Last Saturday, 24 July, I visited the Singapore Sports School (SS) during its Open House and Selection Trials for the intake of new students for next year.

The SS has been in operation for just over 6 months and this visit is an eye-opener for me as I only read about its programmes and facilities from the papers. During its short existence, the SS has already made an impact on the Schools' sports scene as its students have won many firsts in the varies sports championships.

In particular, the Badminton Academy, whose trainess are in the age group of 12 to 14 years, has produced champions in the following competitions:

* C Divison Boys (North Zone, Feb 2004)
* U-14 Girls Singles (Pilot Pen Individual, Mar 2004)
* C Div Boys (Pilot Pen Individual, Mar 2004)
* C Div Boys (Pilot Pen National, Apr 2004)

Cheers Age Group Individual, June 2004
* U-15 Boys Singles
* U-15 Boys Doubles
* U-15 Girls Singles

Indeed the SS Goals for its trainees are in 3 Stages of Development:

Year 1 & 2 - Participate in National Schools and begin on Regional Tours.

Year 3 & 4 - Participate in Regional Competitions and begin International Tours. National Youth Representation.

Year 5 & 6 - Participate in International Competitions. National Representation. (By then trainees should be aged 16 to 18)

One parent, who is a sports editor, spoke publicly to a full-house attendance of the positive values of the SS. His daughter, who was accepted into the Netball Academy, told her parents how happy she is in the SS:

"None of the schools she played for previously connected sport and studies as personally and systemtically... None offfered an academic environment where the teachers worked their lessons effectively around a student's sporting demands... None had a coach for whom each child's personal growth was as important as winning...My daughter's happy in the classromm as well and thriving better despite spending twice as much time on netball because that's the same culture her teachers are creating in class."

The SS school fees, comprising academic programme, boarding school/laundry/meals/tuition, training and coaching programmes, sports science services and subsidised overseas competitions, cost S$25,000 a year. But with government subsidy of $16,000 and an entrance scholarship of $3,000 (a total of $19,000), it will cost the parent $6,000 a year or $500 a month to send his child to the SS. Some 30 top athletes were also given Singapore Pools Scholarships worth $3,000 each and this means that for these scholars, schools fees were only $250 a month.

An estimate of what most parents now pay for their child each month is around $930 and this is made up of shcool fees $20, transport $200, meals $200, tuition $300, coaching fees $150 and supplements $60.

A comparision of fees per month charged by other schools in Singapore which have boarding facilities is shown as follows:

* United World College $3,914
* Singapore American School (No boarding facilities) $2,404
* Raffles Institution $1,033
* Chinese High School $950
* Anglo-Chinese (Independent) $940
* Nanyang Girls $890
* Anglo-Chinese (Barker Road) $819
* Singapore Sports School $500

The above shows that the SS is the cheapest because of government subsidy. But of course a child must have talent in order to be selected in the first place. And we still have parents who are sitting on the fence!

Parents whose children qualify to be admitted into the SS to be groomed as future champions and representatives of Singapore should think about these questions:

1. Is my child very talented in sports.
2. As parents, do we support our child's sporting dreams and aspirations.
3. The SS was set up to help students balance their studies and sports.
4. My child will receive the best support systems in sports to reach his/her sporting potential.

If the answer is yes to all of the above, the parent should harbour no further hesitation to send his child to the Sinapore SS.

I attach some pics for your viewing and do post some questions.

other schools in Singapore which have boarding facilities is shown as follows:

* United World College $3,914
* Singapore American School (No boarding facilities) $2,404
* Raffles Institution $1,033
* Chinese High School $950
* Anglo-Chinese (Independent) $940
* Nanyang Girls $890
* Anglo-Chinese (Barker Road) $819
* Singapore Sports School $500

you're comparing the sports school to schools that offer a normal education. i go to singapore american and it does not concentrate on sports (although we have good sports teams), its target is to get us into US universities, not joining the national teams, so the comparison is unfair.

[QUOTE=Loh]other schools in Singapore which have boarding facilities is shown as follows:

* United World College $3,914
* Singapore American School (No boarding facilities) $2,404
* Raffles Institution $1,033
* Chinese High School $950
* Anglo-Chinese (Independent) $940
* Nanyang Girls $890
* Anglo-Chinese (Barker Road) $819
* Singapore Sports School $500

[QUOTE]
you're comparing the sports school to schools that offer a normal education. i go to singapore american and it does not concentrate on sports (although we have good sports teams), its target is to get us into US universities, not joining the national teams, so the comparison is unfair.

Hi Ginger, I'm sorry if you are offended. These comparisons were given at the presentation.

Well, the SS students, I think, are getting better than a normal education. This is only my personal opinion as an observer. Why? Because they take a 4- or 5-year course, at the end of which they sit for the GCE 'O' Level exam. That's one reason why students must have more than an average grade in their Primary School Leaving Exam (PSLE) to be selected although exceptional cases have been accepted, eg, academically not very strong but talented in a particular sport.

