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The evolution of Singapore’s Chinese-medium school system
As a result of education reforms and the emphasis on English as a first language in Singapore, Chinese-medium schools were phased out by 1987. Emphasising bilingualism, the SAP schools have since preserved the fine traditions and educational spirit of early Chinese-medium schools.
Chinese-medium schools and their founders in pre-independence Singapore
Most Chinese-medium schools in Singapore prior to 1965 were set up by civic groups and Chinese community leaders, whose unwavering commitment and generous donations inspired others to contribute to the cause of education.
Chinese-medium schools run by religious groups in pre-independence Singapore
Such schools, set up by Buddhist, Roman Catholic and Protestant Christian groups to spread their faith and promote Chinese education, include Maha Bodhi School, Catholic High School and Anglican High School.
Early Chinese schools and the development of art
Chinese schools in Singapore placed an emphasis on calligraphy and had many artists among their teaching staff. The status of arts education was elevated further after the 1919 May Fourth Movement in China.
Mottos of Singapore’s former Chinese-medium schools
Drawing on ancient values and classical literature, these mottos encourage students to cultivate virtues such as righteousness, perseverance, and loyalty.
Contributions to education by Hokkien community in Singapore
From the 19th century onwards, prominent Hokkien philanthropists established a slew of educational institutions on the island — among them Tao Nan School, the Singapore Chinese Girls’ School, The Chinese High School, and Nanyang University.
Contributions to education by Teochew community in Singapore
The establishment of Tuan Mong School marked the beginning of Teochew educational efforts in Singapore. Later, Ngee Ann Kongsi played a major role in setting up schools — including what we now know as Ngee Ann Primary School and Ngee Ann Polytechnic.
Schools founded by Cantonese in Singapore
The legacy of charitable Cantonese immigrants lives on in a number of schools that still exist on the island, such as Yangzheng Primary School, Nan Hua Primary School and Nan Hua High School.
Schools founded by Hakka in Singapore
Set up by Hakka clan associations in the early 1900s, the two schools aimed to give the offspring of their clansmen a modern education.
Schools founded by Hainanese in Singapore
Early Hainanese immigrants to Singapore placed great emphasis on education and devoted much of their resources towards building up schools, a few of which are still standing today.
Anglican High School
Founded in 1956 by five Chinese-speaking congregations of the Anglican Diocese of Singapore, Anglican High School is known today for its strong bilingual culture.
Catholic High School
The first full-fledged Chinese-medium school established by the Catholic Church in Singapore, Catholic High School continues to provide boys with a bilingual education today.
CHIJ St Nicholas Girls’ School
Formerly known as Victoria Girls’ School, the institution was established as a Chinese-medium school for girls by a group of Catholic nuns in 1933.
Chung Cheng High School
Founded as a Chinese-medium boys’ school in Kim Yam Road, the decades-old institution has nurtured numerous cultural talents and intellectuals for the local Chinese community.
Dunman High School
Dunman High School has marked many milestones. It was among the first schools in Singapore to offer the Special Assistance Plan curriculum and Music Elective Programme, and was the first government school to house a hostel.
Hua Yi Secondary School
Hua Yi, one of the first four government-run Chinese secondary schools in Singapore, is also home to a unique bonsai sanctuary.
Hwa Chong Institution
Founded in 1919 as Singapore’s first Chinese-medium middle school, The Chinese High School has produced many distinguished alumni. It merged with Hwa Chong Junior College in 2005 to form Hwa Chong Institution.
Maris Stella High School
Established by the Catholic Marist Brothers as a Chinese-medium school in 1958, it later became one of Singapore’s pioneer Special Assistance Plan schools championing bilingual education.
Nan Chiau High School
Founded by the Hokkien community in 1941 as a teachers’ training college, Nan Chiau High School moved to Sengkang in 2001 and became an SAP school in 2012.
Nanyang Girls’ High School
From its modest beginnings in a shophouse, the school has grown into one of Singapore’s most respected institutions for girls’ education.
Nan Hua High School
Started as Nam Wah Girls’ School in 1917, Nan Hua is the only school in Singapore where female students still uphold the tradition of wearing their long hair in double plaits.
North Vista Secondary School
Founded in 1956 as Gan Eng Seng Government Chinese Middle School, North Vista Secondary School was one of the first government Chinese-medium secondary schools in Singapore. Its Chinese name means “possessing both virtue and talent, and always improving”, which reflects the school’s mission to nurture all-rounded students.
River Valley High School
The school was one of the first four Chinese-medium secondary schools established by the government, and has grown from its humble beginnings to a leading institution today.
Tuan Mong High School
Founded as a primary school in 1906, Tuan Mong High School was known for producing skilled calligraphers before closing in 1994. The school’s alumni re-established the Tuan Mong Alumni Association in 1996 to keep the spirit of their alma mater alive.
Whampoa Secondary School
Once a top Chinese-medium secondary school in Singapore with a proud track record in volleyball and basketball, Whampoa Secondary School shuttered in 1994 as student enrolment fell. Many Whampoa alumni have established themselves in the local media, cultural and education sectors.
Xinmin Secondary School
Xinmin Secondary School was originally a primary school catering to the needs of children in the outlying areas of Hougang and Serangoon.
Yuying Secondary School
Founded by local Hainanese leaders in 1910, it was a Chinese-medium school with over a century of history.
Zhonghua Secondary School
Founded in Mohamed Sultan Road in 1911, it was originally a primary school for Chinese girls.