Sec 2 (FL)EXploring Perspectives, Embracing Unity

By: See Toh Zoey (2A), Quah Ming Peng Darryl (2B), Seng Yunhee (2B), Loh Yi Xin Shanon (2C), Mia Li (2C), Poon Kar Leung Andrew (2D), Ho Jia En Eian (2G)

From 20 to 22 May 2026, as the previous term drew to a close, Secondary Two students took part in the annual Fairfield Learning EXperience (FLEX) Week, stepping beyond the classroom to learn through experience. Over three engaging days, Fairsians participated in FamQuest, Diff-Ability Day, and meaningful learning journeys that encouraged them to explore different perspectives. Through these experiences, students learnt important lessons about empathy, inclusion, and what it means to build a community where everyone belongs. 

The first day began with FamQuest, where students were grouped into “families” and took on different roles, such as parents and children. As they moved through various stations representing challenges faced by families, students had to decide whether to prioritise the needs of an individual or compromise for the good of the whole “family”. Each decision affected the amount of love, joy, and wisdom they accumulated, which they needed to achieve their final goal of building a house. Beyond completing the challenge, FamQuest encouraged students to listen to different viewpoints and deepened their appreciation for family values, compromise, and teamwork.

On the second day, students participated in Diff-Ability Day, where simulations introduced them to the experiences of persons with disabilities, including hearing loss, dyslexia, visual impairment, physical disabilities, and autism spectrum disorder. Some activities proved particularly challenging, such as the hearing-loss simulation, where ordinarily simple tasks suddenly became more difficult. By stepping into the shoes of others, students gained a deeper appreciation of the challenges persons with disabilities may encounter and learnt how they could foster greater inclusion in everyday life.

The final day brought learning beyond the school grounds as each class embarked on different learning journeys. Class 2B visited the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH) for “Dining in the Dark”, where students ate in a pitch-black room, relying on touch and hearing to navigate the experience. Meanwhile, Class 2D visited the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), connecting with individuals with special needs through games and activities, including a Zumba session. Though each class had a different experience, the learning journeys shared a common purpose: to help students better understand and connect with people of different abilities.

Before long, FLEX Week drew to a close. Across the three days, the Secondary 2 students created lasting memories while learning what it means to be kind, empathetic, and inclusive. By exploring perspectives beyond their own, Fairsians were reminded that embracing differences can bring a community closer together, making FLEX Week a meaningful journey towards greater understanding and unity.