They can take up to 9 subjects in the Upper Secondary levels (Core Subjects are English Language, Mother Tongue/Higher MT, Mathematics 'D', Combined Humanities (History & Geography and Social Studies), and one Science subject; and Electives include Eng. Lit, Geography, History Additional Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.) And to provide a holistic education, all pupils go through the Personal Effectiveness Programm (PEP), the Arts Programme and the Community Involvement Programme. I have also read that the SS will link up with Junior Colleges and overseas universities to enable their students to pursue tertiary education and still be involved in their chosen sport so that there will be no interruption to their training to become a champion. It was much harder before for our talented and academically superior sports students.

The PEP programme aims to broaden the horizons of students, nurture innovation and enterprise, impart Life-skills and to develop leadership qualities. Students sttend a series of development and enrichment programmes aimed at providing them with a well-balanced education. Lower secondary students are given the opportunity to participate in student exchange programme, through which they learn to be adaptable and independent as they experience unfamiliar cultures and environments and the SS has an existing programme with New Zealand and is planning to expand to other countries. And during school holidays, adventure activities like hiking, kayaking, rock-wall climbing, abseiling and outdoor cookding are scheduled.

The point I'm trying to make is that, those students who are able will not be handicapped academically. In fact, the SS goes all out to help them achieve both aims and that is why the curriculum is arranged in such a way that is flexible an enjoyable to the student.

The SS aims to provide students with an education that is rigorous, dynamic and pupil-centered. Teaching processes are constantly reviewed and refined in order to cater to the differentiated abilities of the students. Each of them is viewed as an individual with special talents and needs. The small class size of not more than 25 allows teachers to ensure that these talents are developed and needs addressed.

Actually, as I have stated the cost of educating and training a SS student is about S$25,000 a year. If there were no government subsidy and scholarship, it will cost the parent about $2,000 per month, but this is with all the training and first-class facilities, including board and lodging, still cheaper than your school.

You should pay the SS a visit to see things for yourself. Two beautiful rubber based netball courts, two sheltered (indoor) Olympic size swimming pools, 10 badminton courts, lots of table-tennis courts, a huge gym and fitness training centre with the most-up-to-date machines, a 400-meter stadium for track and field events and a soccer pitch in the centre and well equiped apartments for living in.

This is paradise for a sports and academically talented student whose parent pays only less than a quarter of the real cost!

Loh, one thing I've gotta say......................

SWEET. *Pheet Phew* Nice looking complex man. Wish I could study there.

Btw you have been on badmintonforums, quite long in the night have you since you posted this article.

Time : Monday 9.49pm

Loh, one thing I've gotta say......................

SWEET. *Pheet Phew* Nice looking complex man. Wish I could study there.

Btw you have been on badmintonforums, quite long in the night have you since you posted this article.

Time : Monday 9.49pm

I, too, wished I had such an opportunity during my time. This complex is huge and beautiful and whoever is studying there must be very lucky indeed! 10 badminton courts and only about 10 to 12 students are selected yearly. And with all the attendant help on fitness and skills development, how can we not produce good players? But we will have to wait at least 4 years. :(

As to my time on this post, what happened was that I posted this thread in the office quite late and rushed for a dinner appointment at 7 pm. I missed my appointment thinking that I was late but actually it was my friend to showed up late. So I went home for dinner instead. Thereafter I continued with the Forum on my home PC. ;)

The lighting in the badminton hall looks really good!

But I wonder why they are using wooden flooring. Shouldn't they have used the type of high traction flooring in tournaments?

Loh,

i am speechless.

i believe Singapore is doing the right thing to put itself in the world map of sports. with such an excellent setup, talented youngsters can not only get the opportunity to excel in the sports they like, they can also get an education on the side.

and that badminton court, nice lighting, nice size. it is big enough to hold a medium size tournament!

so who are the current students attending the school right now? they are to become the next generation of Singaporean sportmen and sportwomen i am sure.

Loh,

i am speechless.

i believe Singapore is doing the right thing to put itself in the world map of sports. with such an excellent setup, talented youngsters can not only get the opportunity to excel in the sports they like, they can also get an education on the side.

and that badminton court, nice lighting, nice size. it is big enough to hold a medium size tournament!

so who are the current students attending the school right now? they are to become the next generation of Singaporean sportmen and sportwomen i am sure.

Thanks Kwun, I also think our government is doing the right thing although it comes a bit late compared to our neighbours. I have given some reasons in my earlier posts on the subject. But starting late also has its advantages for then one can absorb the best from others' experiences. I think we must have a goal and lay out appropriate and realistic plans to achieving it.

The students, at about 12 to 13 years of age when they entered the SS, are relative young and therefore much of the decision-making is done by their parents. I have met and spoken to a few parents at the badminton selection trials and whilst they are impressed by the setup and the modern facilities, some are still not sure about their children's future. This relates to the academic side as paper qualifications are normally the way to secure a better future, especially with the Chinese parents.

But I'm sure the presentation by a prominent sports editor at the Open House, had swayed many parents to think more positively! Although the $500 school fee is heavily subsidized, it is still a lot of money to the lower-income parents and if they have two talented children who are selected, it will become quite a financial burden to them indeed. But I'm sure there are ways to get round this like scholarships and bursaries from sponsors. The main thing is that we must have a real talent to be groomed to represent the country in due course.

