Option\" post_id=\"2096037\" time=\"1674819793\" user_id=\"185249:
I need some help here. For the past 2 years, dd and us had set our sights for her to enrol into a poly this year. The original arguments (for poly and not jc) were similar to what some folks here have put up.
By a turn of events (nothing to do with e.g. fickle-mindedness, adaptability issues, friends' influence), she opted for jcs for first few choices in this year's submission and we (have to) support her.
However, this meant that there were certain areas on jc which we had not found out enough :
(a) what is RP90 exactly ? Is this some score that must be obtained for e.g. selected (?) admissions, scholarships or something ?
Hi there, this is my take based on my daughter's experience (joined a dual-track JC as a JAE student, graduated 1 year ago).
(a) Rank point (RP) is the grading system used for university course selection. The grades obtained for each A Level subject are converted into rank points (similar to O Levels where A1 = 1, A2 = 2, etc.). Basically, RP90 is the best that one can score at the A Levels.
Simple google search, you can read more here:
https://conceptfirst.com.sg/how-to-calculate-alevel-rank-points/Different courses of study in university would have a cut-off point e.g. competitive courses such as Medicine, Law admission requirement would be RP90.
You can read more about university admission here:
https://conceptfirst.com.sg/university-admission-grade-requirements-nus-ntu-smu/Option\" post_id=\"2096037\" time=\"1674819793\" user_id=\"185249:(b) As said above, RP90 is the best that one can score at A Levels. So, how can a student differentiate themselves from the rest of the student body, especially if you're from a better-performing JC with a high percentage of RP90 scorers? Student council participation may add to the student's portfolio, showing the university of his/her leadership potential. This could be why there's a higher level of competition for spots in council.
However, JC student council participation is definitely more than just making one's portfolio shine. Council allows one to develop and strive in non-academic aspects, such as event planning and initiatives for the student body.
That said, it is a double-edged sword because events can start to pile up during exam periods. It really depends on how the student juggles between studies and council commitments.
Also, it doesn't mean that student council is the only way to excel in JC. There are also leadership positions in other CCAs, where students get the opportunity to shine through organising CCA camps, leading training sessions etc. There are also other options like class leadership roles (CT reps or being part of the class committee).
Option\" post_id=\"2096037\" time=\"1674819793\" user_id=\"185249:[quote=Option post_id=2096037 time=1674819793 user_id=185249](c) how much difference are we talking about between a student council exco member and a student council member ? I mean, sure there are students who want to develop leadership skills but is this the only significant reason ?
(c) I would imagine that student council in JC is similar to in Sec. To answer the second part, I think it boils down to the reason why you want to join SC. Is it for clout/being popular/portfolio, or do you really want to serve the student body? After all, the student council's main objective is to be the bridge between the student body and the school management / be the voice for the student, right?
Being a member of council itself allows the student to develop leadership, hard and soft skills. But from my daughter's experience, being in EXCO would definitely come with an increased workload and responsibilities (after all, you are considered to be \"leaders of the leaders\"). The student will have to dedicate more time to planning and executing year-round events e.g. orientation, CNY celebrations, mid-autumn etc. Council also may well be one of the closest CCAs due to the many hours spent together pouring over admin work and event planning. You really do make good friends in council (if you can get along well haha). Another benefit is you can get to expand your network and get to know a lot of people when you organise and carry out events.
Option\" post_id=\"2096037\" time=\"1674819793\" user_id=\"185249:(d) for jcs with ip/ dual track affiliations, did they have more student council members or student council exco members year on year with students from these ip/ dual track affiliations by proportions of student \"origin\" to vacancies ? If there are jc/(s) in this category that exhibit a different trend, which one/(s) ?
Thanks
I don't think there are official statistics on that but the number of council members per year would most likely be the same (or proportionate to the number of student intake that year).
Anyway, my daughter came from an IP-affiliated JC and was a JAE student, still, she managed to join student council.
If the JC has IP affiliations, I would believe that IP students would have \"an advantage\" over JAE students because their peers from secondary school are in the same JC which most likely means IP students would have a solid base of support already. But you need to consider that there are rounds of interviews and a campaigning period, so JAE students definitely stand a chance of joining council despite the seemingly unfair advantage IP students have. During my daughter's school year, she said that the batch of student council EXCO members had a proportionate number of JAE and IP students. So, just have to campaign hard, network with your peers and trust the election process.