* Nanyang JC (NYJC)
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Celebrating 2015 graduates on their great performance of the A level exam.
Check out NYJC Facebook for pictures on that day and students in the Honour Roll.
These graduates will be sharing their studying tips/advice on exam in the Facebook as well. -
Hello, my eldest son is currently taking his 'O' levels this year, he was asking me about which JC should he go to and was wondering how is it like in NYJC? Is there anyone that might be able to explain more information about the school? Greatly appreciated, thanks!
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momkiasu:
Hello, my eldest son is currently taking his 'O' levels this year, he was asking me about which JC should he go to and was wondering how is it like in NYJC? Is there anyone that might be able to explain more information about the school? Greatly appreciated, thanks!
Hello,
School culture is very friendly and open, not really elitist in any sense. Good mix of students from different secondary schools except for the fact that there are many Chung Cheng (both main and yishun) students since they're affiliated. Not to the point where they're everywhere though. Tutors are caring and willing to go the extra mile (I believe most JC tutors are like that), such as staying in school till night for consultations or even coming back during weekends.
Principal and school management is extremely student-centric; student and staff welfare is a high priority. Happy teachers and happy students will definitely produce good results! School is lax when it comes to uniform (4 dress down days a week) and hair (never heard of anyone being caught for that long hair, coloured hair etc, just make sure it's reasonable or dye isn't too obvious) because the school trusts the students. And also tbh, there's no real link between the results and turnout anyway.
The school does its best to provide the best studying environment possible for students. The campus is open daily till about 9pm, including Sundays and public holidays (maybe slightly earlier for those days). Loads of benches and tables around so you don't have to fight for seats in the library to study and there's wifi in the classrooms! You can print notes in the library, computer lab using your ez-link card to pay (if I'm not wrong, there's currently such a facility even in the canteen). Classrooms are all unlocked (except for level 5 aircon rooms) so you can always grab a room (or book one when night study commences) to study or discuss projects. Super conducive studying environment plus the fact that food is available nearby; there's a coffee shop a 5 mins away, and nex 10 mins away.
As said, principal is extremely student-centric. Mr Kwek is very experienced and knows how to communicate well with students. He always has the students of NYJC on his mind. Really funny and passionate man, probably the best principal I've ever known! He will personally counsel and talk to students who have difficulties, whether at home or in their studies. He even pushed a cart of apples around school to give out to students during the pre As/prelims/promos night study sessions! If that's not caring for your students I don't know what is. And me devoting a paragraph to him says a lot too
Subject combinations are flexible. You can literally take almost any combination as there are no fixed choices to choose from. Of course if you choose a really unique combination, your timetable will be uniquely odd as well, sometimes having a three hours break before a lesson slot from 5-6.30pm. But if you choose a standard combi (say PCME), you'll have a normal timetable as many other JCs should have. That being said, our timetables alternate (Week A and Week B). Not sure why, maybe just to break the monotony of a repeated week.
Lessons mostly start at 8.30am or 9am (for days without flag raising). There are occasional 7.30am lessons (maybe 2 to 4 in the two weeks cycle depending on your timetable). This means more time to sleep, less squeeze with other students on public transport and just a better start to your day in general. From what I observe, I don't think our lessons end later than other JCs? Also, NYJC is only a 3-5 minutes walk away from Lorong Chuan MRT and a 7-10 minutes walk from Nex. Many buses serve the school as well.
CCAs are largely student-run with teacher ICs there being to facilitate admin matters with the school. The student population is largely supportive of the different CCAs (turning up for matches, concerts etc) and you could even create your own CCA or SIG (student interest group) if you can get a sufficient number of people.
Academics-wise, NYJC has been getting better through the years. The school has very strong Math and Science departments, not too sure about the Arts since I was from the Science stream (hybrid combi though). We also have the Chinese Language Elective Programme (many chinese subjects) and Art Elective Programme (H2/3 Art!) for those interested. That being said, there have been concerns about NYJC being a 'Chinese' school. Having CLEP in the school doesn't imply that, really! Admittedly, most of our students are Chinese for some reason, but the school culture isn't any more 'Chinese' than any other JCs. There will be your fair share of Chinese-leaning speakers and English-leaning speakers, just like any other JC.
Having said all that, I would really recommend NYJC (as with many other alumni and students who always do so and promote the school year after year) to your son!