It is therefore important for our sports professionals like Ronald Susilo, Li Li and Jiang Yanmei to do well in the Olympics as good role models to our young sports students and give added assurance to their parents.

But, for Singapore, there is no turning back. This is just the initial investment in sports as we have done so in the Arts by building the world-class Esplanade, Theatres-on-the-Bay and attracting world-class artists and performers to our shores. There will be a new National Stadium and Indoor Stadium, currently under construction and a new train service (The Circle Line) to bring the people to support the events held there.

But we have to be a little more patient to be able to see how our young students will turn out in about 4 years' time. Meanwhile, we will rely on foreign imports to help maintain and raise standards. The deal to allow the young foreign badminton talents to live and train in the SS is a step in the right direction.

Singapore is now in the midst of very exciting times. We have overcome the financial crisis of 1997 and have restructured our education service and our economy to better help us face future challenges. The government has taken unpopular decisions to ensure that Singapore continues to thrive in the world community and her people enjoy the fruits of their labour in the Arts, Sports, Travel and Entertainment.

The face of Singapore will continue to change and indeed, come August 12, we will have a new 52 year old Prime Minister, Mr Lee Hsien Loong, who has been chosen by an orderly transfer of power and who will take us to a new and higher level. But just before this event, all Singaporeans will celebrate National Day on August 9, with all its pomp, pageantry and fireworks! :D

Here are more pics of the SS:

Oh ok, not offended. I must admit the lighting in that badminton court is one of the better ones in Singapore, not the cheap ones you get at the public places. Is it airconditioned?

just wondering, do the student stick with one sport or do they get to try out different ones and then later on specialize?

there are a lot of students in the pictures. how many are enrolled now?

gotta be a great place for the kids who cannot sit still, as they probably don't need to!

that covered swimming complex is just jaw dropping! is that 2 50m pools side by side to each other? i think with this facility, Singapore can aim for bidding for the next Olympics!

Oh ok, not offended. I must admit the lighting in that badminton court is one of the better ones in Singapore, not the cheap ones you get at the public places. Is it airconditioned?

I don't think the hall is airconditioned, but when I last visited the ventilation is OK. The hall really looks pretty with the dome-shape ceiling and the Broadway kind of lights, but somehow I still prefer the diffused lighting at my own club as I don't see the lights staring into my eyes when I look up.

If you're interested to know more about the SS activities, you can reach their newsletter "Reach", which can be reached on their website:

http://www.sportsschool.edu.sg

I think the SS students are closely knit because they have such a small population of less than 150 as a start and the annual intake is about 100 to 150. And they play, study and stay together for 5 days a week. They can encourage, help and motivate one another in all they do. Lucky them! :)

just wondering, do the student stick with one sport or do they get to try out different ones and then later on specialize?

there are a lot of students in the pictures. how many are enrolled now?

gotta be a great place for the kids who cannot sit still, as they probably don't need to!

that covered swimming complex is just jaw dropping! is that 2 50m pools side by side to each other? i think with this facility, Singapore can aim for bidding for the next Olympics!

Hi Kwun

I am afraid they are selected on the basis of their talent in a particular sport. I believe it is specialization all the way. The coaches may introduce other available sports as a relief from boredom or to emphasize certain specialized skills that are dominant in other sports. But it will be fun to do some cross-training.

Yes the swimming complex is awesome with two Olympic size swimming pool adjacent to each other. The gym or fitness training centre is just one or two floors on the block facing the pools directly. When I was there, one pool was used for water polo and the other for swimming training as the initial intake for swimming was only about 17 students. Soccer may have more in view of the fact that you need at least 11 students to form a team. The last time I made a physical count basing on newspaper reports were as follows: Badminton 12, Bowling 11, Netball 12, Sailing 10, Soccer 16, Swimming 17, Table-Tennis 6 and Track & Field 21 a total of barely 105 students. I think the student population should not differ much by now and with an annual intake of about 100 to 120 perhaps, after 4 to 5 years, a total student population of around 600 should be manageable without losing the personal touch as class size will be maintained at 25.

The above 8 sports were specially chosen basing on our past success in them at both regional and international competitions. For instance, tennis is not included but badminton and table-tennis are because of Asian attributes and success towards such sports.

Would you want to send your child here for selection if he/she comes of age? :)

Some more pics on the SS complex:

Some more pics on the SS complex:

i think the effort and coverage that you have contributed is great. you have done such a great job and is very informative and detailed. keep up the great work :)

i hope this will spur you further in you contributions to the forum

Ah to be young again... :p

man... that is one SWEET sports school... :D How I wish
(and I'm sure many others as well!) I could have had something
like that when I was training *WOW*

Facilities look FANTASTIC :D :D :D

Loh, thanks for sharing man... a great report!!! :D must visit...
I don't suppose they rent out the facilities at all? :D

Ah to be young again... :p

man... that is one SWEET sports school... :D How I wish
(and I'm sure many others as well!) I could have had something
like that when I was training *WOW*

Facilities look FANTASTIC :D :D :D

Loh, thanks for sharing man... a great report!!! :D must visit...
I don't suppose they rent out the facilities at all? :D

Thanks Jug8man and haven for all your encouragement. I'm very glad that my efforts are appreciated.

