Auspicium Melioris Aevi

(This, in Latin, neatly encapsulates the philosophy of Raffles Institution: To be The Hope of a Better Age.)

Nurturing Thinkers, Leaders and Pioneers of character who serve by leading and lead in serving.

The Mace in History: From Weapon to Symbol
Maces were used extensively as weapons of war from prehistory right up to the medieval period. Stone maces were used in predynastic Egypt, and their use is also described in the Indian epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. In the 12th century, maces were borne by the Sergeants-at-Arms, a royal bodyguard established in France by Philip II, and in England by Richard I.
By the 14th century, with the disappearance of heavy armour, maces became increasingly ceremonial in nature, and came to signify kingly authority. When England became a constitutional monarchy, the mace persisted as a symbol of authority, and this was in turn perpetuated by many parliaments following the Westminster system.

The first Singapore parliamentary sitting in September 1958 was likewise graced by a mace.
Institutions of higher learning, particularly those of a certain vintage, frequently possess their own maces. These embody the school’s dignity and influence, and are used on formal occasions, such as graduation days.

The Mace of RI
The idea of a Mace for Raffles Institution was mooted by Prof. Tan Ser Kiat, the Chairman of Raffles Institution’s Board of Governors in April 2009. It was commissioned in May 2009 and completed on 9th July of the same year. The Mace made its first official appearance at the 186th Founder’s Day.

The Mace of RI is a tangible reminder of RI’s proud history, as well as its aspiration of producing thought leaders for both Singapore and the world. The Mace is made from solid dark teak wood; key Rafflesian motifs on the mace are highlighted and embellished with gold foil. The Mace was officially donated to the school by Prof. Tan Ser Kiat.

The Mace Head
The Mace head is sculpted in the form of a double-headed eagle. It symbolises the manner in which the school looks to its tradition and heritage as a source of strength, even as it prepares its students for the challenges of the future.

The Mace Shaft
The school’s crest, itself rich in symbolism, is embossed on the shaft of the mace. At the base of the shaft are carved a pair of talons, a symbol of enduring might and power.

The Mace Butt
Stamford Raffles’ Coat of Arms is engraved at the base of the Mace. This bears the image of a gryphon’s head whose neck is encircled by a royal crown – signifying mastery in various fields of endeavour, as in the school's crest. Here, however, the image is contained within a round band.

When Stamford Raffles held the torch
That cast Promethean Flame
We faced the challenge of the day
To give our school a name
The eagle eye and gryphon strength
They led us to the fore
To reign supreme in ev'ry sphere
The sons of Singapore
Come heed the call Rafflesians all
And let our hearts be stirring
We'll do our best whate’er the test
And keep our colours flying
Let comradeship and fervent hope
With one voice make us pray
Auspicium Melioris Aevi
With God to guide the way

(Composed by E W Jesudason, Headmaster 1963-1966)

The Rafflesian Spirit is a feeling that stems from the mind as well as the heart. It is the feeling of belonging to a great and magnificent school. It is a sense of togetherness that binds and inspires every Rafflesian to give of his best and strive for excellence.

In intellectual pursuit, I shall reflect discipline and passion for learning and in personal conduct, I shall live in integrity and regard individuals, groups and the community with kindness and respect, and in so doing, uphold the Rafflesian Principle of Honour.