| Hwa Chong Institution (Chinese: 华侨中学) |
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自强不息
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661, Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 269734 Singapore |
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| Coordinates | Coordinates: |
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| Affiliation(s) | Hwa Chong Family of Schools: Hwa Chong International School, Hwa Chong Institution Boarding School |
| Principal | Ang Wee Hiong |
| Type | Independent Secondary School & Junior College Boys (Secondary 1 – 4), Coed (JC 1 – JC 2) |
| Campus | Open Concept |
| Campus size | 79 acres (320,000 m²) |
| Colour(s) | Red, Yellow |
| Established | 1 January 2005 from the merger of The Chinese High School (est. 21 March 1919) & Hwa Chong Junior College (est. 1974) |
| Students | Approx. 4100 (High School & College) |
| Guiding Principle | 饮水思源 |
| Mission | With our blend of tradition and innovation, we nurture leaders in research, industry and government, who have the integrity, wisdom, passion and vision, to succeed in the global environment and serve our nation. |
| Philosophy | Win-Win 己立立人 己达达人 Live with passion, Lead with Compassion |
| Homepage | www.hwachong.edu.sg |
Hwa Chong Institution (simplified Chinese: 华侨中学; traditional Chinese: 華僑中學; pinyin: Húaqíao Zhōngxúe) is regarded as one of the top schools in Singapore. It offers education from Secondary (High School) to Pre-University (Senior High) level. Previously two separate but affiliated schools, The Chinese High School and Hwa Chong Junior College, the Institution was the result of a merger which was officiated on 1 January, 2005.
Overview
The school offers a 6-year Integrated Programme from Secondary 1 to JC 2. The program allows students to skip the GCE 'O' Levels, taking GCE 'A' Levels at the end of their six years in the school. This gives the students much more time to embark on various educational endeavours that will greatly benefit them. An example of this would be the Hwa Chong Sabbaticals, which allows students to spend one of the last weeks each term undergoing programmes which allow them to develop their interests, such as music composition as well as camps and field trips abroad. Upon completing their 'A' levels, virtually every student goes on to undergraduate studies at universities, with 15% of each cohort going to renowned overseas universities. The school has also been consistently ranked among the best of Singapore's schools, and has to date, produced 47 President's Scholars, the highest number among all junior colleges in Singapore. Students also go on to secure prestigious scholarships from various public agencies and companies. In addition, the school spans a large area of 79 acres (320,000 m²), making it the largest high school in Singapore and South East Asia.
History
The high school section, previously known as The Chinese High School, was founded by philanthropist Tan Kah Kee on March 21, 1919, being the first high school at that time in South-east Asia to cater to different Chinese dialect groups. On the other hand, the college section, previously known as Hwa Chong Junior College, was established in 1974 at the Bukit Timah Road campus of The Chinese High School, but under the same management board with the latter school. Hwa Chong Junior College became the first junior college in Singapore to be given the independent status in 2004. On 1 January, 2005, the two schools merged as one institution, the result of months of negotiations between the Ministry of Education and the schools' Board of Directors and Governors. The Hwa Chong Institution Tower Block was declared a National Monument in 1999.
School uniform
The school uniform for Secondary One to Secondary Three students from the high school section (boys' school) consists of a white short-sleeved cotton shirt with four brass buttons (two on the shoulders and one on each of the two breast pockets) with a pair of khaki shorts. The school uniform for Secondary Four students and male students from the college section (mixed school) consists of a beige short-sleeved shirt and a pair of beige long pants. Female students from the college section wear a beige short-sleeved blouse and a beige skirt. All students from both the high school and college sections wear their school badge, which is their school logo, in the form of a collar pin, on their left collar.
School songs
The English version of Hwa Chong Institution's school song is originally the college anthem for Hwa Chong Junior College. The lyrics is as follows:
As part of our glorious land, sharing her spreading fame, Hwa Chong will firmly stand, always to maintain her name. Multi-racial we study together, for knowledge we wish to attain. Many races we shall gather, each day to achieve its aim. We shall strive with verve, for health in body and mind. We'll learn to lead and yet to serve in character ruggedly fine. May Hwa Chong shine forever, her name big and strong, One and all, let's stand by her, that she may live on and on.
