"
A man's pride can be his downfall, and he needs to learn when to turn to others
for support and guidance." Bear Grylls
Choosing
six or seven subjects out of a list of options is easy-but choosing the
appropriate subjects (apart from the compulsory core subjects of Maths, English
and French) can prove hectic at best and nightmarish at worst. Thursday 3rd September and Friday 4th
September, an Academic Forum was held at Keats College Boys Department library. Targeting Form 3 students, it mainly aimed at
providing the students with a clear insight of the various subject options
which were available to them.
Although
most of these subjects are familiar to the students, it was very important to
clear any preconceived prejudice or fear instilled in their minds regarding the
subject and its syllabus content.
As
prospective Form 5 students, it was also quintessential to acquaint them with
the challenge awaiting them. The
transition from form 3 level of studies to the level and scope of work expected
of Form 4 students is often confusing and disheartening for learners. The various subject specialists painstakingly
paved the cognitive path of scaffolded learning engagingly, incidentally
arousing interest in their respective subjects.
The
danger of students opting for a subject simply because their friend(s) do, also
had to be circumvented. So, along with extensive and intensive information, students
were also provided with the possible career paths opened up by each subject or field. Students were then given an overview about
which subjects were required as prerequisites at Form 5 level so that they
could attempt A level studies in those fields.
Mr.
Nemchand was the Master of Ceremony for the event, punctuating each
presentation with sound advice to the students. The following educators
participated in the forum-offering highly personalised, dynamic and unfailingly
impressive presentations, much to the keen interest of the congregated
students:
Mr N. Caroopoonen: Physics
Often
considered a tough subject, Physics was brought to the level of daily,
practical reality while linking the world of assiduous inventions to the
necessity of having a vision and dreams.
Students were given a preview of their expected academic achievement.
Mrs
Mandarun: Art
Popular
with students, the colourful world of Art splashed onto the students' mesmerised
gazes as they looked upon previous works of their fellow students. They were given clear insights into what
would be expected of them both in terms of work to be produced and required
materials.
Miss
Mihilall: Agriculture
Expounding
on the world of Agricultural Studies and its prime necessity in the Mauritian
economy, the possibilities and scope of studying Agriculture was duly ploughed
into students' minds with special emphasis on advanced and tertiary studies
options.
Mrs
Beetum: Computer Science
The
subject's high relevance to the present and future technological development of
the country was firmly keyed to the students, making them aware of how what
they would be studying already influences the world around them. Examination requisites and future prospects
were also indicated.
Mr.
Durmah: Sociology
Discoursing
on the study of Sociology, the students' were put at ease by a careful linking
of what has already been done in lower secondary classes content-wise and the
challenges awaiting them. Students' were also acquainted with syllabus and
written examination details.
Mr.
Doomun: Design
The
subject's contents and qualifications required to take the subject were run
through. The students' were enlightened
as to the expected workload.
Mrs
Pursun: French Literature
A
usually rather popular choice among students, the presentation was an enchanting
introduction to the magic world of French Literature by first depicting a few
of the great literary masters and subtly directing the students into the
potentials of studying human nature. Care
was taken to differentiate between the work completed in Forms 1-3 and the
level expected in Form 4-5. A glimpse
into the examination was also demonstrated.
Mrs
Belath: Food and Nutrition
Although
not completely new for the students, the Food and Nutrition presentation
sizzled the subject's relevance and importance at present- and later on should
the students choose to opt for tertiary studies or job opportunities in this
field. Hygiene requirements and the necessary equipment needed for the two-year
study were run through. Edible samples
of students' own preparations were then distributed to the great appreciation
of those present: a multi-flavoured evidence of the desirability of studying
the subject.
Mr
Kut: Chemistry
This
exposé introduced the notion of Chemistry as a necessity to avoid the daily
traps of consumerism- as a stepping
stone to imparting why knowledge of Chemistry as a subject is of prime
importance. The notion of
experimentation was kindled with labels distributed to be analysed to the eager
interest of the assembly, after which an insight of the formal examinations was
given.
Mr
Rai: Additional Maths
Starting
off by triggering the students' interest with a few algebraic problem-solving
examples, the presentation convincingly shorn away the veils of fear associated
to what is popularly termed a 'difficult' subject. Presenting the subject as a fascinating
challenge welding formulae-memorisation with sheer logic, students were taken
through a brief overlook of the subject content and examinations requisites.
Miss
Noorah: Biology
The
study of Biology was synthesised as the quintessential study of life itself,
displaying the subject as vividly dynamic with a wide-reaching scope. Examination components were duly highlighted
and the video shown to the students successfully enthused them.
Mrs
Gaungoo: Theology
A
completely novel subject option for the students, the presentation connected
Theology to the students' daily lives and glibly ran through the nature and
components of the subject to be studied.
Armed
to the teeth with full knowledge of each and every subject option available to
them, the form 3 students are well-prepared to make informed and intelligent
choices. On behalf of the whole staff, a
hearty salute and a grand ovation to all the participating staff members who
conceived, helped organise and present this most successful academic subject
orientation forum.
Article & images: Mrs. Nafeedah Koodaruth
