Hwa Chong Institution

Infobox School
name = Hwa Chong Institution
(zh-c|c=华侨中学)

---

imagesize = 100px
caption =
motto = Zi Qiang Bu Xi (自强不息)
established = 1 January 2005 from the merger of
The Chinese High School
(est. 21 March 1919) &
Hwa Chong Junior College
(est. 1974)
closed =
type = Independent Secondary School & Junior College
Boys (Secondary 1ndash 4), Coed (JC 1ndash JC 2)
affiliation = Hwa Chong Family of Schools: Hwa Chong International School, Hwa Chong Institution Boarding School
district =
grades =
president =
principal = Ang Wee Hiong
head of school =
dean =
faculty =
staff =
students = Approx. 4000 (High School & College)
enrollment =
athletics =
conference =
colors =
colours = Red, Yellow
mascot =
campus type = Open Concept
campus size = 79 acres (320,000 m²)
free_label = Guiding Principle
free_text = 饮水思源
free_label2 = Mission
free_text2 = '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.'
free_label3 = Philosophy
free_text3 = "Win-Win"
己立立人　己达达人
"Live with passion, Lead with Compassion"
location = 661, Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 269734
country = SGP
coordinates = coord|1.326540|103.803491|scale:5000|display=inline,title
website = [http://www.hwachong.edu.sg www.hwachong.edu.sg]

Hwa Chong Institution (zh-stp|s=华侨中学|t=華僑中學|p=Húaqíao Zhōngxúe) is a premier independent school with a rich history of 89 years. It is one of the top schools in Singapore which offers education from Secondary (Junior High) 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. Such a move was to allow for a seamless Integrated Programme, tailored for the students who will skip the GCE 'O' Levels Examinations and sit for the GCE 'A' Levels Examinations after a six-year course.

The school has the highest Oxford-Cambridge admission rate in Singapore. It also has the most number of awardees of the President's Scholarship. [Citation
year = 2008
title = President's Scholars
publisher = Hwa Chong Institution
url = http://www.hwachong.edu.sg/ContentPage.asp?TID=42
accessdate = 2008-07-05]

The main campus of the school spans a large area of 79 acres (320,000 m²), making it the largest high school in Singapore and South East Asia in land covered.Fact|date=April 2008

The Birth of Hwa Chong Institution

Hwa Chong Institution was formed following the merger of The Chinese High School and Hwa Chong Junior College. On 1 January 2005, the two schools merged as a single institution, the result of months of negotiations between the Ministry of Education and the schools' Board of Directors and Governors.

High School Section

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.

Today, it is one of the finest educational institutions for high-achievers and the gifted in the region. Its reputation as a premier school is based not only on the academic excellence of the students but also their determination to excel in all other areas like leadership, sports and games, co-curricular activities, science research, and service to the community.

The Chinese High School has been a school of choice amongst the best and the brightest. Every year it attracts the top 3% of the national PSLE cohort and the top 1% that forms the Gifted Education Programme.

This is not confined to only the high achieving students from Singapore but also those from countries like Malaysia and China. The Chinese High School now forms the High School Section of Hwa Chong Institution following the merger.

History: The Chinese High School

As early as May 1913, Tan Kah Kee, a prominent merchant, proposed the setting up of a secondary school for Chinese boys in Singapore. His proposal fell on deaf ears. However, he was supported by the Tung Teh Reading club and a dance troupe, claiming to have raised $20000 as building fund. The Singapore Nanyang Overseas Chinese Middle School was then opened on 21 March 1919, at Niven Road, with an enrolment of 78 pupils. Six years and $600,000 later, the school moved to its Bukit Timah campus, with an area of 79 acres.

After the founding of the school, the school offered comprehensive secondary-level Chinese education. It remained funded and supported by Tan Kah Kee until just shortly before World War II. The school was closed temporarily in February 1933 because of the resignation of all the teachers. Later in February 1934, it was reopened with a new principal and staff. In 1934, Lee Kong Chian, whose father-in-law was Tan Kah Kee, became the chairperson of school's board, a post he held until 1957. During his tenture, the school attempted to close several times due to financial difficulties, but did not do so because of the backing of both Lee Kong Chian and Tan Kah Kee.

