Riverside Secondary School (Singapore)
Encyclopedia
Riverside Secondary School (abbreviation: RSS) is a co-educational, single session, government school on Woodlands Street, Singapore
. Students of the school are referred to as "Riversidians". Mrs. Sng-Tan Siew Hong is the principal.
Riverside Secondary School has been ranked in the top 50 secondary schools in Singapore. Recognised by the Singapore Ministry of Education in April 2008 for its niche programme in dance, the school has been given approval to allocate up to 5% of its next student intake for discretionary admission via the Direct School Admission scheme.
Under the pioneer Principal, Mr O. J. Balasingam, Riverside moved to its present premises at Woodlands
Street 81 on 21 December 1987. It is the third school built under Phase Two of the S100 Secondary School Type. It has an underground rifle range, air-conditioned library and self-study facilities. The school was officially opened by Mr. Lee Yiok Seng, MP for Bukit Panjang
on 14 July 1990.
Mr. Bala and staff crafted the school motto, school crest and uniform. He also co-wrote the school song.
The school presented its first batch of GCE 'N' and 'O' Level candidates in 1990. Riverside was awarded the Academic Value-Added Awards (Express) in 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996 as well as Singapore Youth Festival
awards.
After the completion of a four-storey extension block at the end of 1998, the school became single session on 22 May 1999.
The school continued to achieve Academic Value-Added Awards and accolades at the Singapore Youth Festival
and Uniformed Groups competitions. While maintaining these achievements 'O'-Level Music was introduced and new CCAs such as Robotics Club and Creative Media Club begun. A milestone event was the musical, The Rat Race, performed by teachers.
Mrs. Tan and staff crafted the school's new vision and mission and focussed the staff on the development of the students using the LAM2PS (Leadership qualities, Aesthetics Appreciation Moral Values, Mental Capacities, Physical Capabilities, Social Skills) framework. The school goals are encapsulated by the RSP 2ACT (People, Partnership, Academic, Co-Curricular, School Tone).
To enhance the professional development and well-being of the staff, the school adopted the People Developer Standard (PDS) system in 2005 and received PDS certification in 2006.
In 2004, the school embarked on a whole-school approach to Character Development and National Education. Their efforts were recognised when they were awarded the Development Award in Character Development 2006, Development Award in National Education (2005) and Outstanding Development Award in National Education (2006).
The school was awarded the Sustained Achievement Award for Uniformed Groups in 2004, 2005 and 2006, and the Sustained Achievement Award for Academic (Normal) in 2005 and 2006.
In 2005, the school signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Nan Huan Middle School in Suzhou
, China and staff and students have benefited from school exchange programmes since then.
From end 2002 to end 2004, Riverside underwent upgrading works under PRIME
. A milestone event was Fiesta Riverside, a food and fun fair held to raise $200,000 to build non-standard facilities (gymnasium, dance studio and robotics room) by staff and students.
A new school crest and a new school uniform were designed.
, India.
The school enhanced its Character Development Programme through building platforms for service learning for upper secondary students, including an overseas trip to Yunnan
, China.
In December 2006 the Head of English Department, Mrs. Hilda Thong, was appointed as another Vice-Principal of Riverside Secondary School.
In 2006 the school was awarded the Development Award in Character Development and Outstanding Development Award in National Education.
In Oct 2007 the school was awarded the Lee Kuan Yew
National Education Award.
Riverside Secondary received its Sustained Achievement Award (SAA) for Uniformed Groups (Fourth Award - 2004 - 2007).
Singapore
Singapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the...
. Students of the school are referred to as "Riversidians". Mrs. Sng-Tan Siew Hong is the principal.
Riverside Secondary School has been ranked in the top 50 secondary schools in Singapore. Recognised by the Singapore Ministry of Education in April 2008 for its niche programme in dance, the school has been given approval to allocate up to 5% of its next student intake for discretionary admission via the Direct School Admission scheme.
1987 to 1996
Riverside Secondary School had its beginnings in 1987 at Fuchun Secondary School under caretaker Principal Mrs. Ngiam Geak Kim where it taught its first batch of Secondary One pupils together with nine teachers and two non-academic staff members.Under the pioneer Principal, Mr O. J. Balasingam, Riverside moved to its present premises at Woodlands
Woodlands, Singapore
Woodlands, or the Woodlands New Town , is a suburban town in northern Singapore, part of the North West Community Development Council district...
Street 81 on 21 December 1987. It is the third school built under Phase Two of the S100 Secondary School Type. It has an underground rifle range, air-conditioned library and self-study facilities. The school was officially opened by Mr. Lee Yiok Seng, MP for Bukit Panjang
Bukit Panjang
Bukit Panjang is a suburban area situated in the Central North-Western part of Singapore. The Bukit Panjang Planning Area, located in the West Region, encompasses the Housing Development Board's housing estate of Bukit Panjang New Town and the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.-Etymology:Bukit in the...
on 14 July 1990.
