Hwa Chong Institution
| File:Chinese high logo.PNG | |
| Name |
Hwa Chong Institution |
| Abbreviation |
HCI |
| School Code |
0806 |
| Chinese Name | 华侨中学 |
| Address |
661, Bukit Timah Road Singapore 269734 |
| Founded | |
| Type |
Independent Secondary/Junior College |
| Religion |
Secular |
| Students |
Boys (Secondary 1–4), Mixed (JC 1–JC 2) |
| Levels |
Secondary 1–JC 2 |
| Colours |
Red, Yellow |
| 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 server our nation. |
| Motto |
自强不息 |
| Philosophy |
Win-Win/ 己立立人 己达达人 (Chinese) Live with passion, Lead with Compassion |
| Publications |
Hwa Chong Highlights, MOCH (Hwa Chong's own magazine) |
| Website | |
Hwa Chong Institution (simplified Chinese: 华侨中学; traditional Chinese: 華僑中學; pinyin: Húaqīao Zhōngxúe) is a prestigious college offering education from a Secondary (High School) to Pre-University (Senior High) level in Singapore. 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 will allow 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 fieldtrips abroad. 90% of students who graduate from Hwa Chong Institution and complete their 'A' levels then go on to attend university, in Singapore and abroad. The uniform consists of a white shirt with khaki pants.
Historical importance
The Hwa Chong Instituition Tower Block has been declared a National Monument. The four clocks were kindly donated by Seiko.
School song
The school song is in classical Chinese and it will be hard for people without an understanding of classical Chinese.
新加坡南洋华侨中学校歌
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
After the merger, an English version of the school song--the original English school anthem of Hwa Chong Junior College-- was introduced.
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.
Consortiums and Faculties
The High School section consists of 4 consortiums - Aphelion, Ortus, ProEd and iSpark. The consortiums work closely with one another and each have their own council of students.
Aphelion, Ortus and ProEd are consortiums that deal with the Special students, also known as the mainstream students. iSpark, on the other hand, is a consortium for students under the Gifted Education Programme (GEP), selected by the Ministry of Education (MOE).
Aphelion
The consortium with the aim of building bridges and realising dreams, Aphelion has made its name in the school as the premier consortium which encompasses a council of excellent calibre as well as students who excel exceptionally in studies. For 3 consecutive years, Aphelion comsortium has been the winner of the intraschool debate as well as the pioneer in organising "nites", events where the whole consortium stays as a family. In addition, Aphelion is the epitome in exchange programmes where we have annual exchanges with St Nicholas Girls' School. furthemore, a prestigious event, Singapore Mathematical Oylmpiad for Primary School as well as Asia-Pacific Mathematical Olympiad for Primary Schools are organised fully by Aphelion.
Ortus
In 2002, Ortus was formed as a consortium, former consortiums Radix and Quest merged as one body.
iSpark
In 2000, iSpark as a consortium was formed, with 7 GEP classes (the 7th including the CHS-GEP class, 3O) stretching across 2 levels. This year, the consortium has a total of 12 classes with an average number of 25 students per class.
For the Secondary Ones, it's 26 students per class.
Its mission is :
- To nurture global thinkers,
- Who with pride and commitment,
- Steeped in values, contribute to society,
- With humility and integrity.
Proed
Students from the Proed consortium are known as Proedians.
Philosophy
Pupils must be fully equipped with the skills and values that enable them to be lifelong learners.
They must acquire the capacity to learn and change consciously, continuously and quickly.
Desired Outcome
To reawaken in pupils the joys of learning so as to develop their intellects to the fullest.
To inculcate in pupils a strong sense of moral judgement and integrity, and to take on a winning position in personal and social responsibilities.
Staff are split into teams to maximise efficiency and to maximise student's holistic development, e.g. students exchanges team, curriculum innovations team, leadership team etc.
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 inaugaral 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.
List of Major competitions (in chronological order)
1. O1 War Games
2. CNY Faculty Dance competition
3. Dramafeste
4. Hwa Chong Idol
5. Annual Cross Country Meet
6. Combined Sports Meet (CSM)
7. Best Cheering Faculty for CSM
8. Festival of Sports
On top of the Fac 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.
The current Faculty Heads ad Deputy Heads are Phang Khang Chiang and Wong Tse Yuk Peter (Apollo), Puah Yee Kai and Lee Jian Yang (Ares), Lin Cheng Xian and Wu Songjun (Artemis) and Koh Hong Yi and Shee Shu Fen Genesis (Athena).
=== The Faculties === (in alphabetical order, information as of May '06)
Apollo
God of the Sun
Fac Colour: yellow
Fac Mascot: Bully the Bullboy
Information: Striking yellow and cute, Bully the Bullboy can be seen almost everywhere. Led by first Jin Rui and now Khang Chiang and Peter, both have seen Apollo through many champion titles, including War Games, CNY Fac Dance competition, Best Cheering Faculty for CSM and Overall Best Faculty for CSM. Apollo is currently leading in the Faculty Shield.