During the Battle of Singapore, the school clock tower with its height and vantage point first served as headquarters for the Allied defenders and then as headquarters for the Imperial Japanese Army. It also served as a temporary concentration camp to hold people for examination during the Sook Ching massacre.

After the war, with education resumed, the school continued its Chinese-dominated education, and in the 1950s and 1960s during periods of civil unrest many students, teachers and alumni took part or led anti-colonial rule riots.

The arrival of Tooh Fee San, the principal from 1979 to 1999, was a major turning point for the school. He undertook the responsibility of making the school one of the best in the nation. Steps were taken to improve the school's facilities. In 1987, The Chinese High School became an independent school. As an independent school, the school introduced many groundbreaking changes that were unprecedented in Singapore, such as the abolition of mid-year examinations in favour of camping trips for the entire school, and the introduction of numerous enrichment programmes such as Projects' Day.

In the early 1990s, the school underwent an extensive renovation, which saw the building of a new hall, now called Kah Kee Hall (嘉庚堂), a gymnasium, a renovated tower block and also new classrooms.

In the late 1990s, The Chinese High School embarked on a consortium scheme (a "school within a school" concept), in its continuous effort to improve the quality of education provided to its students. It started with the Quest consortium, and Aphelion, ProEd and Radix soon followed. iSpark was set up in 2000 for GEP students and exceptional students from the other consortia. In 2002 Quest and Radix merged to form Ortus.

On 19 March 1999, the school's clock tower was gazetted as a national monument, to mark the significance of the institution as the first Chinese-medium secondary school to be built in Southeast Asia catering to the Overseas Chinese. During the school's 80th anniversary celebrations, renowned artist and old-boy Tan Swie Hian presented the school with a giant sculpture of a heavenly horse (天下之马). The opening of the school's heritage centre was officiated by alumnus and former President of Singapore, Ong Teng Cheong.

College Section

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 as a separate pre-university school, but under the same management board with the latter school. More than 3 decades later, the college remains committed to offering students an unrivalled holistic education.

Hwa Chong Junior College became the Singaporean junior college to be given the independent status in 2004.

The college was ranked 1st for the last 4 years of the Junior College Ranking Exercise conducted by Ministry of Education, based on the university points system.

History: Hwa Chong Junior College

Founded in 1974, Hwa Chong Junior College has, since its inception, stood out as one of Singapore's premier learning institutions. It is the second oldest junior college to be founded, after National Junior College, and is the first government-aided junior college.

The college has an excellent track record in academia, sports, music, culture and the arts. It is assumed that alumni will go on to become leaders in research, industry and government. Hwa Chong Junior College was widely recognized as one of the top junior colleges in Singapore in the 1980s. On 8 May 1987, Hwa Chong Junior College was forced to move out of its premises in Bukit Timah due to structural problems with the building. It held lessons temporarily at Ngee Ann Polytechnic from May to December 1987. It shifted to Bukit Batok Street 34 (Current Swiss Cottage Secondary and St Anthony's Primary School site) until the college premises were rebuilt in 1992.

Campus

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 CCAs 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.

Curriculum

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 [http://hcisab2.hci.edu.sg Hwa Chong Sabbaticals] , which allows students to spend one of the last weeks each term undergoing programmes of their own choice 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 10-15% 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 49 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.

Administration

The current Principal (College Section) and CEO is Mr Ang Wee Hiong, and the Principal (High School Section) and Deputy CEO is Dr. Hon Chiew Weng.

Affiliations

Hwa Chong Institution is also affiliated with Hwa Chong International School and Hwa Chong Institution Boarding School. Both affiliated schools sit on the same campus as the main school.

