Moving Forward as One ACS One Family
On 26 April 2004, the Principals, Vice-Principals and members of
the Board of Governors from the ACS family of schools participated
in a strategic planning workshop conducted by Ernst & Young
Associates. The aim of the workshop was to decide on the strategic
thrusts for the ACS family of schools and to formulate action plans
to meet any gaps in the light of Singapores current educational
reforms.
After brainstorming and sharing their expectations on a number of
issues, the participants agreed that while it was acknowledged that
the schools all take direction from the spiritual drivers inherent
in ACSs Methodist tradition, the importance of ensuring coherence
and continuity in ACSs delivery of holistic education to its
students as they move up through the individual schools cannot be
overemphasized, particularly with regards to the enthusiastically
debated question of maximizing student retention rates.
To bring about the ONE ACS ONE FAMILY concept, five key strategic
imperatives were identified. These are summarized below:
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The ACS Family Vision The aim is to provide a holistic education
centered on Methodist values that will allow our students to
develop as future leaders and model citizens/citizens of the
world.
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The ACS Family Values God-Centered (doing the right thing in the
eyes of the Lord), Loyal (remaining true to family, school and
country), Integrity (always doing the right thing), Stewardship
(knowing when and how to lead and serve), and Respect (always
knowing when to accord appropriate regard)
*
The ACS Brand of Education Holistic education that fosters a
strong community amongst students and teachers, promulgate
Christian values and secular ACS values, inculcate recognition of
diversity, and develop leadership and the spirit of
enterprise.
*
The ACS Boy- Enterprising (having a sense of adventure and risk and
daring to succeed), Passionate (possessing a zest for life in
everything that we undertake), Confident (possessing the courage to
try and achieve), Team Player (knowing how and when to leverage on
the strength of others), and Empathy (the ability to place
ourselves in the shoes of others and to care for one
another).
*
The ACS Synergy Work closely together and leveraging on the
synergy within the ACS family of schools and the OBA by mutually
recognizing, developing, enhancing and sharing unique capabilities
& niche areas.
The above strategies are a framework for developing policies and
plans for moving forward to meet future challenges and reinforcing
ACSs core strengths. As a follow up, another workshop will be held
for the next level of leadership to further develop a system and
structure to kick-off ONE ACS ONE FAMILY, including policies,
practices and procedures.
Mr Tan Wah Thong
Chairman, ACS Board of Governors