DHS-psyCOYlogy!: Skills Training, 16 February 2024

16 February 2024

Skills Training, 16 February 2024

Hi Guides!

On 16 February, we had contingent practice, in order to prepare for the World Thinking Day contingent that would be held on 26 February. It was the Year 1s' first time doing contingent, and it was also a good opportunity for the Year 2s to Year 4s to revise their contingent skills.

Reflection from a Year 1 in P4:

On 16 Feb 2024, we Year 1s had our first contingent practice. Two Year 4s taught us the basics of contingent on General Science Lab (GSL) level 2. They explained to us how to do the contingent step by step. For example, firstly, we need to arrange ourselves in a line from tall to tallest, then number ourselves, Satu and Dua. The Year 4s told us our commands and we noticed that all of the commands were in Malay, like “Semula”, which means redo or start again, and “Satu”, which means 1, and “Dua”, which means 2. We learnt a lot that day and got to experience contingent for the first time. We could have been more in sync and neat as a batch while carrying out the contingent, and we can try to remember all the steps quicker and more efficiently next time. It was tiring for us as it was our first session of contingent training but it was fun to learn something new.

Reflection from a Year 1 in P6:

I found contingent training very insightful. Since young, I have been watching National Day Parades on television with my parents and I always see Uniformed Groups marching. I used to think it was very simple and did not take much practice to be in sync. However, after trying it for the first time, I realised that that was not the case. Being in sync with my peers is not at all simple and it also takes a lot of brainpower to be able to remember all of the commands. Looking back at that day, I realised that there are many things I could have done better. For example, remembering the commands better. Even though I was not the timer, I should have tried my best to remember most of the commands. That would have made it much easier for me to keep up during practices. Also, I should have remembered to 对脚 without my peers reminding me. To be honest, the only command that I have to say is still not that clear to me. Now that I have experienced contingent before, I hope that the next time I do it, I will be much better at being in sync, remembering commands, and remembering to constantly 对脚 with the people behind, in front, and next to me.

Reflection from a Year 2 in P1:

During the contingent practice, I was confused at times as I had forgotten many of the commands and often checked with the wrong foot. After a while, the commands began to sink in, especially with clarifications from seniors and those around me. However, I still feel that I should have better familiarised myself with the various procedures before the practice, as this would have allowed the whole session to run more smoothly. I also felt that it was quite messy as we lacked synchronisation, especially during marching. This could have been improved with greater awareness of our execution of the commands, which would have allowed us to make adjustments more readily. When we combined with the Scouts to practice, it was quite confusing as some of the commands were different and we had trouble memorising them in a short time. The Scouts who gave the commands also said them much faster, so we had trouble keeping up at times. In conclusion, I think we could have done better by memorising the commands in advance and paying more attention as the commands were being said.

Reflection from a Year 2 in P2:

On 16 February, we had contingent practice. They first told us to line ourselves up in a line with those who were tall on the left and tallest on the right. After that, we numbered ourselves 'satu' and 'dua'. Then we had to step forward or step back depending on our number. The IC had to check our steps to make sure we checked correctly, with our legs at 90°. After that, we turned either left or right and marched to form 3 rows. I was not sure how to march correctly so I just walked while moving my hands. Thankfully, my batchmate taught me the correct way to march afterward. After a few more commands we reached the "Baris Sediah". When the commander says "Baris", we are supposed to lower our hands. However, it always catches me off-guard so we end up having to redo it multiple times. I learnt to be more aware and pay more attention to the commander. Also, I have to familiarise myself with the commands for future contingents.