Divya Jesudoss
Housemistress Shaw Vee Meng & Teacher of Business & Economics
The House system has drawn me closer to my students and is truly establishing a sense of belonging to a larger family. It has been very exciting to see students redefine the ‘success’ by setting high standards in leadership, event management, peer counseling and problem solving. It has not always been easy to serve one another with intelligence and sensitivity. Yet, I have much respect for the students who have made a tremendous effort to grow personally. The unified effort to excel has extended beyond academics and competitions. Students identifying needs, initiating change, investing time and effort, not just money is becoming common practice. It is a blessing to be able to witness the emergence of our future and encouraging, knowing that one can expect more goodness in the days to come! What better reward can a teacher have than to hear from a student, stories of personal achievement and growth? Like Whitney Houston reminded us, ‘I believe that children are our future, teach them well and let them lead the way…’

Nicholas McFarlane
PE Teacher
My excitement in gaining the PE teaching post in Singapore was overwhelming and on the plane over from the UK I still had to pinch myself that it was now a reality. Having taught at a state school in Milton Keynes (UK) for the past 5 years, I knew my experience coming to ACS and Singapore would be vastly different personally, professionally and in a sporting context.

Sports in the UK schools are all about participation where as in Singapore, excellence seems to be the priority. The students at ACS always surprise me with their excitement and passion for sports, but this is often balanced by the importance placed on the academic subjects in Singapore. I always think that teachers get paid to inspire and motivate and at times achieving this can be a huge challenge. However the students at ACS are always so receptive and willing to learn in lessons, teaching really is a pleasure here.

The fact that Singapore even has a teacher’s day just shows the importance that is placed on education compared to other countries around the world. Our next job as PE teachers for the future of sport in Singapore is just the same as my country’s recent Olympics, ‘Inspire a generation’.

Mdm Chang Hung Tho
Head of Faculty of Performing and Expressive Arts
The journey of art education allows students the privilege not only to be experimental and take risks but also the opportunity for self-awareness and discovery. There has been rapid advancement in technology in the 21st century, but what remains important is the role that the arts play in developing the mindsets and the capacities that will sustain us through this transformation.

I see myself as a facilitator in guiding students to be better communicators and reflective thinkers about their role in the community and their connections with the world. I hope that through the arts, students will be more sensitive, caring and respond in a principled and purposeful way to matters around them.

It has always been rewarding to see a student grow to be more self-directed and display confidence in their artistic endeavours. Just as I have been inspired by my teachers, I have found it meaningful to be able to contribute to a holistic education.