Founded in 1887 by Miss Sophia Blackmore Methodist Girls’ School stands before you. A testament to perseverance this premier girls’ school has a rich history. It began humbly as the Tamil Girls’ School. Nine Tamil girls formed its first class. Their fathers generously provided the initial space a shophouse on Short Street.
Imagine those early days. Lessons were held in a small shophouse. The girls arrived early to clean. There were no paid caretakers. They studied from seven in the morning until one in the afternoon. This was a time when girls’ education was far from commonplace. Miss Blackmore’s dedication changed that. She defied expectations.
The school’s growth was remarkable. It soon outgrew its first home. Relocating to the Christian Institute on Middle Road it expanded. Girls of various ethnicities joined. Even some boys attended with their sisters under their parents’ strict supervision. In 1900 a purpose-built school opened on Short Street. This was a significant milestone. It marked a step towards establishing Methodist Girls’ School as a significant institution.
By 1925 the school had expanded further. A move to Mount Sophia became necessary. The iconic blue-and-white sailor suit uniform was introduced in 1922. This uniform remains a symbol of the school. The school’s motto “To Master To Grow To Serve” was also established around this time. The four houses originally named after Methodist pioneers were later renamed Blackmore Jackson Lee and Olson.
The school’s evolution continued. In 1989 the secondary school gained independent status. In 1992 the school moved to its current location on Blackmore Drive. The road was aptly named after its founder. The school’s success is impressive. It consistently ranks among Singapore’s top schools. Its alumni include notable figures like former President Halimah Yacob and former Member of Parliament Tin Pei Ling.
Today Methodist Girls’ School is a beacon of academic excellence and values-based education. It offers a wide range of co-curricular activities. It provides an environment that nurtures students. The school’s legacy is one of progress and achievement. It’s a place where girls have excelled for over a century. A testament to the vision of its founder. The school continues to empower generations of young women. It shapes them into strong leaders and compassionate citizens.