The Chinese version of Hwa Chong Institution's school song is originally the school anthem for The Chinese High School. The lyrics is as follows:
海天寥廓 云树苍笼 中有我华中 礼门义路 时雨春风 吾侪托帡幪 猗与华中 南方之强 我中华之光 雄立狮岛 式是炎荒 万世其无疆 人生茫茫 学海洋洋 吾侪当自强 朝乾夕惕 日就月将 莫负好时光 猗与华中 南方之强 我中华之光 雄立狮岛 式是炎荒 万世其无疆 迨予庶士 笃实辉光 斐然已成章 膂力方刚 经营四方 前途浩且长 猗与华中 南方之强 我中华之光 雄立狮岛 式是炎荒 万世其无疆
The Chinese school song is in classical Chinese and was written by 邵庆元. It is set to the tune of Annie Lisle, though the tempo of the school song is much faster.
Consortia and Faculties
Consortia
The High School section consists of 4 consortia - Aphelion, Ortus, ProEd and iSpark. The consortia work closely with one another and each has its own council of students. Aphelion
- Students from the Aphelion consortium are known as Aphelians. The target of Aphelion is, "building bridges, realising dreams". It organises major events like SMOPS (Singapore Mathematical Olympiad For Primary Schools) and the subsequent round, APMOPS (Asia Pacific Mathematical Olympiad For Primary Schools).
Proed
- Students from the Proed consortium are known as Proedians. Staff is split into teams to maximise efficiency and to maximise student's holistic development, e.g. students exchanges team, curriculum innovations team, leadership team etc.
Ortus
- Students from the Ortus consortium are known as Ortusians. In 2002, Ortus was formed from the merger of former consortia Radix and Quest. Ortus Council organizes many school based events such as Open House, Racial Harmony Day and many more council initiatives.
iSpark
- Students from the iSpark consortium are known as iSparkians. In 2000, the iSpark consortium was formed, with 7 GEP classes (the 7th including the CHS-GEP class, 3O) stretching across 2 levels. The student council of iSpark is known as the iCouncil.
Faculties
The college section consist of 4 faculties, named after the Greek Gods Apollo, Ares, Athena and Artemis. In 2006, the Social and Relations committee of the college's 32nd Students' Council launched the inaugural Faculty Shield. The Faculty Shield is a competition among the 4 faculties in which the faculty with the highest number of points at the end of the year wins the challenge Shield. Points are gained from events that allow each faculty to show their strong faculty spirit, such as the Chinese New Year Faculty Dance competition, the Combined Schools Sports Meet and also the Cheering competition on the final day of CSM. Inter-faculty competitions, such as Dramafeste and Hwa Chong Idol and other inter-CT CCA competitions also allow each faculty to earn points towards winning the faculty shield. The champion faculties for 2006 and 2007 are Apollo and Artemis respectively. On top of the Faculty Shield, faculty life in Hwa Chong is further spiced up by the various faculty events, the most prominent one being the Faculty Outings organised by the Faculty Committees.
Councils
Consortium Councils
The 4 Consortium Councils are representatives of the student body and also co-operate with the High School Council in organising welfare initiatives for the students. Each council includes Sec 1 Councillors-in-training (CsIT) that help out during major events such as the SMOPS and PTGs. After a year of training and expertise, these CsIT are then promoted to full-fledged councillors and become ambassadors of the school at Year 2 and 3, also organising events such as End of Term Activities (EOTA) and other welfare initiatives for their respective consortium. Some may also get chosen to organize important school-wide events such as Secondary One Orientation, and international conventions like the Student Leaders Convention. When Year 3 councillors progress to Year 4, they can choose to run for High School Council elections or focus on other aspects of leadership such as the Class Management Committee (CMC) or ExCo positions in their various CCAs.
