Part 2 Interview

Today, we interview Mr Tan, an almuni, who has lived in Katong for 50 years. We would like to ask him about his life in the Katong district.

Us: Hi Sir! Have you lived in Katong for a long time?

Tan: Yes and what do you want to know about Katong.

Us: We are doing a research on schools in Katong, would you assist us?

Tan: Sure, in my younger days, I studied in Junyuan Primary before graduating to Tanjong Katong Secondary.

Us: How was life in your Primary School.

Tan: I used to walk to school everyday. My Primary School was a Chinese School and the teachers were srict. Our school rules were in Chinese ans everytime we broke them, we would either get slapped or for girls, their ponytails will be pulled. Our parents cannot complain even if we get punished in a physical manner by the teacher, unlike you lucky children today.

Us: Any other information?

Tan: Our school was a government school and it wasn't rich. There were not many facilities and the classrooms were small and worn out. We would study in the norning until four in the afternoon, if I remember.

Us: How was the education system like in Junyuan?

Tan: Our education system back then is not as advanced as the education system now. We were still learning ABC and 123 in Primary One and Two. We only started Science in Primary Five. There was no streaming and the major exam was only in Primry Six. There were minor exams every six months during our Primary School life.

Us: What about your Secondary School?

Tan: The school was better furnished and the facilities were also better. The school compound was also bigger. I usually studied until six due to other activities in school.

Us: How was it like in the school?

Tan: The teachers were also strict but this was more of an English School and all our rules, mission, vision were in English. English was our first language.

Us: How was the education system here?

Tan: There were more exams and more subjects offered. There was also an O Level but the subjects offered were not as plentiful as the time now. Our school is one of the top schools back then, therefore the education system was better than ordinary schools back then. I dropped out of school after Secondary four to earn a living. My family had financial problems in sending me for further education.

Us: Could you tell us the main differences between your Primary and Secondary School?

Tan: Sure, the education system was better in the secondary school and the facilities were better. Also, the government's main priority was on Secondary Schools. You could skip Primary education, as it was quite simple. But to attain a good position in the society back then, you must complete Secondary education.

Us: Last question, what are the differences in schooling now and back in your days?

Tan: The schools now are better furnished, bigger, and have more facilities. It is much better than schools last time. The government spend billions to improve education systems now and you are very fortunate. But now, since the education is much better, graduates are much more common and competition in Singapore for jobs will be more competitive. Also, the education system now is much more complicated and complete, due to the subjects offered and the education trips you have. These things did not occur back in my days. Also, teachers cannot lay a hand on you now, hence you all are very lucky. Back then , we would be beaten for the slightest mistakes.

Us: Thank You Sir!

Tan: Bye! You are welcome.