School culture

School uniform and attire

High School Section

The school uniform for Secondary 1 to Secondary 3 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 consists of a beige short-sleeved shirt and a pair of beige long pants. The students wear the school badge, which is their school logo in the form of a collar pin, on their left collar. The PE attire, worn during PE lessons and CCAs, consists of a white T-shirt (with yellow and red sides) with the school name printed on the front (in English) and back (in Traditional Chinese), and a pair of black shorts. Some CCA groups may also have their own specialised attire, such as a common T-shirt worn by members during activities.

College Section

Male students from the college section wear 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. They all wear their school badge, which is their school logo in the form of a collar pin, on their left collar. The PE attire, worn during PE lessons and CCAs, consists of a white T-shirt (with yellow and red sides) with the school name printed on the front (in English) and back (in Traditional Chinese), and a pair of black shorts. Some CCA groups may also have their own specialised attire, such as a common T-shirt worn by members during activities.

School songs

The school songs are available for listening on at. [http://www.edwintan.net/schtunes/hwachong/index.html]

English version

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.

Chinese version

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

English translation of the lyrics (incomplete with errors)

Verse 1:The wide sky above, shrouded in clouds and trees, in the centre lies Hwa ChongThe path of propriety and righteousness, the happy and sad times, we shall entrust our protection

Verse 2:Life is full of wonders, the boundless sea of knowledge, we shall remain strongStrive for the best and remain alert at all times, always progressive, do not waste the good times

Verse 3:When we have become successful, attained glory, made significant achievementsWe continue to strive for the best, manage all around us, the road ahead is vast and long

Chorus:O Hwa Chong, strength of the south, pride of the ChineseStands firmly on Singapore, which seems like a remote place, continues to live on and on

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.

chool conduct songs

* Let’s Be – this song is sung during the weekly assemblies in the high school section.
* Hua Zhong Xing (华中行) – in Chinese, this song is sung during the weekly assemblies in the high school section.

Other songs

Some of these songs were composed by earlier generations of students, and passed down as traditional songs, such as ‘‘‘Chang Yi Shou Hua Chu De Ge’’’. Some are also popular pop songs such as ‘‘‘Peng You’’’.

* Man Jiang Hong (满江红) – based on a poem by the famous patriot Yue Fei.
* Peng You (朋友) – adapted from a French song, performed by Wakin Chau.
* Hua Zhong Will Shine Tonight
* Auld Lang Syne
* Jiao Shi Song (教师颂)
* Ni Shi Yi Ke Xing (你是一颗星)
* Chang Yi Shou Hua Chu De Ge (唱一首华初的歌) – a traditional song sung in the college section.
* Dang Ni Gu Dan Ni Hui Xiang Qi Shei (当你孤单你会想起谁) – a popular pop song performed by Zhang Dongliang.
* Xi Shui Chang Liu (细水长流) – a popular local song
* Qing Zhen Qing Shen (情真情深)
* Xin Lü (心旅)
* Ye Shi Shen Qing (也是深情)
* Zhi Wei Na Ai Wo Yuan (只为那爱我愿)
* Never Forget
* Lets Be
* 华中行

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 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, Dr. Hon Chiew Weng.

Consortiums and Faculties

Consortiums

The High School section consists of 4 consortiums - [http://www.hci.sg/aphelion/ Aphelion] , [http://www.hci.sg/ortus/ Ortus] , [http://www.hci.sg/proed/ ProEd] and [http://www.hci.sg/ispark/ iSpark] . The consortiums work closely with one another and each has its own council of students.

Aphelion

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

In 2002, Ortus was formed from the merger of former consortiums Radix and Quest. Ortus Council involves and organizes many school based events such as Founders' Day, 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

Students' Council

Evolving from the fomer Chinese High Students Union, the current Students' Council is divided into 2 councils, the [http://www.hc33sc.com College Council] and the [http://www.hwachong.edu.sg/union/ High School Council] .

High School Council

The High School Council (HSC) organises several events for the school. It is made up of 16 Secondary 4 students, together with the Executive Committee (ExCo) of the four consortium councils. The council is divided into 5 different committees, namely Public Relations, Quartermasters (Logistics), Welfare, Projects and Administration. The HSC also manages a consortium council for each consortium.

