What would you do if you lived to ripe old age of 110 yrs old? Is it possible for anyone to live to such an age in the bustling Singapore? Britain’s oldest individual just celebrated his 110th birthday. He was an army chaplain during the World War II and he had spent 10 years working as a teacher. It was said that he was given an elixir to drink when he was in India before the first World War.

Full Story: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-20197070
 

Have you ever gone on overseas immersion programs before when in university or earlier? Count yourself lucky if you have travelled before for academic purposes. Many young people apparently regret not having gone on exchange programs during their time in university.

If you ever encounter a young one making a decision as to whether to go on an exchange program, do point out the high rate of regret to them!

Read the full story: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-20168690

The US elections are less than a week away, slated for 06 Nov 2012. Politics is always a difficult subject for primary and secondary level students to catch interest on, let alone politics of the US. Perhaps a little curiosity could be piqued with some odd facts about the coming elections:

i) Politicians are almost never photographed with sunglasses. Presidential candidates look very much less trustworthy when they are photographed with shades on. The lack of direct eye contact causes such a perception.

ii) Obama may have been coached to jab his thumb habitually in public. The gesture emphasizes the ‘authority’ of the jabber.

iii) The title of President is for life. Bill Clinton and George W Bush will always be addressed as presidents publicly. It shows the high regard that people accord to the job.

Joe Biden in sunglasses, oh my

“Look, I’m the man to watch.”

Full story: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-20072338

Looks like the Pandas Jia Jia and Kai Kai will be ready to meet the public this holiday season. News reports put a tentative preview of the pandas at the Singapore Zoo at 29 Nov 2012. There will be extra admission charges on top of the regular Zoo ticket prices.

Here are some fun Panda facts to enliven your visit:

i) Pandas have extremely strong jaw muscles which they use to crush tough bamboo
ii)  Most people may think Pandas to be cute, but they can be as dangerous as any other bears
(Here is a reported attack on a student by a Panda http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/11/24/us-china-panda-idUSTRE4AN5NF20081124)
iii)  The lifespan of a panda is around 30yrs
iv) While 99% of a panda’s diet consists of bamboo, they do snack  on rodents or deer fawns occasionally
v) Female pandas only ovulate once a year

News: http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Relax/Story/A1Story20121029-380176.html

Came across an article pointing out the reduction of the size of playing fields in school in Britain.

(BBC) Call for school playing fields size protection to stay
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-20123673

Come to think about it, a certain minimum ratio of open-space to built-up space must be maintained in the plan for all government schools in Singapore. This explains the relieving greenery that we are able to enjoy every time we see a school. In the increasingly built-up Singapore where many are feeling more claustrophobic, I am thankful that our children grow up surrounded by enough open spaces; at least in their schools.

Singapore might be banning fast food ads, or at least those targeted at children. This is part of the government’s drive to reduce the rate of obesity in Singapore. Experts mention that the impact of advertising messages on children is significant. By restricting purveyors of unhealthy food from advertising on all digital media, it will help protect children from receiving the wrong advice.

This spells trouble for fast food giants like McDonalds and KFC, as much demand for their food is driven by children.

For tutors who have studied biology or food nutrition before, it will be wise to direct your students to health and food facts. It has been found that about 20% of digested food is consumed by our brains. Eating healthily may stand to improve the mental performance of your students.

Full Story: http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/64391ed6-20d2-11e2-9720-00144feabdc0.html#axzz2AeKjD8uh

According to the Education secretary of Britain, some children start primary school in nappies, and are unable to speak in full sentences.

While the latter does not distress Singaporeans, it is considered an abnormally in Britain. It does show that we have room for a lot more improvement, despite our multi-lingual environment and culture.

Read the full story: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-20043225
 

“It is never too late to set the record straight,” so says the Education Secretary of Britain. Mr Gove publicly apologized to his French teacher Mr Montgomery, who taught him French some 30 years ago. The minister goes on to deplore his unappreciative actions towards the teacher. He recognized that as a hormonally unbalanced youth, he ought not to have made the many ‘smart’ comments he made in class.

What a way to show gratitude to an ex-teacher. Mr Montgomery will be brimming with pride and joy!

Full Story: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-20034101

In a small scale study conducted at the University of Southampton, it is found that students who felt a little anxiety did better on memory-reliant tests than students who felt no anxiety. Being anxious only had negative impact on the results of students with poor memory.  Remember the general wisdom that having a bit of stress in our lives is a good thing? This applies to children as well in their learning.

Read the full story at BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-19895531

Might you know of any student who needs financial assistance? These students need all the help that they can get. Please help a student out if you know of their situation. MOE has just released its latest poster for the 2013 Financial Assistance scheme.