Founded in 1956 Anglican High School stands proudly. It’s a testament to the faith and vision of the Chinese-speaking Anglican congregations. They established this school. It was unique. It was the only Anglican school in Singapore teaching in Chinese. All others used English.
Anglican High School opened its doors on January 9 1956. Reverend Huang Yang Yin guided its early years. Three Chinese teachers and three English teachers began instruction. 123 male students filled the classrooms. These classrooms were borrowed from Saint Andrew’s Secondary School. Later the school welcomed female students.
The school’s current location on Upper Changi Road has a story. The land was acquired in the late 1950s. On March 15 1959 Devasahayam David Chelliah laid the foundation stone. He was the Archdeacon of Singapore. The new building was impressive. It included 16 classrooms three science labs and an assembly hall. A clock tower stood tall symbolizing the passage of time and the school’s enduring legacy. Bishop Henry Wolfe Baines blessed the new school on January 25 1960.
Anglican High School wasn’t just about academics. Pre-university classes existed initially. They were phased out in 1978. This was due to the introduction of junior colleges in Singapore. In 1979 the school became a bilingual Special Assistance Plan (SAP) school. In 1995 it achieved autonomous status. This gave the school more control over its operations.
Further growth followed. In 2005 a new school building and the AHS Heritage Centre opened. Bishop John Chew presided. An indoor sports hall was completed in 2008. It even hosted the 2009 Asian Youth Games FIBA 3×3 basketball event. The school celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2016. A memorable musical Chrysalis involved over 300 students and teachers. Songs were even composed by AHS teachers.
Anglican High School’s unique white uniform reflects its Chinese heritage. Boys wore white shirts with five metal buttons. Girls wore white blouses and pleated miniskirts. The school badge was proudly displayed. Student council members wore a distinctive red tie. For formal occasions students donned red ties and dark green blazers.
The school has a strict demerit point system. Minor offenses like tardiness resulted in one point. Serious offenses earned three. Very serious offenses like bullying or vandalism received five points. Consequences varied from detention to caning for male students. Suspension was also a possibility. Demerit points affected a student’s conduct grade.
Anglican High School boasts a wide range of co-curricular activities (CCAs). These include sports uniformed groups performing arts clubs and societies. There are around 24 CCAs in total. The school also had a thriving student council. It included three committees Welfare and Development Student Engagement and Visual Communications. Students from Secondary 1 to 4 were selected based on conduct academics and leadership skills.
The school’s iLoveAHSWalk is a significant annual event. In 2016 it broke a Singapore Book of Records. It was for the largest mosaic made of straw hearts. Students and staff contributed nearly 30000 hearts.
Anglican High School has produced notable alumni. These include singer-songwriter Boon Hui Lu television presenter Dasmond Koh and actor Jerry Yeo. Other notable alumni include international photographer John Clang singer Sun Ho and music conductor Nelson Kwei. Anglican High School’s rich history continues. Its legacy of academic excellence and holistic development shines. The school stands as a symbol of faith community and success.