National Junior College (Junior High)
-
my two sons are in njc. they were from all boys school during their primary school. i purposely select co-ed so that they won’t be awkward around girls when they are older.
my boys are not in the band.
but having small number of boys in class is good. the boys bonded easily. and also, the boarding programme teaches them to be independent in a way.
though now with covid, the boarding programme is cancelled.
overall, i see both my sons really enjoy school. i also think the school are more into science and maths. or maybe my sons talk more about those subjects they like.
I’m not sure about VS but the class size in njc is about 27-28 per class.
i think IP is a better choice, so that do not need to study for o levels.
and the teachers are really dedicated. they provide console classes for those who need to catch up in their studies. just approach the teacher and asked. that’s what my older boy did during his jh1(sec1) when he struggled with maths.
Also the year head created WhatsApp group for the parents, and will broadcast messages to us every now and then. -
cilipadi\" post_id=\"1994725\" time=\"1599907979\" user_id=\"3934:
Your boys are in which year now? Looks like you've been in KSP nearly as long as I have!
my two sons are in njc. they were from all boys school during their primary school. i purposely select co-ed so that they won't be awkward around girls when they are older.
my boys are not in the band.
but having small number of boys in class is good. the boys bonded easily. and also, the boarding programme teaches them to be independent in a way.
though now with covid, the boarding programme is cancelled.
overall, i see both my sons really enjoy school. i also think the school are more into science and maths. or maybe my sons talk more about those subjects they like.
I'm not sure about VS but the class size in njc is about 27-28 per class.
i think IP is a better choice, so that do not need to study for o levels.
and the teachers are really dedicated. they provide console classes for those who need to catch up in their studies. just approach the teacher and asked. that's what my older boy did during his jh1(sec1) when he struggled with maths.
Also the year head created WhatsApp group for the parents, and will broadcast messages to us every now and then.
-
loveandfaith\" post_id=\"1994608\" time=\"1599870252\" user_id=\"186352:
Honestly, you should consult your own son, since he is the one going to study and take Secondary school exams -
Dear parents,
DS received CO from NJC and wait list in VS, both via concert band. VS is DS first choice as he feels that VS band seems to be way more active than NJ band. VS band posted many videos and even had virtual mini concert in their IG and their IG is constantly updated. Whereas NJ’s band seems very quiet. Any parents here can share info about NJ’s band? Also DS prefers VS to stay in a comfort of an all boys school, I think. He is currently in an all boys primary. Can parents with boys share their boys experience being in a co-ed with more girls than boys? I think both NJ and VS are very good school, but I prefer NJ because it’s much nearer to our house (10-15 mins driving) or 1 direct bus, also the IP. VS offers him OP (but not really a problem coz I think later can promote to IP if results are good).
Thank you very much in advance for the sharing!
does he feel more confident himself, studying IP or studying O-level ?
Also,
there is a difference, between joining VS in IP Year 1 vs.
joining IP in Year 3
What is the difference ?
1)
IP in VS year 3, is Not guaranteed, unless your son happen to do very well at end of Sec 2 (O-level track).
Only then, will be be invited by VS VP, to join IP starting Year 3. There is still an element of uncertainty.
2)
When your son applied for VS DSA, during submission time,
a) did he put \"No Preference\" ?
Or
b) did he choose \"IP\" explicitly, but in the end, VS awarded your son the O level track, but not IP, after he was assessed via e-interview ?
Or
c) did he choose \"O-level\" track explicitly, as such in the end, was awarded the O-level track eventually ?
And
3)
if your son truly desire IP and
not O-level,
then should join National JC IP from Day 1 and not join VS
Because
having a head-start, immersed inside NJC ( IP ) for 2 years, is better than joining VS (IP) much later in Year 3,
since students need time to adapt to the IP way of studying & learning. All these, take time to get accustomed to.
If your son, at end of Sec 2 VS (O-level) jump straight directly into VS (IP) commencing Year 3,
- it is a very big jump for him.
Not just in terms of adapting to the IP way of learning
But also
In Year 3,
All subjects, be it Mathematics or Science or Humanities, are a lot much more tougher in content,
compared to honeymoon Year 1 IP, where Schools give IP students ample time to adjust to, since they are just fresh out from PSLE (Primary 6)
If really desire IP right away,
should pick ...
National Junior College,
since now you are blessed with choices.
What for, go VS (O-level), and then hope to be given a chance to study IP, merry go-round, unless ...
you are saying that you not sure whether IP suits your son,
so you need these 2 years, studying Total 8 to 9 subjects (including Hcl), assess how well he can handle the heavy Secondary workload first.