Aphelion Council
The Aphelion Consortium Council is the largest council in Hwa Chong Institution. The 8th Aphelion Council chairman was Cai Yong and he passed the reign to Seah Ying Cong of Class 3-B1 2008, followed by 4 other Vice-Chairmen Alwyn Loy, Benjamin Chin, Nicholas Chuan and Nicholas Kee. The 9th Aphelion council is set to make changes to the Aphelion student body and the council itself. It is proposing more welfare initiatives for the students and take the 9th Aphelion Council to greater heights.
ProEd Council
The ProEd Consortium Council is into its 8th year in 2008. The 7th ProEd Council chairman was Aaron Koh and he has passed the reign to Izumi Tan.
Ortus Council
The Ortus Council Chairman for 2008 is Lucas, while the Vice-Chairman is Lee Kah How.
I-Council
I-Council is made of students from the Consortium of Ispark, who are all in the Gifted Education Programme. It has shown that although it is the smallest council, it can handle major events such as Chinese New Year celebrations successfully and has produced many outstanding student leaders. One example would be Lim Jia Chen, who was the I-Council chairman in 2006 and went on to serve as the President of the 34th High School Council. The chairman for 2008 is Ng Liki.
Students' Council
Evolving from the fomer Chinese High Students Union, the current Students' Council is divided into 2 sections, the College Council and the High School Council. List of Council Presidents and Vice-Presidents
| Year | Council Term | President (High Sch Council) |
Vice-President (High Sch Council) |
President (College Council) |
Vice-President (College Council) |
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| 2003–2004 | 30th Council | Choy Weijie Gabriel | Chiew Jing-Ye Calvin | Mikail Kalimuddin | Keung Xi Zhen |
| 2004–2005 | 31st Council | Leong Ji Mun Gregory | Huang Liang Yen Jack | Perh Jie Shih Faith | Chan Geok Boon Cherie |
| 2005–2006 | 32nd Council | Huang Liang Yen Jack | Leong Ji Mun Gregory | Tan Jierong | Stephanie Ko Qianwen |
| 2006–2007 | 33rd Council | Leong Yuan Chang | Sua Yu Yttrium | Oh Rui Wen Sharmaine | Lim Chern Wei |
| 2007–Present | 34th Council | Lim Jia Chen | Lim Jiawei | Soon Jing Min Claire | Leong Shi Wei |
College Council
The College Council organises 7 major events for the school, namely Orientation (O1), Chinese New Year (CNY), Council Elections, Teachers' Day (TD), Mid-Autumn Festival (MAF), Open House (OH) and the Seniors' Promenade. Besides these 7 major working events, other ad-hoc activities are also organised. These include: SCREAM (Halloween celebrations), Friendship Day celebrations, and H3 (Happy Half hour). The College Council consists of 4 committees, namely the Co-Curricular Activities Committee (ECACO), the Publications Committee (PUBCO), the Social and Relations committee (SnR) and the Welfare Committee (WELCO).
High School Council
The High School Council organises several events for the school, and pushes for the welfare of the students. It is made up of 16 Secondary 4 students, together with the Executive Committee (ExCo) of the four consortium councils. The High School Council is divided into 5 different committees, namely Public Relations, Quartermasters (Logistics), Welfare, Projects and Administration. The candidates for the 2008 Presidential elections are Cai Yong and Desmond Chong.
Class Member Committee (CMC)
Every class has its own Class Member Committee (CMC), headed by the Chairman, Monitor, Secretary, Treasurer, Welfare Secretary and the Facilities Secretary. The iSpark Class Management Guild (iCMG) is a leadership organization in iSpark Consortium. Unlike the other consortium CMCs, iCMG is one whole organization that groups all iSpark CMCs into one family. Under this scheme iCMCs are able to receive more leadership exposure through various activities like combined camps with iCouncil, organizing consortium-based activities etc.
