Excavating The Past: A Record of Struggle and Triumph

Happy 44th Birthday Singapore!

2009-08-09T00:28:00.010+08:00

It was great working with Ms Gajae as my co-emcee for this year's National Day Concert!

To 1E1, here's the picture that you guys wanted :) It's not very clear though...

Thinking about it, i kinda missed your class constant chattering only to be broken my stern SILENCE!!!!

Hope to teach you guys again next year!

History Murals Discussion

2009-07-21T01:17:00.017+08:00

Hi 2E1 & 2E4,

These are some snapshots of 2E1 deep in discussion for their HISTORY project. Or should I say, only some of them... heh

Oops, don't get me wrong! It's not that 2E4 has not done anything! In fact, some groups in 2E4 have done so much more except that my camera always fails me whenever I try to take a snapshot of them (",)

On another note, I'm already missing some of the student councillors who had been attached to other schools. Nonetheless, it's great to have new students in the class as well! A huge shout-out to Isaac (2E1), Aneesa (2E1), Zainab (2E4) & Wei Jie (2E4). Welcome to Greendale!!!

Mr Syed

The Japanese Invasion of Malaya

2009-07-20T04:15:00.005+08:00

Hi students, after watching the Battle of Midway, lets enjoy this video on the Japanese Invasion of Malaya.

Mr Syed

1942 Battle of Midway

2009-07-20T02:45:00.005+08:00

Hey all, before we learn about the Japanese invasion of Malaya, lets take a look at Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour. The entire video is divided into 6 parts which will take around 1hr 10min. However if you have the time and would like to learn more about the history of World War 2, you gotta watch them (",)

Part 1/6

Part 2/6

Part 3/6

Part 4/6

Part 5/6

Part 6/6

Hope you enjoyed the videos,

Mr Syed

A New Beginning

2009-06-30T23:15:00.006+08:00

To all the newly recruited historians,

Allow me to extend my warmest welcome to my History abode!

Well.... Just so you'd know, this is our excavation site - it is here where we communicate, share our ideas and thoughts about the past.

It is here that we revisit the past as well as put on our thinking cap to assess every single of our actions - to determine whether Man has learn from their mistakes?

Or are we just about to discover a sad truth in life - will History repeat itself?

I'll leave it up to you to decide as we endeavour to tread this long historical trajectory of the Singapore story!

To my dearest 2E1 & 2E4 - we have at least 5 months together! Lets make the best out of this time :)

Always there,
Mr Syed

* trajectory refers to journey

Bring 2B pencil for your History exams!

2009-05-06T23:45:00.003+08:00

Good luck for the paper this Friday :)

And spread the word around -

Everyone must bring a 2B pencil to shade your MCQ on the OTAS sheet.

Last Minute Sprint...

2009-05-05T04:15:00.004+08:00

Don't get me wrong!

I hate last minute work BUT due to the incessant number of holidays looming the past few weeks, I can't help it but to squeeze a make-up lesson for both 1E2 & 1A3.

On a brighter note, that means it's one more extra session with me, hahah :)

Let's get straight to the details!

For 1E2
Date: 05 May 2009 (Tue)
Time: 2.15 - 3.15pm
Venue: 1E2 classroom

For 1A3
Date: 06 May 2009 (Wed)
Time: 2.15 - 3.15pm
Venue: 1A3 classroom

Aside from these sessions, in case anyone have any questions, including 1E1, please come and see me either on Wed/Thurs after 3pm.

Till then,
it's a final sprint to the end :)

Love,
Mr Syed

Good Luck - Mid Year Exams 2009

2009-05-02T21:15:00.002+08:00

It's so close to the exams! Best wishes to all :)

History League - Common Test 3/2009

2009-04-27T00:30:00.003+08:00

Dear students,

Congratulations to those who have once again topped the league for this final Common Test before the Mid-year exams!

We'll await with anticipation on who will emerge victorious at this year's History exams?

Mr Syed

33 days before it becomes History...

2009-04-26T19:15:00.003+08:00

It feels like I'm only starting;

and yet

as I turned the pages of the calendar

my days are numbered;

counting down seems painful

the only consolation I can live by

the end is not a milestone,

it only marks a new beginning...

Cheers,

Mr Syed

Mid Year Exam Details

2009-04-25T22:15:00.006+08:00

Hi all,

As you've already known, the Mid Year paper for History will be on 08th May 2009 (Fri) @ 7.45 to 9.15am.

The paper will be 1.5hrs for both Express and Normal Academic Stream.

Allow me to state the components of the paper for each stream:

For Express (Chap 1-5, 8-10):

Multiple Choice Questions 25 marks
Short Answer Questions 15 marks
Fill in the Blanks 10 marks
Source Based Questions 20 marks
Structured Questions 30 marks

Total - 100 marks

For Normal Academic (Chap 1-5, 9-10):

Multiple Choice Questions 30 marks
Short Answer Questions 10 marks
Application of Concepts 10 marks
True/False Statements 5 marks
Fill in the Blanks 15 marks
Source Based Questions 15 marks
Structured Questions 15 marks

Total - 100 marks

Guess that is all the updates for now.

