We want you. Yes, you with the burning passion to unleash that inner beastmode in a sport that requires determination, strength and stamina.

Have you heard of Touch Rugby? Though it has the word, “Rugby” in it, Rugby and Touch Rugby are two very different sports! Unlike conventional Rugby, Touch is a limited-contact sport with the tackling of opposing players replaced by a touch. Each attack consists of only 6 touches, before possession of the ball changes over. Every time a touch is made, defenders have to back 5 metres before they can proceed to make another touch.

Scoring a try, passing, and taking a touch

In Raffles Touch Rugby, we train really hard to constantly improve as a team and foster a strong, undefeated team spirit. Working cohesively together as a team is no easy feat, especially under great pressure and physical demands. But the amazing team spirit built within each batch fills each “Trugger” with the passion and zeal we need to pull through and carry on.

Touch Rugby may be a completely alien sport to many of you now. You may be unsure as to what the trainings will entail and whether you will enjoy the sport. But rest assured, you’re not alone! Most, if not all of us, were new to the sport prior to joining Touch. As long as you keep an open mind, are keen to learn, and don’t mind getting muddy at times (it’s fun, really!), there’s no reason why you shouldn’t join us and give this sport a try! With our very friendly, approachable, and talented coach, Weigen, who is always there to provide encouragement and support, there is simply nothing to fear!

Some prerequisites include being agile and having ball sense. These are very important in the sport and will be tested during the trials. Some drills that will be tested during the trials are agility ladder, sprints and lateral passing. Besides agility and speed, communication with your teammates is very crucial in Touch. It is certainly challenging and tiring to have to communicate with one another throughout the game, but being vocal further contributes to the clarity of roles and effectiveness of teamplay on field!  There will be plenty of opportunities to brush up on these skills during our trainings, which are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4.30pm to 6.30pm. The intensity of trainings will increase prior to season and matches.

The Touch Rugby team

We get the opportunity to participate in various competitions, the most important being the JC League held from March to May. The other tournaments include the NTU Touch Attack, Todaks Dive Touch, Clifford Chance Touch Championship and Asian All Schools Championship. These tournaments provide us with the opportunity to put our skills to the test and learn many lessons on field.

Before we end off, here’re some honest words from the bottom of our hearts…

“Touch has been a great sport to pick up and the experience has been really enriching. Although trainings can be challenging, especially after a tiring day at school, the support that my team offers is a great encouragement and I’m truly grateful to be part of the Touch Rugby family!” – Riddhi Anbalagan, 15S03D

“I certainly had my doubts and fears about picking up this new sport, and there are times even now when I wonder whether I made the right decision to join Touch! It hasn’t been easy, but it has given me the opportunity to try something new and push myself to my limits alongside a family of passionate and supportive teammates, which I’m very thankful for!!” – Rachel Kwek, 15S03E

“I like Touch as it gives me the opportunity to grow not just as an athlete but also as a person!! It pushes me to move out of my comfort zone and helps to train me to be more situationally aware.” -Mazie Tan, 15SO3J

“Touch has been a breath of fresh air for me since day one!! I am constantly challenged to push beyond my boundaries and achieve better results not just as an individual, but more importantly, as a team.” – Rita Lee, 15SO3P

Touch Rugby ’15

At this point, we hope you’re all hyped up and ready to join us! See you at the field for a free-of-charge mud spa!

One of the 4 service CCAs in RI, Interact has a large focus on direct service. We believe that the personal touch profoundly changes both our own lives and those of the people we serve.

In the middle of our yearbook photoshoot, we became the backdrop for a wedding photo

An Interactor’s time in the club will be one that is jam-packed and exciting. All Interactors are attached to service centres (SCs) where they have weekly service sessions with our beneficiaries. We serve a diverse range of people in our community, from children who come from less privileged backgrounds to the elderly. Service is never boring as members are encouraged to go the extra mile and take the initiative to organize their own unique programmes in collaboration with their respective SCs.

Every Interactor is also involved in planning at least one major club event: Interact Camp, Youth Got Heart, Dine in the Dark and a new addition, the Singapore Youth Interactors’ Symposium. Interact Camp introduces the true meaning of service to our new J1s; the Singapore Youth Interactors’ Symposium brings like-minded Interactors from around Singapore together, strengthening bonds and in turn strengthening our heart for service; Youth Got Heart and Dine in the Dark reach out to the general public.

Youth Got Heart 2014, a community service road show organized by Interact

Diners at Dine In The Dark

Moreover, Interactors go down for club service once every few months. In 2014, we helped out in the Stop Bedbugs Now programme (a house-cleaning project) and at the Elderly Service Network’s annual carnival for the elderly. Club service is one of the many ways through which we bond as a CCA and get to know each other better while serving the community. Ad-hoc service opportunities are also regularly offered for those who wish to sign up individually or with a group of CCA-mates.

Fashionably decked in our protective suits for “Stop Bedbugs Now”

Club service at Willing Hearts’ Soup Kitchen

Besides local events, Interact has an annual International Understanding (IU) Trip, an overseas service learning trip where a team of interactors go abroad to serve an overseas community. This is so that Interactors can open their eyes to the wider world and challenge their previous notions of service — after all, Interact stands for “International Action”! This year, we were able to go to Phnom Penh to serve at the UNCAS Home. During this IU trip, our greatest takeaway was not how to raise funds more efficiently or to better “help” people — it was our newfound understanding of the community’s motivations and tenacity, which allowed us to better empathise and not sympathise.

International Understanding trip 2014

For us Interactors, service is always enjoyable because we do it together — as part of our service-centre groups, self formed teams, or even as an entire club. Interact is a big CCA, with around 80 people per batch. This gives us the opportunity to meet like-minded friends, and take on large-scale projects that would otherwise not be possible. Furthermore, Interact is part of a larger network of clubs around Singapore, so you may meet Interactors from diverse backgrounds. At Stop Hunger Now, over 350 interactors from different schools came together to pack over 8000 meals!

Interactors are not defined by their numerous hours dedicated to service nor the multitude of events that they have participated in, but rather by their passion to serve and their will to learn. After all, the best moments in service are those when you begin to understand more about yourself, when you truly understand why you are doing what you are doing, and when you can finally understand someone else. If you think such an experience is for you, consider becoming one of us!

Interactors have 2 CCA days a week — General Meetings on Wednesday, and one other day to visit their service centre. Commitment is spread out over the year, though the majority of club events are held in Semester 1.

Any S03 student will tell you a primer is a strand of nucleic acid that serves as a starting point for DNA synthesis. But, what is a BB primer?  You must be wondering what primers even mean. “Primers” is borrowed from a structured program for 16-18 year old youths administered by The Boys’ Brigade in Singapore (BB). We are a relatively young CCA under RJC, established in 2012 after many cohorts of graduating Year 4s from RI (Y1-4) BB and RGS Girls’ Brigade decided to continue to serve as Primers in RI BB.

Looking smart in our Day Dress for our Annual Parade

Primers primarily teach and plan. Since we serve at RI BB, we are effectively tasked with imparting skills that are required for the boys in RI BB to attain core badges. For instance, for the Adventure badge, we teach boys how to construct simple tents, map navigation and knot tying skills, which are applied in a 3D2N March Adventure Camp. We organize competition trainings for boys, like Drill Competition, which of course require more commitment such as over a whole term compared to just badge lesson planning alone which is generally less intensive. If the technical knowledge seems daunting, fret not because there are adult officers who are very helpful and would be there to guide you along.

In teaching, relationships matter. To a large extent, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” If you choose to commit to this CCA, be prepared to invest time in building friendships with your mentees, namely the boys under your charge.

