Issue 36 • May 2012Anderson Junior College Newsletter

AJC Has Done Well!The school was abuzz with anticipation as the 2011- batch of AJcians came back on March 2nd to receive their ‘A’ Level results. The nervousness of the seniors echoed throughout the school hall as they filed in and awaited Principal, Mr Lee Seng Hai’s announcement. The air was further charged with tension as many juniors came into the school hall to experience this event for themselves.

At 2.30pm, Mr Lee eased some of the tension by happily announcing that the class of 2011 had done well. The school hall was filled with rousing applause and cheers as he then went on to deliver the good news; students taking H2 subjects such as History, English Literature, Chinese, Malay and Tamil had obtained 100% passes and a whopping 62.8% of students taking H2 Mathematics obtained an ‘A’ grade, against the national average of 50.7%. Students taking H1 Tamil also secured 83.3% in ‘A’ grades, compared to the national average of 19.8%.

The top students of 2011 are as follows:• Han Swee Yee (12/10) is the Top Science and Top Chinese Student, with a whopping 8 distinctions.• Chan Jian Da (33/10) who attained 6 distinctions is the Top Arts Student.• Anisha d/o Premchand Primalanimohamed (27/10) is the Top Indian Student with 6 distinctions.• Muhammad Fariduddin B Mohamed (27/10) who scored 5 distinctions is the Top Malay Student.

LinkAJ would also like to congratulate the many CCA leaders of the 2010/2011 cohort on their stellar performance and ability to handle both their academics and CCA commitments well.

We wish the 2011 batch of seniors success in their future endeavours!

Overall Performance in a glance (776 candidates)

Min 2 H2 & 2 H1 with GP/KI 96.4%

Min 2 H2 & 2 H1 (w/wo GP/KI) 99.2%

Min 3 H2 & 2 H1 with GP/KI 93.0%

Min 3 H2 & 2 H1 (w/wo GP/KI) 93.3%

GP Passing Rate 96.9%

Min 3 H2 Subjects Passes 97.4%

Hot off the press! 2011 PW

ResultsAJCians obtained 80.4% as compared to 56% of the national average. Congratulations!

2010Silver Award

By Obbana N Rajah (34/11)

2 Academic Excellence

Time is of Essence By Denyse Chua (34/11)

Q: Did you study many hours a day?S: I studied so hard that I mostly only got 3 hours of sleep a day nearing the preliminary exams. We really had to take time out to study and do things that were necessary like completing our homework. Most importantly, don’t sleep in lectures!E: Sherry is right, we needed self-discipline to make sure our priorities are sorted out and had to sacrifice a lot of leisure time, but it was worth it.

Q: Did you listen to any music while studying?CF: I like listening to classical music; it really gets me in the mood to study. S: I always blast loud music while studying so that I won’t be distracted by the environment around me.E: I’m the complete opposite (of Sherry). I always study in complete silence so I don’t get distracted. (laughs)

Q: How about food? Any specific snack you much on while mugging?CF: Almonds. S: Almonds? That’s so weird! (laughs) I drank a lot of water.E: I kept eating junk food, but yet I didn’t put on any weight! Must be the stress.

Q: Is there a favourite place to study for the As?CF: The library.S &E: Yeah! Woodlands library.CF: I was referring to AJ’s library…S & E: We would always go to Woodlands Regional Library to study. It is always crowded, so since it opens at 10am we would queue at 9.45am to get seats! See, timing is very important.

Q: So what are your plans for the future?CF: Most probably Business in NUS.E: Accountancy in NUS.S: I want to do Dentistry.

Sherry, Chin Foong and Eunice scored distinctions in all their 4 H2 subjects.

Work Hard, Play Hard!

It wasn’t easy for Soccer captain Nguyen Thai Duong (28/10) to balance the demands of his CCA and studies, but he managed to emerge as one of the top scorers in the recent A Level exams, with distinctions for 3 H2 subjects – Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics - and GP. Though Duong admitted to some ‘cramming’ – he claimed he did it in a smart way, tackling his weaker subjects first before revising his stronger ones. He encourages juniors to strike a balance between CCAs and studies, committing their time and effort to their CCAs, yet not forgetting to focus on their studies as well, and to persevere no matter how heavy the workload. Duong is grateful for the holistic education from AJ, which has given him the opportunity to both study and play, and also the chance to forge strong bonds with his close friends. He aspires to be involved in the field of Aerospace, which he has been fascinated with from a young age. “Studying is just one part of school life,” said Duong, reminding us that hard work and play are important aspects in the two years of JC education.

