River Valley High School, Singapore

River Valley High School (RVHS) (simplified Chinese: 立化中学; traditional Chinese: 立化中學; pinyin: Lì Huà Zhōngxué; Wade–Giles: li4hua4 chung1hsüeh2) is an autonomous educational institution that offers the Integrated Programme (IP) in Singapore. Founded in 1956, one of the Special Assistance Plan high schools designated by the Ministry of Education in recognition of its heritage and excellence in education.[1][2]

River Valley High School
立化中学
Sekolah Tinggi River Valley
Address
6 Boon Lay Avenue
Singapore 649961

Boon Lay, Singapore
Coordinates1.343172°N 103.709490°E / 1.343172; 103.709490
Information
TypeGovernment-aided
Autonomous
Special Assistance Plan (SAP)
Integrated Programme (IP)
Motto立德立功 化愚化顽
(We shall uphold virtues and contribute to society. Through personal growth, we shall guide others in the quest for knowledge and wisdom.)
Established1956
SessionSingle session
School code3103
PrincipalMrs Teo Khin Hiang
Colour(s) Red   Blue   White 
Team nameTeam RV
Publication"RV Times"
Websitervhs.moe.edu.sg

History

Singapore Government Chinese Middle School

River Valley High School was founded as Singapore Chinese Middle School. It was the first Chinese middle school set up by the government and occupied the premises of Seng Poh Primary School. It was later renamed Queenstown Government Chinese Middle School and subsequently River Valley Government Chinese Middle School when it was moved to Strathmore Avenue.[3]

Designation of Special Assistance Plan

River Valley High School admitted its first batch of English-taught pupils in 1979 when it was selected as one of the nine pioneering Special Assistance Plan (SAP) schools in that same year. It moved from its River Valley campus to a new campus at West Coast in December 1986. Due to the smaller school campus at the West Coast site, the school became a double-session school. It reverted to a single-session school in 1993 after new blocks were constructed. It was among the first six schools in Singapore to become autonomous in 1994. For its achievements in its CCAs, it was also one of the first schools to receive all three available Sustained Achievement Awards when it was first offered by the Ministry of Education in 2001.[4]

Introduction of Integrated Programme

In 2006, River Valley High School was officially designated a 6-year Integrated Programme school. Under the programme, students do not sit for the GCE O-Level examinations at Year 4 (with the exception of the Higher Chinese subject) and instead sit for the GCE A-Level examinations at Year 6. The final batch of GCE O-Level students graduated from River Valley High School in 2007.[5][6]

Opening up to Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE)

At a press release held by the Ministry of Education on 21 September 2018, it was revealed that River Valley High School would be participating in the JAE as of 2019, and will accept GCE O-Level graduates from other secondary schools. The first batch of JAE students were admitted into the school in February 2019.[7]

Principal
Name of Principal Native Name Years Served
Mr Sun Yi-Chern 孙一尘先生 1956-1960
Mr Lim Hui Eng 林惠瀛先生 1960-1962
Mr Wong Cheong Chie 王昌稚先生 1962-1964
Mr Wong Bing Chie 王炳绩先生 1964-1974
Mdm Leong Fan Chin 梁环清女士 1974-1993
Mr Tham Tuck Meng 谭德明先生 1993-2003
Ms Ek Soo Ben 易素雯女士 2003-2009
Mr Koh Yong Chiah 许永正先生 2009-2012
Mrs Teo Khin Hiang[8] 李惠棣女士 2012–current

School identity & culture
The RV Spirits sculpture, which resembles the Chinese characters of the school name, at the main block.

River Valley High School is known for its inclusive and conservative culture, a common trait shared among Special Assistance Plan schools with a strong Chinese background.[2]

School song

River Valley High School retains its school song in Mandarin Chinese. The song, with close links to the school motto, represents the heritage of the school and the aspirations of the founders' hopes in educating the next generation. Students are reminded to bring glory to the school through excellence in both academics and behaviour. The school song is written in literary Chinese, giving it a poetic touch. The lyrics are written in verses of four characters, a parallel to Chinese idioms, with the exception of the last two verses.[9][10]

立化中学校歌

海云缦缦 碧波荡荡

赤道绿洲 有我学堂

春风化雨 桃李成行

立德立功 化愚化顽

愿我学子 勿忘勿忘

他日我校 光芒万丈

愿我学子 勿忘勿忘

他日我校 光芒万丈

与日月争光兮 与天地共久长

Crest

River Valley High School's crest is made of the school initials "RV", with the letter "R" in red colour and "V" in blue colour. The colour of red symbolises radiance, progress and vitality, the colour of blue symbolises steadfastness, graciousness and serenity, while white symbolises purity and receptiveness to innovation.[11]

Uniform

River Valley High School's Year 1-3 school uniform is unique to the school, one of the most outstanding and identifiable uniform designs in Singapore. Male students wear an all white shirt (with metal buttons) with white shorts, while female students wear a button down (with metal buttons) white dress, both genders with epaulette holders on the shoulders. Both the shirt and pinafore bear the school initials "RV", with the letter "R" in red colour and "V" in blue colour at the front left chest level.[11]