Head Primer Victor Gwee (15S06C) giving a briefing for competition training

Primer drill trainers at Drill Competition

CCA times for RI BB are 4-6pm on Mondays and Wednesdays. Other intensive periods would be competition seasons which effectively run all year round due to the back-to-back competitions RI BB participates in.  A nice perk about BB primers is that the commitment level and commitment dates are much more flexible than other CCAs. You will get to chose what you would like to teach or which competition training you would like to helm, or perhaps even multiple roles. Also as a teacher, the dates you chose to teach the lessons are much more fluid.

What our entire batch of 21 primers (Year 5s ‘14) can attest to is the friendships we have strengthened as we moved on to JC together as well as making new friends with our newly found batchmates coming from the other campus, either Bishan or Orchard.

Not just a CCA, but family :)

FAQ 1: Can girls join? What if I wasn’t part of the BB programme in Secondary School?

Yes! In fact, approximately half of our batch is made up of female primers. The Primers programmes also caters to youths who did not have the opportunity to join the BB before. Don’t be too worried about experience; the graduating batch of primers and officers will be there to guide you, and so will your fellow batchmates!

FAQ 2: How does it count towards the Raffles Diploma and other awards?

The program culminates in the Anchor Award (RD Merit) which is attained by many Primers after completing a certain number of hours of service, attending courses and participating in an adventure expedition. This runs in parallel with the NYAA Gold award in a way that the two awards can be simultaneously pursued. Finally, the President’s Award (RD Distinction) is the pinnacle of the Primers Programme, awarded to a handful of Primers who have distinguished themselves in leadership and service.

Ever thought of becoming the next Oliver Queen, Legolas Greenleaf or Katniss Everdeen? Well then please make your way to Raffles Players’ trials to fulfill your dreams of a career in Hollywood! Back to reality. While Archery may seem like an effortless walk in the park, the truth is far from it. Like all sports (except volleyball), tireless effort and consistent practice has to be put in for one to excel in the sport. If you are not afraid of handstand pushups and getting hit by arrows, read on. No pressure.

Official trainings are on Wednesday and Friday from 3pm to 6pm, though you are encouraged to go to an external archery range on weekends.

Since the official training duration is relatively short compared to that of most sport CCAs, every second of training is absolutely precious. Archery trainings are enjoyable and exciting, yet we demand high levels of commitment and discipline. During the first half of the year or so, trainings will mostly entail physical training and lessons on basic shooting techniques, but don’t be discouraged! Even though the start of the archery journey is rather bumpy and rough like a bad case of acne, the joy of shooting you will savour in the next few months makes up for all the arduous trainings you have to endure.

There are a few things to take note of before you join us in our quest for glory. Firstly, our Archers should be prepared to purchase personal bows and equipment with a price range of $2000-$3000. But don’t worry, as there are financial avenues to tap on should you need them. You can also purchase second-hand bows which are much cheaper and can cost less than $1500. Secondly, archery may not be considered for the National Colours Award in 2015 as it is currently not recognized by the Singapore Schools Sports Council (SSSC). This is subject to change, nevertheless, there will be an inter-school competition hosted by Archery Association of Singapore (AAS) every year.

Our peak periods are January, March and April. We have an annual overseas competition in Thailand in mid to late January and our inter-school competition is in late April. Hence, you may want to keep those periods free to study and train consistently!

Lastly, let us introduce to you our archery coach, Ken. Although he may seem slightly intimidating and more-than-slightly insane, he is actually a fantastic coach and caring mentor, so please don’t be scared to approach him!

Even though Archery is generally considered an individual sport, we place high importance in teamwork and unity. We firmly believe that while excelling in the sport is of utmost priority, the friendships and bonds that are forged within our team are equally important. As a team, we train hard and play hard together. We assist one another by offering advice, pointing out errors and competing in a friendly manner.

So, if you think you have what it takes to join our team of champions, come and prove it at the Raffles Archery trials. See you there.

“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.”

― Thomas Merton

Does the art you see in museums stump you? Are you sometimes occupied with this image in your head, or a feeling that haunts you that you wish to express? There is a picture inside your head, of a person, a landscape, the perfect sculpture, a message you want to show. You want to take that image, that vision, and materialize it in our world, sharing it with people but words just can’t do the job. It wants to be shown, through paper, pencil, paints, crafts, card, clay, wires, space, anything, and you want it to be you who brings it to life. But you have no experience in that particular medium, and no idea where to start, except for the fact that you are fairly certain your new sculpture isn’t supposed to look like a mutant snowman.

And that is where Art Club comes in, be it to serve your desire to create, or help you understand how the Mona Lisa’s smile can be so mysterious.

Art Club is a community of like-minded individuals who share a burning passion to create, a love for art and a desire to understand it. Our vision is for our members to learn how to appreciate and understand art by exposing them to different mediums while also acquiring technical skills with them. In Art Club, you can transform your mutant snowman into the one residing in your mind’s eye, and possibly in five different mediums, too!

If you are interested in being a member of the club, simply come down to the Art Room during CCA trials and be prepared for an Art activity with some good-cop, bad-cop interviewing. Don’t let this deter you though! What we look for in our members is an interest in art, an open mindset and a willingness to work hard for what they love, prior experience is not required! Though if you have something you would like to show us (e.g. portfolio, sketchbooks etc.) please do bring it during the interview so we can learn more about what you like :)

Club sessions are held every Wednesday, generally in the Y5-6 Art room from 2.30pm to 5.30pm but our location sometimes changes depending on what we are learning. For our sessions you can expect a range of workshops spanning across the year, giving you the opportunity to experience different art forms and learn the skills and knowledge behind various mediums. This will also be complemented with visits to art exhibitions to connect what we do and see. We also have an annual CCA camp.

This year, we have had workshops ranging from clay art to cardboard construction, each spanning 2 to 4 weeks. We also had sharing sessions by artists, including a fellow alumna who is now a highly acclaimed ceramic artist. Art Club also produces an exhibition each year where they can showcase their works throughout the year or produce work according to their own theme. Last year, the year 6s produced an art exhibition revolving around the theme “Up”, featuring their own artworks.

So if you want to discover your hidden potential, nurture your passion and explore the endless possibilities with art, Raffles Art Club would be delighted to have you as a member of our small but cosy and slightly funky community!

Hockey is not a game for the faint-hearted. It demands much out of those who play it, but the experience it gives you is unlike any other. The two unforgettable years that you will have in hockey will give you a real taste of playing a team sport while training your discipline, fitness and coordination.

Phoebe Neo, captain of the girls’ team, fending off an opponent

Beyond the technical details about the sport, what Hockey really gives you is a chance to grow with and experience all the pain, tears and joy with a group of teammates that will eventually become as close as family. Camaraderie and all the small things that come with being a team are huge parts of playing Hockey. It is as important as any level of skill or fitness and is our focus here in Raffles Hockey. We aim to develop a team of tight-knit players who share their time together not just during the sport, but in all other things in their lives. Apart from individual excellence, we hope to have a team which looks out for each other, where no member is left behind.

Anirudh Srivathsan and Harshvir Singh leading the counter-attack for the boys’ team

Our training sessions usually take place twice a week for three hours each, however as it nears our season, we will train three times a week. The “A” Division competition begins between April and May and lasts for around a month. Selection involves a simple trial held in the beginning of the year and all are extremely welcome to try out! In the trial, general fitness and form with the ball will be assessed, though it is really just about letting everyone there get a feel of the game and how it works. Some things to note if you’re interested in joining hockey is that equipment required for the game is minimal. Just three items are required- a hockey stick, shoes and shin pads. Sticks come in all styles and colours and will become a personal signature when you play- almost just like an extension of your body. If you are unsure about where to get these items, do not worry! Your seniors will be more than happy to guide you through the process.

