Dunman Secondary School started in Haig Road in 1963 two years before Singapore achieved its independence. It was then known as Dunman Secondary Integrated School. Mr Au Keng Chu, the first Principal set the course for the school with the motto, 'Knowledge the Torch of Life'. The School Badge was designed with the message that all students should leave the school imbibed with wide knowledge and fine character. In 1964, Dunman became the first integrated school with 3 mediums of instruction. Thus the badge reflected the 3 languages. In 1976 the badge was modified to remove the words Secondary School. At Dunman Secondary's Speech and Prize-Giving Day in 1972, Dr Chong Yean Chiong, Vice-Chairman of the SAC announced to all, "my message is this - we have every intention of making our school the prestigious school for Katong first, and finally the prestigious school for the whole of Singapore... this is no pipe dream. It is an attainable goal. It may take time, but I am serious - we shall overcome." Over the years, the school has not lost track of the vision set by its SAC and has progressed steadily overcoming many challenges and milestones.

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1963

 

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1976

 

2008

In 1990, Dunman Secondary began a new phase in its history with its move to Tampines New Town. In 1975, the Dunman students statue was completed by Mr Lim Nang Seng, the originator and sculptor of the Merlion statue, to instil the Dunman spirit in all pupils. When the school was relocated, the statue made its way to Tampines New Town. With the current upgrading, the sculptor will occupy a central spot in Dunman's porch to remind all students of their heritage.

When Dunman became autonomous in 2001, the lion on the badge took on new meaning - it became associated with the bold and 'daring' spirit of Dunmanites to surge forward and scale greater heights in a technologically driven and globalised world. This thinking has helped to shape the school's progress since 2001. All staff and stakeholders felt that this was the opportune time to effect the change to better reflect the Dunman of the 21st Century. In June 2007, Dunman embarked on a 20 million dollar upgrading of its premises. Prior to this, the staff spent much time and effort envisioning Dunman of the 21st century while being mindful to retain the symbols of our past. Much planning and thought went into projecting Dunman as a forward looking school instilling in all Dunmanites values and skills needed to face the challenges of the real world. With the support of the School Advisory Committee, Parents' Support Group and Dunman Secondary Alumni, the new badge came into effect in May 2008.

The blazing torch closely associated with Dunman since the 90's became a symbol of the Dunman spirit to forge ahead. The lion took on a bolder and more contemporary form. With our motto, 'Knowledge the Torch of Life', Dunmanites will not only seek knowledge but create more knowledge and seek breakthrough achievement. Our theme 'DARE to achieve our Dreams' which is aligned to the DARE (Dunman All Round Excellence) framework, all Dunmanites would strive to achieve their goals. They would be equipped with 21st century skills. As Alvin Toffler tells us, "the illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn." Our new badge integrates our vision, motto and values. The 5 strands on the lion's mane represents the 5D's of a distinctive dunmanite - disciplined, discernment, determination, daring and duty. As Dunman goes global, it was important to add the words Secondary School and Singapore.

"In the 40 years I have been with Dunman, I have watched the school grow and move with the times, evolving into a dynamic and vibrant learning institution ready to take on the challenges of the future. I am glad to be part of this dynamic, forward looking and far-sighted team of leaders in their quest to bring Dunman Secondary to greater heights as embodied in our current school logo, with the flaming torch and the lion symbolizing courage and daring, ready to face the next phase with zeal and fortitude," Mrs Wee Quek Jee Eng, Senior Teacher, Dunman Secondary School, 1968 - present

 

We would also like to thank Mr Wilfred James, our School Counsellor (2004 - present) and former teacher of Dunman Secondary School, (1984 - 2003) for his care and support of teachers and students.

"Change is never easy yet change is necessary if we are not to stagnate. Realignment need not dislocate but rather reflect a rich evolution of ideas, principles and values towards a new relevance as we embrace new horizons, aspirations and needs." Mr Wilfred James, Dunman HOD Pupil Welfare, (1984 - 2003) and School Counsellor, 2003 - present).

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"As an old boy of the school and a member of the School Advisory Committee since 1984, I have kept in close touch with the school and participated in shaping the school and helping it to move forward. While I treasure the school's heritage, I also understand the need for the school to evolve and remain relevant to today's world. I am proud of all that the school has achieved and appeal to all those associated with Dunman Secondary to support the school in realising its vision and mission," Mr Ng San Tiong, PBM, Chairman, School Advisory Committee.

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For 2008, Dunman Secondary welcomes Mr Thurairajah as the new President. Mr Thurai has been very involved in the DSP activities over the years.

"The Dunman Dedicated and Supportive Parents' Group has been actively involved in working with the school in envisioning for the future, planning programmes and activities as well as raising funds for needy students. As a member of the Pupil Development Steering Committee, together with 2 other members of the DSP, we want to applaud the school's effort to prepare our students better for the future and to focus their attention on the skills and values applicable to the 21st Century." Mr Thurairajah, Chairman, Dunman Dedicated and Supportive Parents' Group.

 



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