Nanyang Girls' High School - History

History

The Singapore Nanyang Girls’ School was founded in 1917 by Tan Chu Nan and Teo Eng Hock. The first principal was Yu Pei Gao, and its first premises was a shophouse at No. 7 Dhoby Ghaut.

In 1921, Mdm Gao resigned as principal and six principals took occupancy of the post over a short period of time.

Chairman Lee Chin Tien, and the principal at the time, Mdm Liew Yuen Sien, developed the school further in 1927. The school was renamed as Nanyang Girls’ High School in 1930 and began operations at its new premises at King's Road the next year. The school system was altered to provide three-year Junior Middle and Senior Middle School courses.

On 8 December 1941, war in the Pacific began. The school premises was taken over by the British army and became a field office. The Japanese Army took control of the school premises during the invasion of Singapore in 1942, and caused great damage to its facilities.

After the 1945 Japanese surrender, the British reclaimed its rule of Singapore. The school's Board of Management, teachers, students and old girls worked together to rebuild the school and resume operations.

In 1957, Nanyang Girls' High School was chosen for the NJH Face Aided School Scheme. Subsequently, Nanyang Kindergarten began operating independently in 1960 as the Government-Aided School Scheme excluded the school's Kindergarten section.

Mdm Liew Yuen Sien retired in 1967 after 40 years. Mdm Chua Liang became Principal in 1977.

1978 was a significant year as the Primary Section gained autonomy, and Nanyang Primary School was formed. It is still affiliated to Nanyang Girls' High School.

In 1979, Nanyang Girls' High School became a Special Assistance Plan school, hence English and Chinese were offered as first language subjects to her students. The school was the first to implement the Art Elective Programme (AEP) for artistically proficient students in 1984. The school's AEP programme continues to thrive today.

Nanyang Girls' High School became an Independent School in 1993. Mdm Chua Liang retired in 1995 and was succeeded by Mrs Ng-Gan Lay Choo, a Nanyang alumnus.

The School became a Gifted Education Programme Centre in 1998.

Nanyang Girls' High School moved to a new campus at Linden Drive on 6 June 1999. The school's late Chairperson, the then First Lady, Mrs Ong Teng Cheong officiated the ceremony. Nanyang Girls' Boarding School on Linden Drive began operating in December.

Mrs Ng-Gan left Nanyang Girls' High School to lead Yishun Junior College in December 2001 and was replaced by Mdm Mak Lai Ying.

In 2004, the school began the Integrated Programme in partnership with Hwa Chong Institution, to enable academically able students to bypass their O-level exams and take a six-year course. This will comprise project work and a broad-based education, eventually leading to the GCE A-level exams.

In 2006, Mdm Mak left the school for an overseas appointment and was replaced by Ms Yap Wah Choo.

In 2009, Ms. Yap left the school to become Director of Research and Development at the Singapore Examinations and Assessments Board (SEAB). She is replaced by Mdm. Heng Boey Hong, former principal of Nanyang Primary School.