The girls’ team are all smiles after playing their hearts out in the finals this year

All in all, hockey is not just a sport … it’s a lifestyle. Joining hockey will undoubtedly bring you through one of the best and most exciting journeys of your life. You will experience many highs and lows, heartbreaks and joys, and in the end you may or may not achieve success in the A Division competition. However, what is certain is that the bonds you make and the fun you have with the team are things that will stay with you through the rest of your life. After all, it’s the journey that counts, and doing it as a team, side by side with people you’ll grow to trust and depend on, makes it a wonderful one no matter what the end result is. Even when you’re fifty, we’re sure the experiences that you have in Raffles Hockey will still be held close to your heart. So come join us, and make “we” become “ours”.

Quick, what comes to your mind when I say ‘film’?

Chances are that it’s the last movie you watched. Maybe it’s a three hour blockbuster stuffed full of explosions and adventure? Or a heart wrenching drama, with a crying protagonist standing alone in the rain? Perhaps a colourful, musical world constructed from the imagination and computer screens of Pixar studios? Whatever movie has popped up in your head, it has left you with a different kind of experience.

Film Society club members

Imagine being the person who is behind this magical, complicated construct called a movie. Conceptualising, writing, building, directing, filming… you, too, can step into the shoes of James Cameron and create the next Avatar. Similarly, like James Cameron, you don’t need to go to film school, or have any knowledge of film in particular beforehand. Under the guidance of our instructor and teacher in charge, Mr Kelvin Sng and Mr Chia Wei Hou, the only prerequisites for Film Society is to have the passion to learn new skills and strive to tell your story on the silver screen. While having plenty of fun along the way, of course.

Opportunities in FIlm Society are aplenty. Along with the occasional promotional video for the school, Raffles Film Society holds 2 annual showcases every year to show off our members’ original films: one during our internal Arts Season, and another external showcase, held in a real theatre. This is an unique opportunity to experience the film industry on a small, but valuable scale. Plus, members can also participate in both national and international film competitions, and possibly even have their films screened at film festivals, such as the annual Short Cuts, hosted by the National Museum of Singapore. If you find that photography or the written word is insufficient for the stories you want to tell, then may we suggest: Film.

Poster for our showcase at The Singapore Arts House

Admittedly, to produce a film is immense work, even more so with school work and project work to juggle. Film Society sessions are held once a week, on either Wednesdays/Fridays between 3.30 and 6.30pm(TBC), however, these sessions are for learning skills and reviewing movies, and members must be prepared to find their own time and place outside of sessions for making their films. Hence, it is strongly advisable to take on film as a single commitment.

The audience may be watching only a few minutes on screen, but every second is carefully calculated, backed by dozens of hours of planning. It is a tough journey, yet when the credits roll and you hear the applause of the audience, it can’t be any more fulfilling. We welcome you to Raffles Film Society to explore, experience and express your own silver screen journey.

As James Cameron says: “Because if you make a film and you put your name on it that says ‘Directed by,’ even if it’s the worst piece of cr*p in the world and cost no money, everything after that, you’re a director.”

You step up to the plate, bat in your hands, ready to face the ball. The pitcher fires it – right at your weak spot. “Strike!” the umpire calls. Taking a deep breath, you steady your nerves. You’ll get the next one. But you’re too eager, too anxious, and you swing too early. “Strike two!” One more strike and you’re out. It’s all or nothing now. Your grip on the bat firms, and you eye the ball with a renewed sense of hunger. The ball approaches, and this time, you wait for the perfect moment to swing.

Closer.

Closer.

Now.

Welcome, to the game of Softball.

As with any other sport, Softball is a game that requires both physical and mental strength. And though the high demands of each game can leave players exhausted, it can build them up as well. Build them to be resilient, to believe in their abilities, and to be brave enough to push themselves beyond their limits. It creates team players that trust one another and are willing to put the team before themselves.

Strongly supported by the Softball alumni, our teachers and coaches, the RJ Softball team takes part in several tournaments and friendly matches yearly – both local and overseas. For instance, the SRC-SBSA Softball Carnival, AIA-SBSA Kallang Softball Open and Chiang Mai Open Softball Tournament. This year, our dream is to clinch 1st place in the National Inter-Schools Softball Championships 2015, and through this process to improve team bonding and camaraderie.

We are keen to attract dedicated people interested in playing in our sport, and who dare to try and want to win. Like most sports, we rely very heavily on the hard work and commitment of individuals who give their time and energy to support our activities. These consist of trainings which are three times per week, as well as major and minor competitions that are well distributed throughout the year.

Our training hours are as follows:

Monday: 3.30 – 7.00

Wednesday: 2.30 – 7.00

Friday: 3.30 – 7.00

Our peak period is in the months of March and April, when the intensity of the National competition kicks in.

We do not deny that Softball is one intensive sport. The agony under the sweltering heat to master that perfect psychomotor of receiving a grounder with your glove, getting up, point, flick and throw. The slapping of who knows how many balls with an anti-clockwise hip turn, timed accurately, together with a sweet contact, sending the ball zooming past the fielders. The body aches, bloody blisters and enormous blue blacks that come after a hard game. These are just a glimpse of our depth of work. But the pain cannot compare to the joy that comes with the celebration of our best athletic moments and the culmination of our labour in a solid, good game. And the best part is: you will never walk alone. Are you ready to take on this challenge? Join our team. Join our family. Join Softball.

Family. Fun. Adventure.

Leveraging on both the challenges and experiences provided by the Outdoors, the Outdoor Adventure and Activities Club (ODAC) serves as a platform to develop leaders within each and every ODACian. Fostering respect for the self, others, and the environment lies at the heart of what we do, be it camping, kayaking, or even cycling around Singapore in the wee hours of the morning. As a close-knit group of adventurers, we pride ourselves in our willingness to embrace novel experiences and grow and learn together.

ODAC 30 at the peak of Mount Yong Yap, Malaysia (June Expedition)

 “With each new adventure bringing with it the unexpected, stepping out of your comfort zone will likely be the rule rather than the norm.” – Ivan, 15S06C

Every ODACian will encounter key milestones along his/her journey in ODAC. These are the Basic Training Camp (BTC), June Expedition, Gear Up (a night cycling event) and the December Expedition. Each of these key milestones serves as an important goal for the CCA to work towards to. The overseas June and December expeditions will, arguably, be the highlights of your first year in ODAC. Seniors take on more responsibility in their second year through planning events. Do not fret – no superhuman level of physical fitness or superb organisational skills are necessary. A willingness to learn and work as a team, however, is indispensable.

ODAC 30 Cycling at Pulau Ubin during our December Adventure

Trainings are held every Monday (4.30pm – 6.30pm) and Wednesday (2.30pm – 6.30pm) with some of the longer Wednesday sessions used for out-of-school training. Training sessions are varied, consisting physical training, skills training and preparing for our milestone events, just to name a few. To add to our repertoire of outdoor-related skills, batches are encouraged to attend kayaking and sport climbing certification courses, which then enable them to pursue these activities at their own time.

ODAC 29 & ODAC 30 Kayaking at Kallang River

Due to the nature of our activities, there will be some costs incurred to purchase personal equipment and pay for overseas expeditions and courses. With our major expeditions taking place in June and November/December, do note that ODACians are advised against joining enrichment programmes that may hold trips in the same period.

You may be wondering how 2 years in ODAC would benefit you. Well, enjoying the outdoors will require certain prerequisite skills such as cooking, first aid, and simple construction — skills that will be taught and be applicable for life. Without a doubt, ODACians will learn how to be contributing members of a group, look out for fellow members, and make key decisions that will affect the welfare of others, just like any effective leader would.