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mookata:
momkiasu:
Hello, my eldest son is currently taking his 'O' levels this year, he was asking me about which JC should he go to and was wondering how is it like in NYJC? Is there anyone that might be able to explain more information about the school? Greatly appreciated, thanks!
Hello,
School culture is very friendly and open, not really elitist in any sense. Good mix of students from different secondary schools except for the fact that there are many Chung Cheng (both main and yishun) students since they're affiliated. Not to the point where they're everywhere though. Tutors are caring and willing to go the extra mile (I believe most JC tutors are like that), such as staying in school till night for consultations or even coming back during weekends.
I have interest in nyjc for ds2 too. Just a few questions here.
In the past, nyjc pupils cannot afford to be elitist since its cop were 7 -8 range. How about the current pupils please as its cop has dropped to 6 or maybe lower in future?
Principal and school management is extremely student-centric; student and staff welfare is a high priority. Happy teachers and happy students will definitely produce good results! School is lax when it comes to uniform (4 dress down days a week) and hair (never heard of anyone being caught for that long hair, coloured hair etc, just make sure it's reasonable or dye isn't too obvious) because the school trusts the students. And also tbh, there's no real link between the results and turnout anyway.
I do not like the idea of allowing boys in uniform to keep hair beyond the acceptable length. Coloured hair is worse as it will fade and become obvious over time. Maintaining coloured hair is both costly in time and expenses. I am also worried that it will become a trend that most are compelled to conform, which is the case for polys.
The school does its best to provide the best studying environment possible for students. The campus is open daily till about 9pm, including Sundays and public holidays (maybe slightly earlier for those days). Loads of benches and tables around so you don't have to fight for seats in the library to study and there's wifi in the classrooms! You can print notes in the library, computer lab using your ez-link card to pay (if I'm not wrong, there's currently such a facility even in the canteen). Classrooms are all unlocked (except for level 5 aircon rooms) so you can always grab a room (or book one when night study commences) to study or discuss projects. Super conducive studying environment plus the fact that food is available nearby; there's a coffee shop a 5 mins away, and nex 10 mins away.
This is the current practice of many jcs. It's good that nyjc is in line with it.
As said, principal is extremely student-centric. Mr Kwek is very experienced and knows how to communicate well with students. He always has the students of NYJC on his mind. Really funny and passionate man, probably the best principal I've ever known! He will personally counsel and talk to students who have difficulties, whether at home or in their studies. He even pushed a cart of apples around school to give out to students during the pre As/prelims/promos night study sessions! If that's not caring for your students I don't know what is. And me devoting a paragraph to him says a lot too
Agree that many jc principals do not mingle among their pupils except with his student leaders for feedback. I tend to think that a principal is obliged to give in to pupils' demands or suggestions for a more relaxed environment if he mingles with his pupils too often and NYJC is an example.
Subject combinations are flexible. You can literally take almost any combination as there are no fixed choices to choose from. Of course if you choose a really unique combination, your timetable will be uniquely odd as well, sometimes having a three hours break before a lesson slot from 5-6.30pm. But if you choose a standard combi (say PCME), you'll have a normal timetable as many other JCs should have. That being said, our timetables alternate (Week A and Week B). Not sure why, maybe just to break the monotony of a repeated week.
This the current practice of many jcs now. In the past, subject combinations are rigid for many other jcs.
Lessons mostly start at 8.30am or 9am (for days without flag raising). There are occasional 7.30am lessons (maybe 2 to 4 in the two weeks cycle depending on your timetable). This means more time to sleep, less squeeze with other students on public transport and just a better start to your day in general. From what I observe, I don't think our lessons end later than other JCs? Also, NYJC is only a 3-5 minutes walk away from Lorong Chuan MRT and a 7-10 minutes walk from Nex. Many buses serve the school as well.
This is a concern. Starting lessons late should logically have lessons ending late too. Will the pupils miss out some lessons as compared to other jcs?
Starting lesson late may also mean squeezing public transport with the working class.
CCAs are largely student-run with teacher ICs there being to facilitate admin matters with the school. The student population is largely supportive of the different CCAs (turning up for matches, concerts etc) and you could even create your own CCA or SIG (student interest group) if you can get a sufficient number of people.
This is the current practice of most jcs too, except for cca that involved competitions for the jc.
