by Huang Xiangyi Vanessa (408)
2023 BSP Scholar

In November 2023, the graduating batch of Secondary 4 BSP scholars embarked on a two-week immersion programme in the United Kingdom. While their classrooms were usually filled with cross-cultural studies and historical analysis centred on contemporary China, the 16th of November saw them trading slides and textbooks for the bustling streets of London and the serene landscapes of the countryside. This trip, a first for many, provided the students with a chance to experience Western culture first-hand, turning bicultural comparisons from theory into reality. In all their shared trepidation and anticipation leading up to the trip, their time in the UK was altogether a mix of emotions, adventures, and stories to tell.

The UK journey began in Manchester, where the students hit the ground running with a two-hour walking tour of the world’s first industrial city. The 19th-century industrialisation of Manchester, nicknamed Cottonopolis for its dominance in the cotton industry, unfolded before them, revealing both its prosperity and the dark shadows it cast on its working class. From the tour guide’s vivid accounts, they learned about the harsh realities faced by children, often orphans, enduring abysmal conditions from relentless labour at the looms. Manchester, as it turned out, was a city of contrasts—prosperity for factory owners juxtaposed with the suffering of the exploited working class. The second walking tour of the Manchester Ship Canal and Salford Quays showcased a metamorphosis from its origins as a racecourse to a thriving ship canal and, eventually, its closure in 1982. Its history mirrored shifts in societal needs, from industrialisation to the era of containerisation, and now, a commitment to urban regeneration and environmental sustainability. Witnessing the modern developments left the students in awe of the city’s resilience and adaptability to the changing times, demonstrating how, beyond its iconic football clubs, it remains an important city in the UK. Similarly, their short time in the British Music Experience in Liverpool allowed them to discover how the political, social, and economic context of the time influenced each era in British music.

Continuing their journey at the Imperial War Museum North, the students delved into over a century of wars from the perspective of the UK. Though slightly limited and selective in its storytelling, the many artefacts and documentaries on display were effective in helping them better understand the impact of war through the lens of those deeply affected. Listening to firsthand accounts of those who lived through the wars or sacrificed loved ones made the experience feel much more personal, reminding them of the cruelties of war and the need for peace and optimism in the face of adversity.

Further south, Bath, with its architectural grace and cultural richness, stood out among all the cities visited. The students were struck the minute they wheeled into the city by the grandeur of its Georgian architectural heritage and how well it has been consciously conserved over the centuries. Coming from Singapore, where historical structures often give way to modern developments, they found it special to witness the harmonious coexistence of both old and new in Bath. Bath was a brief home to the esteemed novelist Jane Austen, and during their visit to the Jane Austen Centre, costumed guides led them through an engaging and insightful journey into her life and the societal norms of her time, characterised by class distinctions, rigid gender roles, and patriarchal societal expectations.

As summed up by Joelle, Leia, Jiaxuan, and Allegra in their reflections, “It was wondrous to be walking on the same roads Jane Austen did many years ago, and through this in-person visit to Bath, it allowed us to feel like we were experiencing the books come to life before our very eyes.”

For the next few days, the students explored Oxford and Cambridge, and the schools that had once lived only in their dreams. Walking the same cobblestone streets that intellectual giants like Isaac Newton tread and wandering through the same halls that sparked the imagination of J.R.R. Tolkien and J.K. Rowling left them feeling incredibly fortunate to have such an opportunity. The tour guides not only introduced them to architectural features but also shared insights about each school, from the significance of gown lengths to the distinctions between university and college, the application process, and the many traditions still practised. Despite the exhaustion from all the walking, the tours left them inspired, more than ever, to work hard and, hopefully, return to these prestigious schools as students.

At Oxford, a visit to the Mini Cooper plant left the students intrigued by the seamless integration of AI and modern technology in the manufacturing process as well as its plans towards a more eco-friendly future. However, technological advancements and automation also raised concerns about job security, a similar problem faced by Singapore.

A highlight of the trip would be the school exchange with The Perse School Cambridge. The students were thrilled to be hosted by their UK peers for a school tour, an outdoor fire-making session, and English tea with scones.