Take care,
Mr Syed

Online Assignment 1 - External Threats

2009-04-21T15:53:00.002+08:00

Hi 1A3, 1E1 & 1E2 students!

This is the first part of your online assignment.

Please give your answers to the following questions:

(a) What do you understand by external threats?

(b) Describe two external threats faced by ancient Indian or Chinese societies?

(c) Explain three measures taken by the ancient societies to respond to the external threats.

Cheers,
Mr Syed

Online Assignment 2 - Internal Threats

2009-04-21T15:46:00.004+08:00

Hi 1A3, 1E1 & 1E2 students!

This is the second part of your online assignment.

Please give your answers to the following questions:

(a) What do you understand by internal threats?

(b) Describe three internal threats faced by ancient Indian or Chinese societies?

(c) Explain three measures taken by the ancient societies to respond to the internal threats.

Cheers,
Mr Syed

Common Test 3 - Tuesday, 07 April 2009 (Tuesday)

2009-04-04T21:35:00.002+08:00

Hi 1E1, 1E2 & of course my latest class 1A3.

It's been some time since the blog is updated. I hope all of you have been studying hard for the upcoming Common Test.

For 1E1 & 1E2

Your paper (25 marks) will consist of:

(i) Source-Based Questions testing on skills of Inference as well as Compare & Contrast

(ii) Structured Essay Questions focussing on Government as well as Organisation of Society in Ancient China & India.

For 1A3

Your paper (25 marks) will consist of:

(i) MCQ (10 marks) for both Chapters 4 & 5

(ii) True & False options (5 marks) for both Chapters 4 & 5

(iii) Source-Based Questions testing on skills of Inference as well as Compare & Contrast

* 1A3 - Please make sure you memorise all the definitions & key concepts found in Chapter 5!

Finally, to all those of you out there who has been studying really hard, let me share with you a motivation booster!

Cheers,

Mr Syed

1E1 & 1E2 History Role Play

2009-03-24T06:35:00.003+08:00

Hi 1E1 & 1E2,

In case you're wondering, I've just taken a new History Class - 1A3! Welcome 1A3 into my History blog :)

For my students of 1E1 & 1E2 - Hope you enjoyed preparing for the role play. I must say that I really enjoy watching 1E1 performed. Good job!

For 1E2, I truly enjoyed watching the last few performances more than the earlier ones :) I hope that the remaining teams can prepare yourselves in terms of memorising the script and donning on the proper costumes. You can check out how well 1E1 dressed up by looking at the photos uploaded at the side.

Cheers,
Mr Syed

History League - Common Test 2/2009

2009-03-20T01:50:00.005+08:00

Hi all,

I do realise this is long overdue... apologies on my part, I've been really busy with marking and setting exam questions :(

Anyhow, congratulations to our chart toppers once again!

In 2 weeks time, the throne is up for grab once again.

Good luck with all your groupwork! I am sure your preparations have been a blast!

Cheers,

Mr Syed

History Group Assignment - 20%

2009-03-05T22:15:00.005+08:00

Hi 1E1 & 1E2,

All of you have been divided into groups and tasked to do an assignment due on 23 Mar 2009 (Mon). Hence, groups are to present their role-play and put up their mahjong papers for gallery display once they come back from the one week break.

There are two components to the group assignment:

(a) Role Play [10%]

Marked for (i) Content (script), (ii) Creativity (costume & props) and (iii) Teamwork
Focussed either on Ancient India/China e.g. Life of Changragupta Maurya/Empress Wu Zetian/Emperor Han Wudi OR System of feudalism in China
Groups should finalize script by 09 Mar 09 (Mon) so that they have ample time to edit and rehearse the role-play

(b) Research Mind Map [10%]

Marked for (i) Content (mahjong paper), Design (use of pictures & colours) and (iii) Teamwork
Each group must do a comprehensive and detailed mind map on one of the following chapters: Chapter 5, 8, 9 or 10
Groups should divide each section equally by 09 Mar 09 (Mon) so that each member can research and find pictures on a particular section of the chapter

That's all folks! Remember this group assignment may determine between a pass or a distinction grade at the end of the year. So please work hard as a group.

Mr Syed

Mystery Box

2009-03-03T00:15:00.006+08:00

During the next lesson, one lucky student will get the chance to dip his/her hand into the mystery box. You would probably know by now what is inside the contents of the box.

But what you do not know is the decision made by this person... The fate of the entire class will lie in this person's hand!

Will he/she make the decision that will benefit everyone? Or will the decision be meaningful only to the student only?

You think you know everything?

The fact is you DON'T!

You will never expect how things will turn out!

History League - Common Test 1/2009

2009-02-10T12:45:00.002+08:00

Congratulations to the chart-toppers for our First History League!

Cheers,

Mr Syed

Good Luck :)

2009-02-01T12:39:00.004+08:00

Hi 1E1 & 1E2, hope your revision is almost done! You don't need anything now except...

Mr Syed

History Common Test 1 - Mon (02 Feb 2009)

2009-01-28T23:50:00.006+08:00

Hi all,

Your first History common test is coming this Mon, 02 Feb 2009.

