Bedok South Secondary School

Infobox Singapore School
name = Bedok South Secondary School


motto = Success Through Endeavour
established = 1980
type = Government
session = Single
principal = Mr. Krishnan Aravinthan
city/town = Bedok
school code = 3027
enrollment = 1504
colours = White and Light Brown
homepage = [http://bedoksouthsec.egenie.org/ link]

Bedok South Secondary School (Abbreviation: BDS) is a government, co-educational 'N'/'O'-level preparatory secondary school of the Ministry of Education of Singapore and serves secondary one through five. The school has since grown and established itself to become one of the more popular and quality- added schools in the Bedok neighbourhood. The school is situated just a few hundred metres from Tanah Merah MRT Station.

The school is also one of the few schools selected to construct an indoor sports hall and one of eight schools to be selected for the 'Teach Less, Learn More' programmes. [http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/199083/1/.html See for more information]

History

ummary

Founded in 1980, it shared its premises with Temasek Secondary School and Hong San Primary School. In June 1980, the school had the entire building for itself when students and staff of the other 2 schools moved out. BDS was located in Bedok housing estate, in the eastern part of Singapore before being relocated in the current premises at 1 Jalan Langgar Bedok in year 2003. The new campus was officially opened on 21 February 2004 by Mr Abdullah Tarmugi, Speaker of Parliament and MP for East Coast GRC (Siglap). The principal of the school was Mdm Koh Teck Siew. She has since left the school following the end of her six-year term.

The school is one of the first 20 schools in Singapore to be given an indoor sports hall.

Full school time line

1982 - 1996

Bedok South Secondary School was established in the year 1980 and declared open on 29th April 1982 by Dr Lee Chiaw Meng, MP for Tanah Merah. Its first building was strategically located along New Upper Changi Road. From these premises, BDS endeavoured to cater to the educational needs of the Bedok Town Community in the fast-growing economy which was industrialising and propelling the nation towards prosperity.

A comprehensive yet balanced educational programme was adopted not only to develop the needs of the students but also to mould them into useful and productive members of society.

Involvement in Extra Curricular Activities and exposure to the outside world were also given equal emphasis. A diverse range of programmes was introduced to enthuse, challenge and spur students to be adventurous, daring and determined.

1997 - 2001

Rapid technological advancement and globalisation prompted the education system to focus on processes that would facilitate the acquisition of Information Technology (IT) skills. To hone creativity and critical thinking, the Thinking School. Learning Nation (TSLN) policy was introduced and adopted by all schools.

In line with this impetus, BDS introduced an extensive IT and Thinking skills programme to prepare students for a workplace that had become increasingly computerised.

In addition, the academic programme was refined to consolidate the vision of maximising students' potential and producing independent learners capable of making the transition into a sophisticated economy. Through pastoral care, steps were taken to inculcate in students a sense of individual responsibility, to promote care and concern for their peers and the handicapped; and also to instil in them a healthy respect for the environment. 'Forge Ahead' was the driving force behind these moves, characterising the resilience pervading school life at BDS.

2002 and Beyond

In order to keep pace with global changes and to cater to the nation's goal of creating a knowledge based economy, schools are now placing greater emphasis on holistic education and entrepreneurship. Integration, which is imperative for progress, has been revitalised through the National Education(NE) programme. In response to these changes and challenges, BDS has embarked on a learning journey that embodies innovation, adaptability and racial harmony.

The year 2003 marked the school's move into its new premises along Jalan Langgar Bedok- another milestone in the history of the school. The school prides itself on having modern amenities such as gymnasium, a sports field, an Art room, a Humanities room and a well-equipped media resource library. State-of-the-art computer facilities are also fully made available to the students. Tampines Primary School occupied its premises from 2008.

The new premises provide and ideal platform for the school to move towards organisational excellence. Improved facilities coupled with innovative ideas create a nurturing environment for students to grow and excel in. Attention to character development remains pivotal and the core values enshrined in I CARE have been carefully crafted to inculcate the right attitude essential to moulding successful and caring students.

