NJC or HCI ?

[CassN]

thsheng99:

The feedbacks that I have from my friends that have kids in NJC is very positive. Seems that their kids really like the school as it does not have a ultra-competitive environment like HCI

I do agree that NJC does not have that ultra-competitive enviroment like HCI. Everyone is just like friends. Maybe it is because of the assessment framework that we get. There are more group projects as compared to quizzes and tests, which helps them make friends with one another. Instead of the competitive environment, every group project to us is a time to have fun and enjoy ourselves while learning the respective modules. There are many occasions and time that we get to bond with other too

In addition, I feel that the boarding program makes us just like a big family. How competitive can you get when your peers are just like your family members?

[Blur Dad]

thsheng99:

The feedbacks that I have from my friends that have kids in NJC is very positive. Seems that their kids really like the school as it does not have a ultra-competitive environment like HCI

How about RI? Does it has the \"ultra-competitive environment\" like HCI or worst?

Some parents or students can share? Is there any different competitive level in different classes? E.g. the GEP or best class are more competitive as complete to the rest?

[Mum1113]

Blur Dad:

How about RI? Does it has the \"ultra-competitive environment\" like HCI or worst?

Some parents or students can share? Is there any different competitive level in different classes? E.g. the GEP or best class are more competitive as complete to the rest?

You can find or post your query in http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?f=48&t=12646&start=140
Different thread here.

[psle_stressed_mum]

I am in a dilemma about which school to choose. Although I have read here that NJC has a very good environment, and I want my child to have a fun childhood, I am also worried that he may not be well prepared for his A levels. After all, HCI has an established track record in both the secondary school and JC level, but NJC has not even had their first batch of 6 year students sitting for A levels.

In addition, while I like the boarding school concept in NJC as it teaches the kids to be independent, I am actually very worried about my son’s addiction to computer. I have heard stories that some kids continue with their own activities even after lights out! Aren’t there some controls around these kids?
As for HCI, I have personally heard from 2 concerned parents with kids there about a particular Chinese teacher who gave their kids a hard time as they were not good in Chinese. I had thought that being in a chinese environment would be good for his inadequate Chinese.
Hope to get some views from parents with kids in these schools.

[CassN]

psle_stressed_mum:

I am in a dilemma about which school to choose. Although I have read here that NJC has a very good environment, and I want my child to have a fun childhood, I am also worried that he may not be well prepared for his A levels. After all, HCI has an established track record in both the secondary school and JC level, but NJC has not even had their first batch of 6 year students sitting for A levels.

In addition, while I like the boarding school concept in NJC as it teaches the kids to be independent, I am actually very worried about my son's addiction to computer. I have heard stories that some kids continue with their own activities even after lights out! Aren't there some controls around these kids?
As for HCI, I have personally heard from 2 concerned parents with kids there about a particular Chinese teacher who gave their kids a hard time as they were not good in Chinese. I had thought that being in a chinese environment would be good for his inadequate Chinese.
Hope to get some views from parents with kids in these schools.

Personally, as a student of NJC, I love the environment here as it feels very comfortable and not the usual stereotype of 'competitive muggers' of top schools. The school's curriculum stresses quite a bit on Character development and we have lessons such as 'Leadership' or 'Personal Development' just for it. There is also 'Contact' session where students talk to their Personal Mentor (Form teacher) 1-to-1 or as a class. This kind of lessons also allow class bonding and it won't be surprising to see students and teachers being close like friends in NJ.

The boarding programme is very fun actually (; Not only do we get to be independent, I think it's more of being able to help one another while we live together. Good time for friends/classmates/housemates to bond together :snuggles: There is also a study prep every day (except Wed where there are other activities arranged for us) and it's 1.5hours long, quite sufficient for us to complete our homeworks It do take some self-discipline to do your own work before/after study prep if there's more to be done. It's quite true that in Sec1 (And maybe Sec2), that many like to stay up late just to chat or play with their friends. But when they get older, they will know that sleep is important haha (; Sometimes we try to finish up homeworks/projects late at night, and just go to bed right after haha. Also, for me, someone that doesn't quite have that discipline to do my own work at home, I feel that study prep is useful as it 'forces' me to do my work and also convenient for me to ask questions (ask friends or teachers) if needed.