ODAC 29 & ODAC 30 on the Pipe-A-Pipe Trek

Perhaps one of the most rewarding takeaways from being in ODAC would be the revelation of how remarkable our little island actually is. Going to places you have never been to before and discovering hidden gems of natural beauty make trainings all the more enriching. Last but not least, you’ll make friendships with people from different walks of life, bonded through shared bitter and sweet experiences in the Outdoors. These friendships can last a lifetime – ask our seniors from ODAC 16, whom we met at our CCA homecoming event this year.

ODAC 16, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30 at ODACIA 2014, our CCA homecoming event

Lugging a 15 kg backpack through a dense forest may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but we ODAcians firmly believe that the toil is more than worth the time we spend supporting each other, singing around campfires, and indulging in marvels that Nature presents us with.

“Expect nothing, appreciate everything!” – Pethanakshi, 15S03B

The wilderness is calling out to those with a thirst for adventure close to heart; a can-do attitude; and an open mind. If you think you’re up for it, come join us and create an adventure to call your own.

Raffles HSTA will be hosting a JIP Elective ‘Fun with MUN’ for budding MUNners on 21 Jan (Wed) from 2.25-6 at A71-72. Do join us if you want to find out more about how Model UN works! We will be demonstrating scenarios before getting you on board for an interesting MUN simulation. There will also be other exciting activities related to current affairs. Don’t worry if you have zero experience because there will be seniors guiding you along! Walk-ins are most welcome :)

5 Reasons why you have to Join HSTA: History and Strategic Affairs Society

HSTA’s representatives at the recently-concluded Harvard Model Congress Asia 2015

The History and Strategic Affairs Society (HSTA, formerly HISSOC) is the place to be to engage your interest in global and local affairs. Through our trainings, competitions and speaker engagements, you will hone your skills in public speaking, negotiation and critical thinking. Moreover, you’ll get to make new friends outside of school and go abroad.

As the institution’s oldest club, HSTA remains one of the most popular CCAs, receiving close to a hundred applications annually. There remains no maximum size and the only prerequisites are passion, courage to speak up and commitment to weekly sessions held from 3.30-6pm or 3-5.30pm every Wednesday. While this means you can sign up for 2nd CCAs, you reap what you sow in preparation for each session.  Although “History” as a subject is not immediately relevant to HSTA, it remains in our name in honour of the club’s rich heritage.

Here’re why you should join us.

1. Join the vibrant Model United Nations (MUN) scene

MUN forms the cornerstone of HSTA’s training and competition programme. We also organise Raffles MUN for secondary school students. MUN conferences are prestigious events where you will represent countries to negotiate solutions to the world’s pressing issues. Regardless of experience, you will be given exclusive opportunities to represent the Institution in MUNs, including Yale-NUS Asia Pacific Model United Nations, and Harvard Model Congress Asia held in Hong Kong.

Why should you MUN? Council Secretary Tan Yi Chern from 15S03N, part of the team that clinched the “Best School Delegation” at Yale-NUS Model ASEAN (YMA), describes MUN as a “window of opportunity into the fascinating world of history and the political world of diplomacy; one where your window is as large as your imagination and one where the experiences you gain by sticking your head out are invaluable.” For the “less metaphor-inclined”, former RGS Head Prefect Chloe Wong from 15S06N exclaims, “apart from giving you exposure to current affairs which will undoubtedly come in handy in daily life or your studies, MUNning also gives you the chance to meet (and learn to negotiate with) many wonderful people from other schools! I recommend you to give this once-in-a-lifetime experience a shot.”

Sign up for our Fun with MUN JIP elective to see what MUN is about.

2. We embrace Newcomers!

In fact, primarily newcomers join us every year. Newcomers, we can guarantee to you that the learning environment is inclusive.

HSTA is the only A-Level Institution Club in Singapore that offers regular MUN Training. This means you’ll get tonnes more experience and mentorship than most participants at every MUN conference. You will be given training materials we developed. Experienced alumni and seniors conduct weekly workshops, simulations and consultations, where newcomers can learn the basics in an inclusive learning environment. Here’s what Josiah Kek (15A01C), Youth Ambassador of World Vision Singapore, has to comment: “I was new to MUNning when I joined HSTA. MUN procedures, resolution writing and caucuses were foreign to me. Thanks to the many MUN training opportunities that HSTA offered, I got the hang of MUNning quite quickly. I made mistakes at first, but embracing mistakes and correcting them accelerated my growth as a MUNner.” Josiah won the Outstanding Delegation Award at YMA. We would like to add that it is perfectly fine that you do not aim to win, but we hope you will at least try to contribute to discussions.

More-experienced future members, you can expect to learn new things and sharpen your skills during the training sessions. Our experienced members have learnt to apply immensely useful tips and tricks that they otherwise had not gotten from mere experience, especially since MUN chairs rarely give feedback. You will get opportunities to chair simulations and assist newcomers (often an important lobbying skill for MUNs). You will also help train our Year 3-4 wing in RGS and RI (Year 1-4).

3. You will Learn from the Best

Model UN Training by Teoh Ren Jie, our Vice-President in 2011. He has been in the Singapore National Debate team for 5 years, won the Best Speaker award in 2011 and 2012 World Championships and is currently in Harvard’s MUN team.

Our 2015 batch includes one of the best Model United Nations teams in Singapore to train you. Furthermore, we often have guest trainers such as Mr. Caleb Liu (GP department) and illustrious alumni. HSTA after all has strong alumni support and boast in our alumni’s ranks several outstanding leaders in politics, foreign affairs and the private sector. In 2011 alone, 2 President’s Scholars came from HSTA.

During some of our weekly sessions off-competition season, alumnus speakers will enlighten you on international relations in the real world. You can for instance look out for a talk by Mr. Dileep Nair, current High Commissioner to Ghana and former Under-Secretary General at the UN. We will also be inviting professional trainers to sharpen your negotiation skills. Finally, you can look out for a field trip to either the embassy or the parliament house.

4. You can Share your Passion for Global Affairs and Engage in Local Affairs

Official banner of the Singapore Model Parliament organisation.

If you’re interested in writing on strategic affairs and maybe even history, you can join us in overseeing a school-wide newsletter on the above topic. We have an in-house Chief Editor who will mentor you. What’s more, for those very interested in writing, you can participate in Model UN as a press delegate, taking on the role of world journalists to report on the debates. A speaker series where prominent leaders will share about strategic affairs and history is also in the works.

In terms of local affairs, HSTA has our own Parliament Programme, featuring exclusive opportunities for you to take part in the Legislative Bill Challenge and Model Parliament, as well as possible visits to the Parliament.

5. Meet Like-Minded Friends and Pioneer Projects

Upon closer examination, you will realise that some faces have been photoshopped in, because … HSTA believes in inclusivity.

You can look forward to club meals, camps, movies, gatherings, and ultimately a close-knit family.

With this camaraderie, you get to initiate your own projects with batchmates more easily. We encourage you to initiate projects regarding heritage and strategic affairs. For instance, some of HSTA’s members are involved in the SG50: Becoming Bishan project. The club is pioneering ‘the Voice’ in collaboration with Debate and Gavel: a nationwide primary school oral skills training programme for underprivileged Primary 5 children. You can take part as a coach when you join us.

In conclusion, join our CCA for a dynamic and exciting experience, and HSTA la vista! For more information, please visit raffleshsta.com or email your queries to raffleshsta@gmail.com.

