Bedok South Secondary School

Bedok South Secondary School (Abbreviation: BDS) is a government, co-educational 'N'/'O'-level preparatory secondary school of the Ministry of Education of Singapore and serves secondary one through five. The school has since grown and established itself to become one of the more popular and quality- added schools in the Bedok neighbourhood. The school is situated just a few hundred metres from Tanah Merah MRT Station.

The school is one of the very few schools selected to construct an indoor sports hall and also one of eight schools to be selected for the 'Teach Less, Learn More' programmes. See for more information

Summary
Founded in 1980, Bedok South Secondary School shared its premises with Temasek Secondary School and Hong San Primary School. In June 1980, the school had the entire building for itself when students and staff of the other two schools moved out. BDS was located in Bedok housing estate – the eastern part of Singapore before being relocated to the current premises at 1 Jalan Langgar Bedok in Year 2003. The new campus was officially opened on 21 February 2004 by Mr Abdullah Tarmugi, Speaker of Parliament and MP for East Coast GRC (Siglap).

The school is one of the first 20 schools in Singapore to have an indoor sports hall constructed in its premises. In 2009, the sports hall was fully constructed.

1982–1996
Bedok South Secondary School was established in the Year 1980 and declared open on 29 April 1982 by Dr Lee Chiaw Meng, MP for Tanah Merah. Its first building was strategically located along New Upper Changi Road. From these premises, BDS endeavoured to cater to the educational needs of the Bedok Town Community in the fast-growing economy which was industrialising and propelling the nation towards prosperity.

A comprehensive yet balanced educational programme was adopted not only to develop the needs of the students but also to mould them into useful and productive members of society.

Involvement in Extra Curricular Activities (ECA) and exposure to the outside world were also given equal emphasis. A diverse range of programmes was introduced to enthuse, challenge and spur students to be adventurous, daring and determined.

1997–2001
Rapid technological advancement and globalisation prompted the education system to focus on processes that would facilitate the acquisition of Information Technology (IT) skills. To hone creativity and critical thinking, the Thinking School. Learning Nation (TSLN) policy was introduced and adopted by all schools.

In line with this impetus, BDS introduced an extensive IT and Thinking skills programme to prepare students for a workplace that had become increasingly computerised.

In addition, the academic programme was refined to consolidate the vision of maximising students' potential and producing independent learners capable of making the transition into a sophisticated economy. Through pastoral care, steps were taken to inculcate in students a sense of individual responsibility, to promote care and concern for their peers and the handicapped; and also to instil in them a healthy respect for the environment. 'Forge Ahead' was the driving force behind these moves, characterising the resilience pervading school life at BDS.

2002 and beyond
In order to keep pace with global changes and to cater to the nation's goal of creating a knowledge based economy, schools are now placing greater emphasis on holistic education and entrepreneurship. Integration, which is imperative for progress, has been revitalised through the National Education(NE) programme. In response to these changes and challenges, BDS has embarked on a learning journey that embodies innovation, adaptability and racial harmony.

The year 2003 marked the school's move into its new premises along Jalan Langgar Bedok – another milestone in the history of the school. The school prides itself on having modern amenities such as gymnasium, a sports field, an Art room, a Humanities room and a well-equipped media resource library. State-of-the-art computer facilities are also fully made available to the students.

The new premises provide and ideal platform for the school to move towards organisational excellence. Improved facilities coupled with innovative ideas create a nurturing environment for students to grow and excel in. Attention to character development remains pivotal and the core values enshrined in I CARE have been carefully crafted to inculcate the right attitude essential to moulding successful and caring students.

On 17 December 2007, Mr Krishnan Aravinthan became the new principal of Bedok South Secondary School.

Tampines Primary School has occupied its old premises since 2008.

Staff and student population
The school currently has a staff strength of 90 teachers and 1509 students as of 2007.