[contentboi1996]

I disagree with all the positive things about NJC cannot be experienced in HCI.


Some may say NJC is a co-ed school hence guys are more ungentlemanly, stronger character ETC than HCI, well, this is a great myth. We do have character education and other interaction points with other schools so we have to watch ourselves as well. HCI is also a super traditional school hence it does train its students well in character, proof from what I see.

HCI also have boarding experiences and WAY more overseas trips and leadership oppurtunities than NJC. NJC is clearly untested at this point as their first batch of 6 year IP students graduate in 2 years. HCI has healthy competition, it is not as competitive as all of you think though. Do you think no competition would benefit your child? Some points to ponder about. Good luck to all parents in choosing schools, I have offered my two cents worth.

Can pm if more questions

[Jennifer]

contentboi1996:

I disagree with all the positive things about NJC cannot be experienced in HCI.


Some may say NJC is a co-ed school hence guys are more ungentlemanly, stronger character ETC than HCI, well, this is a great myth. We do have character education and other interaction points with other schools so we have to watch ourselves as well. HCI is also a super traditional school hence it does train its students well in character, proof from what I see.

HCI also have boarding experiences and WAY more overseas trips and leadership oppurtunities than NJC. NJC is clearly untested at this point as their first batch of 6 year IP students graduate in 2 years. HCI has healthy competition, it is not as competitive as all of you think though. Do you think no competition would benefit your child? Some points to ponder about. Good luck to all parents in choosing schools, I have offered my two cents worth.

Can pm if more questions

I am sure many parents will gain a better understanding of HCI if you are able to offer greater insights into HCI boarding experiences, many overseas trips and leadership opportunities and how HCI trains \"its students well in character\".

With more sharing from you, these parents will be able to arrive at a conclusion of which school is more suitable for their child.

[anxious father]

hoskins8h:

ApronMama:

Then can someone enlighten me why NJC cut-off is higher than HCI (exclude HCL), given HCI after DSA still has more vacancies than NJC ?

My guess is that there are significantly more IP single-gender places for boys than for girls. For boys, there's RI, HCI, ACS(I)? For girls RGS, NYG. NYG with many affliated students will have a raised COP. So girls with scores below RGS/NYG cut-off will naturally apply to NJC, DHS, maybe RVH (less popular because of distance). NJC, DHS girl:boy ratio is 2:1. MOE has closed the IP doors, so some of the good girl schools (eg St Nics, MGS, SCGS) have had their IP application rejected.

POSITIONS IN IP SCHOOLS
Boys
RI: 450
HCI : 450
ACSI : 180
Catholic High: 170 (start from 2013)
SJI : 125 (start from 2013)
Victoria : 160
Subtotal: 1535 (DSA, ≤768; Available for S1, 767)

Girls
MGS : 60 (start from 2013)
SCGS : 120 (start from 2013)
St Nicholas : 170 (start from 2013)
Cedar Girls : 160
Nanyang Girls : 400
RGS : 450
Subtotal: 1360 (DSA, ≤680; Available for S1, 680)

Co-ed
TJC : 150 (start from 2013)
Dunman High : 400
NJC : 200
NUS High : 150-170 (almost full by DSA)
River Valley High : 400
Subtotal: 1320 (DSA, ≤745; Available for S1,  575)

Total: 4215 (start from 2013, 795; DSA, ~2193; Available for S1,  2022)

Top 3% pupils in 2013, 1150 (COP, 262 based on EESIS)
Top 5% pupils in 2013, 2417
Top 10% pupils in 2013, 4833

[marialin]

Below just some information that I learnt from NJC tour and booklet.


NJC GCE A-level Examinations Performance

The class of 2013 performed well in the 2013 A-Level Examinations:

A total of 108 students scored 6 distinctions or more, that is 108/500=21.6% scored 6 distinctions or more. (There are 500 students in NJC in Year 5/6. )

Overall 48% of students scored 3 or 4 H2 distinctions
and 33% of students who offered a H3 subject scored a H3 distinction.

The principles and teachers are doing their all Year 1 students stay in Year 5. This year 100% of Year 1 students entered Year 5.

There are 126 students (or 126/500=25.2%) obtained local and overseas scholarships in year 2013.

