Hall 8

AY2016-2017 marked the introduction of the AR+BACK programme to Hall 8 residents, followed by the cluster. Inspired by “Each One Teach One” philosophy, AR+BACK combines “arts” and “giving back,” giving residents a chance to experience multiple art platforms, which would be a template for them to teach other societal bodies.

In the pas​t year, the RE team has brought in renowned local artists such as Jazpar Photography, RPProductions, TheBronxBoys for their sharing of photography, videography and original hip-hop dance, respectively.

The workshops were well-supported by not only Hall 8 residents, but also cluster hall residents and NTU students. Subsequently, a series of give-back outreach sessions were conducted at Boys’ Town and Lakeside Family Services, serving as a platform for hall residents to deliver what they learnt about photography, videography and dance art to the less fortunate youth. The AR+BACK cycle allowed participants to experience the importance of passing on knowledge, and also to equip themselves with invaluable teaching skills, especially to the uncommon student type such as the youth-at-risk.

Hall 8 has a reasonably well-established kinaesthetic tradition. As part of Hall 8's Residential Education (RE) programme, our aim is to conduct a series of football-related freestyling sessions and introduce a new facet of kinaesthetics that marries sport, art, creativity, and community outreach. This Hall 8 initiative will also be extended to Crespion Hall, as Dr Chen's faculty commitments extend to the USP scholars who are housed at Crespion Hall. The football and freestyling pogramme wil be open to participants of all abilities and genders and no prior experience is required. The session will be facilitated by a resident expert in football freestyling. Each session is designed to teach the basic elements of freestyling (stamina, strength, skill, concentration, ball control, juggling, dribbling, passing, creativity and freedom of expression). On the community service front, there will be a training session with school-going children from vulnerable households (Primary 6 to Lower Secondary level) residing in the South West CDC and a charity match, the proceeds of which will be used for a charity drive for these vulnerable households.

This RE Football & Freestyling Programme is a proud collaboration between NTU Hall 8, the South West CDC, and Red Bull football freestyling champion Bilal Saddik.