Awesome Accomplishments

When asked for one word to describe his feelings after receiving his ‘A’ Level results, Top Arts Student Chan Jian Da (33/10) paused for a moment. “Awesome!” he grinned from ear to ear. With the outstanding result of six distinctions, Jian Da said that he was most pleasantly surprised by his Mathematics grade, because he had struggled with the subject for two years. His advice for his juniors is to ‘work consistently and never give up, because

you reap what you sow’. He also said that during his revision, he would often listen to songs by famous singer Adele, and that his favourite was ‘Rolling In The Deep’. In the future, Jian Da plans to pursue a law career, and after serving his National Service, he intends to obtain a Liberal Arts and Law double-degree at the National University of Singapore.

By Obbana N Rajah (34/11)

Student councilors Sherry Lee (23/10), Toh Chin Foong (29/10) and Eunice Chua (01/10) shared with us some of their tips on achieving As in the recent A level examinations. They stressed that time management is very important, and are grateful for the help and support they had from teachers and peers.

By Denyse Chua (34/11)

Academic Excellence 3

The Independent Learner By Tan Yuan Ting (12/11)

Those who have struggled with the demanding JC curriculum can now take heart– the same guy who scored a whooping 5 distinctions and is the ex-captain of Wushu barely scraped through his J1 year.

Initially, Shaun Seah (18/10) found it hard to adapt to the demands of PW and CCA. In his JC2 year, however, Shaun was committed to his studies. There was an air of quiet pride about him when he went on to reveal that he topped his class in the mid-year tests and preliminary exams. Success, of course, did not come easy. Shaun believes that his focus set him apart from the rest. He set goals for himself both in studies and CCA, and worked to achieve them.

He is a very independent learner. Not surprisingly, he is a self-taught guitarist. Shaun does not believe in staying up late or sacrificing recreational activities. He also believes in maximising his learning experiences, such as participating in Paradigma and International Service Learning.

Shaun plans to get into NUS Medicine through early admission.

Awesome Accomplishments

By Obbana N Rajah (34/11)

You Go, Girl!Anisha d/o Premchand Primalanimohamed (27/10), our Top Indian Student of 2011, scored an incredible 7 distinctions - to her very own surprise! She believes in a holistic education and ‘quality studying’ rather than ‘quantity studying’. Her journey to success is an inspiration to us all as she shows that one can work hard and play hard as well. This mindset is evident when she advised her juniors to ‘study hard, take part in school activities and have fun!’ When asked what’s next after Junior College, she shrieked happily, “I am going to University!”

By Kimberly Lee (12/11)

His Source of Inspiration? Himself. By Tan Yuan Ting (12/11)

When he knew that he scored 5 distinctions, Muhd Fariduddin Mohamed (27/10) was so overcome with joy that when LinkAJ first approached him, all he could say was, “I’m very happy, I’m very happy…”

Although Fariduddin claimed that he had always been a mediocre student, his classmates disagreed. Instead, they pointed out his competitive streak and his ability to juggle studies and CCA well. Fariduddin had previously swept awards in the group category of AJ Idol.

When asked what was one little thing in his daily routine that made a big difference, he said he prayed everyday which relieved stress and made him ‘more fired up’ to study. Fariduddin has always drawn his strength from his strong drive to succeed.

Fariduddin is still exploring the university courses he wants to enroll in and hopes to win a scholarship for his tertiary studies.

Han Swee Yee (12/10) made history as the college’s Top Science and Top Chinese Student with 8 Distinctions and a rank point of 90.