Academics-wise, NYJC has been getting better through the years. The school has very strong Math and Science departments, not too sure about the Arts since I was from the Science stream (hybrid combi though). We also have the Chinese Language Elective Programme (many chinese subjects) and Art Elective Programme (H2/3 Art!) for those interested. That being said, there have been concerns about NYJC being a 'Chinese' school. Having CLEP in the school doesn't imply that, really! Admittedly, most of our students are Chinese for some reason, but the school culture isn't any more 'Chinese' than any other JCs. There will be your fair share of Chinese-leaning speakers and English-leaning speakers, just like any other JC.
Agree that NJYC is getting better through the years but sadly not due mainly to value-addedness as proven by the recent A level results but due to the improvement in its COP and hence the quality of its pupils. My ds likes CL so any environment is not an issue.
Having said all that, I would really recommend NYJC (as with many other alumni and students who always do so and promote the school year after year) to your son!
Thank you for sharing. It is still an attractive option for ds2 due to its convenient location. It will be even more attractive for ds2 who likes lots of freedom as an older teenager. However, as a conservative parent who is experiencing gradual loss of control over his rebellious teenaged kids now even though they are in schools with stringent school rules, I still have many reserves about a school/jc that has a relatively lax culture. -
KTKS:
I totally agree with your views above. I am a practical person and results is my major concern. I too have difficulties dealing with my teenaged dds and wish their schools will do more to discipline them on my behalf. :frustrated: DD1 is already asking to highlight her hair like her k-drama idol after her O level exam this year :slapshead: and I told her all JCs do not allow that.
I do not like the idea of allowing boys in uniform to keep hair beyond the acceptable length. Coloured hair is worse as it will fade and become obvious over time. Maintaining coloured hair is both costly in time and expenses. I am also worried that it will become a trend that most are compelled to conform, which is the case for polys.
Agree that many jc principals do not mingle among their pupils except with his student leaders for feedback. I tend to think that a principal is obliged to give in to pupils' demands or suggestions for a more relaxed environment if he mingles with his pupils too often and NYJC is an example.
Agree that NJYC is getting better through the years but sadly not due mainly to value-addedness as proven by the recent A level results but due to the improvement in its COP and hence the quality of its pupils.
Thank you for sharing. It is still an attractive option for ds2 due to its convenient location. It will be even more attractive for ds2 who likes lots of freedom as an older teenager. However, as a conservative parent who is experiencing gradual loss of control over his rebellious teenaged kids now even though they are in schools with stringent school rules, I still have many reserves about a school/jc that has a relatively lax culture.
I shan't let her read these forums.
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KTKS:
For the recent 2015 A level results, I observed that NYJC stellar achievements are at par or have no significant difference with those of *other JCs of similar COP*. I can conclude that the recent improvement of NYJC's COP, but not for *other JCs of similar COP*, is due to other reasons rather than its A level results.
Academics-wise, NYJC has been getting better through the years. The school has very strong Math and Science departments, not too sure about the Arts since I was from the Science stream (hybrid combi though). We also have the Chinese Language Elective Programme (many chinese subjects) and Art Elective Programme (H2/3 Art!) for those interested. That being said, there have been concerns about NYJC being a 'Chinese' school. Having CLEP in the school doesn't imply that, really! Admittedly, most of our students are Chinese for some reason, but the school culture isn't any more 'Chinese' than any other JCs. There will be your fair share of Chinese-leaning speakers and English-leaning speakers, just like any other JC.
Agree that NJYC is getting better through the years but sadly not due mainly to value-addedness as proven by the recent A level results but due to the improvement in its COP and hence the quality of its pupils. My ds likes CL so any environment is not an issue. -
Maybe I have overstated the rules here about uniform, but the main concern seems to be about hair length and colour.
As said, NYJC isn’t as strict because the school believes that the students knows what is important. When I say that the dye must not be obvious, I mean it in such a way like you can’t tell if that student’s hair is actually dyed slightly brown, just slightly washed out from years of swimming or they just have slightly lighter hair colour. If you highlight your hair like your favourite K pop idol, of course you’ll get caught. Nothing more obvious than what I said. Students who dye remain a very very small minority, and with the COP dropping I don’t see this number increasing. Hair for boys may be given a bit of leeway in length, but it still has to be neat, nothing wild is allowed. Many students still maintain a decent-by-Singapore-school standard without reminders.
Regarding the drop in COP, I agree that it’s mostly due to the school’s publicity effort rather than A level results. However with each batch having such a different group of students every year, we cant expect the J2s with a slightly higher COP to match up to the J1s when they do their As next year. The tutors have to refine and change their methods literally every year to suit an ever improving demographic, so give some time for the COP to settle down.