“The whole idea of Track and Field is not to beat your opponents, but to beat the little voice inside your head that wants you to quit.” – Lee Jun Lei, member of RI Track and Field 2014-2015

Track and field is the epitome of athleticism, a sport at its purest. Sweat, tears, blood constantly coax us to give up, and yet despite all these, we trackers continue to adore running, jumping and throwing. Why? Well, this is best encapsulated in our motto for this year: “We run because, we train despite.” Our differing goals and motivations are unified by the shared passion and shared vision of just very simply, doing our best.  It isn’t an easy sport, but the will and grit it imbues you with may well make it one of the most rewarding experiences of a lifetime. And you can be sure that every step of the way will be accompanied by the myriad of voices from our team so variated, yet unshakeable in our ardent unity.

The range of events in Track and Field is perhaps most telling of its all-encompassing nature where all are welcome no matter where your abilities lie. The specialisation of events brings out the focus needed to perfect the specificities of each event.  Gifted with strength? The javelin, shot put, discus beckons. Have an extra spring in your step? The sand pit and high jump mat are an inviting home where hours will be spent perfecting your jump technique. And of course, running. The intensity of a 100m race where months of training boil down to little more than ten seconds of a race, the mental fortification of running kilometre after kilometre in preparation of 800m where it’s do or die. You may ask, why do we do this? To us, it is not about the medals or winning competitions. What drives us is the simple satisfaction of beating our previous best timing, height, distance. Being able to see improvements with training, no matter how slight they are: that is enough to keep us going.

However, RJ Track and Field isn’t all hardcore trainings and competitions. We and our coaches want to have fun as a team too, so every now and then we have exciting trainings at Botanic Gardens or the beach, where the training is a game and there are even cash prizes to be won. Besides that, members can look forward to team events throughout the year such as Track Camp (February), Track Night (June) and Track Chalet (December), and Movie Nights where we bond and spend time together off the track.

Intense game of Juggernaut/Running Man during Track Camp

For many of us, Track and Field is our second family. Our teammates are our pillars of support, both on and off the track: from cheering each other on during gruelling trainings, to last-minute mugging together before CTs. Our seniors, who are much more like older siblings than seniors, are always willing to give advice regarding training or even school life in general. Many of our seniors continue to return to guide and mentor us even after they have graduated. Behind the scenes, our kind and passionate CCA Teacher ICs guide our EXCO in doing what’s best for the team and work tirelessly to ensure that all our CCA’s needs are met. And of course our dedicated and (self-proclaimed) hilarious coaches, whose training and mentorship have not only enabled us to perform the best that we can in our events, but who have imparted values in us and have nurtured us into being the people we are today.

Beach Training at East Coast Park

Now, many of you who are reading this may have never had experience in Track & Field, and you may be wondering whether it is a good decision to join Track & Field in JC. Many of us had the same dilemma that you may be having now when we were choosing our CCAs one year ago. Indeed, we had our initial fears and doubts. However, we will wholeheartedly tell you that we have had no regrets joining Track & Field, this CCA that we’ve grown to love. Gabrielle See, Clara Chua, Rachel Ang and Huang Zi Xian, all of whom did not have prior experience in track nor sports CCAs in secondary school, share why they joined Track & Field and their experiences thus far:

Gabrielle See: I have always loved running since I was younger. Other than track relays held within school, I have had minimal experience, and hence jumped at the opportunity to do so here. I had especially loved long distance running as it was my outlet to clear my thoughts and to release my energy (and to build up fitness at the same time!). But somehow, I ended up in jumps instead! But I’m still very thankful for the chance given to be able to train under such a patient, loving and understanding coach, as well as alongside teammates that are encouraging and have been there for me every step (literally) of the way in track. These people are the sunlight to this budding seedling of a journey, and similar to how a budding seedling grows, there is no way but up!

The senior batch at Track Night ‘14

Clara: I have always enjoyed running but never really got the chance to in my previous schools as I was in photography CCA. I joined sprints at the start of JC to build up my fitness.  I think many of us may fear that it may “too late” for newcomers to catch up as some Track and Field members have trained for several years. However, just one month after I joined Track and Field, our coach presented me with the opportunity to race 800m relay at Singapore Press Holdings Relay Championships. It was a bit overwhelming at the start and I even felt that my lack of experience might burden the team. However, my teammates and coach never left me to go through it all alone. With the support, guidance and encouragement, I eventually pulled through and our team won a 3rd place relay medal at the national level! Eventually, I moved to jumps to explore other aspects of the sport, and it has been a tremendously enriching and enjoyable experience thus far.

Rachel: I was never in a sports CCA before (I was in Debate previously), so I decided that JC was a good time to try something new. And that’s what led me to join track! Initially, track seemed like a individualized CCA to me. But I’ve been very fortunate to have met genuine and lovely people who have become some of my closest friends. Also, Track undeniably has a high commitment level, with training 3 times a week and with few breaks during the holidays but personally, I think this has allowed us to grow closer as teammates. I’m very grateful for being able to train with individuals who are incredibly driven and determined to excel, and I hope one day I’ll be able to perform as well as them!

Zi Xian: I too, was very apprehensive about joining a sports CCA as I was previously from photography CCA and a sport CCA seemed extremely demanding. To be honest, I only joined initially because I was rejected from my first choice. However, I am really glad I got rejected and joined Track and Field instead because otherwise, I would not have gotten to know my teammates with whom I spend a sizeable portion of my school life with! Them constantly being there for me spurs me to seek close relationships with them. Moreover the intensity of training serves as an opportunity to give each other moral support, which is always a nice feeling to have!

The RJTrack family at the National Inter-school Track and Field Championships 2014

Ultimately, the simplicity of a sport at its purest leaves us unable to walk away from its trainings, its hardships and the journey to be your best. And perhaps it is also the reason why any and all newcomers are welcome to a sport that has no prerequisites other than that same desire to put in no less than 100%, to end our seasons with nothing but a sense that we have indeed done our best.

Training Information:

-Sprints

Consists of 100m-800m events, as well as hurdles events. Training are on Monday, Wednesday, Friday/Saturday, 3 times a week with the fourth training optional at RI

-Jumps

Consists of Long Jump, High Jump and Triple Jump. Trainings are on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 3 times a week at RI

-Throws

Consists of Javelin, Discus and Shotput. Trainings are on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 3 times a week at RI

-Pole Vault

Trainings are on Monday, Thursday, Saturday, 3 times a week at RI

- Walks

Consists of the 3000m & 5000 Walk. Training are on Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, 3 times a week a RI Y5-6 Track/ Macritchie reservoir

Competitions

Minor competitions from January-March, usually for exposure.

National Schools Championships are in early April.

Floorball is an exciting, fast-paced indoor sport played in teams of 5. Founded in 2006, Raffles Floorball is a relatively young CCA, training under the tutelage of our coach, Ms Jill Quek. She is one of the top female players in the world, who is well known not just in local floorball circles, but also around the world, in traditional floorball strongholds such as Finland and Sweden. Raffles Floorball is regarded as one of the top few teams in Singapore, with the boys and girls team having a strong showing year after year.

Trainings are held three times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays) at the Indoor Sports Hall in the evening, usually starting off with drills targeted at honing specific skills required for the game. It then ends with a match to apply those skills. Along with fitness training and conditioning, our trainings shape players into well-rounded athletes. The team bonds through the physically and mentally tough trainings together, and not only supports each other during CCA but also outside CCA, where dinners after trainings and birthday celebrations are not uncommon.

The peak period for Floorball is from March to May, where both the boys and girls teams compete in the National Inter-School Floorball Championships. Of course, there are many other opportunities for us to gain experience throughout the year, such as friendlies organised with floorball teams from other schools, NTU Floorball Open and NUS Tenses, where we get to play against players at the university level or even adults!

