Many paths. One purpose.

In 2009, we asked the question "What will you defend?". This year, the objective was to take our students from a position of reflection to a statement of commitment. This year's theme for Total Defence is "I Will".

Total Defence Day, which is commemorated on 15th February annually, coincided with the Lunar New Year in 2010. This made it almost imperative that we bring a historical angle to the students' experience during the week beginning 22nd February. Every morning, students were shown NEmation clips to activate their minds towards patriotic thoughts. And when the students return to their classrooms, all lessons were structured and designed to highlight and educate the student on one or two aspects of Total Defence .

For instance, the Year 1 students took a 3km hike to Bukit Batok Hill which overlooks the Old Ford Factory where the British surrendered to the Japanese on 15th February 1942. After which, they visited the Kranji War Memorial to remember the war heroes whose lives helped established our nation.

It was a learning journey that touched their hearts and added to their psychological defence. Apart from classroom lessons infused with Total Defence, we conducted food, water and electricity rationing exercises to teach our students to cherish the present and never take resources for granted. Teachers even prepared sweet potato porridge which gave the rationing exercise a tinge of authenticity. Many experiences, one purpose. That describes our Total Defence Emphasis Week.