The Year 4-6 school uniform is a plain white shirt or blouse complemented with blue skirt or white pants. A collar pin is worn on the left collar, which bears the school crest.[11]

Song writing heritage

River Valley High School is known for its popularity in composing and singing campus songs and Xinyao, a genre of songs originated in the 1980s that is unique to Singapore. River Valley High School have its collection of songs written by its former and present students.[12] This associates River Valley High School with institutions that have strong cultural background and influence in Singapore's music scene, such as Hwa Chong Institution and Jurong Junior College.[13] River Valley High School graduates are also seen taking an active role in the continuation of Singapore's song writing heritage.[14]

Campus
Bird-eye view of River Valley High School Campus

River Valley High School's campus is the newest among all SAP and Integrated Programme institutions, officially declared open in 2010 and costs over $70 million to build.[15] Located off Boon Lay Avenue, the 7.64-hectare campus comprises facilities that supports the educational needs for the six-year Integrated Programme, and strongly encapsulate a strong cultured environment.[15]

Previous Campuses

In June 2006,[16] River Valley moved out of the Queensway site to the holding site at Malan Road. The Malan Road campus will be home to the students while waiting for the new school building to be ready in 2009.

River Valley High Student Hostel

The River Valley High Student Hostel is located adjacent to the school campus, consisting of two 12-storey buildings and one 15-storey building (Halls 1, 2 & 3 respectively). It provides accommodation for up to 500 boarders and 25 teacher mentors.[17] The building features a dining hall and is supported with internet access.[18] However, this hostel closed in late 2016.[19] As of 2019, the hostel is now privately operated by 85soho, a hostel operator.[20]

Academic Information

River Valley High School Integrated Programme (RVIP)

From 2006, River Valley High School offers the 6-year Integrated Programme, allowing its students to take the GCE A-Level examinations at the end their sixth year (JC2) in the school. It also offers the Bicultural Studies Programme (Chinese), joining Dunman High School, Hwa Chong Institution and Nanyang Girls' High School. The programmed is aimed to nurture independent and passionate individuals who uphold strong moral character, effectively bilingual in English and Chinese language, and have a global perspective that allows them to face challenges in the changing world.[21][22]

Construct, Integrate, Differentiate (CID) Programme

The Construct, Integrate, Differentiate (CID) Programme is an integrated curriculum under the RVIP that focuses on knowledge construction with differentiation features to cater to the diverse talents and interests of the students.

The CID Programme provides students with opportunities to construct their own learning by integrating knowledge from various disciplines, using modes of inquiry appropriate to the subject or project that they are working on. In the CID Programme, students spend their freed time constructively on inquiry-based and research-oriented project work. Teamwork is emphasised through collaborative and co-operative learning.[23]

The programme is designed with the objectives of providing students with the opportunities to engage in individualised research in an area of strength. All students will complete coursework in Research Methods, an in depth learning of the quantitative and qualitative methods appropriate to individualised researches. With the completion of the Research Methods coursework, students can opt to undertake research in one of the following programmes: the Junior Scientists Programme (scientific research work), Innovators Programme (engineering and design), Mathematics Talent Programme and the Explorers Programme (humanities). Students can also seek attachments at the local or overseas institutes for the CID Extended Learning. Opportunities for further learning are also provided through overseas exchange programmes.

CHAMPS Programme

CHAMPS is an acronym for "Character Education; Health Education; Active Citizenry; Moral Philosophy; Physical Education; & Student Leadership Development". It is a unique and integrated Pupil Development Programme (PDP) designed by the school. It focuses on the development of values and character. It seeks to develop life skills, and the social, national, cultural and moral consciousness of the students. ASK will be infused in the teaching and learning of PDP. Besides the core modules in CHAMPS, students would complete at least 1 PDP elective module each year.

Special Assistance Plan

River Valley High School, being a Special Assistance Plan school, has a very strong Chinese environment. Chinese language, culture and history are often emphasised in the School. It is compulsory for all Year 1 to 4 students to take up Higher Chinese as a subject, Chinese culture lessons are also mandatory in lower secondary and students can opt for Chinese Literature in upper secondary.

