Dunman Secondary School: A Premier Educational Institution in Singapore

Finding the right school for your child can feel overwhelming. You’re looking for an institution that not only fosters academic growth but also nurtures well-rounded individuals ready to thrive in today’s dynamic world. Dunman Secondary School stands out as a top choice, renowned for its commitment to quality education, inclusivity, and holistic development. Established as one of Singapore’s pioneering integrated schools, it continues to empower students from diverse backgrounds to achieve their full potential.

School Overview

Dunman Secondary School has a rich history dating back to 1963, when it was founded as Dunman Integrated Secondary School—the first of its kind in Singapore, designed to bring together students of different races and languages for a shared educational experience. Named after Sir Thomas Dunman, Singapore’s first police commissioner, the school initially operated at Haig Road before relocating to its current campus in Tampines. Its educational philosophy is encapsulated in the motto “Pengetahuan Suloh Hidup,” which translates to “Knowledge – The Torch of Life,” emphasizing knowledge as a guiding light for personal and societal progress.

What sets Dunman Secondary apart are its unique features and programs. As an autonomous government school since 2001, it offers flexibility in curriculum design to meet students’ needs. Notable initiatives include the Dunman Life Sciences Training and Research Centre launched in 2002, and innovative programs like S1 STEMviaDT, which integrates STEM education through design and technology. The school has also been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School and is part of the Google AI Accelerator 2025, highlighting its forward-thinking approach to technology in education.

Academic Excellence

Dunman Secondary School has built a strong reputation for academic excellence, consistently earning accolades that reflect its high standards. In 2000, it received the Thinking Culture Award, Best School East Zone, and Value-Added Award, followed by the Singapore Quality Class in 2001. By 2006, the school was honored with the Public Service Award for Organisational Excellence from SPRING Singapore, and in 2007, it secured the School Distinction Award, Sustained Achievement Award for Academic Excellence, Character Development Award, and National Education Award.

The school’s performance is further evidenced by its autonomous status, which it attained due to outstanding academic and co-curricular results. While specific recent rankings vary, Dunman Secondary is often highlighted among top secondary schools in Singapore based on PSLE cut-off points and overall achievements. Notable alumni include individuals who have excelled in various fields, such as Poh Wee Tiong (Class of 2021), who received the prestigious TP Scholarship, demonstrating the school’s role in producing high achievers.

Facilities and Extracurricular Activities

Dunman Secondary School boasts modern facilities that support both learning and recreation. The campus features the Tan Ean Kiam Hall, a multi-purpose, air-conditioned space for assemblies, sports, and examinations. Classrooms are equipped with air-conditioning for upper secondary levels and locker-style tables for all students to store materials conveniently. The library offers printing, photocopying, and access to computers and iPads, while over 15 specialized labs cater to computer, science, and animation studies. Outdoor benches and an indoor sports hall provide comfortable spaces for study and physical activities.

Extracurricular activities, known as Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs), are a cornerstone of student life, promoting teamwork and personal growth. Sports options include Badminton (Boys), Basketball (Girls and Boys), Football (Girls), Netball (Girls), and Volleyball (Boys). Uniformed groups such as National Police Cadet Corps (NPCC), Red Cross Youth, Scouts, and National Cadet Corps (NCC) Air foster discipline and leadership. Performing arts enthusiasts can join the Choir, Guitar Ensemble, Modern Dance, English Drama, or Concert Band. Clubs and societies like Infocomm Technology (Computing and Media Production), Environmental Science, Leadership, and STEM encourage innovation and community involvement.

Location and Contact

Conveniently located in the heart of Tampines, Dunman Secondary School’s address is 21 Tampines Street 45, Singapore 529093. For inquiries, you can reach the school at phone number +65 6786 2668 or via email at [email protected]. Visit their official website at dunmansec.moe.edu.sg and their Facebook and Instagram pages for more details on admissions and events.

FAQ’s about Dunman Secondary School

Is Dunman Secondary School a good school?
Dunman Secondary School is an autonomous government school recognized for its focus on nurturing values, talent, and character, as evidenced by its status as an Apple Distinguished School for integrating technology into education. It offers a vibrant learning environment with strong academic and co-curricular programmes, making it a suitable choice for students interested in holistic development. Parents are encouraged to visit the school to assess if it aligns with their child’s needs.
Source: https://www.dunmansec.moe.edu.sg/apple-distinguished-school/

Is Dunman Secondary School a co-ed school?
Yes, Dunman Secondary School is a co-educational school, admitting both boys and girls in a single-session format.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=Dunman%20Secondary%20School

What is the ranking of Dunman Secondary School?
Singapore’s Ministry of Education does not provide official rankings for secondary schools to avoid undue competition and focus on holistic education. Dunman Secondary School is an autonomous government school, which indicates recognition for its quality programmes.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=Dunman%20Secondary%20School

What is the cut-off point for Dunman Secondary School?
For non-affiliated students, the 2024 PSLE score ranges (cut-off points) are Posting Group 3: 11-13, Posting Group 2: 21-23, and Posting Group 1: 25-27. These reflect the score of the last admitted student and may vary annually. Check the latest updates on the MOE website for current admissions.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=Dunman%20Secondary%20School

