Raffles Institution

Raffles Institution
Name	Raffles Institution
Established	1823
Type	Independent
City	Bishan
Country	Singapore
Colours	Green, white, black

Contents

History
Campus
Academic programmes
Co-curricular activities
Notable alumni
See also

Raffles Institution. Founded in 1823 by Stamford Raffles, it is the oldest school in Singapore. The institution has a distinguished history of educating many of the nation's leaders and is renowned for its rigorous academic curriculum and extensive co-curricular programmes. It operates as an independent school offering a six-year integrated programme leading to the GCE Advanced Level.

History

The school was established on 5 June 1823 by Stamford Raffles, shortly after the founding of modern Singapore. Initially located at Bras Basah Road, its early mission was to educate the sons of local leaders and merchants. The institution played a pivotal role during the Japanese occupation of Singapore, when its premises were used as a hospital. In 1983, it celebrated its sesquicentennial and later moved to its current location in Bishan in 1990. Key milestones include the merger with Raffles Junior College in 2009 and its designation as an independent school under the Ministry of Education (Singapore).

Campus

The main campus is situated in the Bishan planning area, adjacent to Bishan Park. It features a mix of heritage-inspired and modern architecture, including the iconic Raffles Clock Tower and the Raffles Archives and Museum. Facilities include specialized laboratories for the Raffles Science Institute, a performing arts centre, and extensive sports complexes. The campus also houses boarding facilities at Raffles Hall, supporting students from across Southeast Asia.

Academic programmes

The school offers the Raffles Programme, a six-year integrated course that bypasses the GCE Ordinary Level examination. Students pursue a broad-based curriculum before specializing in subjects for the GCE Advanced Level. It runs the Raffles Academy for gifted students in mathematics and the sciences, and the Raffles Humanities Programme. The institution has a strong partnership with the National University of Singapore and other global universities like Harvard University and the University of Oxford for research attachments.

Co-curricular activities

Students participate in a wide array of activities, including uniformed groups like the National Police Cadet Corps and the St John Ambulance Brigade. Its performing arts groups, such as the Raffles Institution Band and the Raffles Players, have won accolades at the Singapore Youth Festival. The school fields competitive teams in sports like rugby football and water polo, and has a strong tradition in debates through the Raffles Debating Club. Leadership development is emphasized through the Raffles Leadership Institute.

Notable alumni

Alumni, known as Rafflesians, have made significant contributions in numerous fields. In politics and public service, notable figures include Lee Kuan Yew, the first Prime Minister of Singapore, and Goh Chok Tong, the second Prime Minister of Singapore. In the arts and sciences, alumni include novelist Catherine Lim, physicist Koh Lip Lin, and astronaut Liew Mun Leong. The school has also produced prominent business leaders like Ho Kwon Ping and distinguished jurists such as Chan Sek Keong.