Taiwan’s modern education started with Japan’s ruling in 1895. Our school used to be named as Taipei first high school. The school was founded in 1898, and reformed from the Fourth Chinese affiliated high school of Japan’s governors in Taiwan. The new school was located in Nanhai road in 1907, and next April students were accepted, most of whom were Japanese students. In 1940, the total number of students was around 4000, and less than 3% of them were Taiwanese.

　　In Japanese times, the educational goals were focused on the developments of all areas. In addition to academic subjects, virtues and physical courses were required. To improve the school atmosphere, rich school curriculums and obedience were required.

　　To comply with the policies of the governors in 1925, military trainers entered high schools to help students go through related training. In the March of 1936, the governors commanded all high schools have national defense courses with the increasing tension of war fares at that time. On April first of that year, new students were required to wear khaki-colored uniforms. That was when our school uniform can be traced back to.

▲ Taipei first high school in Japanese times

　　In 1945 after the war, KMT government took over the ruling from Japan, and Taiwanese students from the first, second, third, and fourth high schools were combined to study in one school. And on December 6, a school opening ceremony was held, and this day has become our school celebration day since then. Next year, the education ministry named our school as Chien Kuo high school in Taiwan province. In 1955, more than 200 male and female students from Mainland China got admission to our school, and this school had both male and female students for eight years. In 1967, Taiwan city was upgraded as the city under the jurisdiction of municipality. Our school was renamed as Taipei municipal Chien Kuo high school. In 1969, our school had 77 classes of day division, 30 classes of night division, and 28 classes of extension division. The total number of students was more than 7500, and it was the largest senior high school in Taiwan at that time.

　　Virtue, wisdom, strength and compliance were highlighted in our school education, and subjects were rich and deep. In 1960s, club activities dominated by students were vibrant and dynamic. Student union and CK youth club were trendsetters, influencing students in many other schools back then. The principles of our school for education are to respect students, maintain democratic studying atmosphere and cultivate students’ versatility and self-regulation.

　　To remember the past, strive for future and become the backbone and support of the society are the guiding principles of our school.

▲ CK museum in 1959

▲ CK reading area in 2018

　　Our school was originally located nearby the Central Weather Bureau and Taipei first girls’ high school. With increasing students, our school was relocated to the current address in April 1908. The school area was around 3500 pings, which was 11550 square meters. The school was designed by civil engineer, Kondo Juro. The main buildings were designed to look like “the middle” in Chinese character so as to express the characteristic of high school in Japanese ruling. The grandeur of red building became the symbol of Ck high school.

▲ School gate in 1936

　　In May 20, 1907, our school was named as high school of Taiwan governor. At that time, there were 24 teachers, and 5 other faculty members responsible for administration. The schooling was modeled on Japanese system, and 5 years of schooling was required. The courses offered were Japanese, Chinese, English, h, geography, mathematics, museum, physics, chemistry, laws, economics, painting, singing and gymnastics. The grading system and content of the courses followed the educational regulations of Japan.

▲ Writing practices in an English class in 1936

▲ Students prepared for midterm in 1939

　　From 1898 to 1906, the authorities imitated the system in the Eton College to plan out our schooling. For example, the number of students shouldn’t be over 30 people, all students should live in the school dormitory, and class experiments should be high regarded. Furthermore, female westerners experienced in socialization and education were hired to supervise student dormitory so that students could have an education rich in Western culture and Japanese legacy.

▲ Military activities on campus in 1936

　　The educational aim at that time was to help students develop fully in all respects. Physical activities were highly valued, so students constantly engaged in swimming, sword fighting, tennis, baseball, judo, sumo and mountain climbing. After 1937, nevertheless, more military activities were added to the courses. For example, paying tribute to Yasukuni Shrine, visiting military bases, holding air defense drills, joining flag ceremonies in the military, and holding shooting competitions had become indispensable. At this critical time, our school atmosphere tended to lean toward militarism rather than focusing on academic success and physical activities.

▲ Sword practice in 1936

　　Our school focuses on holistic education for our students, trying to create a liberal atmosphere for cultivating and nurturing them. To take care of students with special educational needs, mathematically gifted classes, resource classes, gifted classes of physical education, classes of humanities and social sciences, and science classes have been set up. Moreover, service courses have been offered to encourage students for service and devotion. Special courses and courses for second languages have been provided. Simultaneously, the curriculums for life education and life planning have been highlighted as well.