As for renting out the facilities, I believe the SS will not do so on a short term basis like renting out for 2 hours or so as in public facilities. But on a long term basis, like the arrangement with the SBA to allow their young badminton trainees (of about the same age as the SS students) from China to live and train there and also to learn English, it is quite possible. In fact other NSA's (National Sports Associations) like the SBA, are reported to have negotiated with the SS to have a similar arrangement like the SBA.

Right now the SS is pretty new and the student population is very small and therefore such tieups with the NSA's may still be possible. But once the SS is in full gear, ie, in its third and fourth years, the school compound will become a beehive of activities throughout the day.

I have a feeling that after last Saturday's presentation, many more parents would want their talented child to secure a place in the SS. I'm sure the time will come when places will be limited but the demand overwhelming!

Other than being a student in the SS, the next best thing is to become a coach or a teacher there. Then you should have the whole complex as your
playground. :D :D :D

Other than being a student in the SS, the next best thing is to become a coach or a teacher there. Then you should have the whole complex as your
playground. :D :D :D
qualify being a student vs. qualify being a coach, i think the latter is much much more difficult! :)

qualify being a student vs. qualify being a coach, i think the latter is much much more difficult! :)

Difficult but attainable for you can't turn the clock back to become a 12-year old student! :) ;) :D

Difficult but attainable for you can't turn the clock back to become a 12-year old student! :) ;) :D
quite true. :)

...

lol.....now I really wish that I live in SP.....it would be great to grow up in a environment like this!!


Badminton rocks!!:cool:

PS: by the way, those swinming pools look really really nice.....

The lighting in the badminton hall looks really good!

But I wonder why they are using wooden flooring. Shouldn't they have used the type of high traction flooring in tournaments?

Quite observant!

Of course there is a difference. The wooden floors are easier to maintain and last longer I suppose and easier to repair if damaged. Then when you play on wood, you can move easier and you can also slide a little. On rubber flooring you can't really do this as you need to lift your feet to move about otherwise you may fall and injure your limbs. Of course for dives, the rubber floor is safer.

I think before they lay the wooden flooring they have first to secure the base with raised wooden planks so that there is a hollow between the base, which is normally concrete, and the actual wooden court. This provides a form of cushion for a player who lands heavily as in a jump smash. :)

Oic, i'm used to wooden flooring as most of the courts in spore are the wooden types.

The only courts I know that uses the rubberized type is at ACJC, which I liked a lot since it has such good traction and shock absorbence.

I like the feel and appearance of wooden flooring better but i think its main disadvantage is having to wash the soles of the shoes all the time as my shoes often lose their grip just after 1 game.

Hmm...hey well... actually i had visted sss quite long ago.. I was lucky to have a fren who noe the coach there. And was able to use their hall and play frenly games wit them. The coach desmond told us tat we can go there anytime... as they have so many courts in which they need only a few. However after a few weeks, my fren and i stop visting there..cos all of us r 17++ liao..haha too old liao, no face to face them man.. They can beat us easily in Single, But somehow... their doubles, we seldom lose to them. the hall wasn't air-conditioned, but was pretty comfortable.. however we can use their Auditorium (sorry for my wrong spelling) (another hall) Which is air conditioned! but only have 4 courts, Which was used for the poilet pen cup Final. Anyway the flooring of the main badminton hall has quite a good gripping too.. very nice, they does have 2 green mat (normally seen on internationl tournament) in the hall...

Anyway, i think their traininig wasn't as tough as i tot... instead it was a very comfortable training. Cos the coaches and players there r very frenly and fun. Didn't got the chance to see the coach scolding any of the players yet... But there was once, where when i was at there training, where a player told the coach the training was very tough and ya he was very tired. And i was quite inpired by wat the coach desmond said! He told the boy:' Ya Badminton Life Is So Tough One Lor.., If u dunwan den u can quit ' Then the boy kept quiet...haha... Well i was inpired cos.. he said 'badminton life is tough' and ya i agree...as i dun think the pro star r well paid rite??? and compare to the soccer players.. we trained really hard too....but wun earn really much, but yet we still enjoy playing it and nv stop it. Although it is tough but we have to sacrifice as we love the game.

And Ya... i saw their training guide... i think every each of the players has a different training schedule. i think it is like one has to work more or improve on his/her weaker part. And i saw the head coach, who is a indonesian... feed the player shuttle for tapping drill.. and wow!! it was fanstic man! the way he fed was very fast! and accuate along the tape!!.. And normally they can use the another part of the swimming pool to swim, the coach joined in also.... as i think the swimming team used only one part of the pool...they have 2 pool... It's so fun..!! Their training was in a very enjoyable environment and really run. Not as tough as i tot (like china? or Army) Really regrate not to be born a few yrs later!!

