Bishop Dr Robert Solomon

Bishop, The Methodist Church of Singapore

Professor Hum Sin Hoon

Chairman, Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ School Board of Management

Mrs Lee Siew Choo

Principal, Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ School (Secondary)

Mrs Christine Ho

Principal, Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ School (Primary)

Distinguished Guests,

Teachers, Parents and Students,

INTRODUCTION 

1          I am pleased to be here to celebrate Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ School's 90^th Founder's Day. Few schools in Singapore are blessed with such a long and distinguished history, and PLMGS has truly expanded and thrived through the years.

2          Interestingly, the school started here at Boundary Road in 1916 with only 3 teachers and 24 pupils, and it started as a boys’ school. Today, as you commemorate your 90^th Anniversary, you celebrate with nearly 4,000 students, 160 teachers, along with generations of former staff and students who have benefited from the quality education provided over the years. I offer my heartiest congratulations to the PL family.

HOLISTIC EDUCATION

3          Education in Singapore has evolved over the years. Twenty five years ago, less than three out of 10 pupils made it to post-secondary education. Fifteen years ago, it had improved to almost six out of ten. Today, more than eight out of 10 do so. Amongst the many changes we have made is to free up the mainstream state-funded school system to allow for greater diversity and choice. Soon, an Arts School will join the Sports School and the Math and Science School to provide more avenues to develop students with special talents and abilities. The possibility of allowing schools and junior colleges to offer integrated programmes, whether through four-year or six-year programmes has become a reality. This allows students to skip the ‘O’ levels to free up time to develop their interests and for other broader educational experiences. Our Polytechnics and ITE offer an array of options tailored to the changing needs of a globalised economy and an educational experience that has successfully raised the prospects and maximized the potential of many young Singaporeans who prefer a hands-on, practical oriented programme. These options allow young Singaporeans with different aptitudes, interests and talents to be developed and appropriately prepared to move forward with confidence and handle the challenges of an increasingly complex world.  Besides equipping our students with the relevant academic qualifications, education today is about inspiring a passion for learning, imparting relevant life skills and instilling the right values through character development. These are key priorities and the cornerstone of the holistic education that we strive to provide.

4          I note that the goal of PLMGS is develop its pupils into wise and God-fearing, gracious, responsible and upright women and this is embodied in the school’s vision to be an outstanding school producing women of fine character with a passion for life and learning. PLMGS has a tradition of providing quality, holistic education for its students, aimed at developing the whole person so that they are imbued with the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed in life.

5          In terms of academic achievements, PLMGS has made a name for itself. PLMGS (Secondary) has been awarded the Sustained Achievement Award (Academic) for both its Normal and Express Streams on seven occasions, while PLMGS (Primary) has enjoyed a 100% pass rate for the PSLE since 2004, and has maintained a respectable average PSLE aggregate of 224 for the last three years.

6          Beyond academic excellence, PLMGS is mindful of the need to provide a variety of opportunities to build its students’ character, and allow them to discover and develop their interests and talents. Your Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) give both primary and secondary students a wide range of choices in sports, performing arts, uniformed groups as well as clubs and societies, winning for themselves and the school a number of awards at the SYF and public accolades in the process. In all these activities, there are opportunities for social integration, team-building, and the development of leadership qualities and inter-personal skills.

7          It is commendable that both the primary and secondary schools make a conscious, sustained effort to work together to provide students with opportunities for continuous and seamless learning. I understand that for some of the CCAs, both schools share the same coaches and instructors. In doing so, you create a stronger sense of unity and identity within the PL family.

8          I am glad to note that this year, in celebrating its 90^th Anniversary, the school has organised programmes to benefit the community as well. The “90-hour Music Marathon” was one such praiseworthy and record-breaking event where funds were raised in aid of Pathlight School, providing opportunities for the students to learn to care for and serve the community. This initiative is of particular significance as it was jointly undertaken by both the primary and secondary students, beyond the usual CIP activities that they separately participate in.

MOVING FORWARD

9          Moving forward, I understand that PLMGS will be introducing two new initiatives in 2007 - the Modular System at the lower secondary level and the STAR programme at both the primary and secondary levels. These are school-level programmes that demonstrate PLMGS’ commitment in supporting and developing all her students to the best of their abilities, helping each to maximize her potential.

10        I welcome these ability-driven programmes initiated by the school. PLMGS has set in place a progressive and purposeful brand of education – one that caters to students who learn at different paces, and enables them to advance according to their individual learning abilities. Hence, in the Modular System, high achievers can challenge themselves with more advanced modules. At the same time, students who need additional help are given the extra attention they need. Similarly, the STAR programme provides students with a quality education that stretches their potential and builds on their strengths. The two tracks in your programme cater to the academically gifted and the aesthetically talented students. The academically gifted will be offered a curriculum beyond the basic syllabus in terms of breadth and depth and will be taught higher level thinking skills, problem solving skills and research skills. For the aesthetically talented, the STAR programme will help them acquire and consolidate a broad range of musical skills and deepen their appreciation and understanding of diverse musical cultures in the world.

11        With these initiatives, PLMGS has positioned herself well in promoting ability-driven education. By keeping in step with the changing educational landscape in Singapore and the diverse learning needs and styles of our students today, I am confident that PLMGS will continue to produce students who are well-equipped to face the challenges of tomorrow, and to do so with grace and fortitude.

CONCLUSION

12        The introduction of the Modular system and the Star Programme will certainly mark another milestone in the history of PLMGS. This is only possible with the dedication and fine efforts of the school’s Board of Management, the school leaders, staff and supportive parents.

13        On this note, it gives me great pleasure to once again extend my congratulations and best wishes to all staff, students and the whole PLMGS community on your 90^th Anniversary.