RP Open House 2012 - Bigger and better

Article by Aneesa Beham Binte Tajudeen

At this year's Open House, a record breaking 9,000 visitors mingled with some 1,200 RP students to the pulsating musical acts, magic shows and dance performances presented by RP's budding talents.

However, it was the vast array of booths representing various diploma courses offered in RP which took centrestage during the three-day event, which took place from Jan 5 to 7.

Outram Secondary School student, Vanitha tried her hand at reporting a trial news piece at the Centre for Culture and Communication (CCC) booth and was thrilled by the experience. "I always wanted to do this, but never got a chance. Thanks a lot RP for the new experience," said the 16-year-old, whose ambition since young was to be a news journalist.

Farzanah, also from Outram Secondary School, was "enthralled" as she walked by the Harry Potter-themed Magical World of Hospitality zone. So what grabbed her attention? The 16-year-old pointed to the castle and mascot there, which were "too cute to ignore".

Afiatus, 18, from Kent Ridge Secondary School, was so impressed by the way student leaders from the School of Hospitality (SOH) answered her queries that she made plans to pursue a diploma course from SOH.

If there was a common impression shared by the visitors, it was how high-spirited and fervent the student leaders of RP were. Syafiqah, 18, a tertiary student from ITE Tampines gushed, "I have gone to other polytechnics. However, the student leaders here and their service are very good. The decorations are also awesome."

Jia Jia, a student from CHIJ Katong Convent, told the Republican Post that RP's ambience has convinced her to further her studies here. The 16-year-old, who was spotted avidly gulping down a free drink provided by the chef from the SOH booth, said she was interested in pursuing a diploma in new media because "after trying the activities, I think it is a course that could suit my character".