Btw, I was wondering why didn't their Soccer Team didn't as success as the other sports..... So sad they din even made it to the zonal top 4... with such a good training facilities... and their coach was a previous leeds united youth Academy watever (forgot liao) further more all the players r so carefully selected, they get all the top player from various schools...yet...din't get into the zonal top 4.... well the coach had been sacked haha....

Hmm...anyway, the badminton team has 3 coaches, 2 male, 1 female. Oh ya....btw i visited their staff room too! It was very nice also. the coaches has rather big table and there is toilet in the room also! fully air-conditioned!!
And....the machines in the gym...omg! i never seen those machines and dunnoe wat they do... Lastly...but not the least...i really like their water cooler!!!!! haha.... they have almost water coolers anywhere. And the water r ice cool!!!!!!! can see those icy smoke if u go and notice.... really cool. Which my school, cooler is just like a normal tap water....haha.... And Ya.. we outsider can't buy any foods inside....as they dun sell any foods.

Hi Kai

You're very lucky to get a chance to play there. Glad that you enjoyed it too whilst it lasted.

Do remember the students there are very young, probably 12 or 13 and they are still growing. And they have been there for about 7 months only. The coaches must know each of them intimately so that they would know how to make the best of them as you probably saw for yourself the difference in physical development and skills. Though of the same age, some grow taller and stronger than others and that's probably why each of them has a different training programme.

Although these students are talented, the coaches must ensure that they have their basics and foundations right, therefore they have to be patient and not rush for results rightaway. Frankly, I don't expect them to be in the same class or level as the China teenagers as the latter had started their formal training much earlier and therefore they are stronger in most departments. Perhaps at the end of 4 years, our local students can catch up if they are committed enough in training and have a passion of becoming a champion.

Playing doubles is quite different from playing singles. Teamwork is crucial in doubles and an almost telepathic understanding between the partners is most desired to win matches. The SS students are still new to one another and they have to be taught the basics correctly, so it'll take them some time to adjust before they are gradually introduced to playing proper doubles.

Perhaps this is one major reason why the soccer team failed because they haven't quite gelled as a team yet and the boys are still being groomed on basics first. That's why they probably still think as individuals and not as a team yet. But given time, they should be able do well.

The badminton coaches you mentioned are probably the ones shown in one of my photos, but I think Mr Desmond Koh is not there.

It's good to know you enjoy playing badminton. Do keep it up and play for as long as possible as a life-long exercise. :)

I hope to go into the singapore sports school...but i don't play badminton in school...that means I wont have any teacher's recommendation...and I am already 14-years-old..

I hope to go into the singapore sports school...but i don't play badminton in school...that means I wont have any teacher's recommendation...and I am already 14-years-old..

In the first place do you play badminton at all? If you are not even in your school team, it is quite difficult. For your age now, the SS is out as you are overaged, unfortunately. But if you are good, there are other schemes provided by the SBA and the Sports Council. :D

Maybe that means i will have to give up sports...actually during primary school my teacher wanted to recommended me to join netball...but i didnt join netball..:crying:

Maybe that means i will have to give up sports...actually during primary school my teacher wanted to recommended me to join netball...but i didnt join netball..:crying:

Oh no, never give up sports! Get back into a game that you can enjoy for a lifetime!

I'm sure you must have heard or read of many diseases which could have been prevented if the victim had participated in sports for a continuous period. Although sports do not guarantee that you will never fall ill, sports can help to prevent, delay or even help cure some of these diseases.

It is known that diabetes (non-hereditary type), asthma, hypertension, etc, can be prevented, subdued through active participation in sports.

Badminton is an excellent game to take up for a lifetime. It can be played all-year round indoors or even outdoors if you don't mind the wind, as a social activity. The health uplifting part, I have just enumerated and on top of that you can make good friends with like-minded enthusiasts.

Why, you can even make friends with people all round the world, just like what I'm now doing, talking to badminton friends in the net whom I've never met! We need an outlet to de-stress, to get away once a while from our studies, work and other less pleasant things. :)

Ya.... Loh Is Right! Hmm...Btw...If u like to play badminton at high level... hmm....why not attend some training session coached by some professional coaches?? Like those Sba training centre in Singapore...? But...u will have to pay them.... The fees r quite high... Unlike those who live in malaysia.... Their training r much more better and cheaper.. they may even have free badminton camp!

Btw Sports Is the Best thing in the world man!!! It help u to relax alot! And its healthy too!!! I dun thing any others thing can help u to get rid of the stress in a healthy manner...

:confused:how come all sports got butten no cycling n tennis or basketball one har?they specialize in this few sports only meh see the news report say until like everything also got

:confused:how come all sports got butten no cycling n tennis or basketball one har?they specialize in this few sports only meh see the news report say until like everything also got

Yes, the SS specializes in certain sports and you can find out more of these in my earlier posts.

It is no point to try to produce champions in sports that are not traditionally to our advantage. The SS, because of limited resources, concentrates on games that we can be good at and have won medals at the regional or international levels, like the SEA Games, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and World Championships.

