Delay in Lit novel sales, but want a hint on where to get the text cheap?

Silly mess-up in the system! (Being PC here). Just to let you know that The Chrysalids is currently not stocked in the School Bookshop. Orders have been placed though, so rein in your excitement and wait awhile for the bookshop to stock them. Unless you want to get a great tip from me...

There is a great source for the novel, which has one BIG advantage... you get free notes when you buy it from that place. Why? Because it's been used by students before, and Lit students underline important quotes, scribble notes at the sides of the pages etc etc.

Personally, I ALWAYS buy my school textbooks from there, both when I was a student and even up to now. Did I mention that it's cheaper? Get to know this place, pple - every Lit student worth his/her salt knows Knowledge Bookstore @ Bras Basah Complex (3rd Floor, directly in front of the escalator - ask for Lit texts to be directed to the relevant shelf).

In case you don't have Google Map or don't use streetdirectory.com, it's located directly opposite Raffles Hotel, between Chijmes and the National Library. Either go from City Hall MRT or Bugis MRT - it's between these two stations.

So, in summary, want a cheap Lit text filled with other students' notes? Go there - the owner told me that he still has 20 copies of the text there. Who knows, you may even find Mining for Meaning there as well, if you're lucky (Most clever students sell their Lit texts to Knowledge after their O Levels for some cashback).

PS: They also stock used textbooks for OTHER subjects cheap as well! So if you understand the advantages of buying used textbooks, look there. (See, now you know the benefits of accessing this blog, hehe)

How do Critics Rate The Chrysalids?

(Couldn't resist it, hehe)

Some help for you...

It would be a seriously excellent idea to read Chrysalids before Term 1 begins. Not that you'll need to force yourself to - this year's text is highly interesting - Fallout 3 anyone?

Still, have typed out a summary of the text in the previous post - read it and if you can truthfully tell me that that's boring, something's wrong with you.

Have fun, and keep checking back for updates. Will post new stuff to help you when I feel like it - best you become a follower of this blog like Dean already is to make sure you stay ahead of the competition.

The Chrysalids: Summary

Imagine living in a world where an extra toe on a newborn will automatically result in the death of the baby, a pig with more hair than normal will be put down, and corn kernels that are not in perfectly formed rows will necessitate burning down an entire field. This world exists in John Wyndham's novel, The Chrysalids.

This is the world of David Strom, the main character of the novel. As a young child, he often dreamed of a city filled with objects considered fantastical in his world, such as flying machines and carts that move without horses. However, as David grows older, he realizes that he has the ability to communicate telepathically with certain other children. This ability means that David would be considered a Blasphemy in his community.

David does not understand the severity of such status until he meets Sophie, a girl who was born with an extra toe on each foot. David befriends Sophie and keeps her secret. When her secret is discovered by another boy in the village, Sophie and her family are forced to flee. As a result, David realises that, if his secret is discovered, he will suffer dire consequences.

As David gets older, he and the other telepathic children master the use of their abilities. David's forward-thinking uncle, Axel, becomes aware of David's telepathic power; he makes several efforts to convince David that the extra ability is worth having, but must be concealed. The others agree to keep their secret, and they are able to live normally for some years.

The secret is threatened when one of the others, Anne, chooses to marry a normal (non-telepath) man; although Anne attempts to renounce her powers, her husband eventually discovers the truth, putting the lives of David and his fellows in danger. Another risk emerges when it becomes evident that David's little sister, Petra, possesses far greater powers of telepathy. Petra's thought projection is painfully strong and usually involuntary; she is young and her powers are tied directly to her emotions. When she gets upset, she becomes a compulsive beacon, drawing the others to her. This creates a potentially dangerous situation.

Members of the community become aware of David's powers, and he must flee with Petra and his girlfriend, Rosalind, who has also been revealed as telepathic. They must make a dangerous journey in search of a region where no one knows who they are, or why they left their home.

On their journey, Petra begins communicating with a woman in a faraway land, who promises to send help. She also promises to bring them to Sealand, a land which is populated by telepathic people. David and the girls must avoid the posse from their district that continues to pursue them, and are captured by the Fringe people, a group of exiled Blasphemies who seek revenge.

Themes examined in The Chrysalids include the inevitability of change, man's inhumanity to his fellow man, ignorance, and bigotry. Despite being over 50 years old, the ideas expressed in this science-fiction novel are still timely today. This novel is an excellent novel for individuals who are avid readers of classic science-fiction.

2 Achieve Day 2 Performances


2 Achieve Day 2 Team 1: Sevester, Jin Hao, Jazmond

Acting: Actors are loud and confident in the delivery of their lines, which is good. There is a credible attempt by the right witch to sound witch-like. However, their body language does not convey the idea of witches. Also, actors should face each other when conversing. 6/10

Costumes: The black t-shirts help define the actors as witches to a certain extent. The black trashbag miniskirts are hard to distinguish from the shorts though. It would have been better if more effort had been made to prepare the costumes. 4/10

Props: There’s a cauldron used in this performance, and the little flames at the base look quite dinky, especially since the colour scheme contrasts quite nicely with the black cloth. But are cauldrons rectangular, or round? Some thought could have been made to make the cauldron more realistic. 6/10

Total score: 16/30

2 Achieve Day 2 Team 2: Nathanael, Stephen, Aaron

Acting: The right witch is outstanding in his attempts to portray a witch, as well as his confident delivery of lines. However, it’s extremely obvious that the left witch is reading from notes on his hat. This gives an extremely bad impression of the professionalism of the actors. Some may think that they cancel each other out, but drama is judged by assessing the entire performance, not on individual acting skills. 4/10

Costumes: Nice hats, made to look worn and beaten. Trashbag costumes also look suitably rumpled. Still don’t understand how a hat can transform into a glove and back into a hat again though. 6/10

Props: It’s a pot, not a cauldron. Given its size though, I’d recommend it being placed on a table for easy access, like what some other groups had done. More effort could have been made to design and craft appropriate props for the performance. 3/10

Total score: 13/30

2 Achieve Day 2 Team 3: Amirul, Adam, Jin Fang

Acting: A generally clear and confident delivery of lines by all witches. However, given that the bodies were located at stage front, the witches should have ensured that the focus is on them – perhaps by pretending to examine and harvest body parts while conversing or something. 6/10

Costumes: The hooded jackets are very suitable for this performance, but the same cannot be said about the colourful batik sarongs though. Walking stick, claws and skull lantern are nice accessories for the witches. 8/10

Props: It’s an intelligent use of the allied team as dead bodies, made even more realistic by having red streaks (bloodstains) on them. However, the corpses should have been positioned to the back of the stage, so that the audience’s focus is on the witches. Good idea, but not as effective as it should have been. 8/10

Total score: 22/30

2 Achieve Day 2 Team 4: Zi Harn, Hao Ming, Alson

Acting: Good that the witches are facing each other while conversing. However, actors are a little uncertain about their lines. Both tone of voice and body language could be improved to better portray a witch speaking. 6/10

