Eindhoven Newspaper (The Netherlands)

Photo: The Singapore students follow different lessons on the Lorentz Casimir Lyceum to learn more about the Dutch education system.

In Dutch. Translated to English:

East and West meet at Eindhoven

Four pair of eyes are focused on teacher Latin Fokko Ringeling. The almost empty packet of Hollandse stroopwafels is in the middle on the table. The pupils from the NUS High School of Mathematics and Science in Singapore, are in - equivalent to - year 5 and 6. Together with two teachers and the headmaster, they visit the Lorentz Casimir Lyceum. The purpose of the journey is the learning of the Dutch education system, in particular, teaching of Mathematics.

The answer to the question as to why the Singapore education produces high achievers, the headmaster does not know exactly. He believes that the Asian culture, and parents in Asia are very focused on the education and the performance of their children. As a result students were highly motivated. “The reason why our education is so good, is that we learn from other countries", said Dr. Hang.

Indeed, learning from each other is the crux of the visit. This applies not only to the chancellor but also for the pupils. The first and second grade students get a presentation of the Singaporean education system. Cooperation between both schools already exists before the visit. Dr. Hang’s school organizes the Singapore International Mathematics Challenge every two years. Last year the Netherlands was represented by four students from the Lorentz. During the competition, Dr. Hang was invited to come to the Netherlands.

Dr. Hang has yet another reason to be in the Netherlands. His students will be spending this weekend at the international finals of the mathematics Alympiade in the Gelderse Garderen. According to the headmaster, the goal is not to win.  "The pupils should enjoy the experience and meeting new people. I think that is much more important than winning," said the headmaster.