Schools
Schools and learning centers were establi-shed by temples and clan associations to provide education for the community as public schools were exclusive to English speakers. Most of the early schools started out in shophouses then later moved into buildings. The different schools that existed in Kreta Ayer represent the cultural diversity of the area at the time. Most to f the schools ceased operation or relocated due to the diminishing number of students, urban development, and decreasing popul-arity of Non-English schools.
Map of Former Schools
Early Education
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Sepoy Lines Malay School (1900-2001) - The school was seen in press starting from early 1900’s. The school was renamed to Pearl Bank School and moved to a new building in 1954 with 400 students. The school building was later demolished as part of the urban renewal program to build offices in the Park Road vicinity.
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Park Road School (1954-2001) - Established in 1954 as an English school for students in the Outram Park area. It merged with Pearl Bank School in 1985 to form Pearl Park Primary School, and it later merged with Pearl’s Hill School. It closed in 2001.
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Umar Pulvar Tamil Secondary School (1946-1982) – For Indian Muslim community. Started in a shophouse and moved to its own building in 1950. It was turned into a high school in 1964.
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Yeung Ching Cantonese School (1905-) – Started as private Cantonese school on club street. New building was completed in 1965 and the school relocated in 1988 when it became a government aided school. It was known for its drama group.
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Telok Ayer School (1963-1984) - The primary school closed in 1984 as enrollment rates declined and the remaining students joined Yeung Ching School. From 1984 to 2013, Telok Ayer Performing Arts Centre was housed in the former site of the school. After 2013, the school building was demolished.
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Ai Tong Chinese School (1912-) Initially operated out of a Methodist church and in 1955 it moved into a new building in 137 Telok Ayer Street. It was relocated in 1992.
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Ying Xin School (1905-1970) – Modern Chinese School by Ying Fo Fui Kun.
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Chong Hock Girls’ school (1915-) - Established by Thian Hock Keng Temple and moved into its own building in the 1950s on Telok Ayer Street. In 1985, the school relocated to Yishun.
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Gan Eng Seng School (1885 -1941) – Provided free education for low income families in the community until early 1920’s when it became a government aided school – English and Chinese were taught.
Ying Fo Fui Kun Housed the Ying Xin School
The Building Housed the Chong Hock School
Old Clan House Hosting New Pre-schools
Study of schools that were added and closed/relocated through historical maps
Reference
roots.gov.sg/places/places-landing/Places/national-monuments/ying-fo-fui-kun
https://thelongnwindingroad.wordpress.com/tag/chong-hock-girls-school/