Whitley Secondary School

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School History

Whitley Secondary School was established on 4 January 1965, one of the few schools in Singapore that shares the same ‘birth year’ as the nation. Over the decades, the school has nurtured generations of sportsmen and civic-minded citizens who contribute with great distinction in industry, community and public service. Originally located at the junction of Whitley and Dunearn roads, the school shifted to its present site in Bishan New Town in 1992. The campus underwent redevelopment from 2006 to 2007, during which time the school was temporarily located at Toa Payoh Lorong 1.

Whitley Secondary School’s vision of ‘A Caring and Learning Community of Leaders’ has been the driving force behind its focus on developing students to their fullest potential so that they are able to serve the community, anchored in the school values of Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Discipline and Empathy. The school is committed to delivering a holistic and engaging curriculum that develops future-ready learners who lead, serve and achieve. This is done through an assortment of strategies and programmes, focused on building a strong foundation for academic success, nurturing their leadership skills and allowing students to pursue their interests and strengths.

The school also actively seeks out meaningful and relevant partnerships to support and provide students with a broad array of opportunities to discover their passions. Whitley Secondary has two distinctive programmes: ‘Communicative Arts’ and ‘Active Citizenship for Social Change’.

‘Communicative Arts’, the school’s Applied Learning Programme, helps students improve their communication skills through platforms such as drama, conducting interviews and talk shows, public speaking and debates. It aims to nurture confident and self-directed learners who are able to apply their information and communication competencies effectively in their life and future careers.

The school’s Learning for Life Programme, ‘Active Citizenship for Social Change’, is designed to expose and engage students in various social issues, and to promote empowerment and a sense of community among students. It aims to positively impact community issues by fostering empathy and nurturing a spirit of active participation in students.

Principals:
- Mr M.A. Mallal (1965–1968)
- Mr Joseph Doray (1968–1969)
- Mr M.A. Mallal (1970–1976)
- Mr Lim Nai Yan (1977–1978)
- Ms Jenny Yong Sow Chun (1978–1982)
- Mrs Goh Tiow Seng (1982–1983)
- Mr Ong Soo Kiong (1984–1994)
- Mr Harry Tan (1995–1997)
- Mr Tan Wah Seng (1998–2001)
- Mrs Evelyn Ong C.L. (2002–2004)
- Ms Foong Lai Leong (2004–2010)
- Mr Harphal Singh (2010–2012)
- Mrs Tay Yang Fern (2012–2018)
- Mrs Anba Saroja (2018–present)

Key Milestones


1965	Establishment of Whitley Secondary School.
1973	Six ex-Whitleyans clinched four gold and two bronze medals at the South East Asian Peninsular Games.
1979	Start of overnight camp for Secondary Three students who are not in uniformed groups.
1980	Participation in its first National Day Parade with a mass gymnastic display involving 840 students.
1992	Relocation to 30 Bishan Street 24.
1994	Official opening of the new school campus, and became single-session.
2002	Opening of Anchorage (Cabin) – an after-school engagement centre – and Heritage Gallery.
2014	Accorded Learning for Life Programme, ‘Active Citizenship for Social Change’, and Applied Learning Programme, ‘Speech Communication Arts’.
2015	Completion of 50 service-learning projects to commemorate 50th anniversary.

School Motto

Knowledge and Sportsmanship

School Crest

The name of the school stretches diagonally across its initials ‘WSS’, which are cast over the the shield. The shield represents strength and solidity. At the base of it is the school motto ‘Knowledge and Sportsmanship’. This emphasises the importance of these values – having an enquiring mind and being a team player – for building a strong foundation in students, who strive for the betterment of society above self.

School Song

♫ Listen

Go forward Whitley School in strength and unity,
Keep your colours flying, fearless and with dignity
Let us make a pledge to work with heart and mind and soul,
To work together for success,
And do honour to this our school
Move onwards Whitleyans with zeal and loyalty,
Building friendships everlasting, warm and genuine,
Let us now remember all who pass through this same school,
And cherish all that we have learnt, from the wise, the young and old.