How did feel when it was announced you topped the A Level this year?I was really happy, elated; I didn’t expect anything like this to happen.What’s your secret to success?I believe in consistent hard work. You really have to know what you’re doing well and be thorough. Any gaps in understanding will be difficult to fix later on.How has your family helped or motivated you? My family members always were very supportive of me. Whenever I’m in the study, they made sure no noise reached me.What did you do in your free time?Pretty much everything others use, I like to Facebook, surf on 9GAG and waste time on the Internet! What do you want to be when you grow up?A transport engineer, I want to help improve Singapore’s transport network. Do you have any advice to your juniors?Be clear in your revision goals and make sure you do all tutorials. Get your fundamentals right before moving on to the advanced stages.

Swee Yee Made History! By Dharmapuri Krishna Bhagirath (05/11)

Date Game/Competition Award/Position

11 Feb 2012

1st SMU Transfer Chess Tournament 2012

Team1st placing(International Chess)

Aaron Tan Kwang Yang (34/12),Daniel Seah Rui (03/12)

3 Mar 2012 Northland Primary School Rapid Tournament

Individual1st placing (Int’l Chess)

Benjamin Loo (09/11)

3 Mar 2012 3rd Pioneer Junior College Challenge 2012

Team2nd placing (Chinese)

Dexter Lau and Richard Goh (25/11), Wang Riwu and Goh Meiling (24/11), Zheng Zhicheng (06/11)

12 Mar 2012

6th Hwa Chong Cup Chess and Bridge Championship

Team2nd placing (Chinese)

Dexter Lau and Richard Goh (25/11), Wang Riwu (24/11), Xi Qixiang (03/11) and Zheng Zhicheng (06/11)

13 and 15 Mar 2012

17th ‘Char Yong Cup’ Students Xiangqi Championships

Individual 4th placing Goh Meiling (24/11)

18 April 2012

6th Jurong JC Chess Championships 2012

Individual3rd and 5th placing

Chinese Chess (Boys and Girls):Wang Riwu (24/11) in 3rd position, Liu Yin Zhi (08/12) in 5th position. International Chess (Boys and Girls): Benjamin Loo (09/11) in 3rd position, Caleb Yeo (18/11) in 5th position, Jocelyn Cheong (30/11) in 6th position. Aaron Tan (26/11) in 8th position and Adeline Lo (30/11) in 10th position(Girls Category): Jocelyn Cheong, first placing, Adeline Lo in 2nd placing

18 April 2012

6th Jurong JC Chess Championships 2012

Team 2nd placingDexter Lau (25/11), Liu Yin Zhi (08/12), Wang Riwu (24/11) and Zheng Zhicheng (06/11)

Air Rifle Women - Team 2nd • Annabel Leong Jia Ling (18/11)• Crystal Ho Zhi Fan (14/12)• Yip Pui Bing (08/11)• Khow Wei Shuen (30/12)

Air Pistol Women – Team 1st Challenge Trophy for Air Pistol Women event• Ong Chong Wei Joey (01/11), Jocelyn Pek Joo Yee (12/12), Tai Weiyi Marina (12/12), Au Yong Shi Lin (16/11)

Air Pistol Women – Individual 1st • Tai Weiyi Marina (12/12) (set record of 375)

16th National ‘A’ Division Inter-School Shooting Championships 2012

The following students participated in the Schools Digital Media Awards (jointly organized by MOE & Ngee Ann Polytechnic) on March 22nd, and achieved a Merit Award.

(From left to right):Angelica Ng Poh Ying (09/11), Shirley Goh Hseuh Li (09/11),Jonathan Sam Weiyi (08/11), Pang BiaoJin (24/11),Seah Yan Ling (33/12)

Congratulations!

4 Student Achievements

AJChess By Denyse Chua (34/11)

Awesome Pesta Pantun 2012 A team of JC1 students gamely took up the challenge posed by the organisers of Pesta Puntun (the NUS Malay Language and Culture Society): creating original pantuns (also known as Malay poetry) in 2 minutes both individually and as a group at every round leading to the finals, with each round escalating in the level of difficulty.

Being conscientious AJCians, they duly took note of the judges’ comments and produced a masterpiece – a mind-provoking pantun which obtained full marks from the judges in one of the rounds in the Finals.

Overall, the team clinched 3rd position.

