Nan Chiau High School facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Nan Chiau High School 南僑中學 Sekolah Tinggi Nan Chiau
Address
20 Anchorvale Link, Singapore 545079 Sengkang New Town Singapore
Coordinates	1°23′19″N 103°53′25″E / 1.388713°N 103.890282°E / 1.388713; 103.890282
Information
School type	Government-aided, Co-educational, Special Assistance Plan (SAP)
Motto	Sincerity & Perseverance (诚以待人、毅以处事)
Established	8 March 1947; 78 years ago (1947-03-08)
Founder	Tan Kah Kee
Session	Single Session
School code	7104
Principal	Mdm Ler Jia Luen
Enrolment	approx. 1400
Colour(s)	Red   Yellow   Blue   White
Guiding Principle	有教无类 (egalitarian education)
Mission	To broaden the minds of NCzens, nurturing bicultural learners who lead, serve and inspire 开启多元智慧，使其具备双文化视野、领导素质、服务精神与激励他人之能力。
Vision	A Distinctive Institution of World-Ready Thinkers and Leaders 独树一帜的学府，面向世界的领袖
Philosophy	力求卓越 (Aspire to Excel)

Nan Chiau High School (NCHS) is a school in Sengkang, Singapore. It helps students learn both English and Chinese languages and cultures. The school is known for its strong focus on Chinese language and heritage. It offers a four-year program for secondary education.

NCHS was founded in 1947. It is part of the Special Assistance Plan (SAP) in Singapore. This plan helps schools focus on bilingual and bicultural learning. Nan Chiau High is a top school for Chinese Language in its zone. It teaches Chinese language and culture not just in classrooms, but also through many activities.

The school has helped three students become President's Scholars. It is also a leading school in Singapore for Infocomm Technology. NCHS helps organize the National Secondary School Chinese Creative Writing Competition.

Discovering Nan Chiau High School's Past

Early Beginnings: Teachers' Training College (1941–1947)

Nan Chiau High School started as Nan Chiau Teachers' Training College in 1941. It was founded by Mr Tan Kah Kee. He was a Chinese businessman and a kind community leader. He wanted to help with local education needs. The first school site was made from buildings given by Mr Lee Kong Chian. This land was in River Valley. During World War II, the campus was used as a training base for a Chinese volunteer army called Dalforce.

Nan Chiau Girls High School Era (1947–1984)

After the war, more people wanted to go to high school. So, on March 8, 1947, the Teachers' Training College became a girls' high school. It also had a primary school section. Mr Yang Zhen Li was the first principal. About 900 students joined at first. By the 1960s, Nan Chiau Girls' High was known as one of Singapore's best high schools.

In 1965, the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan spent a lot of money to rebuild the school. This was to fit more students. During rebuilding, the high school students had lessons at a temporary campus. The new campus officially opened on March 8, 1969.

By 1974, the school had 2700 students. This was the highest number in its history. It had 48 high school classes and 24 primary school classes. The school also offered pre-university classes for top students. These students achieved good results in their GCE Advanced Level exams.

In 1980, the school stopped offering pre-university classes. It also started using English as its main language. As fewer students joined, the school became co-educational in 1984. This meant both boys and girls could attend. Its name changed to "Nan Chiau High School."

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  A shot of the school campus of Nan Chiau Girls' High School in 1947.

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  Former Nan Chiau Girls' High School's temporary campus at Guillemard Road, back in 1965 during the rebuilding of the Kim Yam Road campus.

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  A picture of former Nan Chiau Girls' High's campus upon its completion in 1969.

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  The exterior view of the school hall of Nan Chiau Girls' High School Kim Yam Road Campus back in 1976.

Moving to Sengkang and New Achievements

A picture of the main building of Nan Chiau High School's former Kim Yam Road campus in 1990.

In the 1990s, the number of students at Nan Chiau High was getting smaller. In 2000, the school moved to Sengkang New Town. The primary school section became a separate school, Nan Chiau Primary School. It moved to a different location. That same year, Nan Chiau High School was ranked as a top school by the Ministry of Education.

