Nan Chiau High School facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nan Chiau High School南僑中學
Sekolah Tinggi Nan Chiau |
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| Address | |
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20 Anchorvale Link, Singapore 545079
Sengkang New Town
Singapore
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| Coordinates | 1°23′19″N 103°53′25″E / 1.388713°N 103.890282°E |
| Information | |
| School type | Government-aided, Co-educational, Special Assistance Plan (SAP) |
| Motto | 诚·毅 (Sincerity & Perseverance) |
| Established | 8 March 1947 |
| Founder | Mr Tan Kah Kee |
| Session | Single Session |
| School code | 7112 |
| Principal | Mdm Ler Jia Luen |
| Enrolment | approx. 1250 |
| 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 is a government-aided school that welcomes both boys and girls. It is connected to the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan, a group that supports education and culture. The school offers a four-year Express (Special) course for secondary education.
NCHS was started in 1947. It is part of the Special Assistance Plan (SAP) program. This means it focuses on helping students become good at both English and Chinese languages and cultures. The school is known for its strong Chinese language teaching and for sharing Chinese heritage. It is even called the North Zone Centre of Excellence for Chinese Language.
So far, Nan Chiau High has helped three students become President's Scholars, which is a very high award. It is also a top school in Singapore for Infocomm Technology. The school helps organize the National Secondary School Chinese Creative Writing Competition too.
Contents
School History: A Journey Through Time
Early Beginnings: Teachers' College (1941–1947)
Nan Chiau High School started as the Nan Chiau Teachers' Training College in 1941. It was founded by Mr Tan Kah Kee. He was a Chinese businessman and a kind person who helped the community. He wanted to support local education. The first school building was on land and in mansions given by Mr Lee Kong Chian in River Valley. This campus was even used by a Chinese volunteer army called Dalforce before the Japanese invasion in 1942.
Becoming a Girls' High School (1947–1984)
After the war, many more students needed high school education. 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, and 900 students joined at the start. A hostel for girls was built in the 1950s. 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 2 million dollars to rebuild the school. This was to fit more students. While the main campus was being rebuilt, 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, its highest number ever. It had 48 high school classes and 24 primary school classes. The school even offered pre-university classes for top students. To handle all these students, another floor was added to the school building.
In 1978, Nan Chiau Girls' High was almost chosen as a Special Assistance Plan (SAP) school. But the number of SAP schools was changed, and Nan Chiau was not included then. In 1980, the school stopped offering pre-university classes. It also started using English as its main teaching language. As fewer students joined, the school started accepting boys in 1984. It was then renamed "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
In the 1990s, there were talks about Nan Chiau High becoming an independent school. However, the number of students kept getting smaller. In 2000, Nan Chiau High School moved to Sengkang New Town. The primary school section became a separate school, Nan Chiau Primary School, and moved to a different location. That same year, Nan Chiau High School was ranked as a top school for adding value to its students' education.
Becoming a SAP School
In November 2010, the Ministry of Education officially made Nan Chiau High School the 11th Special Assistance Plan (SAP) school. This started in 2012. Many former students and teachers were happy about this. It meant the school could better achieve its goal of keeping 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 themselves.
On December 29, 2013, a special event was held at the old Nan Chiau High School campus. Thousands of former students, principals, and teachers gathered there. This event happened before the old campus was turned into offices, schools, and restaurants.
In March 2015, Nan Chiau High School celebrated its 68th anniversary. The event was about "Appreciating our Past, Inspiring the Future." The Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen, was the special guest. The school also celebrated Singapore's 50th birthday and its students' achievements. The school had also finished upgrading works that cost 2.67 million dollars. The Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan helped pay for these upgrades. They included a new canteen, an air-conditioned library, a park, and a new 300-seat auditorium.
70th Anniversary Celebrations
Nan Chiau High School celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2017. Nan Chiau Primary School, which used to be part of it, also celebrated. On January 27, 2017, over 3,300 staff and students from both schools made knots on a triple-ring with red strings. This looked like the school logo. This event set a national record for the most people making knotted rings together. A special workshop space called "The Nest" also opened on March 10, 2017. It has tools for students to design and build useful items.
