Dunman High School: Difference between revisions
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===Junior High CCAs=== |
===Junior High CCAs=== |
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====Symphonic Band==== |
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The Band director is Mr Desmond Ng, who leaded the band to conquer many endeavours and made the Rhythm concerts a blast. The band consists of many fun-filled pieces and activities, and everybody in this CCA enjoys it. |
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====Chinese Orchestra==== |
====Chinese Orchestra==== |
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The Dunman High School Chinese Orchestra was founded in 1973 and has a current strength of almost 300 members. |
The Dunman High School Chinese Orchestra was founded in 1973 and has a current strength of almost 300 members. |
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Revision as of 04:40, 9 June 2011
1°17′56″N 103°52′58″E / 1.29889°N 103.88278°E
Template:Infobox Singapore School Template:ChineseText
Dunman High School (DHS) (formerly known as Dunman Government Chinese Middle School) is an autonomous co-educational secondary school in Singapore offering the Integrated Programme. It has always been the top co-educational secondary school in Singapore in terms of academic results.[1][2]
In 2009 the school moved back to the Kallang campus, which has been expanded to seven hectares, making it one of the largest government schools in Singapore in physical area.
Its Chinese name Démíng (德明) is a transliteration of "Dunman". The meaning of its name in Chinese is derived from a line in the Book of Rites (大学之道，在明明德) which is a statement that has influenced the Emperors of the Han, Tang and Song dynasties in Imperial China. It can be roughly translated as "the Dao (path) to the greatest learning lies in understanding the brightest virtues".
History
Establishment
On 14 October 1956, in the midst of the Chinese middle schools riots, the Ministry of Education established the predecessor of Dunman High School, Kallang West Government Chinese Middle School, along with other schools like River Valley High School.
In the 1956 riots, Chinese middle-school students who subscribed to the communist ideology staged sit-ins and demonstrations, disrupted classes, and in effect shut their schools down. The function of the newly established Kallang West Government Chinese Middle School was to allow students who had no wish to be embroiled in communism to have a place to study.[3] The premises of a newly-built primary school at Mountbatten Road were loaned, and the initial enrolment included about 100 boys from The Chinese High School,[4] with 10 teachers. In December 1957 the school moved to Dunman Road and was renamed Dunman Government Chinese Middle School.[5]
Special Assistance Plan
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In 1979, the school was selected to be one of the nine Special Assistance Plan (SAP) secondary schools. The school was renamed "Dunman High School" and began to offer both English and Chinese languages at the first-language level. When the Music Elective Programme (MEP) was introduced by the MOE in 1982, DHS was selected to implement the programme for musically gifted students.
In 1990, the school expanded its physical area by taking over the neighbouring former premises of Dunman Secondary School at Dunman Road. It then became a single-session school (previously the school was divided into the "morning session" and "afternoon session" so that two classes of students could share a classroom). It was one of six schools to go autonomous in 1994. The school moved to its current location in Tanjong Rhu on 27 May 1995. It was made the 7th Gifted Education Programme centre in Singapore in 1997.
Dunman High Programme
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From 2005 the school has implemented a customised version of the Integrated Programme called the Dunman High Programme (DHP), which allows all students to bypass the 'O' Level examinations and directly take the A-Level examinations.
50th anniversary
A time capsule was launched on the opening ceremony of DHS's 50th anniversary celebrations on 31 March 2006. The time capsule will be opened in 2031 on Dunman High's 75th anniversary. Items such as the DHS uniform and the 2006 student handbook were placed in it. A letter by the current Principal of the school was also included.[6][7] In addition, a Heritage Run was organised that day.[5] There were also performances, including a dance by the school's Chinese Society, and a drumming performance by the percussionists from Chinese Orchestra and Symphonic Band. A 50th anniversary song, written by Kelvin Ang Chin Yuan, was played by Clara Ng Yi Wen and sung by the school.
PRIME
Dunman High School embarked on a 6-year Integrated Programme called the Dunman High Programme.
To meet the needs of the Integrated Programme, the school moved to a holding school in the former Raffles Junior College at Mount Sinai in December 2006 to allow for upgrading of the current site at Tanjong Rhu.
The land area of the expanded campus increased from four hectares to seven hectares, making Dunman High School one of the biggest government schools in Singapore.[8]
Completion
In December 2008 the classrooms, general office and staff rooms of the Tanjong Rhu Campus were completed, and the school moved back to the Tanjong Rhu campus.