Consortium Councils

The 4 Consortium Councils; Aphelion, ProEd, Ortus and iCouncil, are representatives of the student body and also co-operate with the [http://www.hwachong.edu.sg/union/ High School Council] in organising welfare initiatives for the students.

Each council includes Sec 1 Councillors-in-training (CIT) 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.

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").

Class Management Committee (CMC)

Every class has its own Class Management Committee (CMC), headed by the Chairman, Monitor, Secretary, Treasurer, Welfare Secretary and the Facilitiy Secretary. The Class Chairman and Monitor work side by side and help each other. They ensure that the class is disciplined. The Secretary takes down minutes and settles most of the administrative work. The Treasurer helps to collect funds and fees fro all the various events and occasions such as payment for books, etc. The Welfare Secretary ensures that the class is happy and free of problems. The Facility Secretary ensures that everything in the classroom is in good condition.

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, namely, the [http://smb.chs.edu.sg/ Electronic Message Board] (EMB), [http://www.online.chs.edu.sg/ Integrated Virtual Learning Environment] (IVLE) and the [http://vle.chs.edu.sg/ Virtual Learning Environment] (VLE). 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 [http://webmail.chs.edu.sg/ Hwa Chong Institution Internet Webmail System] , which is hardly ever used by the students. The school also has 5 computer labs in which students are granted access daily till 5 pm. The computers are of reasonable standard, some even utilizing dual core processors.

Student Message Board

The [http://smb.chs.edu.sg/smb/hs_student/ Electronic Message Board] , 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.

Common criticisms, however, include the fact that the EMB's design is old and crude.

Integrated Virtual Learning Environment

The [http://www.online.chs.edu.sg/ Integrated Virtual Learning Environment] acts as a place where assignments and/or learning materials can be found as soft copies. Homework assignments are also uploaded here. 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 [http://vle.chs.edu.sg/ Virtual Learning Environment] 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. However, much of the content on the VLE is outdated and left much to be desired. Fortunately, it is highly likely that Hwa Chong, after attaining the Future School recognition by MOE, will step up its act to improve such a 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 will be banned if students are caught playing games or surfing restricted sites and will be punished accordingly.

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

Formerly known as the Science and Mathematics Research Programme (SMRP), the idea was first mooted by Dr Hon Chiew Weng, Principal of The Chinese High School, towards the end of 2004 and implemented in 2005. He felt that the school’s potentials in the areas of mathematics and science could be enhanced by the SMRP/SMTP, 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

The Entrepreneurship Programme (EP) allows 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 has so far produced more President's Scholars (Singapore's most prestigious award for academic excellence) than any other education institution.

Students who join the humanities programme are able to take all three humanities subjects, that is, History, Geography and Literature. Students who are not in the programme are only able to take one of the three alongside social studies (also known as the Integrated Humanities Core). Students who are part of the programme may also take the most number of subjects for a S3/S4 student.

As of 2008, all Humanities Programme students are required to undertake a Humanities Research Paper (HRP) project, which counts as one academic unit. The HRP is a long-term commitment, similar to a masters' thesis, where students are required to research a topic from either of the three humanities disciplines and then present an academic paper of no less than 5,000 words on their chosen topic. They will be mentored throughout the length of the research period (Jan-Sept) by a teacher-mentor, who will then give them a grade based on the quality of the written paper.

Bicultural Studies and Humanities Programme

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 be able to take all three humanities subjects. This programme was set up to prepare students to enter a global society which sees China ascending in dominance. There are currently 11 students in this programme.

Centre for Scholastic Excellence

Centre for Scholastic Excellence (CSE) is a new academic system implemanted in the year 2008. This initiative is brought up after Hwa Chong Institution has been chosen as one of the schools to try out the "Future School" system. This consortium of academic rigour is meant for students who harbour interest in the various Special Programmes in Hwa Chong Institution (High School Section), namely the Humanities Programme, Bi-cultural Studies Programme, Entrepreneurship Programme and the Science Mathematics Talent Programme. CSE, while challenging, aims to provide every outstanding student the opportunity to excel in their fields of interest to grow up to be leaders in Research, Industry and Government. However, it has been dubbed by many as "Cannot Sleep Early", which leaves many wondering about the effectiveness of the programme and the effect of the programme on a student's health.