The duration of the paper is 30 min and you will be tested on Chapters 1 & 2 (History Textbook). To score an A1 for the test, you must read through your History notebook and the worksheets/quiz that I've given out the past three weeks!

The Common test will be out of 25 marks and here are the breakdown of the marks:

Multiple Choice : 9 marks
Fill-In-The-Blanks : 10 marks
Source-Based Questions: 6 marks

That's all! I wish you the very best and make sure you get an A1!

Cheers...

Mr Syed

First Posting 2009

2009-01-09T22:55:00.003+08:00

Greetings 1E1 & 1E2.

This is my first posting of 2009. So let me officially welcome you to my History portal "Histopia". This is where History comes to life. On this site, I will bring you back in time and let you witness some of the greatest achievement in mankind.

For your first task, all of you are required to read and familiarize yourself with Chapter 1: Introduction to History (Textbook pg 4-8).

The following is a summarized note which you may find useful after you have read and revised Chapter 1.

When I see you the next lesson, please be prepared for me to ask some verbal quizzes... hehe :)

Please fasten your seatbelt, we're going back in time right now!!!

Cheers,
Mr Syed

Are Memories Meant To Be Forever?

2008-11-05T19:45:00.008+08:00

as I am away from school, I feel a part of me missing...

i miss those times when I complain that the classroom lessons are always too short...

i miss those times I raise my voice just to win your attention...

i miss those times when I feel suffocated with emotions only beacuse I cared too much...

but only then did I realise that memories are meant to be kept...

by those who treasure them most!

Mr Syed

- missing school -

Cheer Up :)

2008-10-19T12:45:00.003+08:00

Something to cheer you up as you're revising for the exams!

whatever the case, this won't happen during History exams tomorrow :)

Instead, my best wishes to every single one of you out there! Trust me, when you study, your efforts will be rewarded.

Mr Syed

End-of-Year Revision!

2008-10-12T14:30:00.003+08:00

Hi students, a few updates for your individual revision!

For Sec 1 Express,

Chapters tested for End-of-Year Exams are Chap 7, 8, 9 & 10.

For this coming week's revision, please revise Chap 7 & 10 thoroughly:

Chap 7 - Conditions for Golden Age & Scientific Achievements in both India & China.

Chap 10 - Measures against Foreign Invasion in Ancient China (Building Physical Barriers & Tribute System)

For Sec 1 Normal Academic,

Chapters tested for End-of-Year Exams are Chap 7, 9 & 10.

For this coming week's revision, please revise Chap 9 & 10 thoroughly:

Chap 9 - Internal Threats such as Corrupt & Incompetent Government

Chap 10 - Measures against Foreign Invasion in Ancient China (Building Physical Barriers & Tribute System)

That's all students! Good luck with your revision!

Mr Syed

Quiz Time 3!

2008-09-21T12:30:00.000+08:00

Hi students,

Please try the following questions:

1. Explain what is civil war?

2. Who was the young military commander who led a rebellion against Emperor Xuanzong?

3. How does a rebellion occur?

4. What causes famine?

Good luck,
Mr Syed

Quiz Time 2!

2008-09-20T12:30:00.000+08:00

Hi students,

Please continue with your revision:

1. What did the Chinese farmers build to prevent flooding along Yellow River?

2. Who was the Han official who overthrow the throne and declared himself emperor in 9 CE?

3. What is a civil war?

4. Who was the group of farmers who led a rebellion in ancient China?

Good luck,
Mr Syed

Quiz Time 1!

2008-09-19T12:30:00.002+08:00

Hi Sec 1A1 to 1A4 students,

Once you've revised textbook pages 144-155, try attempting the following quiz questions:

1. Name two natural disasters in ancient India and explain how they caused danger to Indian civilisations?

2. What was the early Aryan city that had evidence of destructions when flooding took place along the Ganges River?

3. What is the book written during Mauryan period encouraging all Indian kings to help the people during a famine?

4. Explain what is diplomacy?

Good luck,
Mr Syed

Important: Information on History Class Test!

2008-09-11T21:45:00.004+08:00

Hi 1E1,

As informed during class today, you'll only be tested on Chapter 9: Internal Threats for the upcoming class test. You need to answer a set of structured essay questions, up to 20 marks.

As for the Normal Academic classes, you'll be tested on Chapter 9: Internal Threats as well. However the paper will include a combination of fill-in-the-blanks, map work and structured essay questions.

Please make sure you study the History textbook pages 144-155 as well as your notebook!

Best of luck,
Mr Syed

Term 4: History Class Test

2008-09-09T06:00:00.003+08:00

Dear historians,

It's been quite some time since I last post something up. Sorry as I've been busy setting the class test as well as final year exam papers for my other teaching subjects.

Just some information to share on the class test, which will be conducted in Term 4, Week 3: from 22nd Sept 2008 (Mon) to 26th Sept 2008 (Fri).

1E1 : 25th Sep 08 (Thurs) - 8am to 9am

1A1: 25th Sep 08 (Thurs) - 9am to 10am

1A3: 24th Sep 08 (Wed) - 12.30pm to 1.30pm

1A4: 22nd Sep 08 (Mon) - 9am to 10am

Don't worry, the class test is only 30 min, so it would be carried out anytime within the period stated above.

