"What kind of boy is the ACS boy? The ACS boy, even in my time, was an energetic, spry and unconventional creature. A sense of humour and mischief is not far from his fertile mind. Every time I see a group of them together, I observe this special characteristic. There are many symptoms of this. Unusual class or school projects. New initiatives taken by the boys. We had them also when I was in school. Perhaps a certain kind of swagger and over self-confidence - this makes boys from the more staid and conventional schools green with envy!'
'The light-heartedness, the sense of fun and humour. Mix this with a serious determination to excel in the classroom and in the sportsfield. Mix this further with a sense of duty and a sense of what is morally right and Godly. You have a very powerful mixture"
What makes ACSians proud of their tradition and loyal to the school? I suspect it has something to do with the development of character being the principle feature of the ACS tradition of education, more important even than the development of the mind. It was a nurturing environment, in the Methodist school tradition, providing students with the space and freedom to find their own talents, and to develop great friendships and camaraderie. And it encouraged every boy, whatever his background, to do something worthwhile with his life, something great if possible, something that goes beyond himself.
"Now as the ACSians of our generation, each of us has a special responsibility to uphold the rich heritage bestowed upon us. We must continue to walk in Faith and committing all that we do in ACS with thanks and honour to God."
I found my Lord Jesus Christ in ACS. Christ has given me purpose for the life now and a destiny for my life in eternity. The spirit of ACS of one boy helping another is the cornerstone of disciple-making and that has become the cornerstone of the way I have lived my life.
We were in Biology class and dissecting a guinea pig. We started to identify the parts of the anatomy. One of the boys squeezed one part of the anatomy and squirted a substance from the anus. The substance went into the mouth of one of the boys who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. We caught hold of him, turned him on his back, and stuffed the hose into his mouth to wash out the substance. The Biology teacher walked back to the class, saw the ruckus and said "What is going on?" Without missing a beat, they boy who pressed the body part, still with the tweezer in his hand shouted, "Madam, we have found the bladder!".
Affirming, Compassionate, Stewardship.
An ACS boy must never leave anyone behind.
Winning is not everything. But how you play the game with determination, fairness and integrity is.
That the school is Christ centred, Christ honouring, Christ loving.
The best is yet to be. And failures don't define you.
The impressive loyalty of Old Boys towards the school. When I first arrived in ACS (Primary) in 2005, I received a number of invitations from Old Boys overseas inviting me to attend their Founder's Day celebration overseas. Somehow, our Old Boys were able to find a school flag and they (no matter how old they are) would stand and sing school anthem on Founder's day (based on the photos and description sent by them to me). When I was in UK one year on official duty, I went to Buckingham Palace and I met an old couple who came up to me when they saw the ACS jacket I was wearing and the old gentleman introduced himself to me to be an old ACS boy. It impressed me about the Old Boys' loyalty towards the school.
When I was in ACS (Primary), I always tell our pupils and staff that ACS(P)stands for Always Care Share and Pray. I strongly believe that makes a good ACSian who have heart for others and for God.
Always there to lend a helping hand to those who need help, who are not as blessed as they are and always want to make a difference in the lives of others, the society and country.
It's a strong spirit of Unity to do good to others, to make a difference in the world, impacting it in a positive way.
Inclusiveness. Go out and impact others and the society to do good, not just for ACS alone but to influence the society and the world in a good way with God's Word, in God's Way. Bringing more people in to be part of the ACS family.
Always remember the school's humble beginnings and the reasons why the Founder Oldham started the school. The embracing and including of others must always be the way of life of all ACSians. Always Care, Share and Pray.
ACS has imbued in me the sense of service and to give back to the community as it has given me the opportunity to improve and to progress. Once an ACSian will always be an ACSian. Grateful to the education and the Christian values that the school provides.
Treasured memories was in the scouting movement and also serving the school as a school prefect. The CCA has nurtured me in leadership and independent qualities which are some of the life-skills and a guiding compass in life. In addition, the iconic clock tower at Barker Road campus and students playing there bring back fond memories.
Adept, Conscientious and reSourceful
Self-Reliance and Honesty. Always seek to be leaders in whatever area or vocation you are in. Integrity and strong belief in whatever one does. Never give Up.
Embodied in “the Best is (still) yet to be”. Manifest itself in strong belief that perseverance and a “can do attitude”. Always strive and continue to learn. As hard-work in the face of adversity will mould you to be the best person you can be.
ACS will still be strong and united and continue to be inclusive.
The future is bright for you. ACS is here to lay the foundation and formulation of your character. Take the opportunities presented and be leaders of tomorrow.