Student-organised events

Student Leaders Convention (SLC)

The Student Leaders Convention (SLC) is an annual leadership convention and is a flagship event organised by Hwa Chong Institution, which is fully organised by students, for students. A convention will be held each year, with a few elite schools participating. Till date, 14 conventions have been held. The latest convention held was the 14th SLC, from 27th to 30th May. The theme of the convention was Education and its future: It lies in YOUth.

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 to 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.

Extracurricular activities

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.

Achievements

Amongst its achievements, the school is famed for its dominance in the Singapore National Inter-school Track And Field Championships (it has only lost less than 10 times within its 88 year history) Fact|date=April 2008 in addition to its Judo Team, which clinches at least 2 Gold Medals per year Fact|date=May 2008, it is one of the most successful Judo club in Singapore schools, along with the Raffles Schools. Fact|date=May 2008. 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.Fact|date=April 2008 It has also one of the largest Student Councils amongst secondary schools in Singapore, with about 18000 councillors belonging to its Students' Council.Fact|date=April 2008

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. Fact|date=April 2008

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. Fact|date=April 2008

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.Fact|date=April 2008 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.Fact|date=April 2008 The school's Water Polo, Judo and softball teams are also famous in their respective circles for their formidable prowess and have clinched their fair share of championships over the years as well.Fact|date=April 2008

The Chinese Drama Club has also performed excellently in recent years, clinching the Gold Award for the Singapore Youth Festival Central Judging CompetitionFact|date=May 2008. The Hwa Chong Badminton also managed to clinch West Zone Top 4 in the C-Div for 2 consecutive years (2007-2008)Fact|date=May 2008.

The Hwa Chong Choir competed at the 2008 [http://www.worldchoirgames.info/index.php?id=944 World Choir Games] in Graz, Austria, and won two gold medals in the Mixed Youth and Folklore categories. The choir was also ranked No. 1 in the Mixed Youth category, effectively making them one of the Champions of the WCG.

Notable staff and alumni

Notable staff

* Lao She (老舍), noted Manchu writer, taught at the school in 1929.
* Liu Kang (刘抗), artist
* Teo Chin Chew, famous and popular LSS teacher within the school. Taught in the school since 1979

Notable alumni

* Ong Teng Cheong (王鼎昌), former President of Singapore
* Kenny Yap (叶金利), founder of Qian Hu Corporation
* Luo Haocai (罗豪才), chief justice, Supreme People's Court (PRC)
* Tan Swie Hian (陈瑞献), artist
* Zhong Shengbiao (钟盛标), physicist
* Olivia Lum, founder of Hyflux
* Sharon Au (欧菁仙), actress-host of MediaCorp Singapore, currently pursuing higher education in Japan.
* Liang Wenfu (梁文福), composer of xinyao (songs that reflect life in Singapore)
* Warren Fernandez, editor of the Foreign section in The Straits Times
* Mr Brown (born Lee Kin Mun, 李健敏), Singaporean Blogger
* Baey Yam Keng (马炎庆), PAP Politician, Member of Parliament
* Grace Fu (傅海燕), PAP Politician, Member of Parliament
* Lieutenant-General Ng Yat Chung, Chief of Defence Force Singapore (2003-2007)
* Mikail Kalimuddin, recipient of the prestigious President's Scholarship and Singapore Armed Forces Overseas Scholarship in 2005
* Liu Xuan De (劉玄德), renowned actor of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

References

External links

* [http://www.hwachong.edu.sg Hwa Chong Institution school website]
* [http://app.sis.moe.gov.sg/schinfo/SIS_SearchDtls.asp?strCode=0806 School Information Service] - Hwa Chong Institution