MR TAN KIANG CHYE
A WHOLE NEW WORLD ON CANVAS
A devoted Art teacher shares his passion for Art with his students.
I have been a teacher in Clementi Town Secondary School for 29 years. These three decades of work in this‘ home’ have seen me undertaking a vast variety of duties, from being the Officer-in-Charge( OC) of the National Police Cadet Corp to Teacher-in-Charge of the Basketball Club and Art Club.
I think Art found me as much as I found it.
Since young, I have always had a penchant for Art. I would doodle on whatever I could lay my hands on. Many quiet afternoons were spent creating my world of imagination on these‘ canvases’. In the past, Art was never a priority in the school but I refused to give up the subject. It took me more than just perseverance to stay true to this subject that I love. I had the dream of sharing my passion for Art and I have realised it by being an Art teacher – a pursuit that continues to delight and gratify me.
I have met countless students in this school. It is an amazing feeling, to watch these young students grow into mature young ladies and gentlemen. They are like empty canvases and every trial and experience they go through are reflected in the strokes and expressions in their paintings. Their artworks that line the walls of the school are testaments of their devotion to the craft as well as their discovery of self.
Art is not just a subject of free expression and passion. Art Coursework is not an easy task. It takes a lot of discipline and time management. It takes a lot of commitment and grit. The students these days are stretched in many ways and with that, there are numerous demands on their time and energy. Thus, they may find little time to focus on this subject. Often, I have to help students better manage their time and prioritise course work preparation.
My biggest struggle I feel, is not just about developing my students’ drawing skills, but to get them to stay true to their passion, amidst all their other commitments and distractions. It requires a lot of patience on my part and a lot of nudging( when push comes to shove …) to get them going. It is always easy to give up.
However I never give up, even when circumstances in the past rendered it difficult for me to pursue my passion.
I hope that my students will develop a love for Art and make it part of their lives, even after they have left the school.
Mr Tan Kiang Chye was awarded the Excellent Service Award, Silver Award( EXSA) 2008 & 2012. Mr Tan was also a member of the Outstanding Contribution Award( Team) for 2008 and 2012.
042 Our Future: Be the Change You want Others to See!