On 2 January 2009 the school opened to a new year with an opening ceremony named "Homecoming" （回家） to welcome students and staff to the upgraded campus.
On the road to full completion
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Performing Arts Centre
In March 2009 the Dunman High Performing Arts Centre (PAC) was officially opened. It is an 800-seat concert hall, and public concerts such as the "Musical Promenade" by DHS's Choir, "Rhapsody of Spring" (《青春旋律》) by DHS's Chinese Society, the "Spirit of Strings" by DHS's String Ensemble, "EDS Nite" by DHS's English Drama/Dance Society, and "RHYTHM XXIII" by DHS's Symphonic Band have been held there.
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Still under construction in March 2009 -
Stage of Dunman High's Performing Arts Centre (PAC) on the day of the 13th "Spirit of Strings" concert in 2009
Library
On 15 May 2009 the Dunman High library was officially opened. It is a two-storey air-conditioned building including discussion rooms, DHP academy pillar rooms like MSP, HAP, etc., and a cafe, Good News Cafe, which was opened in July 2009.
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DHS library prior to official opening date. -
A discussion room in the DHS library before furnishing.
Track and field
On 25 May 2009 the track and field was officially opened for physical education lessons, CCAs, students and staff to carry out activities there. The field has been in use since 3 August 2009.
Principals
Since its establishment in 1956, Dunman High School has had eight principals:
| In office | Name | Chinese name | Photo | Significant contributions/remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1956 – 1959 | Mr. Sun Hwan Sin | 孙焕新 | ||
| 1959 – 1969 | Mr. Chen Jen Hao | 陈人浩 |
| |
| 1969 – 1978 | Mdm. Shu June Mai | 许锦美 | ||
| 1978 – 1993 | Mr. Lim Nai Yan | 林乃燕 | ||
| 1994 – 1998 | Mr. Cheah Chak Mun | 谢泽文 | ||
| 1998 – 2004 | Mr. Tan Thiam Hock | 陈天福 | ||
| 2004 – Dec 2009 | Mr. Sng Chern Wei | 孙振炜 |  |
|
| Dec 2009 – | Dr. Foo Suan Fong | 符传丰 |
|
School song
| Simplified Chinese | Pinyin | English translation |
|---|---|---|
| 德明中学 矗立加东 | démíng zhōngxué chùlì jiādōng | Dunman High School stands proud in Katong |
| 亭亭松影 习习海风 | tíngtíng sōngyǐng xíxí hǎifēng | (Where) the pines sway in the ocean winds |
| 集我英才 汇于一家 | jíwǒ yīngcái huìyú yījiā | Gather all my talents under one roof |
| 文艺科学 同冶同攻 | wényì kēxué tóngyě tónggōng | Studying arts and science |
| 树模楷 教诚信 | shù mókǎi jiào chéngxìn | (With) the trees as our model, teaching us honesty and integrity |
| 立风范 诲勇忠 | lì fēngfàn huì yǒngzhōng | Setting an example, preaching bravery and loyalty |
| 吾学兮博通 吾德兮高崇 | wúxué xī bótōng wúdé xī gāochóng | Our learning is of the most comprehensive, our virtue is of the highest quality |
| 师生共陶镕 浩气干长空 | shīshēng gòng táoróng hàoqì gān chángkōng | Students and teacher exist harmoniously, our courage compares with the horizon. |
| 爱护我德明 永志乎五中 | àihù wǒ démíng yǒngzhì hu wǔzhōng | Love and protect my Dunman, declare my aspirations |
| 光大我德明 永志乎五中 | guāngdà wǒ démíng yǒngzhì hu wǔzhōng | Glorify my Dunman, declare my aspirations |
School crest
The school crest of DHS was designed by the late Chen Jen Hao, its second principal, and Liu Kang, a pioneer in local fine art and former art teacher of the school.[11] The two Chinese characters read, from right to left, Dé míng, the Chinese name of the school. The characters are written in seal script.
The red colour symbolises passion and the drive for success. The blue colour signifies peace and dignity, while the circular border represents wholeness and unity, as well as the pursuit of universality, as defined in the Confucian classic Book of Rites.