Congratulations to the following students for this achievement:Muhammad Basyir Bin Mustafa (05/12)Nurul Syaira Bte Zulkifli (12/12) Muhammad Afiq Bin Safaruddin (37/12)Lidia Syahindah Bte Mohd Maliki (32/12)

SDMA

Here are the AJChess Club 2012 Competition results:

College Updates 5

Mr Lee Seng Hai

Mr Ngeow Siong Chye, the newly appointed Vice-Principal (Admin) to AJC, is the latest addition to the AJ Family.

Prior to joining AJC, Mr Ngeow was working at the MOE Headquarters (HQ) as an Assistant Director overseeing the security of the HQ and other schools by anticipating emergencies and developing contingency plans.

This family man who enjoys spending time with his family and meeting his ‘kakis’ for weekly ‘makan’ and golfing practices, took on the position of VP Admin in AJC as he enjoys being part of a school team in nurturing young people. Mr Ngeow had fond memories of his stint as VP (Admin) at Innova Junior College (IJC) where he had a chance to interact with people.

When asked what he views as his biggest challenge in AJC, he replied: “Curriculum aside, the college premises have served its staff and students well for many years and no doubt some parts are now showing signs of their age. Keeping them in good repairs would be a challenge, given the large sums of money that would be involved.”

Despite the impending challenge, Mr Ngeow says that he is very impressed by strong sense of purpose shown by our students and teachers alike.

“AJCians know what they want and what needs to be done. I am reminded of this every morning, when I walk around the college. I can’t help noticing how diligent our students are.” He added.

Mr Ngeow Siong Chye

Goh Jean Peng and Obbana N Rajah, both (34/11) got up close and personal with new principal, Mr Lee Seng Hai, former principal of Bukit Panjang Government High School.

Obanna: What are your impressions of AJC?.Mr Lee: I can see that the students are very self-motivated and friendly. They are very passionate about the college and this was evident during Open House 2012. Even though it was only the third day of school, everyone was revved up for the event. I was very pleasantly surprised by this.

Obanna: What are your hopes and aspirations for the college?Mr Lee: Well, my role is to be a steward in the college because this school belongs to the students and I want to find out what students’ aspirations are, and help them achieve them. Every college event, every day is an opportunity for me to do this. That is why it is so important for me to meet students and talk to them. In one of my sessions with student groups, the Photographic Society raises the idea of uploading pictures of school events onto Facebook. I thought this is a good way to generate buzz amongst students and create a sense of ownership of the college.

Jean Peng: Anything specific you aim to achieve this year for the college?Mr Lee: My aim is to basically get to know the people and work more closely with the teachers whenever the opportunity arises. Ms Leong has led the school well for the past six years and her capable leadership allows me to build on the strengths of the school.

Jean Peng: We noticed that you have a Facebook account, do you think social media has changed your role as a principal? Mr Lee: Definitely, as Facebook is a very powerful means of communication with great potential. It spreads messages very effectively, but of course as with anything it has its boundaries which one has to be aware of. My Facebook account is school-based only and it’s just to reach out to my students. I also have plans to make use of Twitter in the near future with the new hostel. Since the hostel is smaller, it would be easier to try it out there first.

Jean Peng: Your reputation as one of the youngest and most friendly principals precedes you. Would you like to comment on that?Mr Lee: (smiles) Well, I have my students’ interests at heart and I want to make the effort to seek them out and get to know them. The students here are all young adults and I treat them as such so there is no need for me to use punitive methods when dealing with them.

Obanna: Care to share some of your hobbies and interests?Mr Lee: I like simple pleasures such as swimming or watching television, and also to spend time with my two daughters when I’m free. A more recently discovered vice of mine would be watching movies over the Internet! (laughs)

Singapore Perspectives 2012Singapore Perspectives is an annual flagship conference of the Institute of Policy Studies. This year’s theme, Singapore Inclusive: Bridging Divides, held at Suntec City on January 16th saw Mrs Tay Cheng Fun (VP1), Ms Siau Fong Fui (VP2), Ms Maggie Quek (HOD Arts), Mrs Peh Lai Wah (Senior Tutor) and Ms Edina Rahman (GP Tutor) as participants from AJC. Speakers at the conference included Director of the United Nations Statistics Division, Professor Paul Cheung and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance and Minister for Manpower, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

The 4th JC Physics Instructional Programme Support Group (IPSG) Sharing was held on January 18th at AJC. The objective of the IPSG Sharing is to provide a platform for teachers from different junior colleges to network as well as to share resources and good teaching practices. This year, there were sharings from 14 JCs, the Academy of Singapore Teachers, CPDD, NIE, NTU, NUS, NUS High and the Singapore Science Centre. There were about 200 participants at the event.

