- Four years ago
in 1967 the first Sixth Form class, the Lower Six Science was
formed. A number who were admitted to the Six Form of that year
applied for a transfer to other schools, in the belief that the
results were bound to suffer since the teachers were inexperienced,
the laboratory and the library inefficiently equipped. These
pupils were perhaps right to do what they did since it was their
future which was at stake. The pupils who stayed behind also
realised this and worked and how they worked! Their future was
at stake too! And happily for all, thigs turned out well - if
not outstandingly well, at least creditably so. But that is history
now.
-
- Last year, the
first Sixth Form Arts class, the Lower Six Arts, was formed.
The problems were many. Teachers were inexperienced, the library
under-equipped. The problems, I admit are still there. What will
the results of the HSC Arts class of 1971 be? That is left to
be seen. Predictions as everyone knows, are quite useless. If
favourable, they tend to over-inflate the ego which can prove
to be very dangerous, and if unfavourable, the ego is punctured,
sometimes beyond repair and this can also be very dangerous.
I shall therefore, not venture to predict even though the urge
to have the satisfaction of saying 'I told you so!' is irresistably
strong.
-
- Many pupils
who are admitted to the Sixth Form often expect to be treated
differently from the rest of the school, even to the extent of
questioning school regulations. These pupils ask 'Doesn't the
Sixth Form pre-university education? Shouldn't we therefore be
treated like university students are treated?' The answer to
the first question is evidently YES, the Sixth Form is PRE-university
education, not university education. The school question evidently
needs no answer.
-
- While on the
topic of the status of the Sixth Form, let me recall your attention
to what was said about the first Sixth Form class. There I said
that the secret of their success was work. It isn't that much
of a secret really. Everyone knows that there is not substitute
for hard work. Sixth Formers like to think of themselves as Pre-university
students where previleges are concerned, and in doing so they
miss the whole point of the term 'pre-university' - which is
that the Sixth Form prepares students to be able to rely on their
own judgement to be able to think critically. This is essential
as 90% of their work in the university comes from the efforts
of the student himself. The Sixth Former should therefore learn
to work on his own with the teacher acting more as a guide -
but unfortunately this is not the case. Perhaps one reason could
be the inadequacy of the Library. If it is, the next few years
should see this problem solved.
-
- One final word
for most of you. Your relationship with St George's can perhaps
be best described as 'fleeting'. You may not have left your mark
on the school (marks on your desks excluded} and perhaps the
School has not left any significant mark on you - two years is
not a very long time - but whether this be the case or not, you
can be quite sure of one thing. St Geroge's is always interested
in her sons and daughters, and no matter where you may be, news
of you is always appreciated and no matter how many years, your
return will always be welcomed.
-
- There is, I
think, no better way to end this message than by wishing you
'GOOD LUCK'
-
- Mr Kuah Say
Kong
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