Costumes: Black trashbag costumes, black cloaks, black hats. Effort to create witch-like costumes is evident for this team. It seems that the arms of the left witch is also sheathed in black, ending in ragged edges, which is interesting. A good job overall. 8/10

Props: Props: The painted background shows signs of effort, but one would expect a backdrop of something more sinister than the green fields to either side of the path. There’s a cauldron at centerstage, but it could have been better utilized by interacting with it in the course of the performance, rather than ignoring it. 5/10

Total score: 19/30

2 Achieve Day 2 Team 5: Sebastian, Fitri, Calvin

Acting: Actors generally know their lines, which is good. A commendable attempt to emulate witches, both in tone of voice and body language. I just found the final part a little cheesy. Good job overall. 9/10Costumes: The conical hats with a big golden star smack in the center are more comical than eerie. Costumes could have been thought out more – having bright green shirts under the torn trash bags is so not witch-like. 4/10


Props: The use of the plastic table cover to simulate lightning is a good idea. It’s good to see witches interacting with the cauldron by putting stuff into it. A table covered by a black cloth would have better served as a stand for the cauldron though. Perhaps more thought into this aspect woud be good. 6/10

Total score: 19/30

2 Achieve Day 2 Team 6: Jocelyn, Esther, Serene

Acting: Professionalism is very important during a performance, and performers must adopt the proper mood while acting. It’s a contradiction when eerie music is playing in the background and actors are giggling during the performance. More effort should be made to use body language to behave as a witch. 6/10

Costumes: The long flowing cloaks are nice, as is the effort to be dress in black t-shirts. However, legs should have been covered, as pink are an obvious contrast to back and draws attention away from the costumes. 7/10

Props: Nice use of sound throughout the performance, since it is quite appropriate. Quite an artistic and appropriate representation of the cauldron – having the middle witch (maiden) stir the cauldron while the right witch carries her broomstick is a great idea. However, the wand that the left witch is carrying is practically invisible. 8/10

Total score: 21/30

2 Achieve Day 2 Team 7: Xiang Bei, Shi Min, Li Qim (Unassessed)

Acting: The team started off quite confidently, but it went downhill halfway through the play. Perhaps more rehearsals would have helped avoid this. Also, since the witches are supposed to be conversing with each other, actresses should face each other instead of the audience. 4/10

Costumes: Actors should standardize their costumes. Here, there’re two performers dressed like witches, with a third in school uniform with a long-sleeved jacket, the latter being totally unprepared to dress like a witch. Remember that a performance is a team effort. 6/10

Props: Love the props. However, the simple act of creating a stand would have made it possible for the tombstone and cauldron to be placed onstage itself instead of being propped up against the wall. Just a little more effort would have made it so much more effective. Also, starry, starry night? A little inappropriate for the scene, which speaks of thunder, lightning and rain? 5/10


Total score: 15/30

2 Dynamic Day 2 Performances



2 Dynamic Day 2 Team 1: Ming Hui, Hamizan, Firdaus


Acting: An interesting attempt to change the tone of voice to convey the idea of ‘witchiness’. Loud and clear delivery, with a generally smooth flow. 7/10.

Costumes: Costumes, though simple, fit the characters. Again though, I never did get comfortable with the idea of witches showing young legs when their tone of voice suggest someone that is old. The hats are a nice touch 6/10

Props: Cauldron could use some work. It’s not supposed to look shapeless – a cauldron is basically a metal container used to brew concoctions. Good that all three witches have something to hold in their hands and two of them are using their sticks to stir the cauldron. For additional effect, perhaps the witch holding the book could have opened it to cast the spell when the last two lines are chanted? 6/10

Total score: 19/30

2 Dynamic Day 2 Team 2: Cephas, Shakila, Aisha

Acting: As mentioned, always interesting to see an re-imagining of the scene. In this case, the performance stays true to the spirit of the original scene, which is a good job done. The only flaw perhaps is that one witch periodically blocks the camera’s view of another witch. It’s all right to block another actor momentarily, but performers should remember never to block other actors for too long. 8/10

Costumes: Generally appropriate, though one witch looks more like a teenager than a witch due to the style and perhaps choice of clothes to wear. Good effort nevertheless. 8/10

Props: Looking at the spellbook to the spell components, effort has been taken to design and craft them for the performance. Care has been taken to ensure that each witch has a role to play during the performance. 10/10

Total score: 26/30

2 Dynamic Day 2 Team 3: Aadila, Dineetha, Jeff (?)

Acting: The right witch is outstanding and commendable for her loud, confident delivery, as well as appropriate body language. Other two witches are slightly stiff in comparison, but also know their lines and their roles. 8/10

Costumes: Trashbag costumes look somewhat ill-fitting, and the choice of a transparent blue shawl does not convey the impression of witch-like attire. More planning could have been done with regards to costume design. 5/10

Props: Generally all right. It’s amazing what a simple tablecloth can do sometimes to create the impression of a stained cauldron on an elevated platform. Simple, yet effective. 7/10

Total score: 20/30

2 Dynamic Day 2 Team 4: Tricia, Qiu Mei, Radiah

Acting: Loud, confident and smooth delivery of lines. Witches look a little stiff during the performance. Loosening up would have been better. 7/10

Costumes: Trashbags have been used as costumes, but it is quite obvious that effort has been made to design and craft the bags into costumes. The strips at the hems of the costumes are long and took time to make as was the shoulder silver straps. Effort was also made to wear a black t-shirt to complement the black trashbag costumes. The hats seem a little out of place though, being coloured silver instead of black. Overall an excellent effort made. 8/10

Props: It’s a big cauldron, and effort has been made to colour it so that it looks ancient and perhaps stained with the brightly coloured residue of concoctions. Using a stirrer is a good idea, and the waste paper in the cauldron adds a nice touch. Having the right witch add ingredients to the concoction is a nice touch. 7/10

Total score: 22/30

2 Dynamic Day 2 Team 5: Shakina, Yi Xuan, Kelvin

Acting: The female witch stands out in this performance, showing confidence in the delivery of lines. Other two witches are generally all right, but should be more relaxed and confident of themselves. 7/10

Costumes: Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like much effort has been made to design and craft the costumes. A little more effort spent in this aspect would have made the performance much better. 3/10

Props: No props used. 0/10

Total score: 10/30

2 Dynamic Day 2 Team 6: Zaimee, Amirul, Elton

Acting: I like the last part, where witches crouched over the cauldron and churned the concotion within while chanting the last two lines. However, witches seem uncertain about their initial stage positions, and seem to be gradually moving towards stage back as the performance progresses. Witches must also learn to speak out so that they can be heard. More rehearsals would have been advisable. 4/10

Costumes: Some effort has been made to create the impression of frayed, ragged hems for the right witch, but it’s generally safe to say that if more effort had been taken to design and craft the costumes, the performance would have been better. Again, mini-skirts for witches are inappropriate. 4/10

Props: A simple cauldron, but nevertheless effective. The use of strips of paper to simulate the concoction within the cauldron is interesting as well. 6/10

Total score: 14/30

2 Dynamic Day 2 Team 7: Danial, Juan Koon, Kia Seng

Acting: Well, witches know their lines and say them loudly, which is good. However, it would have been better if witches were more relaxed and focused on bringing out the idea of ‘witchiness’ through their tone of voice and body language. 5/10