School uniform
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The school uniform is a short-sleeved white top, dark blue bottoms and white shoes with matching socks. Lower secondary boys wear short trousers while upper secondary boys wear long trousers. All girls wear blouses and skirts. The shirts and blouses of DHS differ from most other schools in that they use metal buttons instead of plastic ones. This tradition is shared by the former Chinese schools such as The Chinese High School, Catholic High School, Chung Cheng High School, Nan Chiau High School, Anglican High School, Nan Hua High School and River Valley High School.
Students wear badges depicting the school crest on the left side of their uniforms. On Mondays they also put on the dark blue school tie. The school councillors wear a slightly different badge. All councillors wear the school tie at all times. Committee members of the Student Council also wear a tiepin.
From 2007, a new Senior High uniform was launched. The school badge was replaced by a collar pin, while the metal buttons were dropped. Senior High students follow the practice of wearing the school tie on Mondays. All councillors at Senior High level wear the school tie and the Senior High Student Council tiepin. Senior High House Committee members also wear the House Committee pins.
Relations with other schools
Dunman High School is not officially affiliated with any school.
It holds an annual sports meet with Chung Cheng High School (Main), Ngee Ann Secondary School and Temasek Secondary School called the Four-School Combined Athletes Meet since 1980, in which students aged 13 to 16 from the four schools compete in sports events.[12]
Student Council
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The DHS Student Council (DHSSC) was set up in 2004. One of the objectives was to streamline the system of student leadership, for the school's application of Best Practice Award (Student All-Round Development) and also for DHP.
The DHSSC is separated into two sections, one for the Junior High section made up of Year 2-4 students, and a Senior High section made up of Year 5-6 students.
The Junior High section of the DHSSC (JHSC) was formerly divided into three departments, General Affairs, Event Management and Pupil Mentoring, each headed by a Vice-President of the Student Council, and overall headed by a President. This structure was modified in late 2005, into six departments, namely Level Council, Student Welfare, Communications and Publicity, CCA Council, Corporate Relations and Internal Affairs. As of late 2006, the Junior High SCs has been categorised under four departments, Level Council, Internal Affairs, Corporate Relations and Student Welfare.
In 2007, with the pioneer batch of Senior High students, the Senior High Student Council (SHSC) was set up. It was headed by an Executive President (EP) who would also oversee the Junior High Student Council (JHSC). The Senior High Council was also headed by a Vice-President and four HODs, who form the Executive Committee (EXCO) of the Senior High Council. From 2008, the Senior High Council EXCO was restructured. It is now led by the Executive President (EP), President(Senior High), four HODs and one Secretary-Treasurer. The EP now coordinates the Junior High, Senior High Councils and the House Committee(SHHC).
On 23 February 2009 the Junior High Student Councillors were invested on their 5th anniversary, with the investiture called De5ined.
In July 2009 the Level Council department Junior High section was merged under Student Welfare. The JHSC now has three departments: Internal Affairs, Corporate Relations and Student Welfare.
Co-curricular activities
DHS offers co-curricular activities (CCAs), including competitive sports, uniformed groups, musical groups and clubs and societies. The school's traditional forte has been Chinese orchestral music.[13] The Uniformed Groups have a strong presence in Dunman High School, with CCAs like Saint John Ambulance Brigade, Scouts, Girl Guides and National Police Cadet Corps achieving honours.[14]
Junior High CCAs
Symphonic Band
The Band director is Mr Desmond Ng, who leaded the band to conquer many endeavours and made the Rhythm concerts a blast. The band consists of many fun-filled pieces and activities, and everybody in this CCA enjoys it.
Chinese Orchestra
The Dunman High School Chinese Orchestra was founded in 1973 and has a current strength of almost 300 members.
The Orchestra director is Mr Tay Teow Kiat. The school has also engaged several professional music instructors from the NAFA City Chinese Orchestra as sectional instructors.[15]
The orchestra has been invited to perform at various functions and celebrations, including festival performances at the Istana, the Millennium Chinese Cultural Festival Opening Ceremony, Singapore Youth Festival Opening Ceremony, and the opening ceremonies of certain international conferences.
Since 1984, the orchestra has given an annual public concert at the Victoria Concert Hall.
It has also been invited to perform in other countries including Thailand, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, and China.