Mr. Bala and staff crafted the school motto, school crest and uniform. He also co-wrote the school song.
The school presented its first batch of GCE 'N' and 'O' Level candidates in 1990. Riverside was awarded the Academic Value-Added Awards (Express) in 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996 as well as Singapore Youth Festival
Singapore Youth Festival
The Singapore Youth Festival is an annual event in Singapore organised by the Ministry of Education to celebrate the achievements of youths in co-curricular activities...
awards.
1996 to 2000
On 16 December 1996 the school welcomed Mrs. Lu Kheng Lui as the second Principal and in April 1997 Mr. Hoon Tien Ghun, their first Vice-Principal. Together with the staff, Mrs. Lu wrote the school's first vision statement and led the school in piloting the home-grown Interdisciplinary Project Work and the IT Master Plan Phase 2A.After the completion of a four-storey extension block at the end of 1998, the school became single session on 22 May 1999.
The school continued to achieve Academic Value-Added Awards and accolades at the Singapore Youth Festival
Singapore Youth Festival
The Singapore Youth Festival is an annual event in Singapore organised by the Ministry of Education to celebrate the achievements of youths in co-curricular activities...
and Uniformed Groups competitions. While maintaining these achievements 'O'-Level Music was introduced and new CCAs such as Robotics Club and Creative Media Club begun. A milestone event was the musical, The Rat Race, performed by teachers.
2000 to 2005
In December 2000, the school welcomed its third Principal, Mrs. Stella Tan-Wee Bee Lian, and a new Vice-Principal, Mrs. Mohinder Singh, in December 2000.Mrs. Tan and staff crafted the school's new vision and mission and focussed the staff on the development of the students using the LAM2PS (Leadership qualities, Aesthetics Appreciation Moral Values, Mental Capacities, Physical Capabilities, Social Skills) framework. The school goals are encapsulated by the RSP 2ACT (People, Partnership, Academic, Co-Curricular, School Tone).
To enhance the professional development and well-being of the staff, the school adopted the People Developer Standard (PDS) system in 2005 and received PDS certification in 2006.
In 2004, the school embarked on a whole-school approach to Character Development and National Education. Their efforts were recognised when they were awarded the Development Award in Character Development 2006, Development Award in National Education (2005) and Outstanding Development Award in National Education (2006).
The school was awarded the Sustained Achievement Award for Uniformed Groups in 2004, 2005 and 2006, and the Sustained Achievement Award for Academic (Normal) in 2005 and 2006.
In 2005, the school signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Nan Huan Middle School in Suzhou
Suzhou
Suzhou , previously transliterated as Su-chou, Suchow, and Soochow, is a major city located in the southeast of Jiangsu Province in Eastern China, located adjacent to Shanghai Municipality. The city is situated on the lower reaches of the Yangtze River and on the shores of Taihu Lake and is a part...
, China and staff and students have benefited from school exchange programmes since then.
From end 2002 to end 2004, Riverside underwent upgrading works under PRIME
Programme For Rebuilding and IMproving Existing schools
Programme for Rebuilding and IMproving Existing schools is a programme initiated by the Ministry of Education in 1999 to upgrade and rebuild school buildings in Singapore.-Flexible School Infrastructure :...
. A milestone event was Fiesta Riverside, a food and fun fair held to raise $200,000 to build non-standard facilities (gymnasium, dance studio and robotics room) by staff and students.
A new school crest and a new school uniform were designed.
2005 to 2007
In December 2005, Riverside welcomed its fourth Principal, Mrs. Serene Pang. Mrs. Pang was passionate about partnerships with local and overseas organisations and this led to our partnership with the polytechnics and an overseas school in ChennaiChennai
Chennai , formerly known as Madras or Madarasapatinam , is the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is the fourth most populous metropolitan area and the sixth most populous city in India...
, India.
The school enhanced its Character Development Programme through building platforms for service learning for upper secondary students, including an overseas trip to Yunnan
Yunnan
Yunnan is a province of the People's Republic of China, located in the far southwest of the country spanning approximately and with a population of 45.7 million . The capital of the province is Kunming. The province borders Burma, Laos, and Vietnam.Yunnan is situated in a mountainous area, with...
, China.
In December 2006 the Head of English Department, Mrs. Hilda Thong, was appointed as another Vice-Principal of Riverside Secondary School.
In 2006 the school was awarded the Development Award in Character Development and Outstanding Development Award in National Education.
2007 to now
On 15 May 2007 Riverside welcomed its fifth Principal, Mrs Sng Siew Hong.In Oct 2007 the school was awarded the Lee Kuan Yew
Lee Kuan Yew
Lee Kuan Yew, GCMG, CH is a Singaporean statesman. He was the first Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore, governing for three decades...