Information technology facilities
There are three main platforms which improve both the teachers' and the students' quality of education by allowing them to do a great deal of everyday tasks online. They are the EMB (Electronic Message Board), IVLE (Integrated Virtual Learning Environment) and the VLE (Virtual Learning Environment). These facilities can be accessed from the school homepage via links. Each student is also allocated an email account in the school's webmail system, called the Hwa Chong Institution Internet Webmail System. The school also has 4 computer labs in which students are granted access daily till 5pm. The computers are of reasonable standard, some even utilizing dual core processors. Despite so, the restrictions placed on the computers involve limited access to the computer's functions including the ban of access to the Local C:/ Drive. Lack of user friendliness has also been complained such as the ban of the configuration of mouse sensitivity which often results in students having to contend with computer mice that are as sensitive as a dead log. There had been a period of time where even the right click was banned; something deemed preposterous by the student population and finally removed after a major protest.
Student Message Board
The Student Message Board [1], also known as the Summary Message Board (SMB), was written by Koh Kim Tian, a teacher teaching programming and IT, and acts as an announcement board. Its implementation drastically reduced the amount of time spent on morning announcements and the amount of paperwork. Anything ranging from private messages to a small group of students to important administrative matters addressed to all students can be put up by teachers. Every student is classified into his class, EP3 grouping and level, such that messages addressed to any of these groups can only be seen by the respective members and not on everyone else, thus minimizing clutter generating by messages not pertinent to the individual. In some cases, EP3 heads/chairmen and the Council President will be granted the right to post messages on the EMB.
Integrated Virtual Learning Environment
The Integrated Virtual Learning Environment [2] acts as a place where assignments and/or learning materials can be found as soft copies. In the event that a student misplaces a particular handout, the IVLE is the place to go. Progress statistics are also encompassed within the IVLE. Only teachers and students can access this password-protected portal.
Virtual Learning Environment
The Virtual Learning Environment VLE was developed by teachers and students to facilitate online learning through Flash animation and online articles. Only teachers and students can access this password-protected portal.
Network accounts
Every student is also given an account on the school Intranet. He is allotted 20 megabytes of hard disk space on their individual folder on a network drive to store personal files. Access to other network drives is strictly monitored, with all teachers' files being locked and inaccessible to students. Additionally, every student is also allocated 10 megabytes of space on the school web server to upload files or publish content. This is accessed via the FTP protocol. Accounts are banned if students are caught playing games or surfing restricted sites. If students want to unban the accounts, they have to get a parent letter and pay a S$10.00 fine. This measure has been met with criticism by many parents and students alike for the material nature of such a punishment was deemed contrary to the philanthropic spirit of the school's founder, Mr Tan Kah Kee. There are many technicians who would monitor the networks and ban an account when it is called for.
Weekly Assemblies
In the high school section, assemblies are held weekly. Different levels have their assembly sessions over four days in the week. One of the main appeals of the assemblies is the principal dialogue session, where a special topic of discussion is initiated by the panellists and is discussed together with the students. Pupils are generally forthcoming with their views and do observe appropriate decora. More importantly, the principal (or sometimes deans) is refreshing and open in his approach, and is willing to listen to views put forth by the students. Topics can range from national issues to school affairs (assessment modes or uniform). While opinions can sometimes be harshly shot down when one makes an assumption or put forth an idea that is not so feasible, this practice is nevertheless a testament to the transparency and openness the school administration is willing to adopt. This a platform for students to voice their views on school issues and discuss directly with the Deputy CEO, Mr Hon Chiew Weng.
Special programmes
In 2005, Hwa Chong embarked on a special programme scheme, whereby integrated programme students would be allowed to select a preferred special programme at the end of Sec 2, which he would then take for the next two years. Their eligibility for these programmes is also determined by their year-end results. The aim of these programmes is to allow students to pursue any interest in which he has a passion for. The various special programmes are as follows:
Science and Mathematics Talent Programme (SMTP)
Formally known as the Science and Mathematics Research Programme (SMRP), the idea was first mooted by Mr Hon Chiew Weng, Principal of The Chinese High School, towards the end of 2004 and implemented in 2005. Noting that the school has been achieving excellent results in many national science, mathematics and information technology competitions, Mr Hon felt that the school’s potentials in the areas of mathematics and science could be further enhanced by the SMRP, to strengthen and facilitate students’ learning through project work. Students under this programme have opportunities to be attached to various research institutions in Singapore and participate in local or international symposia and conferences. The programme has since been streamlined and renamed as Science and Mathematics Talent Programme (SMTP).