▲ Teachers and students from Japanese sister school auditing CK classes

　　Red Chambre, the most representative building of CK high school, employs the elements of arches, arch windows, vaults and many other western architectural styles to successfully create a “Japanese Western Style.” Experiencing two rounds of renovations in 1950 and 1966, Red Chambre retains her originality and is later categorized as a municipal historic site in light of her historic value. For the past century, Red Chambre has been acclaimed as the most significant spiritual mentor as well as a priceless historical asset to CK students. Under her witness, CK high school will continue to pursue excellence and go on to carve a brighter future.

▲ Renovated Red Chambre in 2005

　　Teacher community of CK high school possess both exalted academic profession and rich teaching experiences. On a regular basis, every department holds an array of seminars and panel discussions to stay current with developments in pedagogy and to refine their teaching skills. They also facilitate a variety of student activities, such as Red Chambre Laureate Competition, English Playlet Contest, History Week, Math Camp, Math and Science competition, sport events, to name a few. In addition, CK faculty are dedicated to social services, organizing classes and student clubs to serve local disadvantaged communities in remote areas. Since 1995, CK News have been published annually to present teachers’ teaching-related research and practices. In the year 1998, Teacher Association is further established with a purpose for maintaining teacher rights and for creating a harmonious campus.

▲ ”I love CK” seminar held by Teacher Association in 2011

　　CK students focus not just on academia but on extracurricular events as well. Since the 60’s, more and more student clubs have been organized, where an assortment of activities and performances are held regularly, each displaying student autonomy, spontaneity, creativity, self-discipline and self-growth. Among around 100 student clubs, several of them are particularly worth mentioning. CK Marching Band frequently attends international music events, earning high recognition. Black Soldiers very often takes football events by storm, winning many championships. Student Union assigns representatives to attend school conferences, so as to ensure a channel for an open dialogue between teachers and students.

▲ CK rugby team playing SANIX rugby games in 2015

▲ CK marching band attending world association of marching show bands in 2018 securing championship

　　CK high school has had a reputation for academic excellence. Over the years, students have successfully demonstrated their academic competence. Alumni can be found both domestically and internationally, enjoying high prestige in different fields of profession. CK students also avidly participate in science- and math-related contests. By the year 2018, CK students have gained a sweeping victory in International Science Olympiads, securing 135 golds, 108 silvers, and 32 bronzes, topping the whole world.

▲ CK students attending International earth science Olympiad in 2018, winning one gold one silver.

　　The campus layout and refurbishment of school equipment have always been the focus of CK high school. For example, CK dormitories were completed successively from the 1960s to the 1980s. In addition, the construction of “Red Building” was completed in 2013, situated in the east of Red Chambre-- the signature building of CK high school--across from 228 Memorial Museum and characteristic of red bricks. Other old buildings have been fortified, exterior walls repaired. More remodeling projects are also on the way.

▲ The newly finished Red Building in 2013

　　Given the frequent international exchanges, CK high school initiated the CK Ambassador program in 2011, aiming to better communication and stimulate mutual learning between CK students and the counterparts from other countries. In 2014, CK high school participated in the International School Award held by Taipei City Education Bureau and British Council and successfully passed the curriculum review, earning an international recognition. In 2015, based on the PASCH plan, German as a second language class was further offered, adding to the existing list of selective second language programs including Japanese, French, Spanish and Latin.

▲ GEG visiting CK in 2017

　　To become an elite international high school with a grand vision

　　To cultivate well-rounded CK students who are confident, liberal, outstanding, caring, hard-working, and possess global mindsets

　　To strive for strengthening gifted students’ learning by collaborating with high schools and universities, by facilitating cultural exchanges and by encouraging overseas studies

　　1.School positioning: Aiming to teach gifted students and work with celebrated high schools as well as universities in the form of exchange both locally and internationally to become a cradle for elites.

　　2. School makeover: Demolishing old dorms and classrooms, turning them into modern classrooms, laboratories, conference halls, exhibition centers, cafeterias, activity rooms for clubs, and green spaces.