Congratulations to all students who just received their GCE ‘O’ Level results! Admittedly, the O Level examinations are one of the most important examinations in our lives, not just as kids, but even as adults. Yes, this is the time when there are going to be many questions in the minds of students as well as parents. Questions about whether students should apply for a junior college, or opt for a polytechnic education may arise, and we are here to share what options both institutions provide
Junior College (JC) – what does it mean?
(i) A more obvious (but definitely not the only) shot at university education
Now, this is the option usually preferred by parents hoping for their kids to eventually attain a university education. The Junior College route is indeed the more direct one to get into local universities. Around 70% of JC students end up in universities. This is also the shorter route to university and takes only 2 years.
(ii) The workload!
But the lore about JC never fails to mention the rigor and workload that students will have to take up. So yes kids, JC is going to be a lot of hard work. You are going to be learning a few subjects at a very in-depth level, so do be prepared to put in hard work during the two years.
(iii) More school memories
You are going to have to wear a uniform! Yes, and of course you will be monitored regarding the submission of your academic work. JC will mean a lot more discipline, something that may motivate us to do better. The student life might not be as attractive as compared to polytechnic, and you will more likely end up having to study for about 40 hours a week.
(iv) Less hands-on
JC education is going to be more about preparing you for university. You are going to be trained to think in a more critical manner, making your mind more conducive to the intricacies and challenging nature of learning at the university level. The focus here is going to be less on practical skills but more on building content knowledge and getting the mind ready for the rigour of university curriculum.
Polytechnic – is it right for you?
(i) A lot less workload?
Life is going to be a lot easier in poly. This is the conception that most have while comparing poly with JC. Yes, the time spent on study might seem lower with weekly timetables giving a glimpse of more free hours in poly. However, there are going to be a good deal of assignments, projects, and other submissions that are going to eat up your time.
(ii) More freedom
Fun and freedom – these are the factors that can make poly seem more attractive to many. Of course, you get to choose what you wear and do not have to stick to a uniform as in JC. Campus life is going to be a lot more vibrant as well with parties and a greater deal of freedom. There are fewer chances of you being pulled up for missing deadlines.
With all that being said, you will need to take up a good deal of responsibility upon yourself. Attendance has to be maintained at 75% and missing deadlines or not being faithful to your submissions will cost you dearly with regard to the cumulative assessments.
(iii) Longer route
Going through the poly route is going to take you three years before you can apply for university. The number of students who make it into the university level after poly is around 20%.
(iv) Skills and a diploma
At poly, the emphasis is going to be more on enhancing your applied skills. Subjects are going to be more focussed and tuned towards increasing your employability in sync with the requirements of the industry. You will be able to walk away with a diploma and job-readiness after completion.
The choice at the end of the day depends on the individual. The interest of the student and aptitude must be factored in while making a choice. JC appears to be more conducive if you want to go to university. Poly is the better choice if you wish to pursue specific subjects and want to gain in-depth expertise on it.
Whatever you choose, you have the keys to succeed in your domain. The secret ingredient is confidence in your abilities. Never forget that. All the best! 🙂
60 Seconds To Discuss… Polytechnics or Junior Colleges in Singapore? –
Exam Smart Tips
Exam Smart Tip #1 – How to Encourage Our Kids to Speak Better?
Exam Smart Tip #2 – How to avoid carelessness?
Exam Smart Tip #3 – Establishing Routines!
Exam Smart Tip #4 – Let’s Read Carefully!
Exam Smart Tip #5 – Beating the Exam Fever!
Exam Smart Tip #6 – How to Eat Right for the Exams?
Exam Smart Tip #7 – How to Avoid a Meltdown?
Exam Smart Tip #8 – Taking Stress out of Tests
Who We Are
Mission statement – “Empower every student to achieve full potential”
88tuition Pte Ltd offers the best PSLE Tuition Singapore for children looking to ace the PSLE exam. With effective learning materials and high-quality explanatory videos by experienced trainers, children are provided with the best online PSLE tuition.
With the basics learnt well, children will be able to grasp advanced concepts easily. Looking for the best PSLE math tuition, PSLE Science tuition and PSLE English tuition in Singapore? 88tuition has got you covered. The online training videos and assessments are designed in a way that children are made to enjoy the learning process.
UEN 201817310C
271 Bukit Timah Road; #03-08; Singapore 259708