Ares
God of War
Fac Colour: red
Fac Animal: stallion
Information: A faculty led by the most dynamic Faculty Committee, the Ares Faculty, under the leadership of their passionate previous Fac Head Dawei, has exhibited its strong faculty spirit and emerged winners in the many fields, including the Champions of the Festival of Sports 2005, CNY Fac Dance Competition and Annual Cross-Country Meet 2006. On top of that, the faculty's production, Racomonac, clinched the Best Play at Dramafeste 2006. The current Fac Heads are Yeekai and Jian Yang.
Artemis
Goddess of the Hunt
Fac Colour: blue
Fac Animal: dolphin
Information: A faculty with strong sports classes, Artemis classes have swept many inter-CT CCA competitions, the more prominent ones being the inter-CT touch rug competition, inter-CT carom competition and also inter-CT chess competition. Artemis usually takes home many of the top prizes of these competitions. The previous faculty head, Mark, is well loved by all in Artemis. Artemis is currently under Lin Cheng Xian and Wu Songjun.
Athena
Goddess of Wisdom
Fac Colour: green
Fac Animal: owl
Information: The faculty with many musical talents, like the winner of Campus Superstar and also the winner of Hwa Chong Idol. Athena is strongly catching up in terms of spirit as can be seen from them being the top faculty for Inter-fac Recycling competition. Athena was previously led by the interesting and charismatic Faculty Head, Gareth, Athena have grown to love and respect him. Now, they are lead by the two enthusiastic new Fac Heads Hong Yi and Genesis.
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 intiatives for the students.
Each council includes Sec 1 Councillors-in-training (CsIT) that help out during major events such as the SMOPS and the SLC. After a year of training and expertise, these CsIT are then promoted full-fledged councillors and become ambassadors of the school at Sec 2 and Sec 3, also organising events such as End of Term Activities (EOTA) and other welfare intiatives for their respective consortium.
When Sec 3 Councillors progress to Seconday 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).
Students' Council
The Students' Council has a centralised administration and is split into 2 sections, the College Council and the High School Council.
The President of the 32nd Students' Council, also the President of the College Council, normally occupied by a Year 5 or 6 student, is Mr Tan Jierong. The vice-president is Miss Stephanie Ko Qianwen.
The new President of the 33rd Students' Council is Miss Oh Rui Wen Sharmaine and the new Vice-President is Mr Lim Chern Wei.
The new President of the 33rd Student's High School Council is Leong Yuan Chang and the Deputy President is Sua Yu Yttrium.
The College Council consists of 4 commitees, namely the Co-Curricular Activities Committee (more affectionately known as ECACO), the Publications Committee (PUBCO), the Social and Relations committee (SnR) and the Welfare Committee (WELCO).
Some of the posts that ECACO have are the Cheer I/Cs, who are in charge of leading the school to cheer during sport events; the Dance I/Cs, who are in charge of leading the school in mass dances during traditional events like Orientation for First-Intakers (O1), Chinese New Year (CNY) and Mid-Autumn Festival (MAF); and the Song I/Cs, who are in charge of leading the school to sing the college songs during O1, CNY and MAF.
The 33rd ECACO chairperson: Samuel Ravi Choudhury
The 33rd ECACO secretary-treasurerer: Liu Lu
The 33rd Cheer I/Cs are: Phua Su Yun Allison and Heng Joo Kuang Terence
The 33rd Dance I/Cs are: Sia Jun Wei Pamela and Ho Ding Hong
The 33rd Song I/Cs are: Wong Kah Leng and Tian Cheng
The 33rd CCA PROs: Neo Wei Ling Claire and Ngiam Heng Hui Jocelyn
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.
Electronic Message Board
The Electronic Message Board[1], also known as the Summary Message Board (SMB), was written by Mr 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. 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 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 and sabbatical status/registration 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 animations 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.
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 panelists and is discussed together with the students. Pupils are generally forthcoming with their views and do observe appropriate decorums. More importantly, the principal (or sometimes deans) is refreshing and open in their 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). This practice is a testamony to the transparency and openness the school administration is willing to adopt.
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 Math Research Programme
The idea of the Science and Mathematics Research Programme (SMRP) 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 symposiums and conferences. The SMRP seeks to:
- stretch pupils' scientific or mathematical abilities
- develop pupils' scientific or mathematical communication skills
- develop pupils' critical and creative thinking skills in mathematics or science
- develop pupils' research skills
- help pupils cultivate the habit of reading science or mathematics books/articles/journals in pupils
- help pupils develop life skills: interpersonal, time management etc.