Becoming a Special Assistance Plan (SAP) School

An aerial view of Nan Chiau High School campus taken in 2015

In November 2010, Nan Chiau High School officially became the 11th Special Assistance Plan (SAP) school. This started in 2012. This news was great for the school. It meant more support to keep Chinese heritage and culture alive. To celebrate, the school put on a musical performance in 2012. Teachers and students wrote all the songs and produced the show.

On December 29, 2013, a special event was held at the old school campus. Thousands of former students, teachers, and staff gathered. This was before the old campus became a new commercial area.

In March 2015, Nan Chiau High School celebrated its 68th anniversary. The event celebrated the school's past and looked to the future. It also marked the completion of school upgrades. These upgrades cost 2.67 million dollars. They included a new canteen, an air-conditioned library, a park square, and a new auditorium.

Celebrating 70 Years and New Learning Tools

Nan Chiau High School celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2017. Nan Chiau Primary School, which used to be part of it, also celebrated. In January 2017, over 3,300 staff and students from both schools made knotted rings together. This set a national record! A special "maker-space" called The Nest also opened in March 2017. It has tools for students to design and build things.

In August 2017, Nan Chiau High was featured in a TV show. The show was about SAP schools in Singapore and their journey over time. In January 2018, Nan Chiau High School was one of the first schools to try out the Singapore Student Learning Space (SLS). This is an online learning portal for students across Singapore. It helps students learn on their own and helps teachers create fun lessons.

New Chinese Language Program

In May 2019, it was announced that Nan Chiau High School would offer the Chinese Language Elective Programme (C-LEP) from 2020. This program helps students who are very good at Chinese. It teaches them about Chinese literature and culture. This program helps students become strong in both Chinese and English.

School Leaders: Principals

School Spirit and Culture

Nan Chiau High School shares its history with other schools in Singapore. Its name, "Nan Chiau," comes from a Chinese term meaning "Overseas Chinese" from Southeast Asia. This name shows the school's goal to help young people through education.

School Motto: Sincerity & Perseverance

The school's motto is Sincerity & Perseverance (誠·毅). It comes from the ideas of its founder, Mr Tan Kah Kee. This motto is also used by other schools connected to the Hokkien Huay Kuan.

• "Sincerity" means being honest with yourself and others.
• "Perseverance" means working hard and never giving up, even when things are tough.

School Crest: A Symbol of Growth

Original school crest of Nan Chiau Girl's High School in 1982. The interlocking rings of the original school crest are preserved in the current school crest.

The Nan Chiau High School crest has three interlocking rings. These rings show that students grow in three ways: in their character, their physical health, and their intelligence.

The red color of the rings shows a strong spirit to keep trying. The golden background means a bright future. The heart shape in the middle shows that the school cares deeply about its students.

School Anthem

Nan Chiau High School still uses its original school anthem, which is in Mandarin. It was written in the early 1950s. Nan Chiau Primary School also shares this anthem.

School Uniform: A Link to History

Nan Chiau High School's uniform shows its history as a traditional Chinese school. The uniform has changed over the years. Now, boys wear white shirts with the school name in red Chinese characters. They wear navy blue shorts for the first two years and long pants for upper secondary. Girls wear white blouses with the school name in red Chinese characters and navy blue pleated skirts. All students wear a red school tie for important events.

School Campus: A Place to Learn and Grow

The Aesthetics Block of Nan Chiau High School's campus, viewed across the Quadrangle.

Nan Chiau High School's campus is large, covering 7.6 acres. It opened on March 8, 2003. The school has several buildings, including an Administration Block, a Science & Research Block, an Aesthetics block, and three classroom blocks.

The main hall, called Kong Chian Hall, is named after Mr Lee Kong Chian, a co-founder. It is used for school assemblies and events. The school also has a 300-seat auditorium. It was once a shooting range but was changed during a school upgrade.

The library was updated in 2013. It has study areas and discussion rooms. The Nest, a special maker-space, opened in 2017. It helps students design and build things using tools. This supports the school's Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) program.

As a center for Chinese Language, Nan Chiau High has two language labs. These labs are used for special Chinese programs and activities. Other facilities include a gym, an indoor sports hall, a canteen, an eco-garden, and a large field.

Learning and Programs

O Level Express Course

Nan Chiau High School offers a four-year Express course. This course prepares students for the Singapore-Cambridge GCE Ordinary Level national exam. The school also has programs that teach about different cultures and global topics. Students learn life skills alongside their school subjects.