For Normal academic classes: Only Chap 9 will be tested (Textbook pages 144 - 155 & notebook)

For 1E1: You will be tested on Chap 8 & 9. I will try to finish the syllabus by next week :)

All the best and please aim for A1 in History!

Supportively,
Mr Syed

01st Sep 2008

2008-09-01T22:00:00.010+08:00

Teaching means a lot to me!
It is the reason why I wake up each day with a smile on my face...

But i do realise that it is not exactly a bed of roses...
Teaching is also the reason why I pull a long black face by the end of each day.

Today is memorable as I celebrate my first Teachers' Day. To receive the thanks, warm wishes and even smiles from students help me keep my conviction as to why teaching is the best thing that happens in my life :)

To each of my students, thank you for sharing your joy with me. It is a testament that keeps reminding me of why i joined teaching.

To those whom had given me gifts, cards, well-wishes or even nominated me for the Greendale teacher awards, thank you! I am deeply touched by your gestures.

Help me keep my dream alive - a commitment to teach my students well!

From the heart,
Mr Syed

How Silk Is Made?

2008-08-29T06:15:00.020+08:00

"Wild silks" are produced by caterpillars other than the mulberry silkworm and cannot be artificially cultivated. A variety of wild silks have been known and used in China, South Asia, and Europe since early times, but the scale of production was always far smaller than that of cultivated silks. They differ from the domesticated varieties in color and texture, and cocoons gathered in the wild usually have been damaged by the emerging moth before the cocoons are gathered, so the silk thread that makes up the cocoon has been torn into shorter lengths.

Commercially reared silkworm pupae are killed by dipping them in boiling water before the adult moths emerge, or by piercing them with a needle, allowing the whole cocoon to be unraveled as one continuous thread. This permits a much stronger cloth to be woven from the silk. Wild silks also tend to be more difficult to dye than silk from the cultivated silkworm.

Silk fabric was first developed in ancient China, possibly as early as 6000 BC and definitely by 3000 BC. Legend gives credit to a Chinese empress, Xi Ling-Shi (Hsi-Ling-Shih, Lei-tzu). Silks were originally reserved for the Kings of China for their own use and gifts to others, but spread gradually through Chinese culture both geographically and socially, and then to many regions of Asia. Silk became an important trading item especially for early chinese travellers.

Silk rapidly became a popular luxury fabric in the many areas accessible to Chinese merchants because of its texture and luster. Silk was in great demand, and became a staple of pre-industrial international trade. In July of 2007, archeologists discovered intricately woven and dyed silk textiles in a tomb in Jiangxi province, are dated to the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, roughly 2,500 years ago.

Although historians have suspected a long history of a formative textile industry in ancient China, this find of silk textiles employing "complicated techniques" of weaving and dyeing provides direct and concrete evidence for silks dating before the Mawangdui - discovery and other silks dating to the Han Dynasty (202 BC-220 AD).

* adapted from wikipedia

Cheers,

Mr Syed

Congrats to the History League Champions!

2008-08-22T05:01:00.003+08:00

Hi all,

I guess I don't have to say much because these results speaks for itself!

Congrats to the first set of champions of the History League! To the rest, keep working hard... Like I said, to get a distinction for History is ACHIEVABLE!

Go for it!

Love,
Mr Syed

Announcement: Mr Syed's History League

2008-08-13T00:30:00.003+08:00

Hi students,

All my classes will be starting the latest league in town...

No, I'm not referring to the English Premieur League (haha) BUT it's called THE HISTORY LEAGUE!

All classes will receive further announcement when I return back the exam scripts.

Best,
Mr Syed

Chap 9: Internal Threats

2008-08-09T15:34:00.005+08:00

To all Normal Academic students,

Most classes have already started on Chapter 9: Internal Threats.

Since there is no school till Monday, please read up on Chapter 9 and do online research on internal threats.

Do not forget to quote examples from ancient China and ancient India.

All the best!

Mr Syed

Holiday Assignment for 1E1 - Chapter 8

2008-08-08T19:30:00.003+08:00

Hi 1E1 students,

As promised, this is your GRADED holiday assignment. You have up to Wed 13 Aug 2008 to submit your posting!

1. Firstly, please ensure that you have read through Chapter 8: Contact & Interaction. I've already went through the overall summary of the chapter and all of you should have read the rest during your free period (as instructed by Mr Simon).

2. For the posting, please submit an individual response (with your full name & register no) on the 4 ways the ancient society have maintained contact and interaction with one another. Please use specific examples from ancient India & ancient China to support your explanation.

Spice route used by travellers to Ancient India

Silk Road used by travellers across Ancient China

3. I also wish to see the class responding to one another's posting. For e.g, you can either agree or disagree with your classmate's view and hence support it with your views as well :)

Good luck,
Mr Syed

ps To all my academic classes, you do not need to do posting for this one as this chapter is only meant for the Express students. For Normal Academic stream - we only need to finish Chapters 9 & 10!

