Ziesta
ZIESTA is Zhenghua Secondary School’s signature programme that provides students with authentic learning experiences beyond the classroom.
ZIESTA is Zhenghua Secondary School’s signature programme that provides students with authentic learning experiences beyond the classroom. Anchored in the school’s Applied Learning Programme (ALP) and Learning for Life Programme (LLP), ZIESTA allows students to apply what they have learnt in real-world and experiential contexts. Held at the beginning of Term 2, the programme engages students in a range of carefully designed activities that develop essential 21st-century competencies while nurturing confidence, curiosity and resilience. Through ZIESTA, students grow as Dynamic Learners, Exemplary Leaders and Thoughtful Contributors.
Secondary 1
The Sec 1 Ziesta programme allows students to cultivate a deeper appreciation of sustainability, culture, and heritage while developing the capacity to apply knowledge beyond the classroom as reflective and adaptable Dynamic Learners. Through the sustainability learning journey to Marina Barrage, they gain insights into Singapore’s innovative water management and renewable energy strategies, reinforcing environmental consciousness and responsibility and applying Mathematics concepts. The cultural learning journeys to Joo Chiat, Chinatown, and Geylang Serai immerse students in diverse traditions, food, and architecture, fostering intercultural understanding and social cohesion. Meanwhile, the heritage learning journey to the Singapore River enables them to trace the nation’s historical evolution from a trading port to a modern city-state, strengthening their grasp of historical continuity and identity. Collectively, these experiences provide authentic contexts for inquiry, reflection, and collaboration, empowering students to connect classroom learning with real-world applications.
Secondary 2
The Sec 2 Ziesta Programme, All Aboard STEM, provides students with meaningful opportunities to learn beyond the classroom through three key components: STEM-in Transport Learning Journeys, Inclusivity Sports, and the Inclusivity VIA Project.
Through the Inclusivity Sports segment featuring Goalball and Sitting Volleyball, students gain a deeper appreciation of the challenges faced by persons with different needs and abilities. They develop empathy, respect, teamwork, and the importance of supporting others within their means, while cultivating the qualities of a Thoughtful Contributor.
The STEM-in-Transport learning journeys to organisations such as SMRT, the Land Transport Authority (LTA), SBS Transit, and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore provide first-hand insights into Singapore’s transport systems, including their advanced infrastructure and innovative technologies. These experiences broaden students’ understanding of how STEM is applied in real-world contexts to address challenges in logistics, sustainability, efficiency, and safety.
Building on these experiences, students apply their learning through the Inclusivity VIA Project, where they collaborate in groups to propose solutions that address the needs of different members of the community. The programme strengthens students’ understanding of STEM and inclusivity, while encouraging them to become compassionate, socially responsible, and forward-thinking individuals.
Secondary 3
The Secondary 3 camp is designed to forge strong class spirit, cultivate resilience, and develop leadership capabilities through immersive, hands-on challenges. Through physically and mentally engaging activities such as hiking, rock climbing, tent pitching, and outdoor cooking, students are encouraged to step beyond their perceived limits and translate the concept of perseverance into lived experience. These outdoor experiences provide authentic opportunities for students to grow as Dynamic Learners who adapt to changing environments, Exemplary Leaders who guide their peers through shared challenges, and Thoughtful Contributors who support one another in building a cohesive community. Ultimately, the camp bridges individual resilience and collective unity, allowing students to return to the classroom with greater confidence, empathy, and a stronger sense of responsibility in contributing meaningfully to the school community.
Secondary 4
The Education and Career Guidance (ECG) Symposium provides students with a meaningful platform to explore future education and career pathways. Designed to broaden perspectives and inspire aspirations, the programme connects students with higher education representatives and more than 50 speakers from various industries and post-secondary institutions, who share valuable insights into the professional world and further education opportunities.
A key highlight of the symposium is the mock interview sessions conducted by our dedicated alumni and parent volunteers. Through these sessions, students benefit from constructive feedback and practical advice in a supportive environment. Many students find the authentic interview experience useful in building their confidence and preparing them for the Early Admissions Exercise (EAE).
Building on the learning experiences earlier in the year, ZIESTA also takes place during the final week of the school year, providing students with further opportunities to consolidate and extend their learning. This culminating experience allows students to reflect on their growth, apply their skills in more complex and integrated tasks, and demonstrate their readiness to take on future challenges. Together, the two phases of ZIESTA support holistic development by encouraging students to think flexibly, lead with purpose, and contribute meaningfully to the community.