But the SS is flexible enough to include more games if necessary and recently has agreed to take in even golf. Two of the biggest sports like swimming and track and field are already included, although we currently do not stand a chance at the international stage.

Who's the great guy who took all the photos of the SSS? Great jobs! If you do get to go back again- and I'm reaching out to everyone else too!- could you take more MORE MORE pics of the badminton hall, courts, nets (heee) and also try to snap the team players, so I'll know who I could possibly be up against. Thanks in advance and I'm sure every1 else is pretty interested too!

Who's the great guy who took all the photos of the SSS? Great jobs! If you do get to go back again- and I'm reaching out to everyone else too!- could you take more MORE MORE pics of the badminton hall, courts, nets (heee) and also try to snap the team players, so I'll know who I could possibly be up against. Thanks in advance and I'm sure every1 else is pretty interested too!

Hi Beryl

Good to know that you are a competitive player. If you have attended the Cheers Asian Satellite Badminton Championships 2004 currently being played at the SBA Hall, you will be able to see some Sports School students participating to gain experience. At the last Cheers Age Group Championships, the SS trainees were there in greater numbers and many were successful in winning medals.

I have run out of pix for the Badminton Academy and hope the following extras will give you a better idea of your likely competitors. In one pic, the male coach is Kelly Wee, an ex-National player.

One more precious pic just for you. See someone familiar here during the Cheers Asian Satellite Championships 2004?

Time flies, the Singapore Sports School has completed its first academic year and has finalised it new student intake for next year.

The experiment of mixing sports with studies seems to have passed the test in this special school which aims to develop future champion athletes for Singapore. Academically, the first batch of specially selected students have generally done well, with the exception of just a few, and they have already made their mark in the sports arena by capturing a good number of medals in the Junior Age-Group and the National Age-Group competitions.

Badminton will have an additional 11 trainees for the Class of 2005 (7 boys and 4 girls) and the 2004 batch apparently achieved the following successes during the past year:

Academic Awards:6

Inter-School Competition:
C Division Girls Singles (1st)
Boys Singles (2nd)
Team (1st)

National Age-Group Championships:
U-15 Boys Singles (1st)
U-15 Boys Doubles (1st)
U-15 Girls Singles (1st)

A more detailed report by Dan Pek of 'Today' follows:


A marriage that works

Wednesday • October 20, 2004

President S R Nathan and the First Lady paid a visit to the Singapore Sports School yesterday. The school has been in operation at its Woodlands campus for 10 months now. While there have been some hiccups, Tan Yo-Hinn finds out that the school is breaking new ground as it strives to mould champions who also excel academically. Today also profiles two students, who begin their terms in 2005, and who have been singled out as stars of the future.

IT HAS been a long-held belief in Singapore — that sports and studies do not mix well.

But the Singapore Sports School is doing its best to shatter that belief and render it a mere myth.

It has been 10 months into the school's first year of operations.

And despite a hectic training and competition schedule, mixed with a modular study format, the majority of the 140 pioneer batch of secondary one and two students have come through their first year unscathed.

Indeed, sports school principal Moo Soon Chong said yesterday the results have so far exceeded expectations.

Speaking during a visit by President S R Nathan and the First Lady, Moo said: "The first year has been a very good one.

"In spite of their busy training and competition schedules, the students have done very well in their respective sports disciplines and studies. This shows that our modular system is working."

President Nathan and the First Lady were on a familiarisation visit to the $75 million seven-hectare campus in Woodlands yesterday.

The sports school currently runs eight academies — athletics, badminton, bowling, football, netball, sailing, swimming and table tennis.

It also out-sources two programmes — golf and gymnastics — to the Singapore Golf Association and Gymnastics Singapore, respectively.

The two associations handle the training aspects for the students, while the school operates the academic side.

Some successes for the school include 19 gold medals in the Junior Age-Group and 14 golds in the National Age-Group competitions, respectively.

In sailing, Scott Glen Sydney, 13, clinched the Asian Sailing Championship Boys' optimist title.

Academically, 26 secondary one and 12 secondary two student-athletes received commendations for good performance.

All students must complete 32 modules — eight per year — during their four-year stint at the Sports School, culminating in the 'O' Level examinations in secondary four.

Following selection trials in August and September, 97 out of the 489 applicants for secondary one were offered places in the school for 2005.

So far, 87 have accepted the offer. The number of applicants this year is less than last year's figure of 1,203, but school director Dr Irwin Seet explained that the selection criteria has become more stringent.

"Last year, being a new school, we needed the numbers, so those in primary six, secondary one and some in secondary two were eligible," said Dr Seet.

"But it is different now. Only primary six students are eligible and all must have a letter of recommendation from their respective coaches, principals or teachers-in-charge.

"This is a streamlining process to improve the quality of student-athletes entering the sports school."

While there has been much to celebrate, it has not been all plain sailing for the school.

A handful of students did not pass some of their first-year modules and at least two were served "yellow cards".

Students who fail modules will undergo remedial lessons and then sit for a re-test.