A Special Dedication to 1A4

2008-08-08T18:30:00.005+08:00

Today I am dedicating a post to my form class, 1A4.

It's only been 2 months since I became your co-form teacher, but sometimes it feels like I've been with the class for so long...

They are the reasons why my emotions take a roller-coaster ride at times.

They can either be the sweetest of beings or at times, the toughest of students to deal with!

I admit - it's been a sweet bumpy journey thus far... please study hard... I want to see all of you get promoted this year :)

Praying for all of you,
Mr Syed

History Common Test - 04 Aug 2008 (Mon)

2008-07-28T12:00:00.000+08:00

Hi students,

For this Monday's common test, you will be tested on Chapter 7: Scientific & Artistic Achievements (Textbook pages 101 - 113).

The test paper will have 4 sections (Total: 30 marks):
1. Multiple Choice Questions (10 marks)
2. Fill-in-the-Blanks (10 marks)
3. Short Answer Questions (6 marks)
4. Source-Based Questions (4 marks)

Please memorise all the details on your History textbook (pages 101 - 113), History notebook and mindmap.

Like I say to all of you, the test paper will be quite easy if you revise :) So better study hard and score an A for History!

Best of luck,
Mr Syed

History Remedial - 28 July 2008 (Mon)

2008-07-27T12:00:00.001+08:00

Greetings to all Sec 1 Normal Academic students:

This week's remedial will take place on 28th July 2008 (Mon) between 2pm to 3pm at 1A3 classroom.

These are the students involved:

1A1
1. Kim Yoo Ji
2. Kim Yu Ri
3. Hussein Aziz Tayabali
4. Brandon Lee
5. Melvin Tan Han Wei
6. Mervin Soo

1A2
1. Jolene Ong Rui Ping
2. Tham Zi Ling
3. Khairul Manazil Abdullah
4. Xan Lim
5. Muhammad Solehin
6. Tan Yue Long

1A3
1. Nur Syafiqah Roslan
2. Vannaza Lau Shi Ying
3. Royce Lee Yan Teng
4. Tan Pin Yang
5. Eugene Yang Junwei
6. Clayton Yeo Chong Yu

1A4
1. Erratiqah Bte Erwan
2. Kew Xin Herh
3. Zou Hai Yao
4. Abdul Hakim Abdul Khalil
5. Randy Chua
6. Goh Teck Seng
7. Muhammad Hashif Hamzan
8. Tay Jun Jie

For everyone's information, we will be revising for the upcoming common test. Please make sure you come for the remedial. Absence without valid reason will be dealt with severely.

Mr Syed

Fresco Paintings

2008-07-19T08:10:00.001+08:00

Hi students,

Kian Hong (1E1) asked me what Fresco paintings are? This is for the benefit of everyone who are interested...

Fresco painting is a type of painting that is plastered on walls and ceilings. For example on the walls of the Ajanta Caves.

The fresco on the ceilings and walls of the Ajanta Caves were painted between c. 200 BCE and 600. Like I taught all of you in class, the Ajanta caves is influenced by Buddhism greatly. They depict the Jataka tales which are stories of the Buddha's life in their former existences as Bodhisattva.

An example of Fresco painting in the 6th century.

Happy reading,

Mr Syed

China's Golden Age

2008-07-11T22:15:00.005+08:00

Hi students...

Does anyone know why the Han, Tang & Song period is known to be the Golden Age of China?

Please share with your friends...

Love,
Mr Syed

Ancient Chinese Dynasties

2008-07-11T21:00:00.006+08:00

Hi students...

Here’s a short description of Chinese history for those who are interested in Ancient China. Trust me, it’s pretty cool :)

1. Xia Dynasty => 2000 - 1600 BC
The earliest civilisation. Not confirmed as there’s not enough archeological proof.

2. Shang Dynasty => 1600 - 1046 BC
Nothing spectacular happened. The Chinese people were still gradually getting out of the neolithic state and society.

3. Zhou Dynasty => 1046 - 214 BC
Semi-feudal system appeared. Small warlords began conquering other neighbouring states. The Hundred Schools of Thought of Chinese philosophy appeared: Confucianism, Taoism, Legalism, Mohism.

First emperor appeared: Emperor Ying Zheng, the King of the state of Qin, who later called himself Emperor Shi Huangdi (the First Emperor) after he unified China’s many warring states.

4. Qin Dynasty => 214 - 207 BC

Picture of Emperor Shi Huangdi

Emperor Shi Huangdi managed to subdue and unite the main Han (almost all Chinese today are decendents of the Hans) ethnic group of China. Established the capital in Xianyang (modern Xi’an). Started the Great Wall of China. Incidentally, the word ‘China’ comes from ‘Qin’, as in the Qin Emperor’s (Shi Huangdi) people, used by foreign merchants.

5. Han Dynasty => 207 BC - AD 220
China’s first Golden Age. Everything was boom-booming there. Confucianism the prominent philosophy. The ruler was Emperor Wu (Han Wudi), and then later, Emperor Guangwu. The Silk Road was opened during this period.

