i suggest you take a moment to think about if you want to go to
poly. just consider it.
since you're only asking about JCs, i think it would help if
everyone gave input about their experience in the JCs that you
mentioned.
you seem like the kind of girl who is suited for the JC path, being
academically-inclined, like to study all.
I was from TJC, and as much as the curriculum was rigorous and
stressful, something about the school kept me calm. That
heartwarming feeling you felt, I can say that it's quite
characteristic of the school. If you've seen the campus, it's
really very old school. There's a 1980s feel to the buildings, and
there's a lot of greenery. and when I say a lot, I mean A LOT. to
me, this was a good thing, it really added to the atmosphere of the
school. it's really a place that felt like my second home, being
cosy and everything.
this was how i felt. many of my friends weren't for the whole retro
thing, complaining about bugs, how other schools have nicer
buildings and better things.
though i have to say, TJC looks super old, but it has some pretty
cool facilities lah. the whole 2 years i was there, i never heard
of LT blackout, or aircon breakdown. more than I can say for some
other top JCs (which are generally old too).
TJC has a fair share of very passionate teachers who care far too
much about the students. not only their grades, but they take the
time to make lessons interesting, and to inspire their students. or
at least they try lah. even if we become inspired, still no skills,
cmi one (talking about myself here). but you seem like a smart
girl, so not only do you have the ability to learn, you'll be
inspired to learn too.
In my opinion, TJC is definitely not best in terms of academic
results. But, if you're already good in a subject, I find it gets
amplified in TJC, and by that, I mean your teachers will engage
you, and will help you to do your best. It shows in your results
during the 'A' levels. You will gain interest in that subject and
want to do your best. not sure about what programme you're talking
about though.
The culture in the school too really helps. It's said that TJCians
are the ones who work the hardest. It's true, but not because we're
all muggers. When it comes to the crunch, you'll definitely see
students camping out to mug in the library, at the canteen, at the
benches scattered all over school and in classrooms.
Even when it's nowhere near exam time, you'll see people mugging.
This is mostly because everyone in TJ has other (big)
responsibilites, and they need to squeeze in studying into every
moment available. In TJ, you get stretched to your limit. I don't
know if my class was a rare case, but seriously everyone was busy
with something huge at some point. If you don't have a leadership
post, you're planning huge events, or practising for a large-scale
performance, training for competition, for academic competitions,
etc.
It's a challenge. Personally, in my first year, I was class
chairman, part of 2 performing arts groups (each with a performance
to put up for the year) and PW group leader. It's hectic, but it
really shows you what you're capable of.
I was also part of Talenttime. TJ has random fun things too, like
Mardi Gras, Talenttime, House events (they had events where they
give out free sushi and ice cream when I was there), Megahouse
function (basically a party mid-year). I can't really think of
anymore, but definitely there's work to be done throughout the
whole year. I only ever see everyone settling down in September or
so.
TJC has a very vibrant yet heartwarming feel to me. The fact that
I'm here to rah-rah for them says something. That was my personal
experience, and I did feel like I took away a lot.
