By Luvya Gambhir and Alexander Kuo
Dear Year 1 Juniors,
In our last article, we discussed some of RI’s Hidden Gems Around Campus to Help You Lock In. Haven’t checked it out yet? Click here!
After a while in school, you’re probably wondering what recreational facilities RI has to offer. Fret not, as we shall continue our journey with our three friends,
to explore RI’s best R&R spots together!
School Gym
You can access the School Gym located outside the Albert Hong Hall and next to the Year 1-4 Physical Education Office. From high-quality treadmills to weights, there’s sure to be something for you! The gym even has a professional trainer to help you create a workout plan and achieve your fitness goals! However, even if you are not actively seeking to go on a workout, you can always take a short break and head by with a friend or two for a short jog on the treadmill!
Eco Garden and Looi Eng San Memorial Garden
Right in front of the Raffles Archives and Museum, the Looi Eng San Garden connects you to the Eco Garden, which is located near the science labs. This route provides an effective shortcut to reach the Marshall Block from the Gate 14 bus stop, without being late for PIT. If you are tired and would like to calm your mind, take a walk amongst the flora and fauna of the Looi Eng San Memorial Garden or the Eco Garden and recharge for the rest of your day!
A quick shortcut through the Looi Eng San Memorial Garden leading to the Marshall Block
Gryphon’s Lair
Why not pay a visit to the Gryphon’s Lair? It is located in the canteen. Boasting a foosball table, an arcade games station, and a variety of different board games, the Gryphon’s Lair is an amazing place to enjoy yourselves to the hilt and chill with your friends.
Image showing the inside of the Gryphon’s Lair.
Besides having access to many fun games in the Gryphon’s Lair, you can also borrow sports equipment such as basketballs, frisbees and footballs. Just hand over your student ID card to the prefect on duty, and you’re good to go! Be sure to return your borrowed item and retrieve your card.
Yes, during the End-of-Year Examinations (EYEs), Gryphon’s Lair transforms from a place to have fun and relax to a place to focus on your studies. You can visit with friends to revise your notes in a quiet and peaceful environment that is perfect for studying and learning! There are also QR codes on the tables for you to scan and access notes for certain subjects written by the prefects. The Gryphon’s Lair is open for studying until 6 pm so be sure to study as much as you can before it closes!
Raffles Guidance Centre (RGC)
Picture showing the inside of the RGC, showing that the RGC has everything that you can need – motivational quotes, board games, books to read, a sofa to lounge on and a study room, amongst others.
Need a listening ear? Not to worry! Walk into RGC, which is located in the Yusof Ishak Block near the Humanities Hub, and you can schedule an appointment with either Mr Zul or Ms Yvonne. The friendly counselors will listen to you and give you advice or suggest the next course of action to be taken if you need help managing either your emotions or relations with classmates. Remember, the school has a no-tolerance policy in regard to bullying!
Feeling bored? The RGC also offers a variety of engaging card and board games that you can play with your friends and at times even with the counsellors! There are also rooms available here if you wish to study quietly or even have a small group study session. However, do note that if you wish to play or study here, the use of handphones for gaming and non-educational purposes is strictly not allowed!
P.S: Unlike the GL, RGC closes later, at around 5PM! Hence, you can still visit for a board game and a chat even after school!
Hullett Memorial Library (HML)
If you have read our previous article and are wondering why the HML is mentioned again, well, that is because the HML is not just an educational place, but it doubles as a recreation spot too. The library frequently organises fun activities for you and your friends to unwind. One such event was a tea-bag making booth set up last year, when the HML collaborated with the school’s science department to provide flowers from our science garden for us to prepare our own unique blends. There was also a fun jigsaw puzzle activity, a colouring activity and Jenga activity hosted by the HML. The HML also has a “Word of the Day” board to allow you to expand your vocabulary. During English Lessons, you will be making some trips to the library too! You can browse through some books and borrow them to read during your spare time!
Conclusion
We hope that this article has helped you better find your way through the many recreational spots that RI offers. Want to try a different variety of dishes than just what the canteen offers? Or just craving fast food? Stay tuned for our next article discussing food spots around RI.
Credits:
Griffles: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=715874117235515&set=ecnf.100064388003735
Aydan and Ethan: https://www.ri.edu.sg/highlights/story/countdown-to-ri’s-open-house-2022