Physics IPSG Sharing

Held on January 18th, the North Zone GP Symposium is an initiative by the four North Zone JCs to share best practices in the teaching of GP. It aims to provide a platform for the professional development of GP teachers form the North Zone JCs and enhance collaboration amongst the community of practitioners.

The Guest of Honour was Deputy Director, English Language and Literature, Curriculum Planning & Development Division, Mr Ang Pow Chew and the event was attended by 80 GP tutors.

NZ GP Symposium

6 People Developer

Stroll along Lorong Halus WetlandWith work-life balance in mind, AJC staff took time off to soak in the wonders of nature and breathe fresh air at the Lorong Halus Wetland on January 27th. Lorong Halus Wetland is developing into a natural habitat for flora and fauna and quite a variety of wildlife were spotted during the walk to the awe of many. Lorong Halus Wetland is part of the Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) programme, a long-term blueprint to bring people closer to water through the creation of beautiful and vibrant waterscapes which at the same time provide opportunities for community bonding. And bonded the staff, it did.

People Developer 7

Physics IPSG Sharing

Teachers Learn Too!AJC teachers underwent a series of professional development sessions, ranging from department training to ICT and Ethos Sharing from Jan 3rd – 6th. Let’s take sneak peek at what happened during those days:

8 Character Development & Events

Seek.Sprint.Strike.

Roar in the Dragon! By Dharmapuri Krishna Bhagirath (05/11)

The festival mood was very palpable despite the absence of the J1 cohort. The Chinese New Year Celebrations on January 20th this year were laden with extraordinaire acts. Our lion dancers pranced to the beats of the drums while CLDDS gave us an attention-grabbing performance.

“I’m really impressed by the well-drilled paces of the wushu performance,” said Daniel Stephen (10/11).

“Rejuvenation (performed by our Modern Dance girls), left us awe-struck,” added Zainab Yasin (15/11). She was also mesmerized by the Chinese Orchestra’s wonderful melodies.

This year, we were also privileged to have senior citizens from the Lions Befrienders join us in commemorating the New Year, thanks to the AJC Interact Club’s initiative.

Our Principal, Mr Lee Seng Hai, had a pleasant surprise too when the audience voted him for Best Dressed Prize. He said he was really happy since it was his first college event and he wished everyone prosperity and good fortune this Dragon Year.

Gong Xi Fa Cai, everyone!

The Post-Promo Character Developmen t Programme (CDP) 2011 at East Coast Park was held on November 17th and 18th with the theme “Seek.Spring.Strike”. The theme draws a parallel between the hunting process of big cats and AJCians pursuing goals and achieving success as a class.

Objectives of the CDP: • Build relationships through fun and play• Reflect on challenges through an unusual and memorable experience• To understand and align learning with school values and character building

An Assembly of Goodbyes By Obbana N Rajah (34/11)

The JC2 Farewell Assembly, held on October 14th, was not too melancholy an occasion, but was one filled with happy good-byes and remembrances of better times. The event was graced by none-other Ms Ng Pui San, an ex-AJCian who was also an ex-Economics tutor in AJC. She shared with students her experiences in AJC and those gained from work, and proclaiming her proud roots in AJC. Another highlight of the assembly was the Korean-pop dance videos made by the Mathematics and Science subject tutors for the JC2 students. It was indeed a sight to behold their favourite teachers dancing to the catchy tunes!

Opportunities and Partnership 9

The event started off with a bright burst of yellow as Open House Facilitators, all brightly clad in matching yellow t-shirts bustled around school placing final touches and ensuring everything was ready for the visitors to come. AJC saw 2800 visitors this year. Many parents were very pleased by the charismatic Open House Facilitators who showed them around the school and took them to see the various CCAs booths.