- spot talented pupils to engage in high level research through A*STAR or industrial attachments by doing science, mathematics or IT projects
Bicultural Studies Programme
The Bicultural Studies Programme (BSP) is an MOE-intiated programme open to NYGH, HCI and Dunman High, where students get to be exposed to cultures from both the Western and Eastern perspective. Mdm Xu Jian Fen is in charge of this programme. 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.
Humanities Programme
"A Tradition of Excellence, A Lifestyle of Decadence"
The Humanities Programme (HP) was set up to train students in the Humanities for future employment in the civil service through the government scholarship scheme. Historically, the two universities most Humanities students chose to attend after their A levels were Oxford and Cambridge. Top universities in the United States have in recent years become attractive choices. The Humanities Programme classes are held in a small class format so as to provide a conducive environment for discussion. Although comprising only of two classes of a total of 50 students each year, the Program has turned out over 20 President's Scholars since its inception. The classes aim to give students the flexibility to go beyond the syllabus with the assistance of the Humanities tutors. Mr Lionel A. Barnard (Barney) leads this programme for the College section and Mr Samuel Lim Ming Chun leads the programme for the High School section.
Student-organised events
Student Leaders Convention (SLC)
The Student Leaders Convention [3] is a leadership convention organized annually in the school. The Student Leaders' Convention (SLC) is unique in the sense that it is a fully student-organised event for students. The 11th SLC 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 roleplaying as global leaders to solve problems and concerns currently present in the world.
The 12th SLC is currently in its planning stage. It is co-organised by Hwa Chong Institution, Raffles Girls' School (Secondary) and Bukit Panjang Government High School (BPGHS), as HCI's, RGS's and BPGHS's councillors/prefects have been handpicked by their schools to form the organising team.
Singapore Mathematical Olympiad
The Singapore Mathematical Olympiad for Primary Schools 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 is building a new administration block, a new Science and Technology Research Centre and a Student Activities and Leadership Training (SALT) Centre.
The SALT centre will be ready by 2006 to house a moot parliament (mock up of the actual parliament to facilitate student debates and oral articulation), and the various CCA activities and uniformed groups. Also, the new Science and Technology Research Centre will house 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 will also house 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 enlargement of the 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 87 year history), and it is also credited with many first-time achievements, such as the formation of the Integrated Programme (see above). 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 10m Air Rifle Men Event in the 2004 SEA Games.
The Hwa Chong Choir competed at the 2004 Choir Olympics in Bremen and won two gold medals in the Mixed Youth and Folklore A Cappella categories respectively.
List of various CCAs in Hwa Chong Institution:
Sports
- Track and Field
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Canoeing
- Badminton
- Gymnastics
- Judo
- Tennis
- Air Rifle
- Softball
- Squash
- Table Tennis
- Water Polo
- Volleyball
- Wushu
- Taekwondo
Uniformed groups
- Scouts (College Section - Hwa Chong VnR, a Venture and Rover Scout Unit)
- Scouts (High School Section - Hwa Chong Scout Group, consisting of 2 Scout Units, 1 Venture Scout Unit and 1 Rover Scout Unit)
- National Cadet Corps (NCC)
- National Police Cadet Corps (NPCC)
- St John Ambulance Brigade
Performing arts
- Chinese Orchestra
- School Band
- String Orchestra
- Choir (College)
- Vocal Ensemble (High School, actually also a choir but much smaller at only about 30 strong)
- English Drama
- Chinese Drama Club
- Chinese Dance
- Guitar Club
Club and societies
- Art Club
- Astronomy Club
- Chinese Chess
- Chinese Calligraphy
- English Debating Society
- English Literary Drama, Debate and Film Society (ELDDFS)
- Electronics, Communications and Computer Club (EC³/ECCube)
- Green Club
- International Chess Club
- I.T.S. (Information Technology society; College section)
- Library Club
- Mathematics Quiz Training (Now considered as a CCA only)
- Media Tech Club
- Weiqi Society
- Science Quiz Training
- Students' Council
- Tahan Mountain Trekking Team (College Section )
- Sensorium Vale
2nd CCAs
- Youth Flying Club
- Robotics Club
Administration
The Principal (College Section) and CEO is Mr Ang Wee Hiong, while the Principal (High School Section) and Deputy CEO is Mr Hon Chiew Weng.
Affiliations
Hwa Chong Institution is also affiliated with Hwa Chong International and Hwa Chong Institution Boarding School.
External links
- School webpage
- Hwa Chong On Line - An online community set up by renown graduates for Hwa Chong graduates.
- Sub Hwa Chong On Line Site at Google Groups.
Template:Junior Colleges and Centralised Institutes in Singapore
A separate entity online organisation for Hwa Chong Institution, formerly Hwa chong Junior College, is called HCOL (Hwa Chong On Line). It was formed on the 30 Novmember 1998 on firstly at Yahoogroups.com and subsequently at Googlegroups in 2005 by an alumni member of international repute. These are the only 2 websites that represent HCOL sub site: [[4]] main site: [[5]]