Floorball is a sport which is relatively easy to pick up, with many of our players having little or no experience playing Floorball before, so it doesn’t really matter if you have a sports background or not! Hence our CCA is a great platform for both existing athletes to experience this exciting sport, as well as for new athletes who want a taste of the sports intensity and team dynamics that Floorball has to offer. If you have a passion for Floorball, our Floorball family gladly welcomes you!

Batch of 2014-2015

The referee’s whistle blows; a huge roar erupts from the crowd, cries and cheers fill the air. You are far removed from the glamour and the action, here on your narrow turf by the sidelines – but your battle is no less intense, for the consequences of failure can be so much more severe. A few quick, well-practiced movements serve to securely fasten the bandages around your newest charge, just in time for another goal to be joined by a collective shout of triumph. Your own victory is much quieter; a quiet murmur of thanks, relief at a wound ably seen to, and satisfaction from a job well done.

While First Aid skills are essential for treating everyday emergencies at home (treating a scald, for instance), they also have uses in school and for the larger community. Upon joining Red Cross Youth Chapter (RCYC), you will be provided with compulsory Standard First Aid (SFA) Training, hence employing you with skills which range from tending to common cuts and abrasions to cleaning and bandaging for burns and fractures, and even CPR for life-threatening emergencies. Members will then apply their skills by offering First Aid coverage to the school during events. There will also be HQ-level opportunities where members join experienced aiders on the lookout for the general public. These include the monthly First Aid On Wheels (FAOW) at East Coast Park and national events such as the 2015 SEA Games.

Members cycling to injured members of the public during FAOW

There is a saying that goes, ‘Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.’ Here at RCYC, we believe in the power of the human touch to put a smile on anybody’s face, and hence we place great focus on direct service to the community. All members volunteer at a Voluntary Welfare Organisation (VWO) of their choice on a weekly basis. At present, such VWOs include tutoring girls from underprivileged families at Good Shepherd Student Care (GSSC) and befriending elderly patients at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), with plans to open more centres! In addition, further one-off opportunities are given for the entire batch to engage in direct service together.

A visit to the Red Cross Home for the Disabled

As an RCYC member, you can also expect exciting opportunities to participate in a wide array of events and programmes. These range from service-oriented activities (such as Overseas Humanitarian Programme) to ones unique to the International Red Cross Movement, which tackle issues like humanitarian diplomacy and disaster management. Open to all, members may sign up for these based on interest.

Our chapter also helms 2 school-wide events – the biannual Blood Donation Drive (there’s one coming up on 13 February!) as well as World Red Cross Day, which is a fundraising effort.

Some of our members at the Youths as Agents for Behavioural Change (YABC) Camp organised by the Singapore Red Cross

Blood Donation Drive

To sum up, here’s what you can expect:

1. Weekly service at 1 VWO

2. Allocation to an organising committee, whereby you will help plan for one of the following: First Aid, Blood Drive, Welfare and Batch Service Initiatives

3. First Aid training and opportunities

4. Ad hoc HQ programme

There will be a simple interview for all who sign up with us. We have no prerequisites – what we’re looking for is a passion to serve, be it through community service, First Aid, or (even better) both! Commitment-wise, there is a general meeting every Wednesday, in addition to the list above, giving members ample free time and opportunities to plan for any other service project if they so choose.

Sound like just your (blood) type of CCA? Then do join Raffles Red Cross Youth Chapter for A Positive-ly great time!

Welcome to the world of contract bridge, one in which you can bid farewell to all the random-partner-calling, less-than-4-points-washing, gambling-style, luck-based card game that you have been used to all this while. Be ready to face the real deal when you join Bridge Club, where what you once knew as bridge will suddenly start to seem so foreign. Declarer? Dummy? Double? Redouble? Slam? Grand slam? Don’t worry, these terms will soon be part and parcel of your vocabulary within a few weeks of joining us!

Every bridge hand consists of two parts, the bidding and the play. The bidding is where you and your (yes, fixed) partner relay information about your hands to each other through the bids you make, in order to arrive at the optimum contract (e.g. 4❤ or 6♠). Since verbal communication is not allowed at the table during competitions, you have to learn the language of bidding well. For example, a one heart or one spade opening promises 5+ hearts or spades respectively and 12+ HCP (HCP refers to high card points, where Ace- 4pts, King- 3pts, Queen- 2 pts, Jack- 1pt). After bidding, the play involves the declarer (from the partnership that wins the bidding) trying to take enough tricks to make his contract (the final bid- e.g. 10 tricks in 4♠, and all 13 tricks in 7NT). The defenders (the opposing partnership) will try to set the contract by preventing the declarer from doing so.

Although probability is involved, luck is actually negligible in contract bridge! In competitions, there are different boards, which hold 4 sets of cards, one for each player, in a fixed arrangement, and these are passed around the room such that the same board is played by everyone, and scores are compared to those playing in the same seats as your pair.

Trainings are held on Wednesdays and Fridays, from 2:30-6:30 p.m. Members have the choice of attending either session, but are highly encouraged to come for both, especially if they are interested in joining the school team. Members who want even more practice can go to the SCBA (Singapore Contract Bridge Association), where games are held several times a week, as well as on holidays. SCBA is conveniently located close to school, at Bishan Community Centre. There are many competitions available for our members to join, such as the Hwa Chong Cup, Catholic Junior College Cup, and the National Inter-Schools Bridge Competition. Our bridge club also organises its own competition, Raffles Pairs, at the start of the June holidays!

Trainings usually include a lesson on bidding or card play, followed by a team match or duplicate pairs games that are just like actual competitions. Training sessions are light-hearted and centered around having fun while trying to improve your game.

Bridge is both a partnership and a team game. Everyone in the team is important – a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. As such, you should be willing to put in the time and effort to train, in and out of CCA hours, in order to improve. Training sessions are limited, hence learning is often self-directed. This allows pairs to learn at their own pace, and develop their own strategies. Many resources are available online, as well as at the Shaw Foundation Library, so you can start reading up if you’re interested!

There is only one pre-requisite: interest. As long as you are enthusiastic and diligent, we want you to be part of us, so just sign up! Prior experience with contract bridge is not needed, and you do not have to sign up with a partner; passion and commitment will be more than enough.

Once you learn the game, we assure you that you will never see cards the same way again. This is a one-way journey of no return but one that is guaranteed to be fruitful and rewarding.

“Without music, life would be a mistake.” – Friedrich Nietzsche

Love music? We do, too. The Raffles Symphonic Band (RSB) is a group of students who share a common passion for playing and performing. Band brings us something that nothing else can replace – the euphoria of immersing yourself in the music. Regardless of whether you come from a band, or if you want to pick up a new instrument, the band welcomes everyone with open arms.

Established in 1982 as Raffles Junior College Symphonic Band, RSB puts up two concerts annually under the baton of our conductor Mr Lim Yean Hwee. Held in the month of May, A Tempo is RSB’s showcase concert, where the band tackles challenging pieces. Last year, the band performed Stravinsky’s world-famous piece, The Firebird, which lasted for twenty minutes. Despite the initial struggles, learning a piece out of our comfort zone made the process all the more fulfilling.

RSB – A Tempo XXIII

Our year-end concert, Bandemonium, features comparatively light-hearted and accessible tunes, never going without a Christmas classic or two! Just last year, RSB ventured into uncharted waters by introducing a choreographed act, where members paired movement with music.

Bandemonium III

RSB also holds events along with its counterparts from the Raffles family, RI Military Band and RGS Symphonic Band, to build a supportive band community. Annual events like React and Tune-In, as well as band exchanges, provide opportunities for us to listen and learn from other bands and meet fellow musicians.

React 2014: Gathering of the three Raffles Bands

With an unusually small batch of 15 people, RSB is a tight-knit and friendly community, where our members always look forward to band practices and get together outside of CCA sessions to bond as a batch. The long practice hours allow us to forge meaningful bonds- and also mean that we are a little too familiar with each other’s strange antics!