It was mentioned that a principal with have to oblige to have a more relaxed environment if he mingles with the students ‘too much’ as if it’s a bad thing. Trust me that when a principal mingles with a student, it heightens morale and it’s definitely a good thing. Jc is already a pressure cooker, no need to make it stay rigid. A relaxed environment will be better in the long run as students can feel more at home in school
Regarding subjects, my understanding is that many JCs still have a list like S01, S02, A04 etc to tick when it comes to choosing combination. For nyjc, it’s four empty boxes for you to fill in. Just make sure to meet the minimum one contrasting subject requirement and your 3 h2/1 H1 or 4 h2. You could literally take a combination like H2 Geography, H2 English Language and Linguistics, H2 Math and H1 General Studies in Chinese. I can’t see checked boxes offering this. Note: I may be wrong so feel free to correct me!
Alright, I know I may sound a bit pushy, but back then as a student in nyjc, I enjoyed many privileges that my friends from other JCs didn’t. Waking up later, dress down days, open school campus on weekends, night study that actually went into the night etc. They would always gawk in surprise at the amount of trust given to the students. That’s what made me believe nyjc is different and special. Note that I said privileges, because these are not rights. The school trusts that the students do not abuse the privileges and it has been shown batch after batch that students are willing to work with the school. I really hope the more conservative parents here can look past the more ‘liberal’ aspects of nyjc and consider the good the school can offer in terms of student welfare, support and flexibility. Trust me, when the exams start in jc, attire will be the least of your problems (and dyeing their hair will be the least of your dc’s concerns). -
mookata:
Maybe I have overstated the rules here about uniform, but the main concern seems to be about hair length and colour.
As said, NYJC isn't as strict because the school believes that the students knows what is important. When I say that the dye must not be obvious, I mean it in such a way like you can't tell if that student's hair is actually dyed slightly brown, just slightly washed out from years of swimming or they just have slightly lighter hair colour. If you highlight your hair like your favourite K pop idol, of course you'll get caught. Nothing more obvious than what I said. Students who dye remain a very very small minority, and with the COP dropping I don't see this number increasing. Hair for boys may be given a bit of leeway in length, but it still has to be neat, nothing wild is allowed. Many students still maintain a decent-by-Singapore-school standard without reminders.
Thank you for your clarifications, mookata. As a parent, I have to deal with kids with different personalities. I have both sensible and rebellious ones so I would prefer the jc rules to be stricter though I can't speak for every parent.
Regarding the drop in COP, I agree that it's mostly due to the school's publicity effort rather than A level results. However with each batch having such a different group of students every year, we cant expect the J2s with a slightly higher COP to match up to the J1s when they do their As next year. The tutors have to refine and change their methods literally every year to suit an ever improving demographic, so give some time for the COP to settle down.
Yes, I agree. We will probably have to wait and see if the latest batch can match their results with the COP which I am optimistic about.
It was mentioned that a principal with have to oblige to have a more relaxed environment if he mingles with the students 'too much' as if it's a bad thing. Trust me that when a principal mingles with a student, it heightens morale and it's definitely a good thing. Jc is already a pressure cooker, no need to make it stay rigid. A relaxed environment will be better in the long run as students can feel more at home in school
As said, it depends on the maturity of the kid. It's best to strike a balance which I believe most jcs are doing, e.g., relaxed on school shoes, t-shirts to replace full uniform, etc.
Regarding subjects, my understanding is that many JCs still have a list like S01, S02, A04 etc to tick when it comes to choosing combination. For nyjc, it's four empty boxes for you to fill in. Just make sure to meet the minimum one contrasting subject requirement and your 3 h2/1 H1 or 4 h2. You could literally take a combination like H2 Geography, H2 English Language and Linguistics, H2 Math and H1 General Studies in Chinese. I can't see checked boxes offering this. Note: I may be wrong so feel free to correct me!
IMHO, while it is good to have flexible subject combinations but pupils may risk losing their opportunities to apply for their preferred university courses which have fixed prerequisites for A level subjects. Most jcs have a traditional list, plus some flexible combinations subject to stringent consultations, to ensure that their pupils can be streamed smoothly into the uni courses based on their A level subjects selection or they may not be eligible for most of the courses later.
