Tampines Junior College
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| Tampines Junior College 淡滨尼初级学院 Maktab Rendah Tampines |
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| Image:Tpjc crest.jpg
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| Motto | Aim and Achieve |
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| Established | 1986 |
| Type | Government, Full |
| Principal | Ms Helen Choo Chieh Chen |
| MOE Code | 0709 |
| Colours | Green |
| Locale | Tampines, Singapore |
| Enrollment | Approx. 1800 |
| Website | www.tampinesjc.net |
| Ministry of Education | |
 Republic of Singapore |
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Tampines Junior College (Abbreviation: TPJC)is a premier junior college located in Tampines in the Eastern region of Singapore, offering a two-year course for pre-university students leading up to GCE 'A' Level examinations. TPJC was founded in 1986. Currently, TPJC has around 150 staff and a student population of 1,800. The Principal is Ms Helen Choo Chieh Chen (2007 - present).
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[edit] College History and Identity
[edit] History
Tampines Junior College, located in Tampines New Town, commenced functioning as a centre of Pre-university education on 11 April 1986.
Tampines Junior College had humble beginnings. In March 1986, nine teachers met at Tampines Primary School to lay down the foundations for a junior college to be opened in April. There was barely time to plan a coherent policy, procedure or to map the shape that the College would take before the first registration of students was carried out two weeks later. As the construction of the college premises was not completed, its pioneering batch of 698 students and 33 staff members were received at the building that is now Tampines Secondary School.
On 20 December 1986, the Handing Over Ceremony marked the completion of Tampines Junior College. In late December, the College moved to its present home at No. 2, Avenue 9. Sitting on 6 hectares of land and costing about $18.2 million, Tampines Junior College was the 13th college to be built. The brainchild of P&T Architects, Tampines Junior College received the best-designed college building award in 1988.
It was also on 1 July 1988 that the College celebrated its Official Opening Ceremony. It was declared open by Mr Phua Bah Lee, Senior Parliamentary Secretary (Defence) and Member of Parliament for Tampines. In his speech, Mr Phua said that the College's opening marks another milestone in the development of Tampines, which has transformed from a wholly rural district into a new modern town. The College also serves as a symbol and focus of hope for the continuing education for the children of his constituency.
TPJC celebrated its 20th Anniversary in 2006. In 2007, the college introduced Theatre studies and Drama into the curriculum and is one of the four colleges so far (the other 3 being VJC, ACJC and RJC respectively) to offer this subject.
[edit] Mission
To inspire excellence of achievement, driven by a passion for learning and a zest for life
[edit] Vision
Every student in university
[edit] Core Values
Commitment
We are committed to one another and to the mission of the college.
Teamwork
We work together toward our shared vision.
Social responsibility
We care for our community in thought and in deed.
Integrity
We are honest in all of our relationships.
Perseverance
We work hard and persevere in solving problems.
Innovation
We innovate in learning and teaching techniques.
Independent Learning
Together we can learn to be independent, lifelong learners.
[edit] College Motto
The College motto is "Aim and Achieve".
[edit] College Crest
The name of the College, "Tampines" is prominently displayed on the crest. The two large stylised letters, JC, which are the initials for Junior College, form a triangle with a wide base and an apex.
The broad, strong base signifies the principle of focusing on the all-round development of the students, upon which the College is founded, while the apex reflects the College motto: "Aim and Achieve," by suggesting the upward thrust (Aim) of continuously working, in all areas of activity, to excel (Achieve).
Gold stands for that quality of excellence which is inherent in all attainments whilst the colour red reflects steadfastness in the determination of the students to achieve this excellence.
[edit] College Anthem
Proud are we to be a part of Tampines Junior College
Together we'll press on to higher ground
Together we'll scale the utmost height
We will strive, we will seek
Never will we yield
Guided by this our motto 'Aim and Achieve'
To bring success in all our learning
Proud are we to be a part of Tampines Junior College
Our years here we'll persevere
Our learning forever treasure
So when we leave your hallowed portals
We will go with courage
Ready are we to face life's challenges
To bring thee glory alma mater
Lyrics by Lillian Chia | Music by Anthony Albuquerque
[edit] Past Principals
- Mr Yahya Aljaru, 1986-1992
- Ms Helen Choo Chieh Chen, 2007-Present
[edit] Academics
[edit] Subjects Offered at TPJC
TPJC is among the few colleges in Singapore that offers the full range of subjects offered under the new A Level syllabus introduced in 2006. Under this system, students take 3 H2 content-based subjects and 3 H1 subjects comprisin Mother Tongue, Project Work and one contrasting subject.