National Education Award.
1987 to 2004
The overall blue tone reflects both the school's proximity to nature and its heritage from the life-giving river as well as qualities such as care, concern and love. The RS symbolises the school's quest for perfection, similar to a river striving to join the sea. The red circle represent the focal point of the school: the development of the individual.2005 to now
The blue “C” denotes the school as a caring community. The red circle represents the focal point of the school which is the all-round development of the Riversidian.Uniform
The previous design of the school uniform was a look-alike to the graph-paper that mathematics students use. However, this design was scrapped in 2004 to make way for a design that does not require students to tuck in their uniforms.Awards
- Level Two Award
- SAA (Academic Value-added) (Normal)
- SAA (Uniformed Group)
- Level One Award
- AA (Academic Value-added) (Normal) - Gold
- AA (Academic Value-added) (Special/Express) - Bronze
- DA (National Education) (2005–2007)
Academic
- 2005 showed good results for both "N" and "O" level cohorts of 2004, 93.6% qualified for promotion to 5 Normal Academic.
- The 2004 cohort of Express students with a mean PSLE T-score of 231 performed as expected with 96.8% of GCE "O" Level passes.
- The 2004 cohort of five Normal Academic students with a mean PSLE T_-score of 182.9 had an expected L1B4 of 22.4. They achieved an actual L1B4 of 17.3. This enabled the school to be given the Value-Added Award for Normal Course 2005 and the Sustained Achievement Award (Academic Value-added 2005).
Sports and games
- National GymnasticsGymnasticsGymnastics is a sport involving performance of exercises requiring physical strength, flexibility, agility, coordination, and balance. Internationally, all of the gymnastic sports are governed by the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique with each country having its own national governing body...
(TrampolineTrampolineA trampoline is a device consisting of a piece of taut, strong fabric stretched over a steel frame using many coiled springs. People bounce on trampolines for recreational and competitive purposes....
) B Boys 4th - North Zone BadmintonBadmintonBadminton is a racquet sport played by either two opposing players or two opposing pairs , who take positions on opposite halves of a rectangular court that is divided by a net. Players score points by striking a shuttlecock with their racquet so that it passes over the net and lands in their...
B Boys 4th - North Zone Soccer B Boys 3rd
- North Zone BasketballBasketballBasketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
B Boys 1'st
SYF Central Judging 2009
- ChoirChoirA choir, chorale or chorus is a musical ensemble of singers. Choral music, in turn, is the music written specifically for such an ensemble to perform.A body of singers who perform together as a group is called a choir or chorus...
(Silver) - Dance - Chinese (Gold)
- Dance - Indian (Gold)
- Dance - International (Gold With Honours)
- Dance - Malay (Gold)
- Symphonic Band (Silver)
- Drama (Bronze)
SYF Central Judging 2011
- ChoirChoirA choir, chorale or chorus is a musical ensemble of singers. Choral music, in turn, is the music written specifically for such an ensemble to perform.A body of singers who perform together as a group is called a choir or chorus...
(Silver) - Symphonic Band (Silver)
- Dance - Chinese (Silver)
- Dance - Indian (Gold)
- Dance - International (Silver)
- Dance - Malay (Gold With Honours)
- Drama (Bronze)
Uniformed Groups
- Boys' BrigadeBoys' BrigadeFor the 80s New Wave band from Canada, see Boys Brigade .The Boys' Brigade is an interdenominational Christian youth organisation, conceived by William Alexander Smith to combine drill and fun activities with Christian values...
(Gold) - Girls' BrigadeGirls' BrigadeThe Girls' Brigade is an international and interdenominational Christian youth organization. It was founded in 1893 in Dublin, Ireland. The modern organization was formed as the result of the amalgamation of three like-minded and similarly structured organizations in 1964...
(Gold) - NCCNational Cadet Corps (Singapore)The National Cadet Corps is a youth organisation in Singapore. As of December 2010, it had a total strength of 19877 members. This consists of 823 Officers, 726 Cadet Officers and 17157 cadets, amongst others.The NCC is represented in 144 Secondary Schools and there are a total 176 School...
(Sea Boys) (Gold) - NPCCNational Police Cadet CorpsThe National Police Cadet Corps is the largest uniformed group for youths in Singapore in terms of membership. As of 31 March 2004, the organisation has 596 teacher officers and 20,146 student members in 155 secondary schools, 2 polytechnics open units and 2 University Open Units.With the support...
(Gold) - St John Ambulance Brigade (Gold)
Riverside Secondary received its Sustained Achievement Award (SAA) for Uniformed Groups (Fourth Award - 2004 - 2007).