School core values
Integrity

We are honest and do the right things even under difficult situations

Confidence

We are self-motivated and committed to giving our best in whatever we do

Aspiration

We believe that success in achieving our goals comes to those who try and never give up

Responsibility

We are responsible for what we do and will carry out our roles and duties well

Entrepreneurship

We are creative and have the courage to make improvements by seeking new and effective ways of doing things

School mission
The school aims to nurture its students to be responsible, self-reliant, motivated and be thinking individuals who can contribute to society and face challenges with courage and confidence.

School vision
A Value Added, Quality School

School motto
The school motto, 'Success Through Endeavour' means success in attaining an enriched educational experience comes to those who try and never give up.

Educational trips
The school has been organizing numerous overseas trips for its students. Students have visited Hong Kong, Australia, China, among other countries. The school is the winner for the Best International Educational Partner Award in 2006. This award was handed out by the Singapore Tourism Board.

During the June holidays in 2008, a total of 243 students took part in the BDS Internationalization & National Education Development (BIND) Programme.


 * 28 students went to Fushun, China
 * 29 students went to Penang
 * 55 students went to Chiang Mai, Thailand
 * 65 students went to Hanoi, Vietnam
 * 66 students went to Siem Reap

Awards and achievements
The school has been awarded the Sustained Achievement Award for uniformed groups every year since 2004, MOE Value Added Bronze for Express and Normal Academic Courses. The school has also been rated as one of the Best Overseas Educational Partners, having the Best School Tuckshop, among many other awards. The school is known for achieving many awards for its Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs). On 3 March 2006, the school was awarded the Best Educational Partner organized by the Singapore Tourism Board, defeating the other two finalists which were Temasek Junior College and YMCA.

Visitors from other countries
Many visitors from other countries have visited the school, which include students and teachers from schools in Brunei, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia. The foreign exchange programmes organised by both schools have helped the students in BDS to build up friendship with their foreign counterparts.

The school organizes about 10 overeas trips for its students annually, and plays host to more than 20 visits from schools of other countries annually.

Uniformed groups

 * Concert Band
 * National Civil Defence Cadet Corps (NCDCC)
 * Girl Guides
 * Scouts
 * Boys' Brigade
 * National Police Cadet Corps (NPCC)
 * National Cadet Corps (NCC)

Sports and games

 * Soccer
 * Netball
 * Badminton
 * Floorball
 * Rugby

Performing arts

 * Modern Dance
 * Indian Dance
 * Chinese Dance
 * Malay Dance
 * Choir
 * Chinese Orchestra

Clubs and societies

 * Information Communication Club
 * Media Resource Club
 * Science Society
 * PA Club
 * Art & Craft Club
 * Peer Cabin

School Management Committee in 2010

 * Mr Krishnan Aravinthan – Principal
 * Ms Tan Chor Hiang – Vice Principal
 * Mrs Kow-Kwang Yoke Ling – HOD English Language
 * Ms Shek Mee Keng – HOD Humanities
 * Mr Loh Jia Perng – HOD Mathematics
 * Mr Shamsul Kamar – HOD Pupil Welfare
 * Mrs Djie Say Aii – Unit Head Sec 4 Exp & Sec 5 NA, HOD Science
 * Mr Douglas Lee – HOD Information Technology
 * Mr Michael L. Devakishen – HOD Aesthetics
 * Mr Roskhaider Mohd Saat – HOD PE/CCA
 * Miss Rachel Abraham – HOD Discipline
 * Mrs Essah Hawazi – SH Geography
 * Mr Sean Goh- SH Physics
 * Mrs Adeline Ee- SH CPA/CS
 * Mr Sum Tuck Mun – SH Mathematics
 * Miss Elizabeth Tan – SH Character Development
 * Ms Ummu Hani Alsagoff – SH Project Work
 * Mr Low Swee Hian- SH Science and Technology
 * Mdm Hiryati Jaafar – Administration Manager
 * Mr Ng Lee Peng – Operations Manager

Achievements (2004–Present)
The school has achieved more than 500 awards since 2004 to date.