Costumes: Miniskirts made of trashbags is quite interesting, but it would have been much better if the performers had made long dresses instead of that as it would have been more appropriate. The hats are interesting though, and look quite witch-like. 6/10

Props: Some props present, and it seems that the handheld props help give actors confidence when acting in this performance. Still, a generally good effort here. 6/10

Total score: 17/30

2 Dynamic Day 1 Performances

2 Dynamic Day 1 Team 1: Adillah, Regine, Bao Xian

Acting: Loud and clear, which is good. The tone used was by all witches was very appropriate. However, witches should not be laughing while performing, since it is not in-character. 6/10

Costumes: Dinky little conehats are quite interesting and add to the basic trashbag costumes used. Effort to enhance the costume by the right witch can be seen by the way the hem of the costume is cut to simulate ragged edges. Would have been better if all witches had done it as well. 7/10

Props: It would have been better if the cauldron was larger and set on the ground instead of being carried around. When carried against the black costume, the cauldron does not stand out. More props would have been better. 4/10

Total score: 17/30

2 Dynamic Day 1 Team 2: Theodora, Nadia, Sabrina

Acting: Always interesting to see adaptations of the original in terms of creativity. Delivery of lines was loud and clear. The body language of the witch adding the ingredients into the cauldron was especially good. 8/10

Costumes: It’s not easy to award marks for costumes when the performance is a modern-day adaptation. It is clear though that the actresses have taken the time to plan their costumes and bring suitable clothes for the performance. 8/10

Props: A lot of effort has been put into creating appropriate props and backdrop for the performance, which is very impressive. Care has been taken to ensure that each witch has a role to play during the performance. 10/10

Total score: 26/30

2 Dynamic Day 1 Team 3: Erna, Meng Poor, Jeff

Acting: Loud and clear as well, which is a good thing. There are certain parts though when actors had forgotten their lines – perhaps more rehearsals would have solved this problem. Witches are facing each other, which is good, but they could used more witch-like mannerisms or delivered their lines in a more witch-like manner. 6/10

Costumes: The use of facepaint is refreshing and it adds variety to the use of trashbags as costumes. However, more effort could have been made in the crafting of the trashbags – the holes of the sleeves could have been made smaller. 4/10

Props: Unique use of pvc tubes as a stand for the cauldron. The use of the powder at the end was a good idea, but perhaps it would have been better if the witches had acted as being delighted by the powder rather than frightened. 6/10

Total score: 16/30

2 Dynamic Day 1 Team 4: Siti, Li Xin, Yuit Jin

Acting: Generally quite a smooth performance, but witches could be less tense and stiff in their movements. Being more relaxed to act as witches would have improved the quality of the acting. 6/10

Costumes: Trashbags have been used as costumes, but it is quite obvious that effort has been made to design and craft the bags into costumes. The strips at the hems of the costumes are long and took time to make as was the shoulder silver straps. Effort was also made to wear a black t-shirt to complement the black trashbag costumes. The hats seem a little out of place though, being coloured silver instead of black. Overall an excellent effort made. 8/10

Props: It’s a big cauldron, and effort has been made to colour it so that it looks ancient and perhaps stained with the brightly coloured residue of concoctions. Using a stirrer is a good idea, and the waste paper in the cauldron adds a nice touch. 7/10

Total score: 21/30

2 Dynamic Day 1 Team 5: Nina, Qi Xuan, Kelvin

Acting: Remember the basic acting lessons right at the start of Term 2? Being at centerstage instead of stage back would have been better. This glaring error is somewhat offset by the confident and accurate delivery of the lines. Still, more rehearsals would have made the performance better, as it would have made performers more comfortable with acting onstage. 4/10

Costumes: Black hats are good, but the trashbag costumes do not show much evidence of effort made to design and craft them. With more effort, it is certain that the quality of costumes would have been much higher. 4/10

Props: No props used. 0/10

Total score: 8/30

2 Dynamic Day 1 Team 6: Zuffrie, Ellen, Huzaifah

Acting: Very loud, confident and accurate delivery of lines. Witches interact very well with each other, an indication that rehearsals had been conducted. The only issue is actually the way that the wand is used by the right witch – it seems more like a conductors baton in an orchestra rather than a item of great magical power. 8/10

Costumes: Some effort has been made to create durable costumes, but the burning question is: Why is the witch in the center wearing a miniskirt? Jokes aside, there is still room for improvement in terms of costumes. 5/10

Props: A cauldron is there, which is good. It would have been better if the prop was used in some way during the performance. As it is, it’s underutilized, which is a pity, as time and effort must have been spent to craft it. 5/10

Total score: 18/30

2 Dynamic Day 1 Team 7: Nazri, Daeng, Jeremy

Acting: It’s good that when acting, the performers are facing each other. However, performers must remember that they have to fill the stage. In this case, they were gathering at stage back left, which is not a good idea. There were some times when performers were not confident enough to say their lines at the appropriate time. 5/10

Costumes: Miniskirts made of trashbags is quite interesting, but it would have been much better if the performers had made long dresses instead of that as it would have been more appropriate. The hats are interesting though, and look quite witch-like. 6/10

Props: Aside from a single stick, no other prop was used. More effort could have been made to design and craft relevant props to enhance the performance. 2/10

Total score: 13/30

2 Integrity Day 2 Performance



2 Integrity Day 2 Team 1: Sin Yee, Li Ting, Ayu

Acting: I’m impressed by the staggered entrance of the three witches, especially since the witch who enters first completes the digging of the hole before the other two witches enter. However, the severed hand is placed a little too quickly into the hole – it should have been placed slowly so that the audience would have enough time to see it and recognize it for what it is. An effort is made to sound evil, which is good. Alas, the whole issue of standing in a straight row and chanting ‘Fair is foul…’ doesn’t make sense – shouldn’t they be chanting/casting the spell over the buried hand? 8/10

Costumes: Being fully clothed in black makes them look witchy, which is good. The additional effort of getting some exotic necklaces is appreciated. 7/10

Props: Ingenious use of a dustpan as a hoe. Effort can be seen in the construction of the backdrop, and the stone used as a seat is a good touch to the otherwise standard props used. 8/10

Total score: 23/30

2 Integrity Day 2 Team 2: Amirah, Chi Yao, Wei Xuan

Acting: Ninja witches! That hilarious point aside, entry and exit from stage is good, with effort put in to look like ancient crones. The added touch of a shaking hand by the middle witch adds to the previous impression. Throughout the scene, the witches generally do a good job – the only horrid mistake made was when they faced the audience to recite the lines, ‘Fair is foul…’ – the witches are not even supposed to know they’re being watched aka 4th Wall. Other than that, it was a good job. 8/10

Costumes: Ninja witches. Seriously, though it’s interesting, the costumes are still more appropriate for ninjas rather than witches. 4/10

Props: Walking sticks seem to have been carefully chosen rather than being grabbed from the classroom, which is good. The sound effect at the end of the lines also adds to the mystery of the final incantation. 6/10

