Scorecard Gap Semester 2.0
To Year 4 RI boys , the Gap Semester did not only present a new and exciting learning opportunity , but also breathed air and life into a Raffles Programme weighed down by the demands of routine academic work .
The longer period of time for the Gap Semester also allows students to deepen their experience in the Gap Semester , instead of just being a fleeting period of ‘ nonacademic ’ pursuits . Also , the Gap Semester takes place after the final examinations for the Year 4s , ensuring that this time is focused mainly on enrichment , instead of being utilised to study for the examinations . As a result , this gives Rafflesians more of an opportunity to actually learn and experience new things , as the clash in priorities , which usually stymies us from being able to take advantage of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunities offered , is taken out of the equation .
Just going online to access the Gap Semester web portal was an experience in and of itself . There was a staggering array of courses and
Gap Semester 2012 : Two Thumbs Up
attachments on offer , all packaged in well-designed website . To Year 4 RI boys , the Gap Semester did not only present a new and exciting learning opportunity , but also breathed air and life into a Raffles Programme weighed down by the demands of routine academic work .
It gave Rafflesians an opportunity to rest and relax , and take a break from the frenetic pace of student life that is a defining characteristic of the RI school environment .
But what Gap Semester really translated into was experience that we cannot usually get through just reading our textbooks , or mugging . After all , how can one ever appreciate the rich culture and heritage surrounding the Silk Road by simply learning about it in an air-conditioned classroom ? Or really find out what it takes to be a lawyer , banker , or doctor , short of shadowing and interacting with reallife professionals ?