Reflecting on their experience, Le Xuan, Yucen, Cassie, and Eleri shared, “During our visit to the Perse school, we found that the students we interacted with were incredibly charismatic and easy to talk to, and we found that it was because of how comfortable they were in their own skin and as a result their confidence radiates from inside. From them, we learnt the importance of being more spontaneous and confident, especially in social settings.”

Regarding the differences in school curriculum, the students also observed that The Perse School offers a broader range of humanities subjects and more opportunities for engaging in co-curricular activities like theatre productions, sports matches, outdoor pursuits, and summer camps. This holistic approach to education prompted the students to reflect on potential gaps in the current education system and the feasibility of implementing similar strategies in Singapore.

The second leg of the journey continued in London, a cosmopolitan and culturally diverse city that bore a closer resemblance to Singapore. The students ventured to places of great historical and cultural significance, such as the Thames Barrier, the Charles Dickens Museum, Westminster Abbey, St. James Park, the Battersea Power Station, and the Globe Theatre.

A visit to the British Museum left the students in awe of the vast collection of artworks and artefacts from all across the globe, such as the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon, offering them a glimpse into ancient civilisations and developments. However, in light of all the controversy surrounding the artefacts, the students felt regretful that important and sacred religious artefacts like the Benin Bronzes were on display with little to no mention of how they were acquired and their sacredness to their originating communities. Whilst acknowledging the museum’s role in keeping these historically important artefacts safe, the students believed that the museum could provide more context on their acquisition and adopt a more proactive stance in honouring the legacy of the original owners.

In the crown jewel of modern art galleries Tate Modern, guided by students from the Art Elective Programme and Higher Music Programme, the students immersed themselves in the vibrant contemporary art scene. Exploring artworks that delved into pressing issues of immigration, transphobia, and racism, the students began to grasp the power of art in raising awareness about social issues and inspiring change and introspection.

The students’ London experience would not have been complete without attending two spectacular productions: “Witness for the Prosecution” and “The Mongol Khan.” Witness for the Prosecution” was performed in an actual courtroom which gave it a much more intimate and authentic feel, as though the audience was part of the proceedings. Adapted from Agatha Christie’s classic courtroom drama, the talented cast brought the characters to life and delivered a play filled with suspense, twists, and turns that kept the students on the edge of their seats. On the other hand, “The Mongol Khan” featured a cast of Mongolian singers, actors, and acrobats, presenting a visually stunning spectacle that effectively showcased the richness and vibrancy of Mongolian music and culture to a Western audience.

During a windy Sustainable Architecture tour in London’s financial district, students explored iconic buildings like “The Gherkin”, “The Walkie-Talkie”, and Lloyd’s Building from which the students learned plenty.

As Yumi, Shannon, Yunning, and Syn Ann mentioned in their reflection, “When designing a sustainable living and workspace, it is important to consider the mental and physical well-being of the inhabitants, which is why green areas are left intentionally for people to enjoy the outdoors… Furthermore, what appears effective in design may not be as feasible when implemented, such as when the wind turbines installed above the Strara SE1 were put out of order as it created unforeseen noise pollution.” Additionally, the students had a fruitful dialogue session with the Deputy High Commissioner and First Secretary at the Singapore High Commission, where they learnt more about bilateral relations between Singapore and the UK and the Foreign Affairs ministry. They also had an engaging conversation with Ms Sandra Leong, owner of Old Chang Kee in London, who shared about her remarkable journey in introducing the iconic Singapore curry puff abroad and tailoring it to suit the diverse tastebuds of foreigners. Her entrepreneurial spirit was truly inspiring and reminded the students of the importance of tenacity and innovation.

Finally, the students had the opportunity to reconnect with their seniors through an alumni dinner and spent their last night with a visit to the Christmas at Kew for a magical experience of light, sound, colour, and Christmas festivities in London.

In essence, this experience has shaped and given the Secondary 4 BSP scholars new perspectives across the arts, history, culture, heritage, education systems, businesses, sustainable development, and politics in the UK. It is one thing to acquire knowledge through notes and lectures, but immersing in the vibrant atmosphere of another country has profoundly broadened their horizons, fostering a truly global perspective. Looking forward, this immersion programme is only the start of more adventures to come for the students and a great stepping stone to approaching cross-cultural studies in the future. It has indeed been a most rewarding learning experience!