Total score: 18/30

2 Integrity Day 2 Team 3: Siti, Aloyscius, Yong Jie

Acting: Staggered entrance is interesting, and the concept of stirring the cauldron adds a unique dynamic touch that most other performances lack. However, the finger-waggling of the other two witches quickly grows stale after watching awhile. More variety of actions could have been performed, such as adding ingredients, tasting the potion being made… Also loved the way actors faced each other when conversing, just hated the way they faced the audience while chanting ‘FOUL is fair’. I mean seriously… 7/10

Costumes: Appropriately dark and mysterious clothing, but my eyes are still drawn to the pink, unwrinkled legs of the left witch, as my mind keeps telling me that witches are supposed to be old with wrinkled (maybe rotting) legs. Wearing like the right witch would have been more appropriate. That’s the main problem, I guess. 7/10

Props: I see and appreciate the effort made to create that nice cauldron, with the fire and wood thrown in. I’m also impressed by the use of the stirrer to simulate creating a potion in the cauldron. Thought has been put into creating the effect, and it must be rewarded. 8/10

Total score: 22/30

2 Integrity Day 2 Team 4: Jeng Hong, Azmi, Glendon

Acting: A re-imagining of the scene, using warlocks instead of witches this time, which is carried off quite well. Delivery of lines is confident, loud and forceful which complements the situation. I just take a slight issue with the robotic movements at the end of the scene. Other than that, it’s a commendable effort. 9/10

Costumes: I know it’s a re-imagining, but the costumes don’t quite fit in just right into the performance. Since the whole performance is quite masculine, perhaps the style of dressing could have been more goth or rock or anything that proclaims the idea of ‘badness’ instead of shirts and Bermudas. 6/10

Props: Nice touch with the props, but I just wonder why the fire for the cauldron is not at ground level – surely it’ll be difficult to put ingredients into the cauldron, not to mention ladling the stuff out of the cauldron once it’s done. Powder on the table, perhaps representing dustiness? Interesting. 7/10

Total score: 22/30

2 Integrity Day 2 Team 5: Alson, Si Hui, Hafieqah

Acting: Actors know their lines, and are able to be heard, which is good. A little stiff in terms of body language though – all three should loosen up and act a little more witchy to make the performance more interesting. 6/10

Costumes: The costume of the left witch is different from the other two. Would have been better to set the left witch as the one who is leading the conversation (Witch 1). The costumes are generally all right, with the hoods adding a nice touch to the costumes. 6/10

Props: A nice representation of a fire, but a square cauldron? Nice touch having some ‘ingredients’ in the cauldron. I like the backdrop showing the dark cloud and lightning, but wish it could have been bigger. 7/10

Total score: 19/30

2 Integrity Day 2 Team 6: Jing Ying, Wen Yan, Nadia

Acting: Love the clear, confident delivery of lines. In addition, enjoying the acting is a good thing, but emotions must be controlled during the actual performance. Here, appropriate body language is used, but it is not effective when actresses are giggling. 6/10

Costumes: More thought and effort could have been used to design and create the costumes. 4/10

Props: Nice and big backdrop, with appropriate pictures of lighning and rain on it. 6/10

Total score: 16/30

2 Integrity Day 2 Team 7: Bernice, Jia Hui, Izzatie

Acting: Body language here is great! Love the staggered entry of the witches, since it focuses my attention on what the individual witches are doing as they come onstage. The point where the first witch is being helped up is a very nice touch and shows that this team had thought deeply about the performance. The only issue is the part when there is obvious giggling before chanting ‘Fair is foul…’. Other than that, a very good job! 9/10

Costumes: Simple, yet effective. The hoods are big enough to mask the face, which creates a sense of mystery around the witches. The loose hair that the right witch has also is a good touch, as is the natural sticks used as the walking sticks. 8/10

Props: The leaves are a nice touch, but the object picked up by the right witch as she enters the scene cannot be seen clearly. It is interesting that the piece of paper is passed over from the right witch, but the purpose of that paper is not made clear to the viewer. If it does contain Macbeth’s name, as the team mentioned, it would be better if the paper had been passed before the line ‘There to meet Macbeth’ was spoken. 6/10

Total score: 23/30

2 Integrity Day 1 Performances



2 Integrity Day 1 Team 1: Fiona, Elnaz, Zi Xiang


Acting: There are some attempts to utilize body language while performing here, but it is inconsistent. For the most part, the witches are standing and simply reciting their lines instead of dramatizing it. The rainy day can be advantageous, since the stage is darker and the sound of rain helps create the atmosphere in the scene. However, it works against the witches here, simply because their voices are inaudible. The importance of ensuring you can be heard when you are onstage cannot be overemphasized. Here, it’s a killer. 3/10

Costumes: Some effort made to procure appropriate clothing for the performance, but middle witch looks a little underdressed. 5/10

Props: Love the severed hand. The small backdrops representing rain and lightning are adorable, but not big enough? Interesting idea to use a bedsheet to symbolize the ground and a dustpan to simulate a hoe. Not certain, though, of the function of that grey cube to the top-right of the stage – a white elephant? All props must serve a purpose. 7/10

Total score: 15/30

2 Integrity Day 1 Team 2: Izzan, Wen Jie, Nicol

Acting: Very good intonation of lines, suitable for the scene, and loud enough to be heard. Entry and exiting the stage is done with the appropriate body language. 9/10

Costumes: The use of black lipstick and dirtied faces complemented the witch-like costumes. Very appropriate for witches, and the billowing cloaks upon exiting the stage adds a touch of class to the performance. 10/10

Props: Using real branches instead of the artificial straight broomsticks added to the realism. But a red pail? Seriously, it wouldn’t have hurt to at least wrap it in black plastic to simulate a cauldron. And the sword at the left witch’s side which served no discernable purpose other than an ornament. More thought could have been put into this. 6/10

Total score: 25/30

2 Integrity Day 1 Team 3: Zhao Hong, Jin Xian, Chang Hao

Acting: A slight effort made to move like witches. Tone of voice generally appropriate for the occasion. However, it can be improved in actors interacted more with one another while saying their lines. 6/10

Costumes: In addition to the costumes of trashbags, the cloaks lend a nice touch to the overall look of the witches. Just wondering why only one witch was equipped with a hat instead of all 3? 6/10

Props: Some effort to take brooms from classrooms to use as props can been seen. However, the brooms are not really suitable for witches, are they/ With more thought and effort made to really portray a witch, I’m sure the results would have been much better. 3/10

Total: 15/30

2 Integrity Day 1 Team 4: Rovin, Adrian, Nicholas

Acting: Love the entrance, where the idea of aged witches are communicated by evry actor. However, actors need to be more familiar with their lines, as there are long awkward pauses during the performance. Actors must also be aware that if it is raining, they need to deliver their lines louder in order to be heard over the rain. 4/10

Costumes: More effort could have been made to design costumes such that the whole concept of being witches is brought out. As it is, trashbags alone are insufficient. 4/10

Props: A little more effort, such as covering the entire rubbish bin with black trashbags would have made the cauldron believable. As it is, the words ‘SEC SCH’ can clearly been seen on the rubbish bin, making it clear that little effort was put into the production. 3/10

