“Aflame for Truth.” Does that motto resonate with you? It is the guiding principle of Presbyterian High School.
Presbyterian High School began humbly. It started as Li Sun High School in 1965. Reverend Alan S. Moore Anderson had a vision. He wanted a God-centered institution. The Presbyterian Synod shared his conviction.
Li Sun High first opened at Upper Serangoon Road. It shared space with Ming Sin Primary School. 150 students attended. The school initially taught in Chinese. In 1981, it switched to English. This change aligned with Singapore’s education policies.
In 1978, Bethel Presbyterian Church took over management. In 1981, the school was renamed Presbyterian High School. The school moved to Ang Mo Kio in 1983. Presbyterian High School now stands opposite Yio Chu Kang MRT station.
Before 2002, Presbyterian High School shared a field. Li Hua Primary School and Ang Mo Kio North Primary School also used it. Presbyterian High School had no affiliation with them.
Today, Presbyterian High School occupies 3 hectares. It has over 1,400 students and staff. The school boasts a large hall. It can accommodate the entire student body. There are well-equipped computer labs. The classrooms are IT-enabled. An Indoor Sports Stadium offers basketball and volleyball courts. Various rooms host co-curricular activities. The National Education Stairwell and Olive Garden enrich the school.
In 2007, Presbyterian High School joined the Sino-Singapore Cultural Exchange Programme. It participated again in 2016. That same year, the school engaged in the Miyazaki-Singapore Friendship Exchange Programme.
A proposal to rebuild Presbyterian High School was accepted in 1997. The Ministry of Education approved the rebuilding in 1999. The redevelopment finished in 2002. Students marched into the new buildings. Alumni and donations funded the air-conditioned hall and clock tower. The school field now has artificial turf.
The school crest tells a story. Two waves symbolize growth. A dove with an olive branch signifies spiritual development. A book represents education. The cross represents faith. The burning bush displays the motto “Aflame for Truth”. The Latin phrase “Nec tamen consumebatur” refers to the burning bush story. White represents the quest for truth. Blue represents the pursuit of excellence.
Presbyterian High School aims for structured discipline. It emphasizes rigorous behavioral standards. Truancy, vandalism, and smoking are severely punished.
Presbyterian High School has several affiliations. These include Pei Hwa Presbyterian Primary School and Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Primary School. Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Secondary School and Saint Andrew’s Junior College are also affiliated. Ang Mo Kio Presbyterian Church and Bethel Presbyterian Church are too.
Presbyterian High School excels in co-curricular activities. It won the Sustained Achievement Award for Uniformed Groups for 8 years. In 2005, it gained Direct Schools Admissions for Uniformed Groups. In 2007, it earned its first Sustained Achievement Award for Sports. It was the only school with a second DSA through Volleyball. In the 2015 SYF, all Performing Arts groups achieved Distinction. The Symphonic Band continued this achievement in 2017.
Today, Presbyterian High School stands as a landmark. It is a testament to faith and learning. Its declaration “To God Be The Glory” reflects its mission. The school cultivates character. It instills gratitude and responsibility.