On Monday, 16 November, the TK community welcomed a special group of 20 Grade 4 student leaders and their chaperones from Fuchun Primary, a local Singaporean school located in Woodlands, onto its campus.

Fuchun Primary students began their visit in the foyer with a warm welcome and few cheerful group photos to mark their arrival, followed by a tour of the TK campus grounds. They embraced the opportunity to read about CIS house colour groups, explore the library, peak into the gymnasium, stroll past the outdoor courts and spend a few theatrical moments in our unique outdoor amphitheatre!

With great anticipation, the Fuchun Primary leaders then introduced themselves to our Grade 5 students with multimedia group presentations about different aspects of their school community, interesting features of Singaporean culture and important historical moments that have contributed to Singapore’s unique identity. They had clearly worked diligently to prepare for this occasion, presenting with both confidence and pride in front of an audience of unfamiliar students, teachers and administrators.

The most exciting segment of the afternoon visit occurred when Fuchun Primary student leaders taught four traditional Singaporean games, Chapteh, Five stones, Pick up Sticks and Kuti-Kuti, to TK students in break-out sessions. For each game, students had prepared a visual poster and a helpful tips that were shared aloud.

On a rotating schedule and in different rooms, TK risk takers embraced the challenge of listening to instructions, asking questions, sharing strategies and achieving the goal of each game within a short period of time.

It was inspiring to watch all the students in action. As they negotiated meaning at different stages, many aspects of the Learner Profile and Attitudes became evident in their approaches to succeed at the games. After the first few minutes, hesitant smiles and timid introductions transformed into enthusiastic bursts of laughter, encouraging words and newly formed friendships.

In closure, students gathered once more and formed a giant circle to reflect on the visit. Students from both campuses had a few moments to think and share aspects of what they felt they had learnt from the experience. Some of the most memorable comments included how much they appreciated learning from each other by making a new connection with students in a school that is very different from their own -yet has similar values.

Before their departure, Fuchun Primary students left a thank you token of appreciation for TK students for and everyone reluctantly said their good-byes. All students agreed that both their school communities are great places to learn and that this visit to TK marked the beginning of a new and motivating partnership!