Total score: 11/30

2Integrity Day 1 Team 5: Desmond, Meng Ern, Eriynee

Acting: Delivery of lines is reasonably clear, even in the rain, which is a plus point for the group. The center witch is especially impressive, both in acting and delivery of lines and should keep it up. Again though, acting is a team effort, and the other two witches perform reasonably well as well. 6/10

Costumes: I’m particularly interested in the choice of red cloaks for costumes, since the colour red brings about the idea of bloodshed. The choice of natural wood for walking sticks add to the naturalness of the situation, which is a plus point. 6/10

Props: It’s a pity that the backdrop dropped right at the start of the performance. However, looking at its size, it may not have been effective even if stayed stuck to the wall. Actors could have perhaps used multiple trashbags cut open to create the backdrop instead of a single small sheet to create the idea of darkness. A little more effort would have worked wonders. 3/10

Total score: 15/30

2 Integrity Team 6:Rosilyana, Xin Hui, Elaine

Acting: One of the few teams I’ve seen so far who circle each other when conversing with each other. The entire scene brings to mind the image of a flock of vultures circling for a kill before finally landing and starting to eat a rotting carcass, which is quite appropriate for a performance like this. This team also has the additional plus point of being very clearly audible. 8/10

Costumes: The hoods are nice, shadowing their faces and lending a aura of mystery to the witches when they first enter. However, witches don’t show their legs and if they do, I’d think that their legs will be boney, discolored and wrinkled. These witches’ legs are not so. More thought could have been put into designing and crafting the costumes. 5/10

Props: Nice backdrop, this time with multiple lightning bolts and… cactus? Interesting touch with the white powder at the end, though it’s not really clear what that would represent. 7/10

Total score: 20/30

2 Integrity Day 1 Team 7: Robin, Girman, Terran

Acting: I really like the way this team staggers their entry, such that the first witch is the last to enter and the first to speak. Also, the way they their lines with deliberate slowness brings forth a sense of menace to the scene. The hand gestures though are a little repetitive, which quickly grows unnatural after the fourth repetition. 8/10

Costumes: Something resembling robes is used for costumes, which is actually quite effective. 7/10

Props: I assume that the cloth on the floor is meant to represent the ground, or perhaps even sand? Nevertheless, this particular aspect could have been more well-planned for. 4/10

Total score: 19/30

2 Thinking Day 2 Performances

2 Thinking Day 2 Team 1: Firdaus, Clifford, Melvin


Acting: Confident delivery of lines, spoken loud and clear. That’s good. However, body language leaves much to be desired. More effort should be made to move like a witch, as well as more attempts to speak in an evil intonation – witches are simply reciting their lines instead of dramatizing it. 6/10

Costumes: Full-length costumes is nice simply because they hide the bare legs of pupils – when was the last time you saw an evil witch showing off young smooth legs? The dreaded pink transparent poncho makes its appearance again, but it’s mitigated somewhat by the wearing of a black vest(?) underneath? Still, it doesn’t create that witch-like look. 6/10

Props: First up, the misty effect was created by the videocamera lens being fogged up, so it will not be included in the assessment. As in the previous day, the mortar and pestle are simply too small to be believable as a cauldron – right witch looks like he’s grinding chilli paste. He’s got the idea though. Perhaps the other two witches could also be involved in doing something other than watching their fellow witch grind chilli paste? 4/10

Total: 16/30

2 Thinking Day 2 Team 2: Dillon, Leroy, Daniel

Acting: Generally confident delivery of lines, but it gets too soft to hear at times, which is not a good idea. Actors do not move like witches, nor do they speak in a ‘witchy voice’. Instead, they’re simply reciting their lines, which is insufficient. 4/10

Costumes: The hood worn by the right witch is a nice touch, but it’s not carried through by the rest. There is an art to designing good costumes using garbage bags. Not effectively done here though. Can see that not much effort has been placed in designing and creating costumes. 3/10

Props: The knife and the paper hand is a nice touch, though it could have been placed into the bag in a more ‘evil’ manner instead of simply being chucked in. The explosion was a nice surprise, and helped to raise the score in this category a little. A red plastic bag does not resemble a cauldron though, no matter how you look at it. 6/10

Total score: 13/30

2 Thinking Day 2 Team 3: Ping Kah, Amos, Saleh

Acting: Good attempt to move onstage and offstage in character. However, the middle witch shows a lack of awareness of stage positioning – he’s blocking the cauldron! Also, try as I might, I hear nothing. The importance of projecting your voice so that the audience (and assessor) can hear your voice cannot be overemphasized. 3/10

Costumes: Ponchos are the latest fashion. Not that it’s bad – in fact, this group uses the ponchos more effectively by hooding their faces and creating an aura of mystery about them. Walking sticks are a nice touch. 6/10

Props: I know there’s a mortar and pestle, but other than that, little else. More effort could have been made to make the props more realistic to complement the acting. 4/10

Total Score: 13/30

2 Thinking Day 2 Team 4: Shafina, Qiara, Stephanie

Acting: Lines can generally be heard, which is good. However, there is little expression, whether in tone of speaking or in body language. It would have been much better if witches faced each other when speaking and acted such that they would be believable as witches. 3/10

Costumes: Effort can be seen in crafting the hats such that they’re black in colour with semi-hoods. Also good that the costume is full-body, so that the chequered skirts are hidden. The importance of doing a final check on costumes cannot be overemphasized though – the right witch’s costume seems to have been ripped at the shoulders right from the beginning? 5/10

Props: Artificial snow seen, but not really effectively used. More thought and preparation could have been made to help the performance become better. 3/10

Total: 11/30

2 Thinking Day2 Team 5: Norella, Riena, Hwee Xing

Acting: Generally clear delivery and acting. Middle witch is outstanding in her portrayal of a wicked witch, though her fellow actors must complement her. The whole performance is a team effort and everyone should play their part. 7/10

Costumes: Trashbags again, but the extra effort to simulate ragged ends by cutting the hems of the costumes are noted. Two witches seem to be wearing tube tops though. While this may be possible, their reserved actions are at odds with their costumes. 6/10

Props: Using the ringer(?) for sound effect provided an original twist to the atmosphere, and the lighted lamp does give the impression of darkness all around, which is suitable to the scene. Further explosive sound effects created add to the impression of the contents of the cauldron bubbling. Pity the cauldron looked more like a bowl to mix a cake in though. But overall good effort put in. 8/10

Total: 21/30

2 Thinking Day 2 Team 6: Farah, Xindi, Kee Ting

Acting: Little attempt to move or speak in a witch-like manner. Due to the excessive construction noises in the background, this group won’t be penalized too much for being inaudible – but they definitely could have spoken louder. 4/10

Costumes: Simple black trashbag costumes, while simple, do not show much evidence of thinking of how to best look like a witch. 4/10

Props: Plastic bowl was borrowed from another group, so not eligible for assessment. The use of powder to simulate adding of ingredients to the cauldron was interesting, although it would have been better if the action of adding was accompanied by some mystical gestures maybe? Still, little effort seen on designing/making props. 4/10

Total score: 12/30

2 Thinking Day 2 Team 7: Kam Yew, Dilllion(not assessed), Leroy (Not assessed)

Acting: As in 2.2’s performance, lines are not delivered loudly enough to be heard properly. Actions are also insufficiently ‘witchlike’. In addition, all witches need to be more familiar with their lines to bring out the character of the witches being portraying. 3/10

Costumes: Same as 2.2, not much effort was made to think about how to portray witches effectively in terms of costumes. 4/10

Props: The same props for 2.2 were reused, since this is an additional performance for the group with 4 members. Hence the comments are similar to 2.2’s comments. However, no explosion is heard this round, which results in a lessening of marks. 5/10

Total score: 12/30

2 Thinking Day 1 Performances

(NOTE: Assessment criteria for Normal (Academic) teams are more relaxed than Express teams.)

