Humans of Woodlands
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Humans of Woodlands is a catalogue of stories collected from Woodlands. Every term, we interview a familiar face in Woodlands and take a glimpse into his/her life. Storytelling helps us make sense of our inner world and the world around us. We are stories we tell ourselves. This issue, we speak to Mr Xavier.
Think your P.E. Teacher only excel in physical sports? Think again.
X-traordinaire
Amazing
Valorous
Indubitable
Eclectic
Resourceful
He teaches English too! Out of the six words above, how many do you actually know (without referring to the dictionary)?
This term, we are featuring our one and only Mr Xavier, the Xtraordinaire. Both Resourceful and Valorous, he is one individual who creates the most Indubitably Amazing Eclectic mix of physical obstacles to test our level of endurance. Let's hear what he has to say.
1) Where do you see WDL in 5 years’ time?
I hope to see our students embracing the success drivers and applying them in their daily routines. I also see teachers infusing IT in their lessons to a greater extent in the next five years.
2) What do you think makes last year's cohort special?
My Secondary 2 cohort in 2022 did not have the opportunity to attend level camps due to the pandemic. They also entered secondary school with their masks on! This cohort was the first one to attend a cohort event after Covid restrictions were lifted. I’ll always remember them for the fun we had during our Sec 2 Adventure Camp that year.
3) Tell us about a student who made an impression on you.
Muhaimin from 2E 2022 made a positive impression on me when I conducted my PE lesson for the first time in Woodlands Secondary. He was able to motivate his classmates and show his leadership skills. I immediately made him my PE representative. Muhaimin continued to show these qualities throughout the year.
4) What is one thing you would like to change about WDL?
I would love to have a noodle stall in the canteen! It would be nice to have a variety of carb options…
5) Share with us which subject you have issues with? So how did you overcome this challenging subject?
I struggled with Mathematics during my secondary school days. I did not pay attention or put in effort during my Maths lessons most of the time. I failed my Mid-Year Maths examination in Secondary Three. I remember my Form Teacher telling those who failed that we would have limited options after we completed our O-levels. I realised that I had to change my attitude towards Maths.
I put in effort to be focused during my Maths lessons and also stayed back after school for consultations with my teacher. I could tell that my teacher was eager to help me as she noticed the change in my attitude and that I had a genuine commitment to do well in Maths. I also had a timetable to revise the topics that I was weak in. I eventually scored a distinction in Maths for my O-levels.
“I had a timetable to revise the topics that I was weak in.”
6) What is the last book you read?
I recently read Calling The Shots by David Dein.
David Dein was the vice-chairman of Arsenal Football Club from 1983 to 2007. During his tenure, Arsenal won the English Premier League (1998, 2002 and 2004). The book is his autobiography.
His book gave fascinating insights on how Arsenal was run both as a football club and as a business. A must read for any Arsenal fan (like me!). Another book (fiction) I recommend for Arsenal fans is Fever Pitch by Nick Hornby.
Answer two questions about Mr Xavier and stand to win attractive prizes!
Question 1: What was Mr Xavier's least favourite subject at school and how did he overcome it?
Question 2: What is the title of the book that Mr Xavier recommends?
Interested to see your teacher or your peer being featured here?
👉 Let us know who: https://tinyurl.com/woodsarelit2023s2
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