The college believes in many peaks of excellence, and does not expressly prohibit students from taking a particular A level subject, even if they have less than stellar grades for the subject at the 'O' Levels. Instead, with the exception of Physics( which requires extensive prior knowledge at the 'O' Levels), students are allowed to pursue subjects they have not previously offered in secondary school, if they pass strict qualifying tests.
Students who wish to take Knowledge and Inquiry and Theatre Studies and Drama have to sit for rigorous aptitude tests and undergo interviews. Therefore, the college only has a small cohort of 11 KI students and 29 TSD students sitting for the A Level examinations in 2008.
Higher 3 Level Art, Biology, Chemistry,Economics, English Literature, Geography, History, Mathematics, Physics
Higher 2 Level Art, Biology, Chemistry, China Studies in English, China Students in Chinese,Chinese Language and Literature, Computing, Economics, English Literature, Geography, History, Knowledge & Inquiry, Malay Language and Literature, Mathematics, Physics, Tamil Language and Literature, Theatre Studies and Drama.
Higher 1 Level Art, Chinese, Chemistry, Computing, Economics, English Literature, General Paper, Geography, History, Knowledge Inquiry, Mathematics, Malay, Physics, Project Work, Tamil.
[edit] Special Programmes
The college believes in giving every student opportunities to grow and develop into articulate, passionate, socially responsible, discerning and mature students who have a sense of duty and patriotism to the nation. As such, the college has an expansive list of specially designed programmes that aim to stretch students.
The college offers the following programmes:
- China Immersion Programme
- High Achievers at TPJC( HAT) Programme
- Knowledge and Inquiry Programme
- Overseas Community Involvement Programme
- Scholarships Programme
- Science Enrichment Programme
- Science and Mathematics Olympiads
- Theatre Studies and Drama Programme
[edit] College Facilities
[edit] Academic
TPJC has a sprawling college campus. Together with Hwa Chong Institution and Temasek Junior College, the college grounds are among the largest in the country. Together with class room blocks that are three stories high, the college affords its students the luxury to study and take part in co-curricular activities in unimpeded comfort.
Library
The college library is open from 7:40AM too 6:00PM and has a wide variety of books (both fiction and non-fiction), multimedia, magazines, newspapers and study materials. The library also has extensive facilities ranging from study desks to computers in which students are allowed to use. Teachers are also able to use specific rooms in the library to hold lessons should they feel the need for a different study space.
Study Benches
Numerous study benches are located all around the college compound to facilitate self-revision as well as a place for individual consultations.
Photocopying Shop
The Photocopying Shop is located in the B Block. Lecture notes, tutorials and past-year GCE A Level exam papers as well as other JCs can be purchased from the shop. The shop also provides photocopying services to students as well as sale of stored value cards which can be used to pay for printing services in the college library.
Book Shop
The bookshop is located in the D Block. Managed by Pacific Bookstores, the bookshop sells the essentials that many students may need, such as stationery, textbooks, notebooks, school uniform, as well as the college T-shirt and shorts.
Classrooms
All classrooms within the college are well-equipped to seat classes of about 20 and have resources such as a personal computer, visualiser and over-head projectors. Almost all classrooms within the college are located within the E, B and D blocks.
Seminar Rooms
Aside from classrooms, the college has a number of seminar rooms (all of which are located in the J block). All seminar rooms, aside from having a personal computer and visual projectors, are fully air-conditioned and also incorporate movable and foldable tables to allow for quick reorganization of the room to accommodate any form of seminar, workshop, or tutorial held within the rooms.