2 Thinking Day 1 Team 1: Khairi, Hock Wee, Jin Po


Acting: Delivery is loud and generally confident. Left witch uses gestures effectively to complement his lines. However, the other two witches are a little stiff. Also, it’s considered polite to face the person you’re speaking to, which is not done in this case. 7/10

Costumes: Using ponchos and trashbags alone is insufficient. It looks more like three people caught in a rainy day than three witches. 5/10

Props: Ok, first things first – the cauldron is so SMALL. Having the right witch add something in adds to the scene, which is good. More can be done though. 6/10

Total score: 18/30

2 Thinking Day 1 Team 2: Zhi Xiang, Song Hang, Amirul

Acting: Witches enter the stage in character, and after filling the cauldron, talk to each other. That is good. However, though they know their lines, the delivery is too soft. 6/10

Costumes: Garbage bags can be used effectively, but in this case, it is not. The costumes are not thought out well can be improved. 4/10

Props: Another small cauldron. Think BIG. Nice touch with the bleached hand, the knife and the water as ingredients for the cauldron. 8/10

Total score: 18/30

2 Thinking Day 1 Team 3: Boon Yao, Qi Da, Hazim

Acting: Witches enter the stage in character, which is good. They look at each other when delivering the lines, which is also good. The only problem – and a killer one – is that all three witches speak too softly and their line, if they did say anything, cannot be heard. This is the killer. 3/10

Costumes: The ponchos are used more effectively, the hoods being used to shadow the faces which creates a sense of mystery about the witches. The transparent light green poncho was a bad idea though. 6/10

Props: Having bamboo sticks may have been a good idea, but safety is important. And using the long bamboo sticks to stir the tiny cauldron is a little off. 6/10

Total: 15/30

2 Thinking Day 1 Team 4: Atiqah, Istiana, Sharon

Acting: Lines are delivered confidently, if only a little soft. However, it’s considered rude not to be looking at the person whom you’re asking a question and the witches should have been facing each other when conversing. Also, witches should behave like witches instead of standing still and reciting the lines. 3/10

Costumes: Not much preparation done. Simply cutting holes in trashbags and wearing them does not show evidence of much effort put into designing and creating costumes. Hairstyles help somewhat, but not by much. 4/10

Props: No props. 0/10

Total score: 7/30

2 Thinking Day 1 Team 5: Sharifah, Syahirah, Grace

Acting: Moving in slowly like witches is good. Facing each other while saying the lines is good. What is not good is saying the lines too softly. Although some lines can be heard, this is still a killer. 5/10

Costumes: Using dark jackets with hoods are generally all right for witch costumes. However, the chequered skirts are quite obviously not witch-like. If more thought had been spent on how to look like a witch, the score for costumes would have been increased. 4/10

Props: The smoke rising from the cauldron is a nice touch and is quite unique. Cauldron is slightly bigger than the other ones, which is a plus point. 7/10

Total score: 16/30

2 Thinking Day 1 Team 6: Fazirah, Fathin, Yi Min

Acting: Kneeling down does not generally give much room for acting, but the witches find something to do instead of simply kneeling and looking at each other, which is good. Only the middle witch’s voice is audible though, which does have an effect on the score for acting. 6/10

Costumes: Right witch is appropriately dressed for the role, but again, chequered skirts are simply un-witchy. The passing grade is thanks to the right witch, otherwise the score would be identical to 1.5. 6/10

Props: The candles are a novelty, and if the performance was at night, the effect would have been very appropriate with the lights out. The whole thing about the scraps of newspapers is beyond me though, but I’m sure it does serve some purpose. 6/10

Total score: 18/30

2 Thinking Day 1 Team 7: Erra, Michelle, Xuan Qi

Acting: Lines are delivered confidently and in a evil (robotic) tone, which complements the atmosphere very nicely. Left witch seems to have been emulating a hunchback, but does not follow through all the way. 8/10

Costumes: Although garbage bags are used yet again, these witches manages to pull it off by having a full-length costume, avoiding the hideous chequered menace that seems to plague other garbage bag–using teams. The shawl is a good touch to show the difference between the three witches. A nice touch is having the bottoms of the costumes cut to simulate tattered clothes. 8/10

Props: The use of the cloth to represent sand/ground is quite interesting, as is the box containing a paper hand to bury in the sand. (7/10)

Total score: 23/10

2 Achieve Day 1 Performances

2 Achieve Day1 Team 1: Kai Hong, Amos, Benjamin

Acting: Lines are generally delivered, though spoken too quickly. Entry into scene not witchy enough – witches are striding in. Witches seem to have a grudge against the poor cauldron, the way they’re hammering it with their broomsticks makes me pity it. The overall feeling is that the performance is not being taken seriously by the actors. 3/10

Costumes: Costume design too simplistic. Trashbags with three holes cut in it simply do not look like witches’ clothes. Nice to see three broomsticks that serve a dual purpose as stirrers. 4/10

Props: There’s a cauldron used in this performance, and the little flames at the base look quite dinky, especially since the colour scheme contrasts quite nicely with the black cloth. But are cauldrons rectangular, or round? Some thought could have been made to make the cauldron more realistic. 6/10

Total score: 13/30

2 Achieve Day 1 Team 2: Muhaimin, Jun Peng, Aaron

Acting: Witch nearest the camera uses good gestures to emphasize his lines. Unfortunately, he blocks another witch. Delivery is too soft at times to hear the lines, thus affecting the marks. Body language is more that of a group of friends gathering, rather than a coven – no sense of evil in their performance. The performance seems to be more a case of reciting lines than dramatizing. 4/10

Costumes: The hats used here have brims, which is good. However, do the witches have to remain seated on their broomsticks throughout the scene – shouldn’t they have dismounted while saying their lines? Simplistic costume design does not gain them many points – three holes cut in a trashbag does not a costume make. 5/10

Props: Effort is made to get the dry ice to imitate the fumes emitting from a cauldron. Although it didn’t really work out (test it out in future first), marks can and will be awarded for effort. A ladle is evident in the cauldron, but it is not used at all. Better if the witches had dismounted from their brooms and stirred the cauldron – the fumes would have been clearer if that was done. 6/10