Students have a two-week timetable. They also have extra lessons for different subjects based on their needs. In Secondary Two, students choose their subject combinations for upper secondary. The school has consistently achieved good results in academics and activities. In 2014, students did very well in their 'O' Level exams.

School Subjects

Here are some of the subjects offered at Nan Chiau High School for upper secondary students:

• Mathematics and Science: Additional Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Science (Combined)
• Language and Literature: English Language, English Literature, Chinese Language, Higher Chinese Language, Chinese Literature, Malay (Special Programme)
• Humanities: Geography, History, Combined Humanities (Social Studies & History/Geography/English Literature/Chinese Literature Elective)
• Arts and Aesthetics: Art & Design, Design & Technology, Food & Consumer Education (FCE), Higher Art, Music, Higher Music

Cultural Intelligence Program

This program is a key part of Nan Chiau High's curriculum as an SAP school. It helps students learn about both Eastern and Western cultures. Students get chances to combine these cultures and experience new ones. This helps them understand the world better and become bilingual.

The program has two parts: 'Broad-Base Curriculum' and 'Peaks of Excellence'. The 'Broad-Base Curriculum' introduces students to Chinese culture, history, and local cultures. This happens through forums, camps, and trips. The 'Peaks of Excellence' part offers more advanced programs. For example, the Young Writers Programme helps students interested in writing. Students also go on overseas trips to learn more about the world.

Life Education Program

A student representative presenting their Arduino Shieldbot creation to visiting Malaysian Minister during a gift presentation ceremony at imbX Ministerial Forum in 2014.

The school also teaches life skills to prepare students for the future. The Learning for Life Programme (LLP) uses drama, public speaking, and creative writing. This helps students express themselves and appreciate different cultures.

In the STEM Applied Learning Programme, students learn to use Arduino Micro-controllers for health-related science and technology. They also learn science research skills.

Working with Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)

In 2019, Nan Chiau High School started working with Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). This partnership helps students learn about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It focuses on technology, design, and new ideas.

Enhanced Art Programme (EAP)

Since 2013, Nan Chiau High School has been a certified center for the Enhanced Art Programme (EAP). This program is for students who love art and design. It offers a rich learning environment for Secondary 3 and 4 students. It includes events like Aesthetics Week and art projects.

Exchange Programs: Global Classroom

A batch of students during an annual immersion trip to Beijing Yuying Middle School.

Nan Chiau High School has a special overseas learning program. It helps students go on trips to learn more about their subjects. They also do community projects. Students meet other students and experts from around the world. This includes students from partner schools like Ming-Dao High School in Taiwan and Sagano High School in Kyoto, Japan.

Fun Activities: Co-curricular Activities (CCAs)

Nan Chiau High School offers many extra activities, called Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs). These include sports, uniformed groups, performing arts, and clubs. Many CCAs have achieved great results since the school moved to Sengkang in 2001.

The school's National Cadet Corps (NCHSNCC) unit has won the Gold unit award for 19 years in a row. The National Police Cadet Corps (NPCC) unit has also won the Gold Award for 11 years. The Red Cross Youth and Scouts units have also won many awards.

The school's performing arts groups have won many awards at the Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) Arts Presentation. These groups also perform for the community.

The clubs and societies help students develop different skills. The NCHS Robotics Club has been a champion in robotics challenges. The Multimedia Club has won awards in photo marathons.

Here is a list of CCAs offered at Nan Chiau High School:

Sports and Games

• Basketball
• Badminton
• Table Tennis
• Wushu
• Track & Field

Uniformed Groups

• National Cadet Corps
• National Police Cadet Corps
• Red Cross Youth

Performing Arts

• Chinese Dance
• Chinese Orchestra
• Choir
• Chinese Drama (CLDDS)
• English Drama (ELDDS)
• Contemporary Dance
• Wind Orchestra

Clubs and Societies

• Multimedia and Photography Club
• Infocomm Club
• Robotics Club
• Green Club
• Debate Club

Visual Arts and Culture

• Visual Arts Club (Ceramic / Art & Design)
• Chinese Calligraphy

Student Leadership

Student Council

The student council is made up of student leaders. They help with daily school tasks and organize school events. They also act as school ambassadors during important functions.