Sorry,
forgotten that VS (O-level) boys, are also affliated to Victoria Junior College, in their L1R5.
Not just VS (IP) students, get affliated only.
In other words,
taking VS (O-level) is just as good, if not better, since there is a very high chance of ending up in VJC. The next question become,
\"How much, or to what extent,
does your son actually value, an O-level certificate? \" -
Dear Cilipadi, thank you for your sharing!! Yes, one of the reasons we applied to NJ is because we heard they are into science and math (but not as much as NUSH) and we read in their web, they have a special science subject, that is research related. My boy enjoys math and science.
Dear phtthp,
Thank you for the details info! Bingo, yes, I am actually not very confident that DS is suitable in IP. So in VS we actually applied for O level and VS being a dual track school, I thought it gives him the flexibility. If later he does well in sec 1 and 2, we can try applying to move to IP. Before applying, we reminded DS what IP means and what are expected. He, being so carefree and happy go lucky, only say, I can work harder la...he is ok academically except for his chinese. He only has chinese tuition which is 2x a week (yet chinese marks still the worst among 4 subjects 🤪) but he enjoys music a lot so he has 3x a week piano class and plays soccer every Sat 😅that’s another reason i thot O level maybe better for him, he will have more time to explore his other interests (or could i be wrong? Maybe O level is as busy as IP?) now i am so confused 🤪But now he got CO from NJ, we are a bit swayed, thinking mayb it is ok to put him in IP 😅 actually we didn’t put much hope in NJ, and thought that he has higher chance with VS. Coz DS said he felt more positive after VS interview than NJ’s interview.
Sorry for the long post and any input is very much appreciated!!! Coz this is my first experience ‘sending’ a kid to secondary school haha -
loveandfaith\" post_id=\"1994737\" time=\"1599916522\" user_id=\"186352:
Yes, NJ has a strong math and science program, starting with its SPIRE program for JH2. The school provides a lot of opportunities and exposure for science (and math) research and related activities. Actually, IP program gives the students more opportunities to explore their own other interests compared to O level (IP students don’t have to spend 2 years drilling for O level exams; and NJ is supportive of their students developing an interest outside the school curriculum). Given that NJ IP program is a small cohort (~200), it means that the school can only offer a small number of COs. Thus having the school offering a CO to your son actually means it is no small feat and that the school has confidence in him doing well in the IP program.
Dear Cilipadi, thank you for your sharing!! Yes, one of the reasons we applied to NJ is because we heard they are into science and math (but not as much as NUSH) and we read in their web, they have a special science subject, that is research related. My boy enjoys math and science.
Dear phtthp,
Thank you for the details info! Bingo, yes, I am actually not very confident that DS is suitable in IP. So in VS we actually applied for O level and VS being a dual track school, I thought it gives him the flexibility. If later he does well in sec 1 and 2, we can try applying to move to IP. Before applying, we reminded DS what IP means and what are expected. He, being so carefree and happy go lucky, only say, I can work harder la...he is ok academically except for his chinese. He only has chinese tuition which is 2x a week (yet chinese marks still the worst among 4 subjects 🤪) but he enjoys music a lot so he has 3x a week piano class and plays soccer every Sat 😅that’s another reason i thot O level maybe better for him, he will have more time to explore his other interests (or could i be wrong? Maybe O level is as busy as IP?) now i am so confused 🤪But now he got CO from NJ, we are a bit swayed, thinking mayb it is ok to put him in IP 😅 actually we didn’t put much hope in NJ, and thought that he has higher chance with VS. Coz DS said he felt more positive after VS interview than NJ’s interview.
Sorry for the long post and any input is very much appreciated!!! Coz this is my first experience ‘sending’ a kid to secondary school haha
In any case, congratulations to your son for securing a CO from NJ and a WL for VS! :rahrah: -
Hi love&faith,
When NJC give your son a CO, it is not easy to come by. NJC don’t give CO out easily to DSA students. So when NJC give CO to your boy, this indicate that they have confidence in him.
Had your son only received one CO from NJC, then your case is easy to solve.
However, now that he has also been offered VS (CO), situation differ.
VS (O-level),
high chance very likely, he will study all the way, end up in VJC.
Due to the affliation of O-level students to VJC, doesn’t matter whether he join IP in VS year 3 or not, because even if remain inside O-level, as long as can meet Affliation COP (VJC), can still complete his education journey there.
VS (IP) :
are their Maths & Science curriculum & learning exposure or opportunities strong, compared to NJC (IP) ?
Perhaps,
find out from VS (Vice Principal), whom you can give their VP (Academic) a call, ask the following key questions,
because
we should also listen to VS side,
listen to what VS has to offer
1)
whether VS (Maths and Science) and Humanities learning & training exposure & opportunities, are just as strong, on par or even better than NJC, in the similar areas of comparison, compare apple-to-apple.