Total score: 15/30

2 Achieve Day 1 Team 3: Amirul Haziq, Robin, Hong Bin

Acting: Save an initial hiccup, the lines were all delivered confidently. Not all conveyed the lines effectively though, though the intonation of the rightmost witch is noteworthy. Movement is not witchy enough – witches could have moved in a more witchy manner, or at the least move forbiddingly to demonstrate their evilness. Center witch seems to have an itchy arm? 6/10

Costumes: Witches in batik sarongs! Quite unique, but just a little weird – the actors do not portray witches in their current costume design. Black fingernails are discernable though. 6/10

Props: Intelligent use of allied members as props. The ‘dead bodies’ are unique and adds to the atmosphere of the scene. Sound effects are also used effectively. 9/10

Total score: 21/30

2 Achieve Day 1 Team 4: Juliana, Sheena, Li Qim

Acting: Although it’s always nice to see actors enjoying themselves, Act 1 scene 1 is not a happy scene - luckily, no outright giggles can be discerned. Lines are delivered loud enough to be heard, though the witches are not evil enough – the three witches in the play are not nice witches, as evidenced by the text. 6/10

Costumes: Trashbag costumes are designed to look like long flowing cloaks, Right witch pulls it off effectively, since her black dress complements the cloak. However, the other two witches are wearing bright green shirts under their cloaks? That is so not witch-like. Hats are nice though. 6/10

Props: The painted background shows signs of effort, but one would expect a backdrop of something more sinister than the green fields to either side of the path. The use of sound saves this grade from a fail grade, but much more could have been done. 5/10

Total score: 17/30

2 Achieve Day 1 Team 5: Sean, Asri, Fitri

Acting: Evil laughter at the beginning sets the tone well. However, the forbidding atmosphere is not carried through by the witches’ actions. Outright smiles and laughter completely voids the atmosphere, which is a pity. Body language does not resemble witches as well. 4/10

Costumes: The hunch on the right witch is interesting, but it cannot compensate for THE conical hats with a big golden star smack in the center, which are more comical than eerie. Costumes could have been thought out more – having bright green shirts under the torn trash bags is so not witch-like. 4/10

Props: The use of the plastic table cover to simulate lightning is a good idea. Dry ice is effectively used here as well. However, ladle is present in the cauldron, but not used. Wands are a nice touch, as well as the ‘ingredients’ thrown into the cauldron. 8/10

Total score: 16/30

2 Achieve Day 1 Team 6: Amanda, Victoria, Eileen

Acting: Moving in slowly like witches, these deliver their lines well, with no trace of smiles or laughter. The raspy voice of the right witch is commendable. Obvious research has been made into the tradition of having a maiden, matron and crone in the coven. 10/10

Costumes: Almost all aspects of costume design are appropriate for the coven. Maiden looks youthful enough, matron being hooded, and a mask for the crone. Believable as witches in a coven. However, one glaring error would be the youthful legs of the crone. Having a green wrinkled face with youthful pink legs just does not cut it. 9/10

Props: Nice use of sound in the middle of the performance, since it is quite appropriate. Quite an artistic and appropriate representation of the cauldron – having the middle witch (maiden) stir the cauldron is a great idea, as is having the other two witches have broomsticks. Now if only there was a backdrop… 9/10

Total score: 28/30

2 Achieve Day 1 Team 7: Margaret, Charmaine, Wei Min

Acting: Interestingly enough, these witches start off by facing each other. However, they do not speak to each other, preferring for some reason to face thin air when asking questions of each other. Body language is unsuitable for witches, being too youthful. Delivery, though clear, is given too quickly and no sense of ‘witchiness’ can be discerned in the acting. Middle witch also should not panic and go off-character if lines are forgotten. 5/10

Costumes: The long cloaks add class to nice costume of black tops and long black dresses. Hats and/or brooms would have completed the costumes nicely. 7/10

Props: Love the props. However, the simple act of creating a stand would have made it possible for the tombstone and cauldron to be placed onstage itself instead of being propped up against the wall. Just a little more effort would have made it so much more effective. Also, starry, starry night? A little inappropriate for the scene, which speaks of thunder, lightning and rain? 5/10

Total score: 17/30

2 Respect's Day 2 Performances


2 Respect Day 2 Team 1: Qi Rong, Kai Hwee, Samuel


Acting: Nice and loud delivery, which shows confidence. Lines are said in a suitably evil tone. Just wondering though about the wands – the way they’re handled make them look more like weapons rather than wands. 7/10

Costumes: The plastic bags are loose enough to show the formless figures of the witches. However, if the team had invested in wearing dark shirts below the bags, the effect would have been better. 6/10

Props: Love the cauldron. Also, was that a flying frog I saw? It was too fast to catch. A suggestion would be to tie a string to it and pull it across the stage so that it is moving slowly enough to be noticed. 7/10

Total score: 20/30



2 Respect Day 2 Team 2: Vilynn, Raeesha, Sherry


Acting: The delivery of the lines is loud and clear, which is good. However, little effort is made to create the sense of witchcraft and/or evil present in the scene. The witches are supposed to be holding a conversation with each other, and they consequently should be facing each other when talking, not towards the audience. Engagement with props is also minimal, and witches do not look comfortable with their brooms – which normal witches should be. 3/10

Costumes: Ok, putting on a black T-shirt is insufficient to create the idea that the actress is a witch. If more effort was put into designing and creating the costumes, more marks could have been scored. 3/10

Props: The cauldron is there, but it is ignored by the witches. Since effort was made to create the cauldron, pupils should maximize its use and interact with it. Again, more effort could have been made in this aspect. 5/10

Total score: 11/30

2Respect Day 2 Team 3: JunJie, Kai Rong, Radhi

Acting: Loud and confident delivery, which is excellent. Right witch is especially good, utilizing appropriate body language when delivering his lines. One thing though is that witches should face each other when talking instead of talking to the audience, since they are holding a conversation. 7/10

Costumes: It would have been better is the center and right witches had taken off their uniform tops before acting, since it is weird to see witches with collar badges. Other than that, generally average costume designs. 6/10

Props: No props used. 0/10

Total score: 13/30

2Respect Day 2 Team 4: Anna, Luo Li, Dean

Acting: Delivery of lines is still clear, and body language is generally accurate, which is good. The movement around the cauldron while chanting the last two lines was a nice touch. 7/10

Costumes: I get the sense of different levels of preparation among the three witches, ranging from the fully-costumed, to the partially-costumed, to the basic-costumed. It’s important for teams to come together and work out a similar ‘dress code’ if playing similar characters so that the difference in costume is not so jarring. 5/10

Props: The cat and toad add interest to the performance, with the additional benefit of being relevant to the scene. The wands are also a nice touch, as is the cauldron. 8/10

Total score: 20/30

2 Respect Day 2 Team 5: Yi Ying, Haziqah, Chun Hwee

Acting: Love the tone of voice used during the delivery of the lines. The right witch’s actions while saying her lines is also outstanding as well. Overall a very enjoyable performance. 10/10

Costumes: Witchy checklist - Long flowing cloaks? Check. Mystical pointy hats with little stars? Check. White strings dangling under witches’ chins? So not check. 7/10