Lecture Theatres
The college initially had 5 Lecture Theatres (or LTs). However, this changed at the end of 2006, when LT 5 was refitted into the Black Box (see below). Currently, there are 4 LTs in the college, and LT 1, which is located in the J block, is the largest LT. LTs 2, 3 and 4 are in the C block, directly above the Canteen. All lecture theatres are fully air-conditioned and is well-equipped with state-of-the-art sound and projector systems.
Black Box
Formerly known as Lecture Theatre 5, the LT is currently refitted into the Black Box (or the Drama Studio). This change was implemented near the end of 2006 in order to accommodate a shift in curriculum for TPJC. TPJC now offers Theatre Studies and Drama as an H2 Subject and the Black Box is where TSD Practical sessions are held. The Black Box is fitted with state-of-the-art technology and sophisticated lighting and sound system.
Auditorium
When lessons, or lectures, are held for students too big a group to fit into a single LT, students then head to the School Auditorium for their lectures.
[edit] Dining
Canteen
The canteen is tendered out to a private corporation,and is presently under the management of John's Cafe. It was expanded in the first half of 2007, and is open on all school days (weekdays) from 7am to 4.30pm. There are twelve stalls offering a range of food, including Japanese cuisine, western food and Indian food.
Vending Machines
There are vending machines situated in the canteen and provides an alternative of light snacks, canned and packet drinks to students throughout the day.
Good News Cafe
Opened in mid-2007, Good News Cafe boasts a menu of sandwiches, pastries, and assorted drinks for students to enjoy whilst studying in the nearby study area. The cafe is airy, spacious and bright; offering students a conducive location to study, eat and meet with friends.
The cafe also has a magazine rack providing more than a dozen current issues of magazines such as Time, Newsweek and the Economist.
[edit] Other Facilities
Multi-Purpose Hall
The mutli-purpose hall is situated behind the School Hall, and is linked directly to the Gymnasium and the Squash Courts. The multi-purpose hall is a large indoor area open for the use of students, teachers and CCA groups to conduct their activities.
[edit] Sports Facilities
School Field
It is a favourite venue for many students, who are allowed free rein of the field at any time of the day. The collge adopts an open policy of allowing all students to use the field for any activity they wish, as long as they are attired in the college's PE attire, and the field is not booked for official soccer and softball matches. The school field is also used during Physical Education sessions for a variety of activities and sports such as soccer and rugby.
In early 2008, the school field underwent a S$2 million retrofitting. It is now part of a select group of junior colleges that boasts a synthetic pitch.
Besides the School Field, TPJC also has many other facilities dedicated to sports. TPJC has three basketball courts, two tennis courts, two squash courts, a volleyball court, a netball court, and last, but not least, a rock wall. The college also has a few fitness stations located around the campus. These stations are equipped with pull-up bars, monkey bars, inclined pull-up bars and sit-up benches for students to exercise at.
[edit] The Student Council
The Tampines Junior College Student Council, set up in 1986, has a distinguished history of serving the student population and upholding the college's values.
The Student Council has heavy responsibilities that extend beyond planning, organising and executing projects for the college –it is also involved in close discussion with the college administration on general school feedback, with the result that the college now has its own official polo T-shirts that can be worn on Fridays; running day-to-day events such as the morning assembly and flag raising; taking the initiative in leading the school to rally together for a common cause, such as the fundraising done for the Indonesian Tsunami victims in 2006; and organising ad hoc activities as and when new ideas surface, such as the Good News Cafe beside the G Block, which was the result of intense campaigning by the 21st Council(2006-2007).
The College believes in moulding its student leaders to the best of their ability. As such, the college gives priority to the Student Councillors when it comes to talks, seminars, symposiums and conventions. Every year, two councillors from the college represent the school at the Prime Minister’s National Day Rally Speech, the Budget speech, and other events of national importance, such as PM Lee Hsien Loong’s inauguration at the Istana in 2004. In addition, councillors receive luminaries and other distinguished guests to the College, together with the principal. For instance, councillors were chairpersons for a dialogue that was held with the Minister of State for Education, RAdm Lui Tuck Yew,in 2007; as ushers and guests for another dialogue involving five members of parliament to the school in 2007; as well as ushers and general helpers at the launch of the European Union’s programme for schools in Singapore, with more than 10 ambassadors representing their respective European countries coming down to the college to celebrate this highly anticipated event. No other student in the college receives this privilege.