Class Council

The class council has representatives from each class. They help keep discipline and build class spirit. They also work with the student council to organize inter-class competitions.

NCHS Falcons

The NCHS FALCONS on leadership training at Xueshan in Taichung, Taiwan in November 2011

The NCHS Falcons is a group of student leaders. They help with leadership training and school events. Their name "F.A.L.C.O.N.S." stands for "Focused on Adding values to others, to Lead, build Character with ON-going learning to Serve."

Helping the Community

SHINES in Harmony Carnival

A student-operated food stall during Nan Chiau High School's annual SHINES in Harmony Carnival in 2012.

Since 2005, Nan Chiau High School has held an annual event called SHINES in Harmony. This event raises money for community groups. Students, former students, and parents set up food and game booths. They also put on performances for a good cause.

Working with Other Schools

Combined Sports Meet

Nan Chiau High School, Xinmin Secondary School, and Yishun Town Secondary School (though in 2017, only Nan Chiau High and Xinmin Secondary held it) hold combined sports meets every year. This allows student athletes to show their skills and for the schools to celebrate together.

Science and Technology Research Program

The NCHS-NYP Science and Technology Research Programme is a partnership with Nanyang Polytechnic. It gives science students chances to learn beyond their textbooks. They do research projects and meet experts in science and IT. Students present their work at an annual symposium.

School Alumni

Nan Chiau High School has a strong community of former students. These alumni groups organize events and support the current students.

Nan Chiau Alumni Association

The Nan Chiau Alumni Association (NCAA) is the main group for former students of both Nan Chiau High School and Nan Chiau Primary School. It was formed in 1990. The association works to keep the schools' values alive and helps students grow in all areas. It also helps former students stay in touch.

Youth of Nan Chiau

This is a group for younger graduates from Nan Chiau High. They help the NCAA with events and sometimes organize activities for current students.

Nan Chiau Youth Mentors

Group photo of the 2015–16 batch of Nan Chiau Youth Mentors (NCYM)

The Nan Chiau Youth Mentors (NCYM) are young graduates who want to help current students. They help upper secondary students prepare for exams and mentor students in their old CCAs.

Famous Former Students

• Lim Woan Huah: President's Scholar, 1984; Specialist in Paediatric Medicine.
• Peh Chin Hua: Former Member of Parliament.
• Chan Soo Sen: Former Minister of State.
• Leong Chan-Hoong: Deputy Head, Social Lab, Lee Kuan Yew Institute of Policy Studies, National University of Singapore.
• Lee Guan Kin: Pioneer Head of Division & Distinguished Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Chinese Language & Culture, Nanyang Technological University.
• Goh Lay Kuan: Pioneer dance choreographer; Winner, Cultural Medallion, 1995.
• Yang Libing: Mediacorp actress.
• Yang Lina: Mediacorp actress.
• Zeng Huifen: Mediacorp actress.
• Jason Yeo: Founder and Chief Executive of JCS Group.

Images for kids

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  The fountain in Nan Chiau High School.

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  Main entrance of Nan Chiau High's Kong Chian Hall

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  Nan Chiau High's Front Garden, featuring the school motto inscribed on a stone tablet.

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  The head statue of the institution founder Mr Tan Kah Kee at the foyer, taken amid the institution's 69th anniversary.

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  Classroom blocks of Nan Chiau High School.

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  A student-operated game booth during Nan Chiau High School's annual SHINES in Harmony Carnival in 2012.

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  A shot taken during Nan Chiau High School's last individual sports day in 2012.

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  Nan Chiau High School's Chinese New Year Celebrations 2014 performance by the institution's Chinese Orchestra.

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  Nan Chiau High School contemporary dance performers during the institution's 65th anniversary public performance "Equilibrium the Musical" in 2012.

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  A group photo of Nan Chiau High School track and field team at the Inter-school Combined Sports Meet in 2013.

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  Nan Chiau High School Chinese dancers performing during the institution's 67th anniversary celebration.

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  Nan Chiau High School Choir performing during the institution's SHINES in Harmony Carnival 2012.

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  Student representatives from Nan Chiau High School with the Singapore SAP schools delegation at the annual Shanghai-Singapore Secondary School Students' Forum, taken in 2014.