RSB holds practices twice every week, with additional practices leading up to performances. Although we admit that band members will have to work hard and be able to commit to the practice schedule, we have no doubts that the experience is definitely rewarding. RSB cannot promise you an easy time, or a relaxed CCA life, but what it can promise is something money cannot buy – the joy of making music together. When you look back on your school years, what you’ll remember are the experiences that you’ve had outside the classroom, and Band is something that will stay with you for life. If you think that music is something worth working hard for, if you want a challenging and interesting band experience or if you want a CCA that spices up your school life, do join us!

华乐。

hua yue

the joy in music.

It is often opined that the Chinese have a poetic way of encapsulating meaning in but a few letters. Indeed, this holds true for the traditional hua yue, or what the general populace knows better as Chinese Orchestra.

As its name suggests, Chinese Orchestra is a tight-knit family of happy music makers; we find joy in our music. And just like any other orchestra, we take pride in our numbers and more so, our diversity of musical timbres. From the sweet lilting melodies of the dizi (flute), the distinctive pitter-pattering of the plucked-string instruments to the heart-wrenching and expressive pitches of the erhu — you name it, we have it. Our instruments aren’t too hard to pick up but sound great.

CO consists of 5 distinctive sections, namely:

1. Plucked Strings
2. Chinese Strings
3. Woodwind
4. Bass
5. Percussion

We have instruments for everyone; it all depends on what you’re looking for. Anyone is welcome to try out, regardless of whether you have a musical background. What we value more is attitude and willingness to learn.

Apart from the musical bits, there’s also the less tangible culture aspect. We’re a family of bonded and easy-going folks with an extraordinary passion for CO music! We’ll be more than happy to welcome you onboard. Here are some testimonials from our current members:

Daryl Goh (15S03N): “There’s something crazy about the people in CO, and I think it’s that hyperness that keeps us together both on and off stage.”

Kim Ji Hwan (15A01C): “I thought I’d quit after Year 4 to try something new, but RJCO’s warm familial culture made me feel at home and continue on.”

Wong Yuxian (15S06P): “CO has changed from being something I dread to something I love.”

Indeed, RJCO has been a source of happiness for its members. Yet, as a ‘Chinese’ CCA, we often struggle to be heard. We are often compared to and deemed less deserving than our Western counterpart because of our heavy Chinese influences. ‘Overwhelmingly loud’, ‘garish’ and ‘boringly Chinese’ may be some common descriptors for the general Rafflesian populace. However, while these descriptors might have been applicable to the Chinese Orchestras of the past, they are certainly not accurate adjectives for RJCO.

This is because our repertoire is not only limited to the same few festive Chinese New Year songs that you’re sick of hearing at CNY assemblies. We cover music of all genres and origins, be it traditional or contemporary, western or oriental. We’ve done pop, anime music, classical western, movie OSTs and a whole lot of others. We’re also extremely receptive to new musical suggestions because we believe in playing music that is accessible to everyone. For example, in our concert last year, we performed a medley of songs from the Phantom of the Opera, as well as the tune Those Bygone Years from the popular Taiwanese romance movie You Are The Apple Of My Eye.

The following lists the RJCO practice schedule:

Mondays 

Sectionals/Xiaozu
5.30-8.30pm

Tuesdays
Combined Practice/Dazu
5.30-8.30pm

Hours of practices and rehearsals are invested into ensuring the standards of our orchestra: sectionals are held in separate sectional classrooms. Facilitated by qualified instructors, they aim to improve each individual’s skills, ensuring that a homogenous sound is achieved within the section. The entire orchestra then gathers in the CO room on Tuesdays for combined practice under the guidance of our Conductor (or occasionally, Student Conductor), creating a harmonious and unified sound.

Performance opportunities include the biennial Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) Arts Presentations for Chinese Orchestra, various concerts and CIP performances. However, though preparing for these events does take up the bulk of our CCA time, it is not all that we do.

A camp in March is organised every year to welcome our new initiates and to also serve as an opportunity for all members of the CCA to know each other better before the busier period of concert or SYF preparation sets in. During these couple of days, we simply loosen up, lose a few (maybe more) hours of sleep and have fun! Smaller scaled activities include monthly birthday celebrations to liven up some of our Dazus, and impromptu meal sessions before and/or after practices!

And finally, we close with what we started with:

华乐。

hua yue

For most people, the above word will be read as le but for those in CO, it’ll always be yue, and that is our one aim: to find joy in music.

“‘Come away’, is the call, with the love in your heart as the only song. There is no such beauty as where you belong.” –The Road Home, Stephen Paulus

Passionate about music-making, Raffles Chorale is a second home to a close-knit group of individuals who share a love for singing.

With an extensive repertoire spanning various genres including sacred hymns, folk tunes and contemporary pop songs, the dynamism and versatility of Chorale has kept audiences at the edge of their seats. The incorporation of different elements to our music – such as aleatory singing (or ‘chance music’), percussion instruments and even wine glasses – provides for a pleasant, refreshing take on traditional choral performances.

Under the esteemed musical direction of our resident conductor, Mr Toh Ban Sheng, Chorale has enjoyed a rich tradition of commendable achievement since the choir’s conception in 1982. In addition to having attained a Certificate of Distinction at the Singapore Youth Festival Central Judging in 2013, Chorale has achieved significant international recognition in numerous competitions held in Belgium, the Czech Republic, Finland, Italy and Poland.

Post-competition at the Kozel Castle (Credits to Dominique Yap)

Most recently, in June 2014, Chorale participated in the Musica Sacra Festival at the Kozel Castle in the Czech Republic, where we achieved a Diploma (Gold Level) in both the Mixed Choirs and Popular Sacred Music categories, a Jury Prize, as well as the coveted Grand Prix.

Chorale practices are held every Wednesday (2.30pm-6.30pm) and Friday (3.30pm-8pm), but may increase in duration and frequency in the lead-up to performances. Sectionals may also be held outside of official rehearsal hours. Though some technical expertise may come in handy, it is not of paramount importance as solfege is used to learn new pieces – if you have little experience with that, do not fret as we will readily help you out! Rather, the key prerequisites are an open mind and willing heart.

That being said, Chorale is more than a music-making machine. Concert performances and competitions aside, we have exciting activities lined up throughout the year which promise to make your time here enriching and meaningful. The annual overnight Chorale Camp held in March, for example, will leave many with spirits lifted and energised for the busy year ahead. Because we believe in bringing the choir together, you can expect some good fun with picnic lunches, outings to the beach, frisbee games and even an annual Secret Santa gift exchange!

Picnic at Marina Barrage! (Credits to Nicolette Foo)

In the spirit of giving back, our yearly Christmas event, Vocal Delights, is an entirely student-organised concert – traditionally helmed by the Year 5 batch – that aims to raise funds for the less privileged while spreading some Yuletide cheer. In addition to featuring our resident a cappella groups, PUNCH and Fringe, this concert also evinces the vocal prowess of our numerous student interest a cappella groups.

Student interest a capella group The Acafellas at Vocal Delights 2014 (Credits to Hee Xin Wei)

“The most valuable things are forged through the toughest times, and the friendships I speak of are no different,” remarked I Vivek Kai-Wen, chairperson of the batch of 2014. While it may not always be smooth-sailing, we assure you that the personal growth experienced, friendships forged, as well as the joy of making music will make this journey a rewarding one.

Here at the Raffles Debaters, we strongly believe that debate is the key to unlocking the potential of the human mind. More than just an activity, debating is an art, a skill, and a mode of thought all rolled into one.