Bicultural Studies Programme
The Bicultural Studies Programme (BSP) is an MOE-initiated programme open to Nanyang Girls' High School, River Valley High School, HCI and Dunman High, where students get to be exposed to cultures from both the Western and Eastern perspective. This programme includes a total of six months immersion in China, with 3 months respectively in year 3 and 4. With the exposure to western culture scheduled for years 5 and 6, students participating in this programme will get to be thoroughly exposed to both the eastern and western cultures, leading to them being moulded for the future of the nation.
Entrepreneurship Programme
This is a new program that is a collaboration with Hwa Chong that would allow students who wish to become entrepreneurs have a chance to be exposed to the modern business world where they would be taught various marketing techniques and skills that would equip them with the abilities to tackle the future economy and to rise as a successful entrepreneur. It would allow students to have talk to various entrepreneurs as to have a better understanding of what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur. They would also be offered chances to set up their own "markets" as to test their skills in the business world. A three year course that would see through each student would be able to take on the challenging markets of the future.
Humanities Programme
The Hwa Chong Humanities Programme arguably ranks above that of the Raffles and Anglo-Chinese School programme, having a significantly larger number of scholars than its neighbor, NJC. A notable achievement is that the Humanities Programme has produced more President Scholars (Singapore's most prestigious award for academic excellence) than any other education institution. Students who join the humanities programme get to learn all three humanities, history, geography, literature. Students who do not only can learn social studies (known as Integrated Humanities Core), and an Elective which they may choose from amongst the three.
Bicultural Studies and Humanities Programme (BSHP)
This is a new programme set up in 2007 which combines the Bicultural Studies Programme (BSP) and the Humanities Programme (HP) in Hwa Chong. Students in this programme will go through the normal curriculum of the HP students, but they will also study Advanced China Studies in Chinese (CSC) like the BSP. They will have a six-month immersion in China and also get to learn all three humanities, history, geography, literature. This programme was set up to ensure that students were more well prepared to enter the society that sees China increasing become a world power. Notable students in this pioneer programme include Gao Chuanyu, Jonathan Foo and Ng Liki. There are currently 11 students in this programme.
Student-organised events
Student Leaders Convention (SLC)
The Student Leaders Convention (SLC) is an annual leadership convention and is a flagship event by The Chinese High School/Hwa Chong Institution, which is fully organised by students, for students. The 10th Student Leaders Convention (XSLC) was a significant milestone for SLC after a decade since its inception by Aaron Beng in 1995. Co-organised by the former The Chinese High School Students Union and Nanyang Girls' High Student Council, XSLC was aimed at raising the awareness of the need to address concerns with sensitivity in a changing global landscape and improving networking amongst our student leaders today. The theme was "Sensitivity in Addressing Current Global Concerns", where participants gathered to be empowered to initiate change and make decisions to meet global needs via exchanging ideas and viewpoints through role-playing as international delegates. The chairpersons of the XSLC were Soh Yi Da and Teng Ya Wen. The 11th SLC, co-organised by Hwa Chong Institution, Raffles Girls' School (Secondary) and River Valley High School, drew more than 500 delegates from all over Singapore and the Asia-Pacific region and was a big success. As the theme, "Managing Global Problems through Regional Unity" indicates, the highlight of the convention includes delegates role-playing as global leaders to solve problems and concerns currently present in the world. The 11th SLC was successful in terms of participant number, organization and execution; and marked a new high in the SLC history. The chairperson of the 11th SLC was Sua Yu Yttrium. The 12th SLC concluded on 2 June 2006. It was co-organised by Hwa Chong Institution, Raffles Girls' School (Secondary) and Bukit Panjang Government High School (BPGHS). Its theme is "Building Partnerships Through Socially Responsible Governance". The 12th SLC marked a paradigm shift in the focus of the convention, with participants role-playing as corporate leaders. In the four days of the convention, they had to form alliances with other corporations before coming up with a proposal for the establishment of an entertainment hub in the mock country of Jangguan. The chairperson for the 12th SLC was Chew Guan Yu. The 13th SLC marked a paradigm shift in the conceptual framework from the previous convention; while the last SLC explored the corporate world of business, the 13th SLC looked into a completely different leadership frontier - youth leadership. The 4-day convention, which lasted from 29 May to 2 June, was co-organised by Hwa Chong Institution, Singapore Chinese Girls' School (Secondary), Raffles Girls' School (Secondary) and CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls' School (Secondary). The theme, "Youth Involvement: Making an Impact on Society", aimed to provide a viable platform for youth leaders of different cultures and backgrounds to convene, discuss and deal with global issues. The chairperson for the 13th SLC was Ng Yu Hui.