On August 1, 2017, Nan Chiau High was featured in a TV show called "When The Bell Rings." This show was about eight SAP schools in Singapore and how they changed 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 website for students across Singapore. It helps students learn on their own and helps teachers create fun lessons.
Chinese Language Elective Programme (LEP)
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. The goal is to help students become leaders who are good at both English and Chinese.
School Identity and Culture
Nan Chiau High shares its history with other schools in Singapore that have the same founder. The name "Nan Chiau" comes from a Chinese term meaning "Overseas Chinese" in Southeast Asia. This name shows the school's goal to help young people through education. Other schools like The Chinese High School and Nanyang Girls' High School share a similar identity.
School Motto
Nan Chiau High School's motto is Sincerity & Perseverance (誠·毅). This motto comes from the ideas of its founder, Mr Tan Kah Kee. Many other schools connected to the Hokkien Huay Kuan and schools in China founded by Mr Tan Kah Kee also share this motto.
- "Sincerity" or 誠 means being honest with yourself and others.
- "Perseverance" or 毅 means working hard and never giving up, even when things are tough.
School Crest
The school crest of Nan Chiau High School has three rings that link together. These rings show that students should grow in three ways: in their character, in their physical health, and in their knowledge.
The red color of the rings shows a spirit of never giving up. The golden background means a bright and hopeful future.
The heart shape in the middle of the rings means that the school cares deeply about its students' well-being.
School Anthem
Nan Chiau High School still uses its original school anthem, which is in Mandarin. Ms Lin Zhen Ru wrote the anthem, and Professor Zhao Xingdao helped improve it in the early 1950s. Nan Chiau Primary School also shares this same anthem.
School Uniform and Look
Nan Chiau High School's uniform shows its history as a traditional Chinese school. In the past, the uniform was all white with the school's Chinese name sewn on the shirt. Later, students wore dark pants or skirts. The uniform was redesigned in 2000 when the school moved. It now combines the old and new styles.
Today, boys wear white shirts with the school's Chinese name in red. They wear navy blue shorts in their first two years and long pants in upper secondary. The shirts have six metal buttons with the school name. Girls wear white blouses with the school's Chinese name in red and navy blue pleated skirts. For important events, all students wear a red school tie.
School Discipline
Nan Chiau High School is known for its strict rules and discipline. It has very little tolerance for students misbehaving.
School Campus
Nan Chiau High School's campus is about 7.6 acres big. It was built in 2000 and officially opened on March 8, 2003. The school has a five-story building with different sections. These include an office block, a science and research block, an arts block, and three classroom blocks.
The main hall, called Kong Chian Hall, is named after Mr Lee Kong Chian, one of the school's founders. This air-conditioned hall is used for school assemblies, talks, and competitions.
The 300-seat auditorium is on the fourth floor of the arts block. It used to be a shooting range. It was changed into an auditorium during a school upgrade project. It's a place for performances, talks, and lessons.
The library was updated in 2013. It has study areas, a small stage for discussions, and three rooms for group work or talking to teachers. "The Nest," a special workshop space, opened in 2017. It has tools for students to design and build things. This supports the school's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) program.
As a center for Chinese Language, Nan Chiau High School also has two language labs. These labs are used for advanced Chinese programs and activities.
Other facilities at NCHS include a gym, an indoor sports hall, a central plaza, an open-concept canteen, an eco-garden, and a large field.
Learning at Nan Chiau High
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 special programs for cultural learning and global awareness. Throughout the four years, students learn about different cultures and important life skills.
Students at NCHS have a timetable that changes every two weeks. They also have extra lessons for different subjects four days a week.
Students choose their subject combinations in Secondary Two. Usually, there are nine classes for upper secondary students. Two of these classes are for students who take three pure science subjects.
Nan Chiau High students have achieved great results in both academics and Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs). The school has been a top-performing school since 2006. In 2014, students had excellent O-Level results, and over 90% got top grades for their CCA involvement.
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 (Chemistry/Physics, Chemistry/Biology) - for students who find pure science subjects challenging.