Debating, in its various forms, involves a striking clash of wits, words, and styles. It is no surprise that Bryant McGill believes “the real battlefield is the realm of ideas”. And while nobody would ever mistake the Raffles Debaters for gladiators in an arena, or for warriors in a battlefield (mental fitness and the willingness to train are the only prerequisites), every debate is a contest for hearts and minds – albeit one fought with cue cards.

Beware the fearsome…cue card?

​Founded in March 1886, the Raffles Debaters has the distinction of being the oldest club in Raffles Institution. It has arguably been one of the most successful clubs of its kind in the country, with men and women who have gone on to become true leaders, thinkers and pioneers in its ranks. From former Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong to Professor Tommy Koh, the Raffles Debaters has a strong tradition of producing luminaries who contribute to Singapore.

The club seeks to nurture critical thinking and a passion for knowledge in each of its members, regardless of which stage of debating they are at when they first join us. Debaters can also expect to be equipped with intellectual dexterity and the ability to effectively harness the spoken word. These talents stand debaters in good stead. They are invaluable not only in academic disciplines, but also in one’s daily interactions. Everyone can benefit from the art of debating. Even if one is not keen on competitive debating, recreational debating can sharpen the wit and energise the mind. The argumentative, persuasive and critical thinking skills gained are sure to benefit all intellectually and academically.

Raffles Debaters is coached by two eminently qualified debaters: Mr Joshua Hiew and Mr Tan Teck Wei. Both are former captains of the Singapore national debating team, and have earned a plethora of accolades in their illustrious debating careers. They are always willing to commit time and effort, often beyond the call of duty, to help our debaters improve. They have been strong sources of support to the club throughout the whirlwind of events that dot the debating calendar. In training for the variety of championships where we represent our school, or for open tournaments that anyone can participate in, our coaches lend a helping hand in ensuring that we are prepared!

A Team of Raffles Debaters and our coaches

Regular training sessions take place twice a week. In each session, Raffles Debaters debate an entirely new topic – so one can learn something fresh from every training session! Occasionally, we mix things up and try cool new activities like “debates taboo”, extemporaneous speaking on quirky topics, or even organising our very own internal debating championship.

The Raffles Debaters is also committed to giving back to the community. Members participate in a slew of activities such as adjudicating debating championships and organising our very own tournaments. In 2011 and 2013, we organised the Prometheus Cup, an international tournament for debaters from across the world!

And finally, when joining Raffles Debaters, one does not just join a CCA – one also becomes part of a debating family that includes our Year 1-4 counterparts, and members of debating clubs all around the world. It is telling that whenever one goes for a tournament, there are always friends to be made and familiar faces to greet. Having a community of like-minded individuals who support and encourage you definitely adds a unique quality to one’s debating experience.

Debaters from across the world gather at the inaugural Prometheus Cup in 2011

Raffles Debaters welcomes all, regardless of prior debating experience, to give debating a shot. Passion, intellectual curiosity, and an open mind are all one needs to enjoy everything debate has to offer!

Some might think that Squash is simply about hitting a ball against a wall with a racquet. But actually, it is so much more than that. As the squash legends will call it, squash is like a physical and mental game of chess combined. The sheer fitness and racquet work needed, on top of agility, reflexes, tactics, and even mental strength makes squash a highly demanding but fulfilling game indeed. According to Forbes Magazine, squash is rated as the healthiest sport in the world, burning the most calories across all other sports.

As such, have you ever wished to join a fun and truly enjoyable CCA where at the same time, you’ll never have to worry about your NAPFA again? Upon joining Raffles Squash, the 2.4km run will become quite literally, a walk in the park. The very nature of the game is demanding: an extremely fast-paced racquet game where one’s fitness, mental strength, and game strategy will be put to the ultimate test. While squash is a sport that is relatively less known, some might say it’s a combination of the two popular sports, tennis and badminton. To some of us in the CCA, this sport is simply the best of both worlds.

Ideally, our CCA would be looking out for those who have had experience in the sport itself. However, if you don’t, any other forms of racquet experience (such as in Badminton or Tennis) would be highly preferred. At the end of the day, we are looking out for individuals who have basic ball-sense.

Our training times are on Mondays 5pm-7pm, as well as on Wednesdays and Fridays 3pm-6pm. On Mondays, we do physical sessions comprising of all the exercises designed to work our cardiovascular abilities to the very fullest, owing to the high amount of stamina the game requires in order to excel. On Wednesdays and Fridays, we have court trainings where players will get down onto court and start practising their shots with different drills, and of course have some matches to end off the day.

Our peak periods will be the first four to five months of the year leading up to the inter-school competitions where training will be three times a week as listed above. After the completion of the inter-school competitions, the Friday training will stand down until the end of the year upon the completion of Project Work assessment where it will resume all the way until inter-school competitions again with a break in the last 2 weeks of the year.

So, do you fancy a CCA that will keep your body at the peak of physical fitness? A CCA that commands all the different aspects of a sport such as agility, reflexes, speed, stamina, and of course mental strength? A CCA that works all the muscles in your body that you may not even know you had? To sum up, Squash is a game of physical chess. Thus, if you’re interested in what squash has to offer, join us today!☺

Did you know that the most famous segment of Dr. King’s ‘I have a Dream’ speech, which jolted the conscience of America, was delivered off-the-cuff? King’s mastery of the art of speaking was the result of years of service as a minister to his congregation. The art of speaking beautifies the message and lends clarity to its content. It is a skill that aids communication, which in turn, changes lives. If you wish to hone this valuable skill, we invite you to join us!

The Raffles Gavel Club is a subsidiary of Toastmasters International. This means that we follow an established curriculum consisting of a set of 10 speaking projects as part of our activities. Upon completion of all the projects, globally-recognized Toastmasters accreditation will be given, making each and every member a certified speaker and leader. Through the plethora of speaking exercises carried out during gavel sessions, gaveliers have access to growth through experiential learning, self-pacing, peer-feedback and mentorship. It is a core belief of the Raffles Gavel Club that in the domain of speaking, practice makes perfect.

Gavel Club Orientation 2014

Every week, members meet to carry out their Toastmasters projects within the club for 2-3 hours. These weekly sessions are an avenue for members to practice speaking under guidance and broaden their understanding of our world by listening to the speeches made by fellow members on issues that excite them. The Gavel Club is a friendly and accepting environment where speakers can interact freely, and achieve personal growth through mutual learning.

Gavel in session!

The art of speaking can be put into immediate use, even if we do not possess the statute of Dr King. Beyond the learning opportunities that being a member of the Raffles Gavel Club provides,  friends who are interested in serving the wider community through sharing the gift of speech would be excited to know that we have frequent collaborations with the Children Cancer Foundation and primary schools, allowing members to use their speaking skills in serving others.

A member’s development at Gavel is limited only by his or her enthusiasm. One can take on the many opportunities presented, ranging from club sessions to national competitions, to perfect the art of expression through speech. The seniors of the club are an inviting and friendly bunch who will give honest and constructive feedback to aid the growth of new members as they journey along the path towards speech mastery.

Members representing the Gavel Club and Raffles at speech competitions

Gavel is not only a club at here at Raffles. It is a family. By joining Gavel, one enters a community of driven and talented students with interests that span an entire spectrum. The Gavel Club is an anchor for many, and a platform for strong friendships to develop and thrive. Most of all, Gavel affords every member a trusting and supportive environment, free of disparagement and judgment.

The Gavel Club extends its welcome to interested candidates, regardless of background or speaking ability. The selection interview is not an assessment of ability, but of potential premised on the willingness of candidates to further improve their speaking skills and explore issues they find close to heart. We look forward to welcoming the incoming batch of speakers, who we hope will exemplify humility and steadfastness in their time with the club!