School: Hwa Chong Institution
    Singapore, Singapore, Singapore

4 students, ages 13 worked together to complete this Doors to Diplomacy project on March 15, 2012. They have participated in Doors to Diplomacy in the following year(s): 2011

Classes and Teachers: Hong Kai, Shengyuan, Marcus, Ronald, Mr. Paul Ho

E-Mail contact:

Our School's Web Site: http://www.hci.edu.sg/

1. Description of Our Team

Integrated Humanities is a compulsory subject in Hwa Chong Institution. One day, our History teacher Mr Paul Ho introduced this project to the whole class. Hong Kai, Shengyuan, Marcus and Ronald, all aged 13, found this project was a meaningful one and it serves as a learning opportunity for us. Furthermore, we were very interested in learning about leaders, and because the 4 of us did quite a number of projects together, we signed up as a team. Upon signing up, we appointed Hong Kai as a web-master, as he is IT-Savvy and is good in computer skills, while Shengyuan helped to compile information found by Marcus, and the duo were quite proficient in English and good in searching for relevant information. Ronald, on the other hand, helped in finding visuals and images to be included in the website.

This is our webpage link: http://wix.com/dtdhci2a3/leaders-of-leaders

2. Summary of Our Project

Our project, entitled Leaders of Leaders, aims to teach everyone on what qualities are required to become a leader, using real-life examples to provide role models for them, and also underline how diplomacy is important to a leader's success. Hence, we aim to achieve the above aims by setting up a webpage, with homemade activities such as videos and games to educate everyone. We hope that in the future, the world can be a better place for everyone to live in and also minimize corruption in the future.

3. Our Computer and Internet Access

A. Percentage of students using the Internet at home:more than 50%

B. Number of workstations with Internet access in the classroom:none

C. Connection speed used in the classroom:not sure

D. Number of years our classroom has been connected to the Internet:more than 6

4. Problems We Had To Overcome

While doing the project, we encountered difficulties such as technical problems and lack of understanding. First and foremost, technical problems. We used the website builder wix to design the webpage for this project. As it is the first time using wix, we felt apprehensive. We did encounter problems such as videos and flash animations not working, and unable to understand how to use the tools. We consulted technicians, including seeking help from online forums. We also had a lack of understanding on diplomacy and some of the leaders. Thus, we spent a lot of time trying to understand and digest the information, such that we get a deeper understanding of it and makes our project process smoother.

5. Our Project Sound Bite

This competition means a lot to the students, it is a great learning opportunity to deepen their understanding of the world.

6. How did your activities and research for this Doors to Diplomacy Project support standards, required coursework and curriculum standards?

Through this competition, we have learnt that teamwork is very important in order to complete a task. We must cooperate with one another such that work can be done. To ensure that the content is up to standard, we consulted many mentors - our teachers, our seniors, in order to seek feedback from them. We also applied skills we learnt in other competitions here, for instance, how to do research, thinking skills et cetera.

1) What information tools & technologies did you used to complete your Doors to Diplomacy project?

To complete this project, we use quite a number of desktop and laptop computers to do research, and did them anywhere - on the bus, on the train, at home, after school. We also used cameras to film our documentary, and also online softwares to create activities and interactive games. We also went to the library to borrow reference books to gain knowledge. These tools provided a lot of information and helped us complete various aspects of the project. We feel that all the tools are of equal importance.

2) In what ways did you act as "ambassadors" and spokespersons for your Doors to Diplomacy project both on-line and in person.

We will promote our website through many platforms online - including social networking sites and through one-to-one discussions to raise awareness on the certain topic we are embarking on, in this case, leadership skills. We also aim to educate the public by publicizing our project through means such as posters. Our classmates were quite impressed that we have put in quite a lot of effort in this project, and hence were rather satisfied. They have also promised to help us publicize our project.

3) What has been the impact of your project on your community?

Our project will educate everyone on the correct skills needed for good leadership, and it can actually persuade everyone to adapt these skills such that they can become good leaders. It can also minimize corruption cases in the future, such as currently, where it is happening in certain parts of the world such as Indonesia and Egypt.

4) How did your project involve other members of your community as helpers and volunteers?

Yes, we required lots of advice to complete this project. This has been achieved through our teachers and mentors, and also everyone else who posted relevant information through the Internet, recognized through our bibliography.