Sports & games

 * Golf – Johnson Poh (5A) member of Singapore Golf Association Youth squad. Rep SGA vs Malaysia GA at Johor (Jul)


 * Soccer – B Division: Aslam Ismail (Sec 5B) rep Singapore U17 Lion City Cup Championship & won the Plate Award. Md Fathi (5B) selected for Nat Football Academiy U17, C Div achieved 1st runner-up for H-Two-O Schools 7 Tournament.


 * Tchoukball – Marilyn Loh Qiao Jun (Sec 3E): Member of National Youth Training, rep Singapore Tchoukball, rep Singapore in Asia Pacific Championship (APTC) in HK from 19–23 Jul 08.


 * Swimming – Phan Yong Hao Joe (3A) rep Aquatic Performance Swim Club & participated in the INDIAN OCEAN All-STARS Challenge in Perth (19–24 Mar), Joe Phan & Tan Jing Hi (1F) rep BDS in Nat Inter-School Championships.


 * Floorball – C Div Girls 1st & C Div Boys 3rd in Singapore River Raft Race (SP) Street Floorball Challenge (24–25 May), C Div Boys 2nd in Bedok CC Tournament (14 Jun).


 * Exco Student-Leaders: Award of Commendation (National Level) in Youth EnvirOlympics Council Award Scheme (14 Jun) jointly org by NECDC, NEA, PAYM & Aljunied-Hougang CC. YOG: Suntec Convention Centre (12 Jan), Olympic Day Run at West Coast (Jul).

Uniformed groups

 * NPCC (OUPA – Silver), Allison Maung of Sec 4A has been awarded with the SPF-NPCC Badge, the highest honour for any NPCC cadet. NPCC Best Unit Cadet – SSGT Allison Maung Si Jia (4A/Girl), SSGT Jonathan Siow Jun Yang (4B/ Boy). Participants for National UG Camp – Nuriati (3F), Lau Kai Yang (3D).


 * NCC (OUPA Gold – 2007), Best Unit Cadet – SSGT Fawaz (4C)


 * Scouts – (OUPA Bronze – 2007). Participation in HQ organized Malacca 2D1N Overseas Trip (14–15 Jun)


 * Boys' Brigade 97th Singapore Company (J M Fraser Award for Excellence / OUPA – Bronze Award)


 * Girl Guides – representatives in National Day Parade

External rep

 * CCAB Show Case Public Performance at Plaza Singapura (15 Mar) – Choir, Malay Dance, Indian Dance & Modern Dance groups


 * Choir performing at SYF Opening Ceremony at Indoor Sports Hall (Jun)

Clubs & societies

 * Infocomm Club – 3 students reps: Yuen Zi Gui(3B), Terence Kong(3B), Eugene Seoh(2B) in Overseas Education Study Trip to Silicon Valley (4–13 Jun)


 * Science Society – Inter-school Robo-Challenge Competition held at Catholic High, Best Mission Score Award:Team 1: Adrian Chan (3A), Ching Cheuck Hin (2B), Wesley Han (2B) / Team 2: Matthew Han (1B), Asri (1C), Sim Yong Jun (2H) / Best Judges' Award: Team 1: Adrian Chan (3A), Ching Cheuck Hin (2B), Wesley Han (2B)

Moe awards / others

 * SAA (UG) – 5th MOE SAA (UG) Award [NCC & NPCC – Gold/Silver for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007]


 * Cherish Award (Gold Award)


 * NE Outstanding Award


 * Partner's Award (pending)

Overseas trips

 * BIND: 3rd Twinning Fushun, China. Sec 3 Overseas Learning Journeys – Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam & Penang (IF).


 * Sebana Cove – Peer Leader's Camp (Jun)


 * Scouts – Malacca Exchange Trip (Jun)