Published on: 2 May 2014



Eleven boys spent a week in Singapore as part of a Year 9 cultural immersion program in early April. The boys got an insight into the life of a Singaporean student at St Andrew’s School along with plenty of sightseeing.

Humanities teacher Jason Lamb, who organised the tour, said the immersion gave Christ Church boys an opportunity to learn and experience Singapore’s rich history and culture as Australia continued to strengthen its ties with Asia in the 21st century.

“The aim of the program is to immerse boys in the school and daily life of students in Singapore, to foster understanding, co-operation and relationships, and to enhance student connections as global citizens,” Mr Lamb said.

The boys were accommodated at St Andrew’s for the duration of their stay, partnering up with buddies to attend classes during the school week, and having a one-night sleepover at their buddies’ family homes.

“It was a rare opportunity to experience the local style of living, for which we were all very grateful. Some families had very different routines, such as prayers… and all enjoyed a taste of traditional Singaporean dinners such as chicken rice and curries,” Robert ‘t Hart said.

Tour members Colin Chen and Janis Stoffel were asked to share their experience of international friendship at a themed assembly. “Both speeches were heartfelt and meaningful… with both boys doing CCGS proud… and which was also later acknowledged by Mrs Ang our tour liaison as well as the St Andrew’s Principal,” Donovan Jolly said.

Sightseeing highlights included Universal Studios, Marina Bay, the Night Safari, Singapore Zoo, Sentosa Island, SEA Aquarium, shopping at Mustafa Shopping Centre, and eating out at Little India, Chinatown and the Glutton’s Bay open air food market.

Mr Lamb said the tour also helped Christ Church deepen knowledge and ties with our South East Asian neighbours, which is a significant component of the Australian Curriculum.