Principal's Welcome
Welcome to Temasek Secondary School (TMS)!
Congratulations!If your child is in Primary 6 this year, congratulations! Many of us might recall how our children had to adjust throughout most of their lower primary years due to COVID-19 – wearing masks, observing safe-distancing, and attending home-based learning. It is a testament to the determined and consistent efforts of educators in primary schools, your strong partnership with your child’s primary school, and your child’s resilience that s/he adapted to those changes and will soon complete the PSLE.
While we have stepped out of the shadows of COVID-19, clouds of uncertainty loom ahead. New power dynamics within and between large nations have started to rock the rules-based order which upholds free trade and multilateralism. Technologies such as generative artificial intelligence promise greater productivity at work but also threaten to displace jobs across sectors, including entry and middle-level jobs in professions.
What we offerIn the face of such uncertainty, we at TMS seek to provide a stable and caring environment that enables your child to be a joyful learner and exemplary leader.
“We care”, a motto that has become a signature phrase among our students, parents and alumni, guides what we do as a school. We believe in nurturing the whole child and in working closely with parents and stakeholders to achieve this. Our efforts are guided by the WE CARE framework (see image below), which we develop with reference to MOE initiatives (e.g. Character and Citizenship Education 2021) and findings from positive psychology (particularly the six elements of PERMAH, namely Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment and Health). For instance, in line with Wellness, we start school at 8am daily, to allow Temasekians to have sufficient sleep and time to have breakfast before coming to school.
The culture of care in TMS forms the foundation for our students to learn and grow in character. We seek to develop six GROWTH learning dispositions (see image above), which we view as essential for your child to thrive in post-secondary education and the workplace. To develop these learning dispositions, we provide a variety of platforms for our students to grow, stretch themselves and lead others. Allow me to share two examples.
Stretching themselves
Students who wish to delve deeper in certain subjects/ areas can be part of the Temasek Ignis Programme (TIP). Besides approaching specific topics with greater rigour, students in TIP will have the opportunity to tackle issues from multiple perspectives and communicate confidently in contexts beyond the classroom.
Leading others
We do not believe in self-aggrandising leadership that seeks to pursue ends at all costs, which unfortunately has reared its head in a world that has become more isolationist. Instead, we believe that leaders of Singapore need to care for others, build positive relationships, make responsible decisions and contribute positively to society.
LEAD@TMS, our student leadership programme, is anchored on our school values of T-EPIC (Teamwork, Performance Excellence, Integrity, Care). It provides multiple avenues for students to develop leadership competencies while contributing to the school community. Whether it’s Class Managers planning bonding activities for the class, Peer Support Leaders equipping Temasekians to look out for their peers, House Captains leading Physical Education Lessons, Young Ambassadors running events that promote active citizenry, or Student Councillors leading key school events including Sec 1 Investiture – there is something for your child to grow in leadership perspectives and skills if s/he is keen.
It's all about the people
As a school that turns 45 this year, TMS takes pride in being an autonomous school that provides a caring and positive learning environment for students regardless of course or posting group. The fond memories shared by alumni, many of whom continue to visit or serve the school (e.g. as staff or School Advisory Committee members), testify to the lives that have flourished during their time here.
We wish you and your child all the best as you search for a secondary school that best fits your child’s strengths, interests and aspirations. And if TMS is one of his/her choices, we look forward to him/her being part of the Temasek Story come 2026.
Warmest regards
Mr. Tan Shun Loong
Principal
