After School Engagement
At BLS, we believe in creating opportunities for our students to develop their strengths and interests, form support networks within the school community, and rise to his or her potential regardless of background. We actively engage students in co-creating spaces and programmes, giving them a voice and choice.
The Chill Zone
The Chill Zone, housed in our Civil Defence (CD) shelter, was opened in 2022 and students are free to visit the space during their recess and lunch breaks as well as after school. This vibrant space was co-created and meticulously designed with the invaluable input of our students, and continues to be refreshed annually. From the strategic placement of the pool table to the selection of gaming consoles, every element reflects the preferences and desires of our students who utilize the space. The flight simulator, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and other amenities were chosen with a keen understanding of the diverse interests within the student body. Musical instruments and table tennis tables were integrated based on the feedback and suggestions of those who envisioned this space as a multifaceted retreat. By incorporating the perspectives of the students, the Chill Zone becomes not just a physical space but a collaborative manifestation of the community's recreational aspirations and preferences, fostering a sense of ownership and pride among its users.
Teachers and students run programmes such as ‘Wellness Wednesdays’ and Inter-house FIFA and Pool Tournaments. In addition, the Chill Zone was also made available to CCAs upon request to conduct team-bonding activities to deepen relationships within the CCA.
Our Academies
Our after-school academies are grounds-up programmes that focus on sports, the arts, and tinkering. What makes our Academies unique is the fact that it is largely student-initiated rather than school-initiated. Students submit a proposal for an activity they would like to be part of, find like-minded peers to be part of the interest group and determine what they would like to learn from the programme. Teacher-mentors are then matched with students and provide administrative (e.g. sourcing of instructors/ coaches) support and guidance.
Beyond skill acquisition, these academies contribute significantly to socio-emotional development. Students navigating the challenges of sports learn perseverance, while collaborative artistic endeavors cultivate teamwork. Tinkering, with its focus on experimentation, instills adaptability. Ultimately, these student-driven academies transcend traditional learning, becoming crucibles for a well-rounded education that empowers students with not just knowledge, but a rich tapestry of skills and qualities essential for a successful and fulfilling future.
Our Sports Academies nurture athleticism, imparting not only sports-based skills but also fostering teamwork and resilience through Football and Volleyball. In partnership with Unleash the Roar (UTR), BLS, MGS and WWSS have forged a centre-based School Football Academy for girls. Twice a week, girls from varying backgrounds train at BLS under the guidance of coaches from UTR to hone their skills and foster camaraderie. In 2023, the combined C Division girls' team secured a 3rd place at the C Division National School Games. This collaboration has given girls with an interest in football an opportunity to deepen their skills, fostered friendships and also strengthened bonds between schools.
The arts academies are incubators for creativity, offering a canvas for self-expression and the acquisition of new artistic skills such as Street Dance. The rhythmic movements to the latest KPop hits enhance coordination, while the collaborative nature of group dances fosters teamwork. The fusion of diverse styles not only amplifies individual abilities but also forges a collective spirit, showcasing the transformative power of dance education.
Simultaneously, our tinkering academies provide a hands-on platform for innovation, honing problem-solving abilities. Students with an interest in growing their own food gain hands-on experience in growing unique produce such as Beefsteak Tomatotes, Edamame and Japanese Sweet Corn. Beyond growing produce, the programme instills patience as students witness the gradual journey from seed to plate.