What are the school hours at Dunman Secondary School?
The school’s operating hours are Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 5:30pm, closed on public holidays. Specific student school hours are not detailed on the official websites; contact the school for precise timings. In general, secondary schools in Singapore start around 7:30am and end by 2:30pm, with CCAs extending later.
Source: https://www.dunmansec.moe.edu.sg/contact-us/

What are the school fees for Dunman Secondary School?
Information on specific monthly fees is not available on the official websites; as a government autonomous school, fees for Singapore Citizens are typically low (around S$5/month plus miscellaneous fees), with higher rates for Permanent Residents and International Students. Refer to the MOE fees checker or contact the school for exact details and financial assistance options.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/financial-matters/fees?schoolname=Dunman%20Secondary%20School

How to apply for DSA to Dunman Secondary School?
Primary 6 students can apply via the DSA-Sec Portal based on talents in areas like sports, arts, leadership, or STEM, with no application fees. Successful applicants commit to the school and bypass standard S1 posting. Visit the school website for specific talent areas and deadlines, or contact the school for guidance.
Source: https://www.dunmansec.moe.edu.sg/ – DSA Section

What CCAs are offered at Dunman Secondary School?
Dunman Secondary School offers a range of CCAs including sports like badminton, basketball, football, netball, and volleyball; uniformed groups such as NPCC, Red Cross Youth, Scouts, and NCC (Air); performing arts like choir, guitar ensemble, modern dance, English drama, and concert band; and clubs like infocomm technology, environmental science, media production, leadership, and STEM. These support character development and leadership skills.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=Dunman%20Secondary%20School

What subjects are offered at Dunman Secondary School for O-Levels?
The school offers O-Level subjects including English Language, Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, combined options), Humanities (Social Studies, Geography, History, Literature), Languages (Chinese, Malay, Tamil, Higher options), Art, Design & Technology, Nutrition and Food Science, Principles of Accounts, Exercise & Sports Science, Music, and Physical Education. Subject combinations can be tailored via subject-based banding. Check the curriculum page for updates.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=Dunman%20Secondary%20School

Is Dunman Secondary School affiliated with any primary school?
No, Dunman Secondary School is non-affiliated, meaning there are no affiliation bonuses for primary school students during admissions. Admissions are based on PSLE scores or DSA.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=Dunman%20Secondary%20School

What facilities does Dunman Secondary School have?
The school features advanced technology-based and eco-friendly facilities to support learning and security, though specific details like labs or sports fields are not listed. Contact the school for a tour or more information on amenities.
Source: https://www.dunmansec.moe.edu.sg/our-dunman/facilities/

What is the address and contact information for Dunman Secondary School? The school is located at 21 Tampines Street 45, Singapore 529093. Contact details include phone: 6786 2668 and email: [email protected]. For directions, use Google Maps via the school website.
Source: https://www.dunmansec.moe.edu.sg/contact-us/

What is subject-based banding at Dunman Secondary School?
Subject-based banding allows students to take subjects at different levels (G1, G2, G3) based on their strengths, replacing traditional streams from the 2024 cohort onward under Full SBB. This promotes flexibility and mixed-form classes for collaborative learning. Dunman Secondary School implements this as per MOE guidelines.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/secondary/courses

What special programmes does Dunman Secondary School offer?
The school offers the Apple Distinguished School programme for technology-enriched learning and the iSTEM (Maker) programme focused on STEM education and innovation. It also supports Special Educational Needs Officers for inclusive education.
Source: https://www.dunmansec.moe.edu.sg/apple-distinguished-school/

How does Dunman Secondary School support character development?
The school nurtures character through its values-based education, CCAs for leadership and teamwork, and programmes like DSA that emphasize personal growth. Specific details are not available on the official websites; contact the school for more on character education initiatives.
Source: https://www.dunmansec.moe.edu.sg/

What is the history of Dunman Secondary School?
Founded in 1963 as Dunman Integrated Secondary School on Haig Road, it was named after Sir Thomas Dunman and later relocated to Tampines. It celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2023, highlighting its legacy in education.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=Dunman%20Secondary%20School

Does Dunman Secondary School have an integrated programme?
No, Dunman Secondary School does not offer an Integrated Programme (IP); it follows the standard secondary curriculum leading to O-Levels, with options for subject-based banding.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/schoolfinder/schooldetail?schoolname=Dunman%20Secondary%20School

What are the post-secondary pathways from Dunman Secondary School?
After O-Levels, students can progress to junior colleges, polytechnics, or ITE based on results, with career guidance provided. The school supports transitions through counselling and alumni success stories.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/secondary/courses

What is the uniform and discipline policy at Dunman Secondary School?
Information on uniform and discipline policies is not available on the official websites. In general, MOE schools have standard uniforms and emphasize positive discipline for character building; contact the school for details.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/secondary

How can parents get involved in Dunman Secondary School?
Parents can engage through parent support groups, school events, and communication channels. Specific involvement opportunities are not detailed on the official websites; join Parents Gateway or contact the school for more information.
Source: https://www.dunmansec.moe.edu.sg/

You may want to check out other secondary schools in Singapore below:

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Disclaimer: All information provided here has been compiled from publicly available sources. While we have made every effort to ensure accuracy, we do not guarantee that the information is complete or error-free. We disclaim any liability for inaccuracies or omissions. If you find any errors or have concerns about the content, please let us know so we can address them promptly.