On 17 December 2007, Mr Krishnan Aravinthan became the new principal of Bedok South Secondary School.

taff and student population

The school currently has a staff strength of 90 teachers and 1509 students as of 2007.

chool Core Values

Integrity
We are honest and do the right things even under difficult situations

Confidence
We are self-motivated and committed to giving our best in whatever we do

Aspiration
We believe that success in achieving our goals comes to those who try and never give up

Responsibility
We are responsible for what we do and will carry out our roles and duties well

Entrepreneurship
We are creative and have the courage to make improvements by seeking new and effective ways of doing things

chool Mission

The school aims to nurture its students to be responsible, self-reliant, motivated and be thinking individuals who can contribute to society and face challenges with courage and confidence.

chool Vision

A Value Added, Quality School

chool Motto

The school motto, 'Success Through Endeavour' means success in attaining an enriched educational experience comes to those who try and never give up.

Educational Trips

The school has been organizing many overseas trips, the school aims to establish itself that, by sending its students overseas they could learn many other things. Students have visited Hong Kong, Australia, China, among other countries. The school is the winner for Best Educational Partner Award by the Singapore Tourism Board.

During the june holidays of 2008, a total of 243 students took part in the BDS Internationalization & National Education Development (BIND) Programme.

* 28 students went to Fushun, China
* 29 students went to Penang
* 55 students went to Chiang Mai, Thailand
* 65 students went to Hanoi, Vietnam
* 66 students went to Siem Reap

Awards and Achievements

The school has been awarded the Sustained Achievement Award for uniformed groups every year since 2004, MOE Value Added Bronze for Express and Normal Academic Courses. The school has also been rated as one of the best overseas educational parters, best school tuckshop and many other awards. The school has been known for achieving many awards for its CCAs. On 3rd March 2006, the school was awarded the Best Educational Partner organized by the Singapore Tourism Board, beating the other two finalists which are Temasek Junior College and YMCA.

Visitors from other countries

Many visitors have visited the school, such as from China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia. The foreign exchange programmes organised by the school have helped the students of the school to build up friendship with the foreign counterparts.

The school organizes about 10 overeas trips for its students yearly, and receives more than 20 visits from schools of other countries yearly too.

Co-Curricular activities

Uniformed Groups

* Concert Band
* National Civil Defence Cadet Corps (NCDCC)
* Girl Guides
* Scouts
* Boys' Brigade
* National Police Cadet Corps (NPCC)
* National Cadet Corps (NCC)

ports and Games

* Soccer
* Netball
* Badminton
* Floorball
* Rugby

Performing Arts

* Modern Dance
* Indian Dance
* Chinese Dance
* Malay Dance
* Choir
* Chinese Orchestra

Clubs and Societies

* Infomation Communication Club
* Media Resource Library
* Science Society
* PA Club
* Art & Craft Club
* Peer Cabin

chool Management Committee in 2008

*Mr Krishnan Aravinthan - Principal
*Ms Tan Chor Hiang - Vice Principal
*Mrs Kow-Kwang Yoke Ling - Unit Head/Sec 1-3 Exp, HOD English Language
*Ms Shek Mee Keng - Unit Head/Sec 4 Exp / 5 NA, HOD Humanities
*Mr Loh Jia Perng - Unit Head/Sec 1-4 NA, HOD Mathematics
*Mr Shamsul Kamar - Unit Head/Sec 1-4 NT, HOD PW
*Mrs Djie Say Aii - HOD Science
*Mr Douglas Lee - HOD IT
*Mr Michael L. Devakishen - HOD Aesthetics
*Mdm Ng Hwee Chin - HOD Mother Tongue Language
*Mr Roskhaider Mohd Saat - HOD PE/CCA
*Miss Rachel Abraham - Discipline Mistress
*Mrs Essah Hawazi - SH Geography
*Mdm Noredha Sold - SH Malay Language
*Mr Sum Tuck Mun - SH Mathematics
*Ms Ummu Hani Alsagoff - SH Project Work
*Mr Low Swee Hian- SH Science and Technology
*Mdm Hiryati Jaafar - Administration Manager
*Mr Ng Lee Peng - Operations Manager

Teachers' Day Awards 2007

During Teachers' Day 2007, some teachers had received awards.

