Raffles Institution (RI) is one of the oldest and most prestigious schools in Singapore. Founded in 1823, RI is renowned for its academic excellence and commitment to nurture young minds. For over two centuries, RI has produced a long line of distinguished alumni who have gone on to become leaders in their respective fields.
History of Raffles Institution
Raffles Institution was established in 1823 by Sir Stamford Raffles as the Singapore Institution, which was a free school for all children regardless of race, religion or social status. In 1826, the school was renamed Raffles Institution in honour of its founder.
Throughout its history, RI has been home to some of Singapore’s most prominent figures in politics, business, law, medicine and the arts. Notable alumni include former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, former President SR Nathan, business magnate and philanthropist Lee Kong Chian, and actor Lim Kay Tong.
Academic Excellence
RI is renowned for its academic excellence and provides a wide range of academic and enrichment programmes for its students. RI students consistently perform well in both local and international examinations and competitions. In the Singapore-Cambridge GCE A-Level examinations, RI was ranked first among all secondary schools in Singapore in 2019.
RI also has a number of international exchange programmes and partnerships with schools around the world. This allows RI students to have a global perspective and gain exposure to different cultures and educational systems.
Culture and Values
RI places strong emphasis on its culture and values. The school promotes a culture of respect, responsibility and resilience, and encourages students to strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives.
RI also offers a wide range of co-curricular activities (CCA), ranging from sports and the performing arts to uniformed groups such as the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and the National Police Cadet Corps (NPCC). Through these activities, students can develop their leadership skills, teamwork, and social skills.
Conclusion
Raffles Institution is Singapore’s premier institution for excellence in education. With its long history of producing distinguished alumni and its commitment to academic excellence and the development of the whole person, RI is the perfect place to nurture young minds and help them achieve their full potential.