2)
on that day when PSLE results are released in November 2020, if your son managed to achieve, and clinche Tscore of around 255 and above,
can VS consider converting your son’s CO (O-level) into IP ?
so that, he can start VS (IP) immediately from Sec 1 Day 1, instead of being stuck inside the O-level track, for 2 years. Raise this issue up, provided your son is truly very, very keen in IP.
Both NJC and VJC are great schools, hence can see the dilemma he is in.
3)
within VS Secondary school,
the IP vs. O-level track curriculum itself, ask the VP -
comparing both group of students, (IP) vs O-level group,
does VS
tend to give more training, "golden" learning opportunities to the IP students, in Maths and Science / Humanities, instead of to the O-level group students ?
If VS (VP) answer you diplomatically, "No, we give equal opportunities to both group", then ask specifically in detail, can name some examples, of what kind of exposure opportunities, are given to the O-level group students ?
And also ask,
"are there any Talent grooming activities, where only the IP students can participate, but not the O-level students ? "
In the event VS (Vice-Principal) counter-ask you back :
in what areas of interests (talent grooming exposure) are you son keen in ?
be prepared to answer the VP.
====================
Also,
from your son’s own personal behavior and habits developed thus far
A)
everyday, how much handphone usage, does he use ?
Once embark on IP,
a lot depend on the child’s self-drive, motivation, towards independent self study.
If a child is addicted to hand phone usage, time management become complicated.
B)
How does your son prepare his PSLE ?
For each of the 4 subjects,
does he require tuition, for every single subject ?
Do you need to sit down beside him at the table, or he can study on his own, under minimal supervision ?
C)
Is your son the type, not distracted by girls presence ?
If so, is ok even if he choose NJC.
But if he happen to be those type that can get distracted by girls, then play safe, remain in VS.
Because
some boys are very sociable, so …
(above are personal qn about your son, hence do not need to reply in an open public forum) -
phankao\" post_id=\"1994730\" time=\"1599910454\" user_id=\"3486:
SH1 and JH3
Your boys are in which year now? Looks like you've been in KSP nearly as long as I have! -
cilipadi\" post_id=\"1994750\" time=\"1599931838\" user_id=\"3934:
:salute: nice! Mine grad 5 yrs ago. Another journey starting soon!
SH1 and JH3phankao\" post_id=\"1994730\" time=\"1599910454\" user_id=\"3486:
Your boys are in which year now? Looks like you've been in KSP nearly as long as I have!
-
Checking out how heavy is the NJC AEP program ?
Anyone can share?
My gal got CO for AEP -
loveandfaith\" post_id=\"1994737\" time=\"1599916522\" user_id=\"186352:
For my older boy, i had faced the same concern, as I'm worried he can't cope with IP. And, on the first week of his school, when he knew his PSLE score is the lowest amongst his friends he was more worried than me. And, he saw some of his classmates who are very bright. So, he worked hard and I felt that because he is in NJC, he pushed himself to do better and better. The first half of the year was tough for him. He's not used to handle so many subjects. He had ask the teachers for console (\"remedial\" lessons after school) in his JH1 and the teachers were all accomodating. I would say he did well despite his \"lowest\" psle score (as in just met the cop for the year he joined njc) as he had gotten edusave award from sec2 to sec4. For sec1, it was adjustmemt period for him.
Dear phtthp,
Thank you for the details info! Bingo, yes, I am actually not very confident that DS is suitable in IP. So in VS we actually applied for O level and VS being a dual track school, I thought it gives him the flexibility. If later he does well in sec 1 and 2, we can try applying to move to IP. Before applying, we reminded DS what IP means and what are expected. He, being so carefree and happy go lucky, only say, I can work harder la...he is ok academically except for his chinese.
My boy MT was also quite bad. He didn't take MT in primary school, but in NJC, he had to take HMT. But, he was able to do so as well. Though, I did send him for HMT tuition.
The only thing i dont quite like about NJC is their limited choices of CCA. But since your boy already would be doing band, then i guess this may not pose an issue.
Overall, I prefer IP. And these days, you can join poly even though you study in IP school (through DAE). So, to me personally, if my kid can make it to IP school, i would choose that for my kid. But, of course have a good discussion with your son. Ultimately, he's the one studying.
But, what i want to say is that don't have to worry about coping with IP. The teachers do provide remedial lessons (they called it console) for smaller number of students when students asked for it.
Another thing is the student size is small. So, at A-levels, they don't have many permutations of subject combinations (esp humanities subjects). This is something you may want to note as well.
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