Back To Special Features' List We are here to learn... On 29th April 2004, Fairfield hosted a very special group of visitors comprising two principals and four teachers from Dian Harapan, a Christian school in Jakarta. Being a relatively new school which was set up in 1995, the group members were sent to schools in Singapore to find out more about the various school systems and innovative methods that they could learn and bring back to Dian Harapan. The four teachers had the opportunity to observe an English and a Mathematics lesson as well as a Malay Mother Tongue lesson. Miss Elaine Lim shared with the principals the interesting learning landscape in Fairfield. The teachers captured on film the designs of the classrooms they viewed and of course, the lessons they observed. They were impressed by how our students learnt Mathematics through group work and mind-mapping in the Malay lesson. They also learnt from Miss Samsiah what independent learning is and how the students are nurtured to become independent learners. The Journalism team had the privilege to interview the principals, Ms Surjaningsih Kartalingsir and Ms Conniewaty Hardjawinata.   Journalist: What are the objectives of your visit to schools in Singapore? Principals: We are here to learn more about the curriculum and the methods of teaching especially in subjects like Mathematics and English. Journalist: Is Fairfield the only school you are visiting? Principals: No, there are four schools in all. We are visiting a primary school, a secondary school and a junior college. Journalist: How long will you and your team members be here? Principals: It is very short, only two days. Journalist: Why did you choose Singapore as a place for your learning journey? Principals: Singapore has a good education system. It has a good reputation in Asia and we understand that Mathematics here is ranked either first or second in Asia. Journalist: Could you tell us how big each class size is in Indonesia? Principals: Each class has twenty-eight students. This is the maximum. The classroom is smaller there. It is about 8 metres by 7 metres. Journalist: In your opinion, does class size matter in a learning environment? Principals: Small classes are easier for the teachers to manage. Journalist: What is your impression of your visit in Fairfield this morning? Principals: Fairfield has very big classes. Every student greets visitors. The facilities here are very good. Dian Harapan also has these facilities like the Science Lab, Computer lab, Art Room, Home Economics Room and the Music Room. However, we don’t have a room which allows students to study after school like the Learn@Fairfield. Journalist: Thank you for your time and good bye.   The Journalism Team hopes that their visit to Fairfield has been a fruitful one and that they will be able to share their experiences with their staff when they return to Indonesia.   Fairsians, you have done the school proud by being courteous to the visitors from Indonesia!       Journalists: Elvi Bellina and Elsy Bellina Photographer: Ronnie Kristanto