A-Level subjects with 100% passes:

H1 Subjects:

Economics,
Mathematics,
Physics,
Biology,
Geography,
History,
General Studies in Chinese,
Malay Language,
Gujarati, Hindi,
Bengali
Panjabi,
Tamil Language.

H2 Subjects:

Economics,
English Language & Linguistics
Biology
Physics
Chemistry
Geography
History
Art
Music,
Literature in English
Knowledge & Inquiry
Chinese Language
Malay Language & Literature

H3 Subjects:

Economics
Linear Algebra
Numbers & Matrices
Game Theory & Competition,
Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Molecular Biology
Essentials of Modern Physics
Modern Physics
Geography
Art
Science Research
Semiconductor Physics & Device


Additional advantage for gifted and self-motivated students or students who interested in advanced Math/Science/Humanity:

Teachers provides additional classes for students who are strongly interested in these advanced topics. Advanced classes are provided for Math, Sciences and Humanity.

Another advantage is NJC starts school at:
7:40am for Mon. Wed. and Fri.
8:30am for Tue.
8:40 for Thu.

This allows students to have more sleeping time then schools starts at earlier time (for example: 7:20am).

It is one of the best co-ed secondary school. I asked one girl student who scored >260 why she choose NJC. Her answer is "This is the best co-ed secondary school!"

Students are happy there and study in a more cooperative environment.

NJC’s Principle requires student to obey these simple rules:

Don’t lie;
Don’t steal;
Don’t cheat;
Don’t bully;
Don’t be bullied.

The principles and teachers pay attention to ensure students to be happy and safe.

This is very important. I heard a friend’s son who was hit by a classmate at one of the top boy school with a chair from the back many many years ago when he first entered the school.

In NJC, teachers will help a student if he/she faces study difficulty and try their best to keep the student to Year 5.

In NJC, if a student bully others and don’t change his/her behavior after warning, the principle will let him/her get out of the school.

These are very good rules which make me feel that students can enjoy their study without worries.

As NJC only has 200 students for Year 1 and 500 for Year 5/6, teachers can understand each student better.

Look at the long list of awards under Academic Achievements in NJC’s booklet, a kid will have many opportunities to participate various competitions/activities.

All opportunities will be published at a website which can be accessed by all students (LMS website). The opportunities are opened to all no matter what is the kid’s PSLE score.

The NJC’s school tour were guided by NJC’s students. They are humble yet intelligent:

One of the student tour guide who participated advanced science training and attended collaboration program between NJC and JC in United states. She’s been to a few countries in participating collaboration project, competitions etc.

Another tour guide participated Math Olympiad competitions told me that they have chances to participate math Olympiad competition organized by Singapore, United States and Japan. She won a gold award from one of the events.

Another tour guide is in the drama CCA told us that NJC’s drama CCA is fun. Others said the Guitar is fun. They are happy and friendly.

They all love the boarding program.

[marialin]

Regarding the PSLE cut off points.


NJC: 50 admitted through DSA.
150 through secondary posting.

So NJC’s cut off point is calculated from 150 (or 75% of the students).

NUSH offers 90% through DSA and its cut off point is calculated from (10% of the students).
If NUSH accepts 170 students, then the cut off point is calculated from 17 students.
NUSH attracts students good at Math and Science. So do NJC, but some students
prefers NJC/RGS/RI/HCI/NYGH as deciding to be a Scientist/Engineer at P6/Sec 1 is too
early. Some prefers NUSH as it teaches a lot of Math and Science. Some prefers NJC as it is a co-ed school.

HCI/NYGH/RGS/RI: 200 admitted by DSA
200 admitted through secondary posting.

So HCI/NYGH/RGS/RI cut off point is calculated from 200 (or 50% of students).

HCI/NYGH cut off point includes Higher Chinese (2 or 3 points).

These are pure boy/girl school for Sec 1 to Sec 4.

NJC keeps all/most students from Year 1 to Year 5. Unless the student is really unable to follow. This year, they keep all students from Year 1 to Year 5. Its A-level result will be influenced by keeping all students from Year 1 to Year 5. This gives students some buffer if some students progress a bit slower speed than other students at certain stages. Another reason that NJC is able to keep all students is that its funding is from gov, so it doesn’t need to spend too much effort on advertising. Its school fee is much cheaper than NUSH/RGS/RI/NYGH/RI.

RI/RGS/HCI/NYGH are more competitive.