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 & Nutrition
- Higher Art
- Music
- Higher Music
Notes:
- Subjects with ' * ' are required.
- All students in Singapore must take a Mother Tongue Language, marked with ' ^ '.
SAP Flagship Programme: Cultural Intelligence
The SAP Flagship Programme is a key part of Nan Chiau High's special curriculum as a SAP school. It helps students learn about both Eastern and Western cultures. The program gives students chances to combine these cultures and experience other cultures deeply. This helps them understand both the East and the West. It prepares students to be well-rounded and bilingual, ready to connect with the world.
This four-year program has two main parts: 'Broad-Base Curriculum' and 'Peaks of Excellence'. These include cultural intelligence and life education. The 'Broad-Base Curriculum' starts in the first year. Students learn about Chinese culture, history, and local cultures. They do this through forums, camps, Chinese song competitions, and local trips.
The 'Peaks of Excellence' program continues from the first part. It has more advanced programs for talented students. For example, the Young Writers Programme is for students who love writing. Famous Chinese writers teach lessons to help students learn different writing styles. Students can also go to cultural talks and international forums. They can research current topics and go on overseas trips to improve their understanding of the world and cultures.
Life Education Programme
Besides cultural learning, life skills are also taught to prepare students for the future. The Learning for Life Programme (LLP) uses drama, public speaking, debate, and creative Chinese writing. This helps students express themselves and enjoy the arts. It also helps them learn about different cultures.
In the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Applied Learning Programme (STEM ALP), students learn to use Arduino Micro-controllers for health-related science and technology. They also gain science research skills.
Working with SUTD
On February 16, 2019, Nan Chiau High School started a new partnership with Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). Students from Nan Chiau High and five other schools connected to the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan will benefit. They will have school programs developed with SUTD. These programs aim to inspire students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), with a focus 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 are very interested in art and design. It gives Secondary 3 and 4 students a richer learning environment for art. The school also has other art programs like Aesthetics Week and student-led art projects.
Exchange Programmes: Global Classroom
Nan Chiau High School has a special overseas learning program. It gives all students a chance to go on trips that are partly paid for. These trips help them learn more about their subjects, do community projects, or take part in their CCAs. Students also get to meet students, teachers, and experts from other countries. This includes famous writers, business people, and students from partner schools like Ming-Dao High School in Taiwan and Sagano High School in Kyoto, Japan.
Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs)
Nan Chiau High School offers many different extra-curricular activities, called Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs). These include sports, uniformed groups, performing arts, and clubs. Many CCAs have done very well since the school moved to Sengkang in 2001.
The NCHS National Cadet Corps (NCHSNCC) unit has won a Gold award for 19 years in a row. The National Police Cadet Corps (NPCC) unit has won the Gold Award for 11 years in a row. The NCHS Red Cross Youth has also won gold awards for community service and unit excellence. The Scouts of Nan Chiau High School, though new in 2011, have won awards too.
The performing arts groups at Nan Chiau High School are very strong. They have consistently won awards at the Singapore Youth Festival (SYF). In 2007 and 2011, many groups like Chinese Dance, String Orchestra, and Choir won top awards. These groups also perform for the public, like at the FOCUS event in 2016.
The clubs and societies at Nan Chiau High School offer students many different skills and interests. The NCHS Robotics Club has been the top team in its zone since 2014. They also organize a competition for primary and secondary school students every year. The Multimedia Club won the Best School Award in the Canon Photo Marathon in 2014 and 2015.
Here is a full list of CCAs offered by Nan Chiau High School:
Sports and Games
- Basketball
- Badminton
- Table Tennis
- Wushu
- Track & Field (2nd CCA)
Uniformed Groups
- National Cadet Corps
- National Police Cadet Corps
- Red Cross Youth
- Scouts
Performing Arts
- Chinese Dance
- Chinese Orchestra
- Choir
- Chinese Drama (CLDDS)
- English Drama (ELDDS)
- Contemporary Dance
- String Orchestra
- Wind Orchestra
Clubs and Societies
Visual Arts and Culture
- Visual Arts Club (Ceramic / Art & Design)
- Chinese Calligraphy
Student Council
The student council is a group of student leaders. They help with the school's daily activities and organize school events. They also act as school ambassadors during important functions.
