6 YEARS IN RI

Streaming

At the end of secondary two, I was streamed into science class. I took physics, chemistry and 2 maths. I still had to take English, Chinese, literature and geography. I was in sec 3E. We were housed in the Annexe Building. The classroom was on the first floor. On the ground floor were all the science laboratories. Behind this building was another tuck shop. I started to enjoy school life as I was very comfortable with school routines and well as I had my cirlce of friends.

Important school games

Whenever RI played any game especially rugby and football in national school final, the entire afternoon session will be dismissed early and the entire school will go and support our teams. There were times we marched from school to PA ground along Nicoll Highway to cheer our rugby team against the "Saint". The rugby "Otega Cup" was always the most exciting. We would cheered until our throats turned course. Any other games played on RI ground always attracted plenty of supporters.

O Level

I moved to Sec 4D. This was a very important year for me. Examinations fever caught up sometimes in the middle of the years. To remain in RI, we need good results as we had to compete with student from all over Singapore for places in Pre U 1. I loved my life in RI and was not willing to loose it. So I worked very hard. I did very well for my preliminary exam and secured a place in RI for my Pre-U. But when the actual ‘O’ level results was released, my result was mediocre. Nevertheless the result was good enough to remain in RI.

End of formal education

Getting through the ‘O’ level examination was a great relief for me. I was worried about my father’s health the last few years. By then, if something did happen to my father, making him incapable of supporting me anymore, I could at least find a job and study part time. Now that I have a chance to continue with pre-u education, it was definitely a bonus. It was to be another 2 years of fun. I was focused on making the best out of my Pre U life. I knew I wasn’t good enough to secure a scholarship and deep in my heart, I knew after my pre-u, I have to be on my own. My father had limited means to put me through university. He had struggled throughout his entire life and I don’t wish to impose any more burdens on him. He was almost 70 then. Because of this, I wasn’t really motivated to excel in my study. Instead, I spend more time on ECA and enjoyed school life.

PRE U CLASSMATES 1972/73

Moving to New Premise at Grange Road

In 1972, I moved to the newly constructed RI at Grange Road. It was the first school that have squash courts, red bitumen running track with gallery like a stadium. Of course, we were all very excited to move to our new dream school, especially after spending four years at the old, almost dilapidated building.

Proud Moment

RI celebrated the 150th Anniversary in 1973. A big parade that included all the uniforms groups was organised. I had the honour to be the NCC (AIR) contingent commander. That gave me the privilege to march my contingent past the guest of honour, and gave the customary military salute. I felt very proud that day.

150th Founder's Day. Me leading the Air Contingent

End of School Life

We took the ‘A’ level examinations in November. I just passed. To me my formal education was considered over. I was really relief that finally, I have removed the burden off my father’s shoulder. I wasn’t sad but was optimistic and happy that finally I can be independent. In December 24 1973, I was drafted to do national service. I was selected by the Navy. Just like my first day in secondary school, my first day in the Navy was a start of a new chapter for me. It’s entering another new world, far more challenging and exciting than the last as I had set my sight to be an officer in the SAF

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