Raffles Girls' School (Secondary) [*IP]

[rlab]

Sorry for asking so many questions... what is Odyssey of the Mind like? dd expressed interest in it after being in destination imagination (something like it I think) in pri sch.. what's the commitment like? Can sec 1s apply for it? Is there a selection process/how easy is it to get into? Haha, see that they can go to america every year if they get into finals... dd very happy

[a child]

rlab:

Sorry for asking so many questions... what is Odyssey of the Mind like? dd expressed interest in it after being in destination imagination (something like it I think) in pri sch.. what's the commitment like? Can sec 1s apply for it? Is there a selection process/how easy is it to get into? Haha, see that they can go to america every year if they get into finals... dd very happy

Odyssey of the Mind is rather similar to Destination Imagination, and it is offered as a Research Studies special program option to Sec 2s-4s It's one of the most \"prestigious\" and sought-after programs in RGS Basically it's split into performance and technical, and you do a long term and short term spontaneous problem. I'm not in OM, but I gather that for the long term problem it involves lots of acting and making props for perf, and long hours making some incredible machine in the D&T (Design and Technology) Lab There are also morning spon trainings before assembly OMers tend to be very good at crafts, acting (for perf) and are very fun and creative

Most teams from RGS do get into the finals and are able to go to US, but that's not without effort. OM is VERY time intensive, in fact one of the most time-intensive programs in RGS ever. During season time (term 2), expect spending most afternoons on OM, and many many Saturdays on it as well. Expect your March holidays to be burnt by OM. In the few weeks leading up to nationals or globals teams may be staying back till 8+ or 9 on even on weekdays (school days) for OM. Therefore there will be a lot of sacrifices on the part of academics, other extracurriculars, and sleep (most notably). However, most OMers are extremely passionate about it and regard time spent as worthwhile They are also very successful even in globals, we've one team win global champs this year OM in some ways also generates school pride (due to the success maybe), and many of us do support our school mates at the national round

[HermioneGranger]

a child:

Very Kiasu Student:

[quote=\"HermioneGranger\"]
Oh no! I just put an M thinking that it was the same size as the polo t-shirt! :faint:

Me too... :yikes: :yikes: :yikes:

Don't worry too much - the shirt sizes are certainly bigger than the polo tees, but they're actually smaller than the sizes of many school-approved shirts. If it's the same as our year (everything is actually based on that assumption), and if your polo tee fits well the orientation shirt will just be a little large but not weird or unwearable or anything I've had friends my year order M, and it looked ok on them However, do look out for the rest of the school-approved shirts because some of them are really large sizes![/quote]I guess there's another way for seniors to recognise Year 1s then- by their oversized t-shirts. :evil: Thanks for your advice a child. I'll certainly be more careful next time.

[bigpotato]

a child:

bigpotato:

For any CCA, do we have to bring along any equipment during trials, and do we need prior experience?

No, you don't have to bring along equipment other than the obvious (e.g. pencil cases if you need to sit a test for certain clubs)

And no, you don't need prior experience. They judge you mostly based on your trial, though of course your prior experience does contribute to ability that shows through in your trial. But say you're a really sport kid and you run often and really fast - you'll probably have a decent shot at many sports though you mayn't have prior experience per se. Or maybe you've never been in band, but you play the piano so you can sight-read things okay, have a sense of rhythm and an ok pitch. You'll be a good contender for band Or if you're a complete math whizz but your primary school never had a math club or olympiad class (oh, the horror!) but you managed to ace the trial test. Or an awesome writer but you've never published anything or won any ward, and you want the Editorial Board. You'll probably get in for both

Thanks for the advice I guess I'll try whatever I have an interest in

[keldeo9265]

Thanks macandcheese505! Is it possible to join a merit CCA after the trials if we are interested in it? Because I don’t know whether i should maximise my chances and choose 6 core CCAs or also put down other merit CCAs that sound interesting.

[a child]

keldeo9265:

Thanks macandcheese505! Is it possible to join a merit CCA after the trials if we are interested in it? Because I don't know whether i should maximise my chances and choose 6 core CCAs or also put down other merit CCAs that sound interesting.

Again if things did not change, they'll let you know the results for your trials before you put down your choices. Hence there is no \"maximizing of choices\" to speak of, because you're either accepted or not. And you can try out for as many CCAs as you want, though only 3 a day I think, for 2 weeks. That's still a mighty load though (and if you try 3 a day you might go crazy because that's intense).

Regarding merit CCAs / 2nd CCA, you have to fill up a 2nd CCA form and get it signed by the HOD (and your CCA teachers). The 3rd/4th CCA form is the same form, though you'll have to meet the HOD to discuss whether you're serious about doing this. They usually put your application through though, especially if you're CCAs include those that may not be as demanding / time-consuming. Still, do think carefully as taking 2 time-consuming or 3 including 2 non time-consuming CCAs will limit your other activities considerably, unless you're a superhuman.

[keldeo9265]

Thanks a child! Guess I got wrong information from someone. >.< I was told that i could only try out for 6 CCAs.

[Jakaranda]

Very Kiasu Student:

HermioneGranger:

Don't worry too much - the shirt sizes are certainly bigger than the polo tees, but they're actually smaller than the sizes of many school-approved shirts. If it's the same as our year (everything is actually based on that assumption), and if your polo tee fits well the orientation shirt will just be a little large but not weird or unwearable or anything I've had friends my year order M, and it looked ok on them However, do look out for the rest of the school-approved shirts because some of them are really large sizes!

I guess there's another way for seniors to recognise Year 1s then- by their oversized t-shirts. :evil: Thanks for your advice a child. I'll certainly be more careful next time.

Thank god I chose S in that form...but even worse, I realised that I mixed up my first and last name after I submitted... :yikes: :yikes: :yikes:
You certainly won't realise that I'm Yr1 when you see me

[sunhux]

There's lower-priced offers for Macbooks outside but I'm concerned if

there's any catch if we don't buy from Sapura. Any parents / seniors
care to share (if we don't buy from Sapura):

a) will my kid be discriminated against (or get lower priority) when it
comes to in-campus support by Sapura? (I'll certainly buy the
insurance & the $150 support fee from Sapura)

b) the freebies gadgets are not an issue to me but what about
the MS Office at S$80? Can I still get it at S$80 ?

c) there's a special 4-year insurance/warranty (outside only offers
3 years): can I opt to buy this 4-year insurance/warranty if I
don't buy from Sapura ?

d) any other catch?

If not convenient to share here, feel free to email me directly
at [email protected]

[octoberbaby]

School reopen falls on wednesday. Shall we wear cullotte as well for y2-y4?