Those that fail the re-test are "yellow-carded", which means that their parents will be notified of the situation and the affected students will then be required to submit a daily journal of their activities. If they fail a second re-test, expulsion could be considered, depending on the circumstances.

One big concern for principal Moo is the school's first 'O' Level exam, scheduled for 2007.

"In 2007, our pioneer batch of students will sit for their 'O' Level exams," he said.

"But some of them are likely to participate in the SEA Games that year, which will in all probability clash with the exams. That will be a problem as Cambridge conducts the exams and we have no power over them."

But Moo said that they may have found a solution, which involves a local polytechnic and university, but he declined to reveal any details until a formal announcement is made this Friday.

Right, Loh. Thanks plenty! Sorry if this is a little overdue tho, exams got in the way of my passion. But i'm back! Thanks again ah!

Beryl.

Is there any secondary school for singapore sports school? i went to ask but they said they dont have secondary school. But in the website i saw secondary school...anyone please reply......

Is there any secondary school for singapore sports school? i went to ask but they said they dont have secondary school. But in the website i saw secondary school...anyone please reply......

I don't quite understand your question.

The Singapore Sports School is a secondary school preparing sports-talented students mainly for the 'O' Levels. Students who start the Secondary 1 there should be around 12 to 13 years of age. You should have a look at their website.

The school fees are subsidized and I'm not sure whether foreign students can be admitted, although I think this is unlikely.

But if you mean whether there are secondary schools in Singapore which emphasize on sports, then the answer must be yes. But they are ordinary schools and unlike the Sports School, their facilities are limited. Most secondary schools here embrace sports, the arts and music to some extent and some of them are well-known in certain sports which they specialize in.
Depending on which sport you are good at or attracted to, you can seek out such schools which can best satisfy your needs. :)

i mean i wanna go to Singapore Sports School. Im in secondary 4 this year and i wanna go for badminton. But then my parents went there and ask wether can a secondary 4 student go in or not. They said there is no secondary for this school. If you can help me, can you go and ask them? thanks

i mean i wanna go to Singapore Sports School. Im in secondary 4 this year and i wanna go for badminton. But then my parents went there and ask wether can a secondary 4 student go in or not. They said there is no secondary for this school. If you can help me, can you go and ask them? thanks
It's hard for you to do the O'levels, particularly since you're doing SPM....

i mean i wanna go to Singapore Sports School. Im in secondary 4 this year and i wanna go for badminton. But then my parents went there and ask wether can a secondary 4 student go in or not. They said there is no secondary for this school. If you can help me, can you go and ask them? thanks

Hi, sorry for this late reply.

As far as I know, you are over-aged. The Sports School admits Sec 1 students only so that those who are good at sports and have passed their PSLE (Primary School Leaving Exams) and are then selected will have sufficient time to be trained as champions, at least 4 years. When you are already a Sec 4 student now, it is already too late to train you.

Much resources will be spent on those students in the Sports School so that, hopefully, when they are good enough, even at Sec 4, they can represent Singapore at regional or international games such as the SEA Games, Commonwealth Games, Thomas & Uber Cups and the Olympics. The SS has a scheme to help their students who have graduated to continue their training in a JC or poly.

I think in your case, you should identify a secondary school here which is strong in game you are interested in. Good Luck!

:p my dream school!!! but i am much overaged and i only started training for badminton after i leave my secondary school. :(
:crying: :crying: :crying: how i wish i was young again..

Barely 20 months since its opening, the SS continues to grow and has now attracted sports that were not originally included in its programme of eight sports and a recent change in policy allows foreign students to train there.

"The National Sports Associations (NSA) of shooting, triathlon and chess are looking to incubate thier future champions with the SS" as reported in "Today" , 11 Oct 2005.

"The potential and advantages of entering the SS look tremendous... due to the school's modular system, we can groom our future champions without having them worry about balancing their studies and sport - an issue that students in 'normal' schools face" says Chng Seng Mok, President, Singapore Shooting Association.

Currently, golf is also included to increase the number of sports to nine.

The July policy change to reserve up to 20% of places for foreign students has interested three more foreign students to join the two other already in the school. They are a swimmer from China, a golfer from India and a distance runner from America. Foreign students are charged the full rate of S$25,000 a year. But for the Chinese swimmer and his parents, the fees are a "worthwhile investment" to groom a future champion as there are so many sports schools in China which means they are not as competitive as the SS, which also allows the student to focus on his studies.

With about 230 students, which is about a third of the SS's maximum capacity, there is no rush to increase the numbers as the school is still new and is consolidating its resources.

Come to think of it, it is a real pity that talented Singaporean students who were selected chose to turn down the offer. And they have only to pay subsidized rates. Some Singaporean parents are still "kiasu", i.e. "afraid to lose" in Hokkien, a Chinese dialect (i.e. afraid that their children will not be able to compete with their peers in their studies and subsequently unable to obtain a better paying job).