Alright, I know I may sound a bit pushy, but back then as a student in nyjc, I enjoyed many privileges that my friends from other JCs didn't. Waking up later, dress down days, open school campus on weekends, night study that actually went into the night etc. They would always gawk in surprise at the amount of trust given to the students. That's what made me believe nyjc is different and special. Note that I said privileges, because these are not rights. The school trusts that the students do not abuse the privileges and it has been shown batch after batch that students are willing to work with the school. I really hope the more conservative parents here can look past the more 'liberal' aspects of nyjc and consider the good the school can offer in terms of student welfare, support and flexibility. Trust me, when the exams start in jc, attire will be the least of your problems (and dyeing their hair will be the least of your dc's concerns).
I just hope that my ds will not take advantage of the support and flexibility given by his jc to become more rebellious and/or staying back late into the night for the wrong reason. Yes, exams and results are what I expect most from his jc and that requires lots of self-discipline on his part. -
This is NYJC thread. Its for us to share with parents/students who are intetested to know about NYJC.
My child is in year 1.
A)Before I begin, I would like to invite parents to visit NYJC ( not during Open House ), go around after 6 pm onwards.
You will see nyjc students studying. Check out their hair do if you are concerned about the hair length/ colour mentioned above.
So far, I don’t see any students flouting sch rules of sporting inappropriate hair length/colour.
Ny has dressed down days just like a few other JCs. But Civics tutors have infd us its not sloppy dressed down day. The sch will keep a look out.
Talk abt NYJC campus, its bright, breezy, many study tables/chairs for students to self study.
Talk about study in schools, I rather have my kids study in school than study in outside eateries like Starbucks… unless your child is the typed that prefer to study on his own at home, if not, you can’t keep him at home to study. When he studies outside, its his responsibility to discipline himself.
We can’t be watching them all the time.
My kid has seen the Principal walking around in evening, asking students if they had dinner or not. Don’t think students are out there asking the P for
favours ( which was mentioned above)
B)NYJC academic standard.
- the graduating class 2015 achieved great performance for ‘A’ level exam.
I was in the college during the released day of ‘A’ level results.
In summary:
1) about 31-32% achieved at least 3 H2 Distinctions AND a pass in GP ( RV has 32.6% )
2) UAP is 81 points
This batch COP was 7(Sci), 8(Art). The latest results justified this batch COP. The other JC with similar COP of 7,8 I read from another Kiasu Forum has almost similar ‘A’ level results( UAP of 80 as reported).
Other Factors also contribute to the improved in NYJC COP, I’m sure. But parents/students won’t just accept such Factors only. As a parent myself, academic standard of a college is an equally important Factor to consider too.
Of course, can’t compare with Top Tier JCs.
But the improving ‘A’ level results does quantify the improving COP over last few years.
So far:
-3 class tests conducted.
-Econ project and PW PI( last yr Topic) submitted. GP project on hand. Maybe other JCs also equally busy.
From what i can see, the Principal and his team of teachers are serious in their words…
I speak for NYJC as my child is inside, as said, this is NYJC Forum so I have the facts to state them here. Nothing wrong.
Seeing is believing, so I invite you to come down NYJC to see or made appointment to speak with the civics tutors. That’s what I did.
C)Do visit NYJC Facebook as it is featuring the class of 2015 words of advice and thankful words.
D)Subject Combination.
- lessons started later where my kid can have longer rest as now sleep after 12 mid night due to school Work load.
From my child’s timetable, lessons don’t end much earlier as mentioned by others, there are 3 days that end 4-5pm.
If you take 2 H2 Sci subjects, timetable is longer as have Lab lessons compared to Art students. This apply all JCs timetable.
Breakdown of subject hours in a week by MOE:
- H2 subjects is 4.5 hrs
- H1 subjects is 2 hrs
Before choosing JC subjects, students are given the prerequisite of Local Uni entry( all JCs do that )
So students are aware the subjects they choose and how it will determine their choices of courses in Uni. You choose your eligible/strong subjects, be happy and hopefully can excel in them. If you don’t choose the standard PCME/BCME Combi, but rather choose other Combi, then students are also aware what are the limited courses available to them in Uni. So no one is disadvantaged with the subject combination in NYJC.
What i have mentioned, to some they are nothing as many JCs are also doing that.
But im just sharing what so far my kid and I feel about NYJC. I’m not forcing any 1 to accept NYJC.
Thank you for reading. -
I understand your concerns as a parent about the discipline issue, but flexibility isn't always a bad thing. Hope I gave a clear big picture about nyjc though!
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