes, The Music Room
Call no.: FIE
In the novel’s opening scene, Marty Lambert vacuums the hundred self-adhesive glow-inthe-dark stars from the ceiling of the nursery that would have belonged to his firstborn child.
Months earlier his wife suffered a second miscarriage, and he and his wife are now separated.
The phone rings and a New York detective informs him that his brother Perry is dead, having
thrown himself off the twenty-third floor of a midtown hotel. In the general wash of his own
marital failures and disappointments, Marty’s first impulse is to feel sorry for himself. It is a
self-pity which, on the way to New York to claim his brother’s body, gradually dissolves to be
replaced by a single focusing purpose: to discover why his brother, in neither apparent crisis
nor despair, would take his own life.
Done by: Venus Lim (301)
and Selvira Melia (305)
9
N
ARR EW
IVA
L
Book Reviews

S!
Trenton Lee Stewart, The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict
Call no.: STE
When John gets adopted, and the Spiders burn John's letter, Nicholas escapes from the
orphanage. He then meets a lawyer who is kind to him. Wanting to be like the lawyer, he
returns to the orphanage. He then discovers that John was adopted by Violet's family.
Violet, who wants to go to art school, plans on giving up going to art school so that Nicholas
can be adopted by them, too. Nicholas, however, refuses. He then discovers that the treasure
he finds is nothing more than a library.
Madeleine L’Engle, A Wrinkle in Time
Call no.: LEN
It was a dark and stormy night; Meg Murry, her small brother Charles Wallace, and her mother
had gone to the kitchen for a midnight snack when they were upset by the arrival of a
disturbing stranger.
"Wild nights are my glory," the unearthly stranger told them. "I just got caught in a
downdraft and blown off course. Let me be on my way. Speaking of way, by the way, there is
such a thing as a tesseract".
Meg's father had been experimenting with this fifth dimension of time travel when he
mysteriously disappeared. Now the time has come for Meg, her friend Calvin, and Charles
Wallace to rescue him. But can they outwit the forces of evil they encounter on their heartstopping journey through space?
Done by: Venus Lim (301)
and Selvira Melia (305)
WORDSWORTH EDITORIAL TEAM
Teacher Advisor:
Mdm Rebecca Abey
Layout designer:
Selvira Melia (305)
Student Committee:
Tan Si Jin (401)
Selvira Melia (305)
Venus Lim (301)
Syarifah Nabihah (204)
10

Wordsworth 2015 Semester 1

Transcription

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