Bishan Park Secondary School – Goodbye

Bishan Park Secondary School is merging with Pierce Secondary School due to the lack of student; reported by Channel News Asia. But in actual fact, the school compound is located in a prime area, where it is right beside the new Thomson line train station; currently under development. The school is tearing down and re-developed into another expensive housing or another mega shopping centre eventually. As our country is developing, we are losing our heritage.

The last few glimpses of Bishan Park Secondary School, the place where we BPsians were nurtured with tender and loving care. The place where I completed my secondary education, made lifelong buddies, had laughter and joy.

Holding with my only point and shoot camera, the Sony RX100M5, I went back to the school before 2017 ends to relive those fond memories. Oh, and by the way, I was the third batch of BPsian, enrolled in year 1996 graduated in year 1998.

Back in 1996, we will gather at this assembly area; the school prefect stood on the podium giving the command to students to stand at attention, and we sang the national anthem at 7:20 am. After the singing the national anthem, the school principal or discipline mistress made some announcements. Sometimes, the discipline mistress requested a few classes to stay back to check improper attire, long fingernails, short skirts, colourful socks, etc.

At 7:20 am sharp, the School Prefects will lock the school gates while the latecomers will be asked to stand behind. The school prefect would take down the latecomers’ particulars for after-school detention.

We would gather in twos and walk to our classroom; there would be more Prefects standing in the hallway to “arrest” more students with improper attire.

The students sitting by the window had the best seats, I remembered looking through the window to daydream.

Physical Education – Sweat it out

The Physical Education (P.E) class were our favourite lesson before the P.E teacher would instruct the class to jog around the school field before we splint to the field for our soccer games or the basketball court for basketball.

Recess Time

If I can recall, we usually have our recess starts at 9:30 am, all the student were given approximately 30 to 45mins break from class. There were so many food vendors inside the canteen selling, mixed vegetable rice, wanton noodles, sugary drinks, Malay food, etc.

Serving Detention

This foyer located at the back of the school was the place where the rule breakers serve their detention after school. The “offenders” sat in this area for an hour or two, supervised by the School Prefects. I would say that it was a privilege to enjoy the view of the park.

The teachers’ office

Design and Technology Class

The Design and Technology (D&T) was my favourite lesson on my timetable, and it covered 3 hours per week. We got to learn different types of materials’ characteristics, technical drawings, hands-on craft work like making a wooden toy car, acrylic photo frame, bottle opener.

School Assembly

The final year students got to sit in the galleries on Wednesday school assembly; I recalled our classroom sang the loudest school song and with gusto!

Bishan Park Secondary School motto to Reach & Excel.

I was surprised to find some of these photos (taken 20 years ago) lying outside the art and craft room.

Update August 2020:

I’ve found a copy of the School Song on YouTube, and here it is:

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