We'll have to wait another two years at least to see whether the SS is able to produce champions worthy enough to represent Singapore in regional events for a start. Maybe, I'm expecting too much as these students will still be in their teens, around 16 to 17 years of age. :D

Has SSS found the fulltime sparring cum assistant coach for their badminton squad? if yes what nationality and any names???

cheers

8man

Barely 20 months since its opening, the SS continues to grow and has now attracted sports that were not originally included in its programme of eight sports and a recent change in policy allows foreign students to train there.

"The National Sports Associations (NSA) of shooting, triathlon and chess are looking to incubate thier future champions with the SS" as reported in "Today" , 11 Oct 2005.

"The potential and advantages of entering the SS look tremendous... due to the school's modular system, we can groom our future champions without having them worry about balancing their studies and sport - an issue that students in 'normal' schools face" says Chng Seng Mok, President, Singapore Shooting Association.

Currently, golf is also included to increase the number of sports to nine.

The July policy change to reserve up to 20% of places for foreign students has interested three more foreign students to join the two other already in the school. They are a swimmer from China, a golfer from India and a distance runner from America. Foreign students are charged the full rate of S$25,000 a year. But for the Chinese swimmer and his parents, the fees are a "worthwhile investment" to groom a future champion as there are so many sports schools in China which means they are not as competitive as the SS, which also allows the student to focus on his studies.

With about 230 students, which is about a third of the SS's maximum capacity, there is no rush to increase the numbers as the school is still new and is consolidating its resources.

Come to think of it, it is a real pity that talented Singaporean students who were selected chose to turn down the offer. And they have only to pay subsidized rates. Some Singaporean parents are still "kiasu", i.e. "afraid to lose" in Hokkien, a Chinese dialect (i.e. afraid that their children will not be able to compete with their peers in their studies and subsequently unable to obtain a better paying job).

We'll have to wait another two years at least to see whether the SS is able to produce champions worthy enough to represent Singapore in regional events for a start. Maybe, I'm expecting too much as these students will still be in their teens, around 16 to 17 years of age. :D

Here in Luxembourg, we have a similar project. Here some special classes for teenagers, who are in a national youth team of Luxembourg in different sports, like Badminton (of course), Basketball, Swimming, Athletics, Football, Handball, Cyclism, Triathlon, Table Tennis and Tennis.
I'm in such a class and we have only 27 lessons a week instead of 30, an wednesday morning, we have 2 hours practice.

When we go to a tournament or a camp, the school allows us to go.
But you are supposed to have good notes in your test ;)

I find the SSS is better, because it looks better an there are only the sportlers, here in Luxembourg we have 2 of these special classes per grade, and the rest are normal classes...

You are truly amazing.Your posts are mostly informative,thought-provoking,beneficial and do wonders for badminton.You are indeed passionate about badminton.What a wonderful guy?Enjoy reading your thoughts and contributions.Keep up the good work.Agree absoluely with you, most parents are "kiasu" nowadays,even Malaysians.Come to think about it,not all academically inclined students have it all the way.Some children have different itelligences and may be gifted in sports.

Has SSS found the fulltime sparring cum assistant coach for their badminton squad? if yes what nationality and any names???

cheers

8man

Hi 8man, I understand that the SSS has still not found someone suitable yet. I think they will probably look overseas.

You are truly amazing.Your posts are mostly informative,thought-provoking,beneficial and do wonders for badminton.You are indeed passionate about badminton.What a wonderful guy?Enjoy reading your thoughts and contributions.Keep up the good work.Agree absoluely with you, most parents are "kiasu" nowadays,even Malaysians.Come to think about it,not all academically inclined students have it all the way.Some children have different itelligences and may be gifted in sports.

Oh yeah.. he is definately passionate about badminton. You should see all the badminton files on his office table. :p . This man can be your tour guide in Spore. He love his country and know alot about Spore.

Hi Loh,
I am glad that u have posted beautiful and informative article about SSS. Even though I used to pass by SSS, I did not notice the facilities are so fabulous and outstanding. Good work and keep it up.;)
Lee

Here in Luxembourg, we have a similar project. Here some special classes for teenagers, who are in a national youth team of Luxembourg in different sports, like Badminton (of course), Basketball, Swimming, Athletics, Football, Handball, Cyclism, Triathlon, Table Tennis and Tennis.
I'm in such a class and we have only 27 lessons a week instead of 30, an wednesday morning, we have 2 hours practice.

When we go to a tournament or a camp, the school allows us to go.
But you are supposed to have good notes in your test ;)

I find the SSS is better, because it looks better an there are only the sportlers, here in Luxembourg we have 2 of these special classes per grade, and the rest are normal classes...

Hi JoeM

Thank you for your contribution.

Judging by the number of hours you train per week, I'm afraid this is certainly not enough to become a champion, even though you may be a teenager. But I hope you are enjoying yourself and I hope you are getting training in badminton, instead of other games. :)

Hi JoeM

Thank you for your contribution.

Judging by the number of hours you train per week, I'm afraid this is certainly not enough to become a champion, even though you may be a teenager. But I hope you are enjoying yourself and I hope you are getting training in badminton, instead of other games. :)

We train also in the evenings :D

in total, we have 14 hours practice a week, an on weekends we play usually for our club or we are at a tournament ( national and international)