THANGARAJU s/o Muthu Veerasamy
Education in Singapore (Part 3: Malay/Tamil),
Accession Number 001572
- Oral History Centre
Source
- 8
Total Reels
- S Varathan
Interviewer
- 03:44:41
Total Running Time
- Tamil
Language
Copyright Notice
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Reel/Disc 1 of 8
Metadata
- 12 Oct 1994
Recording Date
- 00:31:02
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Family background. His father was a Tamil teacher. Recollection of his childhood days in an estate in Malaya. Father taught him Tamil language at home. Started formal education at Rengam Estate school only after World War II. Description of estate schools. Studied Standard VII at Kluang Governement School. After Standard VII students could go on to train to become teachers. Joined in 1951 and graduated from teacher's training school in 1954. Corporal punishment was common in estate schools. Double promotion was in practice.
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Reel/Disc 2 of 8
Metadata
- 12 Oct 1994
Recording Date
- 00:29:37
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*All subjects taught in Tamil. Tamil considered to be the most important subject. No teaching aids were used. Only talk and chalk method. Class had both boys and girls. Sports day held during Deepavali or some other celebrations. Helped his father in his shop. Priest taught him basic lessons.
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Reel/Disc 3 of 8
Metadata
- 12 Oct 1994
Recording Date
- 00:29:45
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*No free textbooks. Completed Standard VII and joined Teacher Training College in Johore Bahru. Teacher training only on Saturdays. Most of the children in the estates went to work once they reached the age of 12. Girls discontinued their education after reaching the age of puberty. As a teacher trainee, taught in Masai Palm Oil Estate School. Function to welcome Subash Chandra Bose who visited the estate. Completed teacher training in 1954. Posted to a single teacher school in Bukit Bulat. Married in 1957. Came to Singapore in 1959.
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Reel/Disc 4 of 8
Metadata
- 12 Oct 1994
Recording Date
- 00:29:59
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Became relief teacher at Kalaimagal Tamil School in 1959. Names of other Tamil schools. Made a permanent teacher in 1960. Description of the school and its students. Parents wanted their children to go to English schools. Those who were unable to enrol in the English schools joined the Tamil schools. Government's efforts to build schools. The status of teachers and their salaries. Historical importance of Umar Pulavar Tamil High School (UPTHS).
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Reel/Disc 5 of 8
Metadata
- 13 Oct 1994
Recording Date
- 00:30:49
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Tamil Language and Literature, Science and Mathematics were taught. English was taught as a second language. Technical subjects were also part of the curriculum. Books were imported from Malaysia and India. LDDS and other ECAs in UPTHS. Kadaya Nallur Muslim League (KNML) was the founder of the Umar Pulavar Tamil School. KNML's management of school and its relationship with school staff and parents. Description of school time table and teacher's workload. Description of teacher parent relationship.
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Reel/Disc 6 of 8
Metadata
- 13 Oct 1994
Recording Date
- 00:30:40
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Life during Japanese Occupation. During the colonial period most of the Tamil schools were private schools organised and supported by trade unions and the community. Changes in Tamil medium education after the PAP came into power in 1959. All teachers got equal salary. Policy of teaching Maths and Science in English was implemented and pupils benefitted from this.
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Reel/Disc 7 of 8
Metadata
- 13 Oct 1994
Recording Date
- 00:29:23
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Differences between TL1 and TL2 students. His involvement and participation in several social and cultural organisations. Tamil schools came under the administration of the Tamil Education Society (TES). As a result of the efforts made by the TES all Tamil schools had the status of Government Aided Schools. The first World Tamil Teachers Conference organised by the Singapore Tamil Teachers Union (STTU) in 1992. The important role played by the STTU in promoting Tamil Language and culture. His role in writing and staging plays for school functions. Founder member of the "Thamizhavel Dramatic Society". Maintained good rapport with his pupils.
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Reel/Disc 8 of 8
Metadata
- 13 Oct 1994
Recording Date
- 00:13:26
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Challenges of being a teacher. Recalled incident with school inspector. Wanted to be a writer after retirement. Father objected to him being a teacher. 4 sons also entered into teaching profession.
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