INSPIRING YOUTHS : A SCHOOL OF SPORTS & MUSIC

Abstract

The thesis deals with the issue of youths at risk of dropping out of school in Singapore. In the current Singapore public education landscape, the hierarchical system marginalises a group of youths, deeming them less academically inclined. As a result, these students tend to lose interest in school, give up on themselves, join gangs or commit crimes. However, based on Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences, excelling in Math or Science does not make one more intelligent than one who struggles to do so. Mathematical or linguistic intelligence is just one of the eight intelligences mentioned by Gardner.

These youths can be characterized as full of angst, strength, loyalty and they need an avenue to express themselves without the use of the English, which most of them are poor in. Thus, sports and music are two activities which have been identified as areas they could pursue in.

The architecture of the state-funded school attempts to reflect its curriculum. Students who attend this school are not meant to be “fixed” but are given an avenue which they could develop interest in and excel, and at the same time gain important life values such as being considerate to one another. A running track sits on the roof level, forming an arena for sporting or music events. Ramps and slopes provide areas for physical training, play and differing levels for viewing performances.