The Student Council affords its members the opportunity to gain real-life experiences in managing large-scale events. TPJC councillors learn how to deal with a myriad of people from a diverse range of backgrounds, understand the value of time management skills, have the privilege of interacting with a large proportion of the student body and develop critical thinking skills in managing unexpected situations and unforeseen circumstances.
The College places a high level of trust on its Councillors, and the Student Council itself expects the highest level of professional conduct and integrity on the part of its members. Student Councillors are role models for the rest of the student population, and are champions of the students’ concerns, hopes and aspirations.
Students interested in entering the Council have to undergo elections, either at class or college level. This is a necessary rite of passage and baptism of fire that tests their resolve and commitment to this calling. Many councillors have commented that they are grateful for this experience; because it helps them understand the heavy expectations the college has of them, as well as help develop them into stronger and more resilient individuals.
The 22nd executive committee in 2007 was led by:
- Daniel Lim Wei Liang, President
- Sean Ang Hong Da, Vice President
- Ng Ding Jie, Secretary
- James Sin Kin Chung, Treasuer
- Afiqah Liyana,Head of Student Affairs
- Tan Wey Jiang, Head of Operations
In 2008, the 23rd executive committee assumed leadership, comprising:
- Nathan Daniel Sekhar, President
- Dickson Ch'ng, Vice President
- Priya, Secretary
- Wendy Lim Wee Hian, Treasurer
- Siti Safiyah, Head of Student Affairs
- Abigail Abraham, Head of Operations
[edit] House System
Each batch of J1 students are divided into 6 houses, each named after a bird and assigned a unique colour to each house, namely:
- Eagle (Red)
- Falcon (Orange)
- Hawk (Yellow)
- Heron (Purple)
- Phoenix (Blue)
- Seagull (Grey)
Each house is led by a house captain and vice-captain. The house captains also head committees that comprise of student representatives drawn from each class under the house.
A track and field meet is held every year at the TPJC stadium where students represent their respective houses to compete in various events. Besides track and field events, students also get themselves involved in the winning of points for their houses via cheerleading, mascot and flag design competitions. The champion house for 2007 was Phoenix house.
[edit] Co-Curricular Activities
Students may choose to take part in a variety of co-curricular activities during their schooling life in Tampines Junior College.
TPJC is strong in the area of the Performing Arts with niche CCA groups including the Symphonic Band, Choir, Guitar Ensemble, the Chinese Language Debating and Drama Society, Chinese Orchestra, Indian Dance, Modern Dance, Malay Dance, English Drama Club, and more, all of which have gotten awards at the Singapore Youth Festival.
[edit] Student Leadership
- Student Council
- House Committees
[edit] Performing Arts
- Band
- Choir
- Chinese Orchestra
- CLDDS
- Guitar Club
- Indian Cultural Society
- MLDDS
- Modern Dance Club
[edit] Clubs & Societies
- Art & Craft Society
- Chess Club
- Chinese Calligraphy Society
- Chinese Pugilistic Society
- Gavel Club
- Drama Club
- Debates
- First Aid Society
- Health & Fitness Club
- Interact Club
- Innovation & Enterprise Club
- IT/AVA/Film Society
- Library Society
- Mathematics Society
- Outdoor Activities Club
- Photography Club
- Science & Environment Club
[edit] Sports & Games
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Canoeing
- Cricket
- Hockey
- Netball
- Rock Climbing
- Shooting
- Soccer
- Softball
- Squash
- Table Tennis
- Tennis
- Tenpin Bowling
- Track and Field
- Volleyball
[edit] Notable Students and Alumni
- Ban Yinh Jeow, Founder and Chairman, Stikfas
- Jade Seah, Mediacorp Artiste
- Cheryl Fox, Newscaster
- Kim Wakerman, Kids Central host and actress
- Jonathan Lim, Playwright and director of STAGES
- Winston Goh, Assistant director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Mohd Yusri B Abu Bakar,Singapore's first Malay RSAF pilot