Singapore Mathematical Olympiad for Primary Schools
The Singapore Mathematical Olympiad for Primary Schools (SMOPS) is a competition with over ten years of history. It is an annual event organised by the Aphelion Consortium of the High School section. This event draws a total number of 2000-3000 participants annually. It is always held in the High School section of Hwa Chong Institution. The top scorers for SMOPS will then be invited to the Asia Pacific Mathematical Olympiad for Primary Schools (AMOPS), where competitors from different countries gather to compete.
Renovation
Currently, the institution has built three new facilities, namely the Kong Chian Administration Centre, the Science and Technology Research Centre (SRC) and the Student Activities and Leadership Training (SALT) Centre, which has been called the Ong Teng Cheong SALT Centre. The SALT centre houses a moot parliament (mock up of the actual parliament to facilitate student debates and oral articulation), and the various CCA and uniformed groups. The new Science and Technology Research Centre houses new research facilities and specialist laboratories that include among others, a virtual reality cove (a theatre that facilitates the learning and teaching of virtual reality-related technology), and laboratories for chemical processing, fibre optics and biotechnology (with microbiological rooms). It also houses media art and 3-D animation studios, and an Art Elective centre that focuses on media art, digital videography, animation, digital audio, and traditional arts disciplines such as sculpture and drawing.
Co-Curricular Activities / Achievements
Hwa Chong Institution has a very active Co-Curricular Activity (CCA) programme, with a variety of sports, uniformed groups, musical groups, clubs and societies to cater to students' interests. The term EP3 (Enhanced Pupil Performance Programme) has been coined to represent CCA in the high school section to reflect the enlarged scope of the CCA system. Amongst its achievements, the school is famed for its dominance in the Singapore National Inter-school Track And Field Championships (it has lost less than 10 times within its 88 year history), and it is also credited with many first-time achievements, such as pioneering the Integrated Programme with the foresight of former Principal, Mr Tooh Fee San. It has also one of the largest Student Councils amongst secondary schools in Singapore, with about 180 councillors belonging to its Students' Council. Hwa Chong's shooter, Ong Jun Hong, also won a Silver Medal in the 10 m Air Rifle Men Event in the 2003 SEA Games. The Hwa Chong Choir competed at the 2004 Choir Olympics in Werder Bremen and won two gold medals in the Mixed Youth and Folklore A Cappella categories respectively. In the Campus SuperStar competition season 1, college student Ng Chee Yang made his mark by winning the competition not only as the male winner, but also the overall winner. Other noteworthy achievements in the field of Co-Curricular Activities is that the school's Track and Field Team has reigned national champions in the A and B divisions in a continuous 11 year streak (as of 2007), beating the dedicated sport institution, Singapore Sport School. The school's Water Polo and Judo teams are also famous in their respective circles for their formidable prowess and have clinched their fair share of championships as well. The English Drama Club has also performed excellently in recent years, clinching the Gold Award for the Singapore Youth Festival Central Judging Competition, narrowly losing out on Gold with Honours.
Administration
The Principal (College Section) and CEO is Ang Wee Hiong, while the Principal (High School Section) and Deputy CEO is Hon Chiew Weng.
Affiliations
Hwa Chong Institution is also affiliated with Hwa Chong International School and Hwa Chong Institution Boarding School.