Props: Intelligent use of allied team to simulate a battle in the background adds to the variety and interest of the performance. Suitably grisly severed hand adds to the atmosphere of the performance as well. However, it is not really clear what the contraption that the hand is on is. 8/10

Total score: 25/30

2 Respect Day 2 Team 6: Quory, Guanjie, Andrew

Acting: Delivery of lines are clear and easy to hear. However, the sense of evil or ‘witchiness’ in the performance is not really evident in the witches’ portrayal. Body language could also have been tweaked to make the performance more believable. 6/10

Costumes: The long claws are a nice touch, as is the cape of the middle witch. I also applaud the choice of a T-shirt with the visage of a skull in the front for the right witch. 6/10

Props: I can give some marks for the creative use of the witch’s face. But other than that, there’s very little else done in preparation for the performance. 2/10

Total score: 14/30

2 Respect Day 2 Team 7: Terence, Hong Ye, Nadhirah

Acting: A credible attempt to create the sense of evil via tone of voice, especially by the center witch. Confident and accurate delivery of lines as well. Improvements can be made in terms of body language though – characters should be more relaxed and strive to bring out the sense of ‘witchiness; through their body langyage. 7/10

Costumes: More effort could have been put in to design and craft credible witches’ costumes. Simply wearing a plain black t-shirt is quite inadequate. 3/10

Props: A simple backdrop, but it would have been better if it was placed higher up – lightning usually strikes from above and not at waist level. The wands/walking sticks carried by the witches are under-utilized though. 4/10

Total score: 14/30

2 Respect Day 1 Performances

First day of the Sec 2 Literature performance assessment and 2 Respect started the ball rolling. Dean was a great help in manning the video camera. These videos will be useful in helping pupils understand how they can improve their acting. Marks will be moderated after comparison of performances to each other within the level.

Anyways, these are the vids of the 7 teams assessed today:


2Respect Day 1 Team 1: Kok Tong, Gary, Khairil

Acting : Voice projection is good and can be heard easily. Tone of voice is appropriate. Confident delivery. However, the witches must try to speak slower so that they can be understood by the audience. Actors are also not moving like witches when they begin moving to centerstage when the performance begins. While two actors use appropriate gestures when speaking, one actor can improve by looking at his other two actors while speaking. 6/10

Costumes: Interesting use of cones for hats, but could have decorated the black hats and made them more ‘witchy’. Hats were borrowed though, so no effort spent in creating them. Simple usage of trash bags as costumes. 4/10

Props: None used. 0/10

Total score: 9/30

2 Respect Day 1 Team 2: Sonia, Jia En, Izzati

Acting: Voice projection is good and can be heard easily. Use of gestures to emphasize lines spoken. However, standing in one line and talking does not show that a conversation is happening – face each other and talk. Some lines forgotten, which affects the performance as actors pause and are unable to maintain the flow of conversation. 5/10

Costumes: This group managed to design their garbage bags such that it looks like a cloak which makes a nice difference from other groups. The additional effort made to fray the bottoms of the cloaks make the costumes look nicer than the standard garbage bag outfit. Cone hats look a little out of place though – additional effort to craft a brim for each hat would have been nice. 7/10

Props: Some effort made to paste a picture of a lightning bolt on a sheet of black plastic, but more could have been done in terms of props – too simplistic. 3/10

Total score: 15/30

2 Respect Day 1 Team 3: Serene, Diana, Shafiqah

Acting: A nice attempt to move in a witchy way by the witch entering from the left, but not seen by the other two witches, who are simply moving slowly. Witches should make the effort to speak louder so that they can be heard, it creates the impression that they are not confident in saying their lines. Little body language used. 4/10

Costumes: Nice usage of hoods as part of costumes – breaks the monotony of conehats. However, trashbag costumes are not designed to look witchy – they’re wrapped a little too tightly. 5/10

Props: No props used. 0/10

Total score: 9/30

2 Respect Day 1 Team 4: Shazzuan, Yi Cong, Dominique

Acting: Excellent use of body language to emphasize lines spoken - except one witch looks like his right leg is constantly itchy? Intonation is good – all three sound witchy. Confident delivery of lines, only problem being that it’s a little soft at times. 8/10

Costumes: Standard conehats used and normal trashbag clothing design, earning only average marks. 5/10

Props: A broom that transforms into a wand! Pity the wand was just held and wasn’t used for anything. Actors must also check their costumes before performing - when did traditional witches ever wear watches? Nice ring on middle witch’s finger, but could have used some decoration rather than being plain black to make it even more outstanding. 6/10

Total score: 19/30

2 Respect Day 1 Team 5: Wei Xuan, Xin Lei, Iffah

Acting: Lines are delivered confidently. Two can be heard clearly, while one is slightly soft. Center witch uses gestures effectively to complement lines, not so for the other two. Again, when was the last time you saw people standing side by side when talking to each other? And it’s ‘FOUL’, not ‘foe’. 6/10

Costumes: Unique costumes sourced for performance. Gold embroidery on clothes add to the mysticism of the witches, creating a more fashionable witch than the traditional kind. Shawls are used, but I’d say not effectively enough to contribute to the ‘witchyness’ of the actors. 7/10

Props: Similar to 1.3. However, props are borrowed from another group, so little effort made to create their own props. 3/10

Total score: 16/30

2 Respect Day 1 Team 6: Ahmad Salihin, Nicol, Nigel

Acting: Lines are delivered confidently, which is good, but tone doesn’t sound evil enough. Effort made by right witch to face the others when talking, but the rest didn’t seem to care. Actions are repetitious and quite stiff, making them unbelievable as witches. Good recovery by center witch when hat drops off. 6/10

Costumes: Left witch has a seriously elongated right hand, which could have been used more prominently to create the impression of evil – Freddy Kruger anyone? Costumes are trashbags again, with not much effort put in – their t-shirts can be seen. Conehats are in fashion again. Nice touch with the lumps on the backs which makes their costumes more unique, though actors could have bent over to emphasize the lumps on their back. 6/10

Props: No props used 0/10

Total score: 12/30

2 Respect Day 1 Team 7: Crystal, Lynette, Sharifah

Acting: Confident delivery of lines. Loud and easy to hear. However, standing in one line and speaking to the camera doesn’t work. Shouldn’t they be talking to each other? Body language is non-existent since actors are simply standing still and talking. 5/10

Costumes: Well, these witches have brooms! Interesting differentiation between the 3 witches in terms of headgear – hat, cape and uncovered. However, the checkered skirts are seriously un-witchy and this totally spoils the effect. 6/10

Props: It’s the background used by 1.5, but it belongs to this group, so marks for effort/creativity goes to this group. Good effort, utilizing thunderbolts and leaves to simulate lightning and leaves flying all over the place by flapping the background. Didn’t really understand the need for the background to change to pure black during the last line though. 7/10

Total score: 18/30

Initial Post

First post! Been looking into the ways blogging can be used to enhance pedagogy. Can it be done? Won't know until it's been tried, yes? Let's see how this progresses and where it'll lead to.

Let the games begin!