Emperor Guangwu’s power gradually declined. Chaos and war broke out during the Period of the Three Kingdoms between the kingdoms of Wei, Han and Wu (as mentioned in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms novel).

6. Jin Dynasty => 280 - 589
The Three Kingdoms reunited temporarily to form the Jin Dynasty, but not for long. Soon was fragmented into two states, one in the north and one in the south. Hence this period was also known as the Northern and Southern Dynasties.

Minority non-Han ethnic groups controlled the North, cumulating in the formation of 16 kingdoms there. Was temporarily united under Fu Jian who then tried invading the South, but failed. The North was later reunited again under Emperor Taiwu.

Meanwhile, the Han-Chinese migrated south, and reinstated the Jin Dynasty, under Emperor Yuan. The capital was in Nanjing.

7. Sui Dynasty => 589 - 618
China’s North and South reunited again, after 300 years of fragmentation. Made the Grand Canal of China.

8. Tang Dynasy => 618 - 960

Picture of Emperor Tang Taizong

China’s Second Golden Age. Emperor Gaozu was first on the throne followed by Emperor Tang Taizong. Buddhism becomes the dominant religion. Chang’an (modern Xi’an) was made the capital and regarded as the world’s biggest and most happening city. There was extensive trading with the outside world.

From 860, Tang Dynasty began to decline, due to internal rebellions. Another period of political chaos ensured: The Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period.

9. Song Dynasty => 960 - 1279
Song Dynasty gained power and restored stability and peace. The capital was in Kaifeng. This period was the continuation of the Second Golden Age after Tang Dynasty. There was great technological advances made. This dynasty finally fell to the barbaric Mongols in 1279.

I hope you had fun reading,
Mr Syed

India's Golden Age

2008-07-01T21:30:00.001+08:00

Hi students,

Why is the Gupta Period (c. 320–550 CE) known as India's Golden Age? Please explain clearly.

Cheers,
Mr Syed

Factors Contributing to the Golden Age

2008-07-01T01:00:00.005+08:00

Hi 1E1, 1A1, 1A3 and 1A4,

Hope you all had a great week since school reopened :)

First and foremost, thank you for submitting your Fort Canning Learning Journey project - most of you have handed in a great work and I'm confident that your effort will be duly rewarded.

To get our blog up and running - let us begin with our first discussion.

1. What are the factors that led/contributed to the Golden Age of a civilisation?

To post your reply:
(a) Simply click on the word 'comments' below this post and write in your response in the white box provided.

(b) Remember to change your identity to 'anonymous' and after you finish writing your comments, don't forget to write your name and class - so that I can take note of your participation.

(c) After you post your comments, it will NOT be published immediately. I will have to approve these comments first. After a few hours, please check again and you will see your comments there :)

Have fun,
Mr Syed

Remedial for Sec 1 Normal Academic (History)

2008-06-27T22:30:00.002+08:00

Remedial lessons for Sec 1 History (Express & Normal Academic) will begin in Week 2 of this term – Monday (30th June 2008) – from 2.30 pm to 3.30 pm.

I have been put in-charge of the four Secondary 1 Normal Academic classes (1A1 to 1A4) and below is the list of selected students that are required to attend the History remedial on Monday of every even week (Week 2, 4, 6, 8 & 10). These students have been selected based upon their History results during Semester 1.

1A1
1. Kim Yoo Ji
2. Kim Yu Ri
3. Hussein Aziz Tayabali
4. Brandon Lee
5. Melvin Tan Han Wei
6. Mervin Soo

1A2
1. Jolene Ong Rui Ping
2. Tham Zi Ling
3. Khairul Manazil Abdullah
4. Xan Lim
5. Muhammad Solehin
6. Tan Yue Long

1A3
1. Nur Syafiqah Roslan
2. Vannaza Lau Shi Ying
3. Royce Lee Yan Teng
4. Tan Pin Yang
5. Eugene Yang Junwei
6. Clayton Yeo Chong Yu

1A4
1. Erratiqah Bte Erwan
2. Kew Xin Herh
3. Zou Hai Yao
4. Abdul Hakim Abdul Khalil
5. Randy Chua
6. Goh Teck Seng
7. Muhammad Hashif Hamzan
8. Tay Jun Jie

Please note that attendance will be taken for each remedial and students will be asked to provide their MC or letter of absence on the day they returned back to school.

Best regards,
Mr Syed

Farewell is necessary before we can meet again...

2008-05-20T13:40:00.000+08:00

Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.

Missing someone gets easier every day because even though it's one day further from the last time you saw each other, it's one day closer to the next time you will.

Best Wishes for the Mid-Year Exams!

2008-04-26T22:00:00.001+08:00

As i'm sitting here trying to find the right words, tears are welling up and i don't know where to begin...it's been a great journey knowing all of you...

I'm grateful to meet a lot of wonderful students... and i appreciate all the hard work and effort that you've put in for History... When i first joined Greendale in Feb 2008, i didn't know what to expect... soon things happened and i start to form great bonds with my classes... throughout these ten weeks, i've had tears and laughter... had joy in my heart as well as sadness... i've learnt a lot as well as inspired by many of you... thank you for letting me into your lives...and sharing a part of mine...

