Did you know that this plaque marks a significant chapter in Singapore’s educational history? This is the Raffles Girls’ School Historic Site Plaque. It stands as a reminder of the school’s legacy.
Raffles Girls’ School began on March 4, 1844. It started as a moral development and vocational training class. This was within the Singapore Institution. The school aimed to provide care and protection. It targeted underprivileged girls and orphans. Education was seen as a means to uplift them.
In 1879, Raffles Girls’ School became a separate wing. It was part of the Raffles Institution. Before this, the Raffles Institution only admitted boys. In 1844, it began to admit girls.
The school was founded by eight determined women. They wanted to prevent girls from falling into vice. The school gained a reputation as one of the best. It was known for girls’ education in Singapore and Malaya.
In 1928, Raffles Girls’ School moved to a new building. This building was on Queen Street. Later, in 1959, the school split. It divided into primary and secondary sections. The secondary school moved to Anderson Road. The primary section stayed on Queen Street. It later moved to Hillcrest Road in 1999.
The Anderson Road campus was known for its greenery. It featured a mix of old and new buildings. The buildings had earth-colored double-pitched roofs. Some roofs resembled traditional Javanese architecture.
In 1985, the school expanded. It acquired buildings from Anderson Secondary School. Renovations introduced new facilities. These included computer rooms and a bigger library.
Notable alumnae attended Raffles Girls’ School. Maggie Lim was the first woman to win the Queen’s Scholarship. Stella Kon is the author of “Emily of Emerald Hill”. Cheong Koon Hean became the first woman to head the Urban Redevelopment Authority. Other alumnae include Tang Pui Wah, Lim Hwee Hua and Lee Choo Neo.
In 2019, Raffles Girls’ School relocated. It moved to a new campus on Braddell Road. This new campus is larger than the Anderson Road site. Today, Raffles Girls’ School stands opposite Raffles Institution. An overhead bridge connects the two schools.
Although the old school buildings are gone, the gate was preserved. Until 2016, it stood outside a Singapore Management University building. This plaque now stands in its place. It ensures that the school’s story is not forgotten. The Raffles Girls’ School Historic Site Plaque marks a place of significant history. It reminds us of the school’s lasting impact on education in Singapore.