Cambridge Learners, BSC - the Department of Science and the National University of Singapore (NUS)

“Ultimately, education is not what we do to our children. Rather, it is what we do with them, and for them, to bring out the best in each of them, so that they grow up to embrace the best of the human spirit - to strive to be better, to build deeper wells of character, and to contribute to society.”

(Mr. Heng Swee Keat, Ministry of Education Work Plan Seminar, September 2013- Singapore)

NUS has emerged as the top university in the Times Higher Education (THE) Asia University Rankings 2018, published by THE on 7 February, retaining its position for the third year running.

The young scientists of the British School took part in an international Science Camp organized by this prestigious university on 2^nd of July 2018, which was held for a week. Over 400 Science students representing 38 different nationalities this year, from all over the world took part in this highly challenging Science camp. The NUS Science camp is an embodiment of Cambridge learner attributes ( CIE 2R); thus our students thrived in this challenging experience.

Confident

Innovative

Engaged

Responsible

Reflective

The Science Summer Camp was designed to stir curiosity and inculcate a life-long fascination for Science into the students through inspiring lectures by university professors, creative workshops, engaging demonstrations at state-of-the-art laboratories and visits to research labs at NUS for an experiential learning in a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment. 3D printing, Nano-technology lectures, Forensic science – DNA experiments, Physics Demo laboratory activities, Gastronomy activities and hands on session on the use of Electronic Microscope were some intellectually challenging sessions our students experienced during the camp. They also had the opportunity to enjoy a City tour and to do fun activities at the famous leisure destination, Sentosa.  

ANALYSIS EXPERIMENT IN THE DNA RESEARCH 

NUS is equipped with research laboratories with the latest development in the field of Sciences. The students who participated in this camp gained a firsthand experience of an university student’s life, where they come away with a great appreciation for the comforts they have at home after long walks within the 400-acre campus and living in on-campus residence halls.

EXPLORING THE NUS LIFE

Also, this camp experience allowed students to understand the high academic challenges in a top university, the importance of time management, striking a healthy balance between academics and extracurricular activities  and to develop independent study habits.

This year Mr Indika Thilakaratne and Ms Nirasha Premaratne accompanied 11 young scientists from the British School in Colombo to take part in this Camp from Monday 2^nd July to Friday 6th July. These young scientists had the opportunity to attend interesting lectures, fascinating lab demonstrations, experiments, fun field trips and also represented BSC at the quiz held on the last day of the camp. They had a great opportunity to engage with students from all over the world to come up with solutions  to some of the pertaining issues in the world, to make a difference in the future.

THE BSC SCIENCE TEAM at NUS

We were privileged to have an individual session to observe the “Particle Accelerator” a rare opportunity provided by the Dr. Chammika Udalagama (Y12 Theekshana Nawinna’s uncle) in the Department of Physics, NUS. He made special arrangements for the BSc team to observe and learn the application of the Particle Accelerator which is one of a life time opportunity as this apparatus is only to be found in few universities around the world

THE BSC SCIENCE TEAM WITH PROFESSOR CHAMMIKA AFTER THEIR SESSION ON PARTICLE ACCELERATOR

Our young scientists made all of us proud; coming away with clutches of awards and valuable certificates offered by this prestigious university.

The students also had an opportunity to speak to senior professors on university applications and the importance of choosing the courses to reflect one’s passion and interest. 

AFTER THE

FINAL AWARD CEREMONY

This was a yet another life changing experience was our students and a hands on experience on how the Cambridge learner attributes become the center of learning even in the university life.