The orchestra has participated in the biennial National Music Competition (Chinese Music Section) and won prizes in both the ensemble and individual categories.[16]
In addition, the orchestra has won the biennial Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) "Award of Distinction" since 1983, and "Best Chinese Orchestra of the Year" since the inception of this award in 1997.
The Dunman High Junior High Chinese Orchestra was awarded "Gold with Honours" at the 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2011 SYF Central Judging.
The Dunman High Senior High Chinese Orchestra has been established only since the start of the school's Integrated Programme. It took part in its first SYF in 2009, and was awarded "Gold with Honours". It won "Gold" in the 2011 SYF.
Sailing Club
The Sailing Club was formed as a student-initiated CCA for the senior high section in 2008, obtaining funding from MOE's Co-Curricular Activities Branch Sea Sports Programme.[17] The club recruits sailors who go on to compete at the National Interschools Sailing Competition.[18]
Alumni
Politics
- Josephine Teo (Ms): Minister of State, Member of Parliament for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC
- Dr Ong Seh Hong: Former Member of Parliament
- Chia Ti Lik: Lawyer; Secretary-General, Socialist Front
Corporate
- Douglas Foo: Founder, Sakae Sushi; Entrepreneur of the Year, 1992[19]
Education
- Sng Chern Wei: Principal, Dunman High School, 2004–2009; President's Scholar, 1989
- Dr Foo Suan Fong: Principal, Nan Hua High School (2004–2009), Dunman High School (2010–Present)
- Tan Bao Jia (Ms): President's Scholar, 2009[20]
Entertainment and The Arts
- Michelle Chong (Ms): Actress/Compere, Mediacorp; Winner, Best Comedy Performance (Highly Commended), Asian Television Awards, 2008 [21]
- Otelli Edwards (Ms): Newscaster, Mediacorp
- Vincy Chan (Ms): Hong Kong singer
- Ho Kah Wye (Ms), Loo Eng Teck (Ms) and Linda Ong (Ms): members of rock band, Lunarin [22]
Notes
- ^ "Dunman High School academic achievements". Archived from the original on 14 January 2006. Retrieved 15 April 2006.
- ^ "Our Best 'O' Level Results in 10 Years!". Archived from the original on 16 May 2006. Retrieved 15 April 2006.
- ^ "Speech by Mr Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister, at Dunman High School 50th anniversary dinner, 14 October 2006". Retrieved 14 October 2006.
- ^ Dunman High School 40th Anniversary memento magazine. 1995. p. i.
- ^ a b "Dunman High School milestones". Archived from the original on 14 January 2006. Retrieved 15 April 2006.
- ^ "A Letter to Future Dunmanian". Archived from the original on 29 May 2006. Retrieved 15 April 2006.
- ^ "半个世纪，德明情". Archived from the original on 29 May 2006. Retrieved 15 April 2006.
- ^ "A New School for Dunman High". Archived from the original on 10 October 2007. Retrieved 29 December 2007.
- ^ http://www.chhs.edu.my/joomlacn1/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=69&Itemid=167
- ^ "Dunman High School Website". Retrieved 31 January 2010.
- ^ DHS Handbook 2009.
- ^ "DHS Sports CCA". Archived from the original on 10 October 2007. Retrieved 29 December 2007.
- ^ "Dunman High School CCA achievements: music". Archived from the original on 14 January 2006. Retrieved 15 April 2006.
- ^ "Dunman High School CCA achievements: UG". Archived from the original on 10 October 2007. Retrieved 17 November 2007.
- ^ "Dunman High School Music CCAs Page". Archived from the original on 10 September 2007. Retrieved 17 November 2007.
- ^ "National Arts Council Chinese Music Competition Page". Retrieved 1 April 2009.
- ^ "Co-Curricular Activities Branch - Sea Sports Programmes". Ministry of Education. Retrieved 13 March 2008.
- ^ Chen, May (1 May 2009). "New at sailing and proud of it". The Straits Times. Singapore.
- ^ Chuang Peck Ming (9 February 2004). "It pays to be crazy sometimes". Business Times. Singapore.
- ^ Luo, Serene (14 August 2009). "Presidents Scholars 2009". The Straits Times. Singapore.
- ^ Tan, Lorna (19 August 2008). "She doesn't stint on the three Fs". The Straits Times (Singapore).
- ^ "Lunarin, The Chrysalis" (press release).