To my dear students, cum the 9th of May, it is time for me to say goodbye... to sail away for a while... i'm sorry that I can't promise you whether I am coming back or not.. all I can say, is for us to hope for the best. but whatever the case; please know that you are all very dear to me, and i wish each and every one of you all the best. Some of you have asked me for my contact details; I'm not able to give it to you however we can still contact each other through this blogspot... :)

My hope is that you would go to sleep every night feeling the joy and peace in your heart and wake up every day with a smile... life is not always a rainbow, but please try to stay positive and make it work... always find the simple little joy in life to bring you smile and keep you going...

To 1E3 - please be a good class to all your teachers. It's been my pleasure being your co-form teacher. Study hard because I believe that 1E3 can do much better if you start focussing more on your studies. To the boys in the class, do not cause too much trouble and try not to disrupt the class while the teacher is teaching :)

To 1A2 - hmmm, what can I say... haha.. although at first I had problems with 1A2, now I've started to love teaching the class so much... The sad thing is only when I'm falling in love with the class, my time is up and I have to leave all of you :( Keep working hard because I believe 1A2 can be the best class in the Normal Academic stream..

To 1A4 - thank you so much for bearing with my silliness all this time... i hope i've made your day a little brighter whenever I raise my voice in the class... and of course no matter what the other teachers say, I will always remember 1A4 for being an angelic class :)

As i am ending this posting, i'm already missing all of you dearly... until we do crosspath again, please take good care... love you all... and all the best wishes for the rest of your Mid-Year exams!!
Love,
Mr Syed

Revision Quizzes: Chapters 1-3

2008-04-23T22:15:00.000+08:00

To all my dear students,

After you have revised Chapters 1 to 3, you can destress by trying out these following games. Just begin by clicking on:

1. http://www.sulaimanyusof.com/IH/resources/civilization/halfaminch2hy.html

2. http://www.sulaimanyusof.com/IH/resources/civilization/matchingch2hy.html

3. http://www.sulaimanyusof.com/IH/resources/civilization/civilization%20wwtbm/doubleIt.html

Remember try them only after you have revised the first 3 chapters. If not, you will not be able to enjoy the quiz :)

Have fun and all the best for the Mid Year Exams!

Love,
Mr Syed

Revision: Chapter 3 - Civilisation (Set 1)

2008-04-23T22:00:00.000+08:00

Revision: Chapter 3 - Civilisation (Set 2)

2008-04-23T21:59:00.000+08:00

Revision: Chapter 3 - Civilisation (Set 3)

2008-04-23T21:58:00.000+08:00

Revision: Chapter 3 - Civilisation (Set 4)

2008-04-23T21:57:00.000+08:00

Revision: Chapter 3 - Civilisation (Set 5)

2008-04-23T21:56:00.000+08:00

History Remedial 2

2008-04-21T20:00:00.000+08:00

Hi students,

I am glad to hear that most of you have started your History revision. For those who have not started, better begin immediately.

For the Mid-year exams, you will be tested from Chap 1 to 5.

I will be conducting the last History Remedial tomorrow, 22 Apr 08 (Tue) @ 2p.m - 2.30p.m at 1E4 classroom. Please make sure you revise Chapters 3 and 5 before coming since I will be going through those chapters.

If you're coming, please bring along your History textbook and your school Handbook.

Till then,
Mr Syed

Approaching the Mid-Year Exams...

2008-04-16T22:00:00.001+08:00

Dear students,

I hope you are working very hard for the upcoming Mid-Year Exams. Do take care of your health and drink lots of water... :)

Anyway, here is a simple study timetable that you may wish to follow to revise your History. For each session, you are required to do the following things:

1. Study for 45 min to 1 hour only!

2. Do a mindmap when you are revising the following topics. Include pictures and colours on your mindmap.

3. Have fun while studying History!

Below are the dates for your History revision:

(a) Wed (16 Apr 08) - Chap 5 (Pg 66 to 73 and pg 77 to 78)

(b) Fri (18 Apr 08) - Chap 3 (Pg 26 to 39 and pg 46)

(c) Sun (20 Apr 08) - Chap 4 (Pg 50 to 59 and pg 64)

(d) Mon (21 Apr 08) - Chap 1 & 2 (Pg 4 to 23)

(e) Tue (22 Apr 08) - Memorising Key Definitions (Pg 47, 65 and 79)

Please feel free to have any study sessions with me either individually, in pairs or in small groups. Remember I am always there to help all of you :)

Best of luck in scoring your distinctions for History!!!

Lots of love,
Mr Syed

History Remedial

2008-04-14T18:00:00.000+08:00

For all those interested,

A History Remedial will be carried out on Tue (15 Apr) at 2pm @ 1E4 classroom.

Please bring your History textbook as well as your Class Test 2 paper.

Cya there,
Mr Syed

Revision: Rise of Civilisations

2008-04-10T15:40:00.000+08:00

Hi all.

What were the factors that led to the rise of civilisations in ancient India, China and Southeast Asia?

Have fun,
Mr Syed

Revision: Features of Early Civilisations

2008-04-10T15:35:00.000+08:00

Hi all.

