PROJECT OBJECTIVE #1

A collaboration between Woodgrove Secondary School Science Department, Craft & Technology; and Temasek Polytechnic to design and construct a solar-powered water fountain

PROJECT OBJECTIVE #2

Creation of a learning corner for the teaching and learning of solar energy

Friday, March 5, 2010

Speech by Ms Grace Fu, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of National Development and Ministry of Education, at MOE Excel Fest 2010 on Friday, 5 March

Excerpts of speech in which Woodgrove Secondary Solar Water Fountain was commended:

"... This year’s ExCEL Fest theme, ‘Every Child Ready for the World’ therefore aptly captures this challenge for us. In fact, our recent preoccupation has been with equipping our students with a creative mindset and skills which are required for the future. This has been the driver for many recent initiatives such as IT Masterplan 3, Teach Less Learn More and the Curriculum 2015 project.

Under this year’s broad theme of ‘Every Child Ready for the World’, we have identified 4 areas of focus that showcase our recent efforts to prepare our students for the future. These are
  • This is IT!
  • Learning out of the box
  • On your mark, get ready… Go global; and
  • Character Plus
Each of these areas is exemplified by the school exhibitors and Classroom Experience presenters who have worked very hard to showcase their innovations at this year’s event ...

... In the second sub-theme, ‘Learning out of the box’, Science and Design & Technology teachers of Woodgrove Secondary School developed a project that allowed students to apply conceptual knowledge to a real-life problem. When faced with the possibility of changing the electrically-powered school fountain into a solar-powered one, teachers exploited the opportunity by creating an authentic learning experience for a group of Secondary 3 and 4 students. Students were tasked to design and assemble a solar-powered module. They partnered with lecturers from Temasek Polytechnic and project managers from the industries. The project resulted in long-term energy savings for the school and the students also assisted teachers in the development of a lesson plan on the use of solar power. This will be implemented in lower secondary classes this year to raise awareness about the need for alternative energy sources.... "