Class Council
The class council is made up of representatives from each class. They help keep discipline in the class and work with the student council. They also help organize competitions between classes to build class spirit.
NCHS Falcons
The NCHS Falcons is a group of student leaders who volunteer their time. They are made up of strong CCA leaders. They help with leadership training and school events. The 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." The Falcons organize school camps and leadership workshops for students in different years.
Community Outreach
SHINES in Harmony
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Since 2005, Nan Chiau High School has held a yearly event called "SHINES in Harmony." This event raises money for community groups like CDAC and REACH Family Service Centre. Students, former students, and parents set up food and game booths. They also put on performances for the community to enjoy and support a good cause.
Working with Other Schools
Combined Sports Meet
Nan Chiau High School, Xinmin Secondary School, and Yishun Town Secondary School (in 2017, only Nan Chiau High and Xinmin Secondary held it) have combined sports meets every year. This gives student athletes a chance to show their skills. It also brings the schools together to celebrate and have fun. Parents and school staff can also join in races.
NCHS-NYP Science and Technology Research Programme
The NCHS-NYP Science and Technology Research Programme is a partnership between Nanyang Polytechnic and Nan Chiau High School. It gives science students in upper secondary a chance to learn science beyond their textbooks. They can do research projects using modern technology and talk with experts in science and IT. Students show their research projects at a yearly event hosted by Yishun Town Secondary or Nan Chiau High.
School Alumni
Nan Chiau High School has a large community of former students. This includes alumni from both Nan Chiau High School and Nan Chiau Primary School, which used to be connected. These groups organize events and programs to keep former students connected. They also work with the school to help current students.
Nan Chiau Alumni Association
The Nan Chiau Alumni Association (NCAA) is the main group for former students of Nan Chiau High School and Nan Chiau Primary School. It was formed on January 12, 1990. The association works closely with both schools to keep their traditional values. It also focuses on helping students grow in their character, physical health, knowledge, social skills, and appreciation for arts. It's a place for all members of the Nan Chiau family to meet and stay in touch.
When Nan Chiau High School and Nan Chiau Primary School separated in 2000, the NCAA continued to work with both schools. In 2001, the NCAA started Weekend Activities at Nan Chiau Primary School. These activities help primary school students get a well-rounded education.
Youth of Nan Chiau
Youth of Nan Chiau is a group for younger former students from both Nan Chiau High and Nan Chiau Primary. This group helps the main Alumni Association during events. They also organize activities for current students at both Nan Chiau High and Nan Chiau Primary.
Nan Chiau Youth Mentors
The Nan Chiau Youth Mentors (NCYM) are young former students from Nan Chiau High School. They are passionate about helping younger students. They work with the school to help upper secondary students prepare for national exams. They also mentor students in their former CCAs.
Notable Alumni
Medicine and Healthcare
- Lim Woan Huah: President's Scholar, 1984; Specialist in Children's Medicine.
Education and Politics
- Peh Chin Hua: Former Member of Parliament for Jalan Besar Group Representation Constituency (1988–2001).
- Chan Soo Sen: Former government minister for various offices; Member of Parliament for East Coast Group Representation Constituency (1997-2001) and Joo Chiat Single Member Constituency (2001-2011); now a professor at Nanyang Technological University.
- Leong Chan-Hoong: Deputy Head, Social Lab, Lee Kuan Yew Institute of Policy Studies, National University of Singapore.
- Lee Guan Kin: First Head of Division (1998 - 2007) and Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Chinese Language & Culture, Nanyang Technological University.
Arts
- Goh Lay Kuan: Pioneer dance choreographer and arts educator in Singapore; won the Cultural Medallion in 1995; co-founder of Singapore Performing Arts School.
- Yang Libing: Mediacorp actress.
- Yang Lina: Mediacorp actress.
- Zeng Huifen: Mediacorp actress.
Business and Enterprise
- 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.
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