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?