Express Unit

*Most Caring Teacher: Ms Geradine Foo
*Most Understanding Teacher: Miss Pradeepa
*Most Inspiring Teacher: Mr Noor Ghazali Bin Mohd Nor Hussain

Normal (A) Unit

*Most Caring Teacher: "TBA"
*Most Understanding Teacher: "TBA"
*Most Inspiring Teacher: Mr Ghazali Abdul Wahab

Normal (T) Unit

*Most Caring Teacher: Mr Shamsul Kamar
*Most Understanding Teacher: Ms Zubaidah
*Most Inspiring Teacher: "TBA"

O Level Unit

*Most Caring Teacher: Mrs Djie-Lim Say Aii
*Most Understanding Teacher: Mr Murugayah
*Most Inspiring Teacher: Mr Yao Zhan Xin

Open Category Awards

*Most Caring Teacher: Ms Joanne Lee
*Most Dedicated Teacher: Miss Rachel Abraham
*Most Enthusiastic Teacher: Mr Noor Ghazali Bin Mohd Nor Hussain

Achievements (2004-Present)

The school has achieved more than 500 awards since 2004 to date.

Achievements of 2008

PORTS & GAMES

* Golf - Johnson Poh (4F) member of Singapore Golf Association Youth squad. Rep SGA vs Malaysia GA at Johor (Jul)

* Soccer - B Division: Aslam Ismail (Sec 5B) rep Singapore U17 Lion City Cup Championship & won the Plate Award. Md Fathi (5B) selected for Nat Football Academiy U17, C Div achieved 1st runner-up for H-Two-O Schools 7 Tournament.

* Tchoukball - Marilyn Loh Qiao Jun (Sec 3E): Member of National Youth Training, rep Singapore Tchoukball, rep Singapore in Asia Pacific Championship (APTC) in HK from 19-23 Jul 08.

* Swimming - Phan Yong Hao Joe (3A) rep Aquatic Performance Swim Club & participated in the INDIAN OCEAN All-STARS Challenge in Perth (19-24 Mar), Joe Phan & Tan Jing Hi (1F) rep BDS in Nat Inter-School Championships.

* Floorball - C Div Girls 1st & C Div Boys 3rd in Singapore River Raft Race (SP) Street Floorball Challenge (24-25 May), C Div Boys 2nd in Bedok CC Tournament (14 Jun).

* Exco Student-Leaders: Award of Commendation (National Level) in Youth EnvirOlympics Council Award Scheme (14 Jun) jointly org by NECDC, NEA, PAYM & Aljunied-Hougang CC. YOG: Suntec Convention Centre (12 Jan), Olympic Day Run at West Coast (Jul).

Uniformed groups

* NPCC (OUPA - Silver), Allison Maung of Sec 4A has been awarded with the SPF-NPCC Badge, the highest honour for any NPCC cadet. NPCC Best Unit Cadet - SSGT Allison Maung Si Jia (4A/Girl), SSGT Jonathan Siow Jun Yang (4B/ Boy). Participants for National UG Camp - Nuriati (3F), Lau Kai Yang (3D).

* NCC (OUPA Gold - 2007), Best Unit Cadet - SSGT Fawaz (4C)

* Scouts - (OUPA Bronze - 2007). Participation in HQ organized Malacca 2D1N Overseas Trip (14-15 Jun)

* Boys' Brigade 97th Singapore Company (J M Fraser Award for Excellence / OUPA - Bronze Award)

* Girl Guides - representatives in National Day Parade

External Rep

* CCAB Show Case Public Performance at Plaza Singapura (15 Mar) - Choir, Malay Dance, Indian Dance & Modern Dance groups

* Choir performing at SYF Opening Ceremony at Indoor Sports Hall (Jun)

Clubs & societies

* Infocomm Club - 3 students rep in Overseas Education Study Trip to Silicon Valley (4-13 Jun)

* Science Society - Inter-school Robo-Challenge Competition held at Catholic High, Best Mission Score Award:Team 1: Adrian Chan (3A), Ching Cheuck Hin (2B), Wesley Han (2B) / Team 2: Matthew Han (1B), Asri (1C), Sim Yong Jun (2H) / Best Judges' Award: Team 1: Adrian Chan (3A), Ching Cheuck Hin (2B), Wesley Han (2B)

MOE Awards / Others

* SAA (UG) - 5th MOE SAA (UG) Award [NCC & NPCC - Gold/Silver for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007]

* Cherish Award (Gold Award)

* NE Outstanding Award

* Partner's Award (pending)

Overseas Trips

* BIND: 3rd Twinning Fushun, China. Sec 3 Overseas Learning Journeys - Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam & Penang (IF).

* Sebana Cove - Peer Leader's Camp (Jun)

* Scouts - Malacca Exchange Trip (Jun)

External links

* [http://www.bdscyber.org/ Official Website]