Bi-cultural Studies Programme (BSP)

River Valley High School is one of the few institutions in Singapore to offer the Bi-cultural Studies Programme. The 4-year programme, which is offered at Year 3 level, aims to nurture a bi-cultural orientation amongst a core group of students.[24] River Valley High School's BSP includes camps, enrichment electives which complements the ministry's programme.[25]

Co-curricular activities (CCAs)
Performing arts Uniform groups (Years 1–4)[lower-alpha 1] Sports and Games Clubs, academies and societies
  • Dance Society
  • Concert Band
  • Chinese Orchestra
  • Chorale
  • English Literary, Drama and Debate Society (ELDDS)
  • Chinese Literary, Drama and Debate Society (CLDDS)
  • Street Dance (Junior College)
  • Guitar Ensemble (Junior College)
  • Athletics (Cross Country/Track & Field) (Junior College)
  • Badminton
  • Basketball (Boys)
  • Floorball (Girls)
  • Football (Junior College)
  • Netball (Girls)
  • Shooting (Junior College)
  • Softball
  • Table Tennis
  • Ultimate Frisbee (Junior College)
  • Volleyball (Girls)
  • Wushu (Chinese Martial Arts)
  • Dragon Boating
  • Students' Council
  • Aesthetics Council
  • National Education Council
  • Infocomm Club
  • Photography Club (Junior College)
  • Student Editorial and Library Club (Junior College)
  • Bicultural Academy
  • Science Leaders' Academy
  • Mathematics Leaders' Academy
  • Humanities and Social Sciences Leaders' Academy
  • Humanities and Current Affairs Society (Junior College)
  • Public Address Club
  • Service and Citizenship Society
  • Singapore Youth Flying Club

Notable alumni

Government and politics

Entertainment

The Arts
  • River Valley High School RV Spirit Sculpture.
  • Classroom block of River Valley High School.
  • Auditorium of River Valley High School.
  • River Valley High School Hostel building, taken in 2014.

See also

References
  1. With the exception of Venture Scouts, a sub-division of Scouts only available to Junior College students.
  1. "从师友经历 述说传统华校的转型与变迁". 联合早报网. 11 July 2017. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
  2. "River Valley High celebrates diamond jubilee". Channel NewsAsia. Archived from the original on 28 August 2017. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
  3. "School History - River Valley High School". rivervalleyhigh.moe.edu.sg. Retrieved 10 November 2016.
  4. "River Valley Government Chinese High School at Jalan Kuala, between 1958 and 1967 - BookSG - National Library Board, Singapore". eresources.nlb.gov.sg. Retrieved 10 November 2016.
  5. "RIVER VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL TO OFFER THE". www.moe.gov.sg. Archived from the original on 2 October 2016. Retrieved 28 September 2016.
  6. "Integrated Programmes (IP)". www.moe.gov.sg. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 28 September 2016.
  7. "Dunman High, River Valley High to accept O-Level students from other schools". 21 September 2018. Archived from the original on 21 September 2018. Retrieved 9 January 2019. Two more schools will participate in the Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE) from next year - Dunman High School and River Valley High School. This means that both schools will accept GCE O-Level students from other secondary schools, the Ministry of Education (MOE) announced in a press release on Friday (21 Sep).
  8. https://rivervalleyhigh.moe.edu.sg/qql/slot/u724/About_RV/Contacts/RVHS%20Management%20Team%20Contact%20List%202020.pdf
  9. "River Valley High School 立化中学 (Formerly River Valley Government Chinese Middle School 立化政府华文中学)". sgschoolmemories.blogspot.sg. Retrieved 10 November 2016.
  10. "从新加坡的校名、校训、校歌看海外华人的价值观". 简书. 简书. 2 February 2014. Archived from the original on 10 November 2016. Retrieved 11 November 2016.
  11. "SCHOOL RULES AND REGULATIONS" (PDF). River Valley High School, Singapore. 20 February 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 August 2017. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
  12. "庆祝母校60周年 立化校友创作一首歌". 联合早报网. 13 January 2016. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
  13. "立化校友开讲 许环良激励学弟妹 勇于追求音乐梦想". 联合早报网. 13 April 2016. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
  14. "《新空下》新谣比赛2017". 《新空下》新谣比赛2017. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
  15. "A World-Class Educational Institution". rvhs2.swiiit.com. Archived from the original on 2 July 2018. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
  16. "School History". rivervalleyhigh.moe.edu.sg. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
  17. "Facilities". rvhs2.swiiit.com. Archived from the original on 2 July 2018. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
  18. "FAQs". rvhs2.swiiit.com. Archived from the original on 2 July 2018. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
  19. "AJC hostel to close by 2019: MOE". 5 October 2017. Archived from the original on 8 November 2017. Retrieved 8 January 2019. At the end of last year, the hostels of Catholic Junior College (CJC) and River Valley High School already closed its doors.
  20. "31 Boon Lay Drive - 85soho". Retrieved 14 September 2019.
  21. "The RVIP Graduate". Archived from the original on 22 August 2007. Retrieved 21 June 2007.
  22. "RVIP Curriculum Framework". Archived from the original on 15 June 2007. Retrieved 21 June 2007.
  23. "The Construct, Integrate, Differentiate Programme". Archived from the original on 14 May 2007. Retrieved 21 June 2007.
  24. "RIVER VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL TO OFFER BICULTURAL STUDIES PROGRAMME (CHINESE)". www.nas.gov.sg. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
  25. "立化中学双文化营 郭践红吴剑峰谈戏剧与新谣". 联合早报网. 28 June 2017. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
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