Discuss what were the common features of early civilisations in ancient India, China and Southeast Asia?

Best regards,
Mr Syed

Revision: Birth of Civilisations

2008-04-10T15:30:00.000+08:00

Hi students,

I hope you are happy now that the class test is over.

From now till late Apr, we will start on our revision for the Mid-year exam.

For the first set of question, define what is a 'Civilisation', 'Kingdom' and 'Empire'?

Cheers,
Mr Syed

India's Caste System

2008-04-07T22:00:00.001+08:00

Latest Announcement!

We will be taking a closer look at the India's Caste system for the coming lessons after the class test.

To all my dear historians, please do the necessary research by going through the library books and the Internet.

And do not forget to share your research with all of us!!!

Looking forward to learning from all of you :)

Best regards,
Mr Syed

More EXCITING Lessons After Class Test!!!

2008-04-05T20:02:00.002+08:00

Yes, that's right everyone!!! You have seen it correctly!

I am busy preparing for some games and exciting source-based lessons outside the confines of your classroom. This means that after your class test, during one of the double periods, we will be going out of the classroom for our History lesson. Yeay!!!!

But of course, before all the fun comes in, you must be ready to put in some hard work first. That means all of you students must promise to study hard for the upcoming class test.

For 1E3 and 1A2, your History test is on Monday (07 April 2008).

For 1A4, your History test is on Tuesday (08 April 2008).

Remember to read through Chapter 4, pages 50-59 and memorise all those key definitions in the textbook, especially those in bold (coloured in dark black). These terms are really important because they help you understand the system of government in ancient India and China better.

And finally, to all those students who have posted your well-wishes and heartful thanks for my classes, I really appreciate them. For me, all the hard work that I put into my History classes are meant for ALL of you - to make you enjoy History and love the subject!

Keep working hard my future historians :)

Lots of love,
Mr Syed

p.s. By the way, please vote which chapter(s) you need me to revise through once again for the upcoming Mid-year exams. And please tell all your friends to vote as well. To vote, simply look on your right and click on one of the circle buttons before clicking on 'vote'. Please hurry, only 9 days left!!!

Announcements: Class Test

2008-04-02T06:00:00.003+08:00

To all my Sec 1 History students:

The next class test is round the corner... Please keep trying your best, especially those who did not do well the first time round.

The History test will be on Chapter 4 (Pg 50-59)

Lots of love,
Mr Syed

Class System in Ancient China (Critical Question)

2008-03-29T07:00:00.001+08:00

To all my students in Sec 1A4, 1A2 and 1E3 - I am really proud of all of you because I have seen great improvements since the last three weeks. Congatulations!

As promised, since we have finished the chapter on Class System in Ancient China, I want to ask one higher-order question. This question is to test a student's critical analysis and to check for greater understanding.

As you have noticed, traders are placed last on the pyramid during the Zhou dynasty. Why are traders in ancient China not given the same importance as those in ancient India (vaishyas) and Southeast Asia (trading class)? Before answering, you may wish to look at the diagram below.

Cheers,
Mr Syed

Chandragupta Maurya & Qin Shihuang

2008-03-23T14:35:00.007+08:00

For a final recap of Chapter 4

Chandragupta Maurya & Qin Shihuang were rulers of their own empires. Share with the rest one similarity and one difference in the way they ruled their respective empires.

Cheers,
Mr Syed

Emperors of China - Enrichment

2008-03-23T12:02:00.000+08:00

Hi all.

Although we have studied Qin Shihuang in great details, there are also other great emperors in China. These include:

1. Han Wudi (140 - 87 BCE) - from Han Dynasty

2. Tang Taizong (627 - 650 CE) - from Tang Dynasty

3. Yongle (1403 - 1424 CE) - from Ming Dynasty

4. Wu Zetian - Ancient China's first Empress

I am sure some of you are interested to find out more about these great rulers. I look forward to reading your research on the comments page.

Regards,
Mr Syed

Unitary vs Feudal Government

2008-03-22T17:15:00.000+08:00

Hi students,

Now that all of you have completed Chapter 4, I hope you can start thinking about this question. Do reply your answers whenever you are free :)

What are the strengths and/or limitations (weaknesses) of a unitary government and a feudal government?

Mr Syed

Your Thoughts

2008-03-03T05:48:00.000+08:00

What does History means to you?

Well Wishes

2008-02-28T00:00:00.002+08:00

To all students,

ALL THE BEST FOR YOUR COMMON TEST!!

Study hard and don't forget to take care of your health. :)

Welcome

2008-02-27T04:13:00.002+08:00

Hello students!

A warm welcome to Histopia - a History blog for both you and me.

It is in this very virtual portal that we attempt to excavate the past - making an inquiry into the history of ancient civilisations!

How do we go about doing it? It's really simple... Whenever I put up a post/question, all you have to do is to click on the comments part and start blogging! You must remember to write down your name and class as this blog is open to all students from Sec 1E3, 1A2 & 1A4.

Do not be afraid of making mistakes and remember, be a responsible blogger.

Love,
Mr Syed