School Overview

School History

Hillgrove Secondary School is a government, co-educational secondary school, situated in the Bukit Gombak Constituency. It was established as a result of the expressed vision of Mr Ang Mong Seng, then the Member of Parliament for Bukit Gombak, that the constituency should have not just pre-school and primary school facilities, but a full secondary school that would meet the needs of the residents in the area. Founded in 2001 with only 277 pupils, Hillgrove first operated on shared premises with Yusof Ishak Secondary School. On 2 February 2002, the school moved to her present location along Bukit Batok Street 52.

The first Principal, Mdm Thoo Mei Lan, was appointed to lead the school on 2 Oct 2000. When she was posted to HQ, Mrs Yeow Lee Lin took over as Principal on 16 December 2002. She built the school’s achievements in academic excellence. On 15 December 2008, Mr Kenneth Lee Tee Chong assumed leadership as the third Principal of the school and fronted the school in the establishment of the ALP in Flight & Aerospace and LLP in the Arts. In December 2015, the baton was passed to Mrs Angeline Chan. She led in the envisioning of Hillgrove’s refreshed school vision - “Reflective Learners, Caring Changemakers” and further supported the development of Hillgrove’s distinctive programmes. On 15 December 2021, Mrs Helen Tan-Lee was appointed the fifth Principal of Hillgrove Secondary School.

Since 2001, Hillgrove has grown steadily in enrolment and established herself as a young school with committed staff and dedicated students. Hillgrove currently enjoys an enrolment of about 1200 pupils from 5 levels.

School Vision

Reflective Learners, Adaptive Thinkers, Caring Changemakers

Hillgrove’s vision of “Reflective Learners, Adaptive Thinkers, Caring Changemakers” describes a community of others-centred individuals who can learn, unlearn and relearn. Hillgrovians will be nurtured to our fullest potential so as to enable us to make a difference in our community and the world at large.

As Reflective Learners, Hillgrovians enjoy learning and find learning meaningful and relevant to real life. We take ownership of our learning and regulate our efforts to gain mastery. We explore and develop our interests and strengths, fuelling a desire for lifelong learning.

As Adaptive Thinkers, Hillgovians develop cognitive and emotional skills that enable us to effectively navigate complex and dynamic situations. We possess the ability to think flexibly, learn from experience, and adjust our mindset and behaviour in response to changing circumstances or challenges.

As Caring Changemakers, Hillgrovians care about what matters in our community. We gather knowledge and resources to make change happen. Making a change within ourselves first, we inspire and influence others to make a difference.

School Mission

Nurturing Hillgrovians who Learn, Care and Make a Difference.

Every Hillgrovian will continually:

• Learn with passion and give one’s best

• Care for the needs of self and others

• Make a Difference through the use of knowledge, talents and leadership

School Motto

United We Soar

We come together in unity to learn, care and help one another to make a difference. This is in line with our school vision and mission. As a Hillgrove family, we are deeply rooted as one. Anchored on our school values and a passion to strive for excellence, we desire to strive for greater heights.

School Values

Integrity is to be honest, upright and have the moral courage to do what is right.

Care is the ability to show kindness and compassion.

Adaptability is the ability to be flexible and nimble as one adjusts to changes or challenging situations to effectively problem-solve and thrive even in the midst of challenges.

Respect is the ability to show regard for the worth of someone or something. It includes respect for self, respect for the rights and dignity of all persons, respect for school rules and respect for the environment.

Resilience is the ability to persevere in the face of challenges without giving up.

Responsibility is the ability to do something that you must do as part of your job or duty because it is morally and socially right.

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings, thoughts, and perspectives of others. It involves being emotionally aware and showing compassion towards the experiences and emotions of others, at home, in school and in the community.

The Hillgrove Philosophy

Hillgrove believes in the potential of students, builds their character and helps them succeed.

potential + CHARACTER = SUCCESS

School Culture

C.A.R.E is the heartbeat of the school. It defines how we would like to relate to and work alongside one another. It speaks of the school’s desire to be others-centred. It is about helping one another to be at our best. It is also about the school being united to soar as one.

School Crest

The school crest is set against a clear background. It is distinctively marked by a cluster of trees with trunks that are intertwined. This symbolises a grove of trees, as inspired by the name of the school. The interlinking of the trunks represents the active interactions between Hillgrove teachers and students. It also signifies the moral and spiritual support students draw from one another.

The slant at the base suggests that the trees have firm roots and stand tall on a slope of a hill. This is another reference to the school’s name.

The large crown of eighteen leaves in varying sizes represents healthy growth so that this produces shelter and shade for those who seek it. The shared foliage signifies the common goal and unity that staff and students share.

Set together, the design elements express the school’s desire to be a safe environment that encourages young people to grow in values and skills needed to face life’s challenges.

School Song

Lyrics : Dorothea Lim Hua-Fern
Music : Chua Siong Loo

With tender care our seeds are sown To withstand the test of time.
Through loving nurture Our roots will grow
With beauty we will shine.
Together we strive for greater heights With commitment we will triumph.

(Chorus)

The Hillgrove Spirit soars above Our flags fly high in honour.
Our beacon of light, The loyalty we serve,
As Hillgrovians we uphold forever.

With kindness and compassion Our friendships blossom,
To become bonds that endure.
Together as one Upright and sturdy,
We support each other in our quest.
We stand united, firm and strong
To Hillgrove our hearts belong