When asked about why they chose to visit our college, Nowell Nga and her friends from Paya Lebar Methodist Girls School said, “The people here are very personable and I like the school culture”.

Mr Barry Wan, who had come with his wife and daughter, commented, “The students presented themselves well and the facilities are good”.

Finally, Mr Ong who had also come with his daughter said, “I am very impressed by the A Level results of this school and also by the Science faculty here”.

With most parents and secondary four students impressed by our school, Open House 2012 definitely ended on a high note.

Welcome JC1s! Look at your excited smiles and joyful faces during Orientation 2012 (Feb 6th – 8th)!

Orientation 2012

The finals for AGNI 2012, the biennial event organized by our Tamil Literary, Drama and Debating Society (TLDDS) held on February 25th, saw participants from 16 junior colleges vying for awards for the following categories: Singing, Dance, Impersonation and Oratorical. Tampines JC emerged the winner but our very own AJCians stole the show as they wowed the 500-strong audience with various upbeat dance and intriguing drama performances.

AGNI 2012 By Vidya Murugappan (07/11)

Open House 2012 By Obbana N Rajah (34/11)

Held on March 26th, the annual Festival of Life saw a flurry of activities and workshops such as graffiti art, juggling, vase decorating, drumming and necklace making. It was a day of learning, catered to our interests in a wide range of aesthetic activities. The JC1s thoroughly enjoyed themselves!

Festival of Life 2012

10 Synergy

Family Day this year was held on a Thursday afternoon on April 5th. It was an intimate affair filled with fun and food involving just AJC staff and students.

Students set up games and hobbies booths to appeal to thrill seekers whilst the teachers set up booths ranging from selling pre-loved items to the paddling of ice-cream to cater to shopaholics and foodies respectively. There was even a manicure station if anyone fancied getting their nails painted by none other than our very own General Paper tutors, Ms Marissa Poverman and Ms Angel Chew! A total of $2102.70 was raised and the proceeds will go to the needy students of the college.

The elderly residents from the Asian Women’s Welfare Association (AWWA) were also seen on campus as they had been invited by the Interact Club to soak in the festive atmosphere! They played table bowling in the Reading Room and were treated to dinner pledged by AJC staff. They also each received a hamper prepared by all the PDG classes.

The event ended off with a bang with the finals of AJIdol at the school hall. Everyone was enthralled with the exceptionally fantastic performances of this year’s finalists. Here are the winners of AJ Idol 2012:

Solo Category and Overall Winner:Joey Chua (31/11) Group Category: Dennis & FriendsGoh Jean Peng (34/11), Vivian Chan (25/11),Dennis Wong (37/11), Samuel Lee (37/11) Dance Category: KnockOut! CrewJonas Ng Jun Wei (25/11),Joanne Pek Li Jin (19/12),Yee Si Yan Cherubim (08/11),Leonardo Sjahputra (10/11),Ng Li Xiang (10/11),Krithika d/o Somasundram (08/11),Champannoor Neha Josi (26/11),Poh Wei Li (07/11)

Family Day 2012

Synergy 11

Family Day 2012

12 Student Opportunities

From March 15th – 17th, Lycée Français de Singapour (the French School of Singapore) played host to the 8th annual Singapore International Model United Nations (SIMUN) Conference.

18 of our AJCians were a part of this intellectual gathering of students from junior colleges and international schools. Two of our students represented AJC in the student-led organizing committee. Diamanta Vania Lavi (33/11) was Co-Chairperson of the Economic and Social Committee (ECOSOC) and Bhat Swathi Damodara (27/11) was the Secretary General of SIMUN 2012.

SIMUN 2012 By Bhat Swathi Damodara (27/11) & Diamanta Vania Lavi (33/11)

THIMUN 2011 By Harsha Saxena (01/11) and Dharmapuri Krishna Bhagirath (05/11)

The Hague International Model United Nations (THIMUN) 2011 was held from November 15th – 19th 2011. 14 AJCians participated, forming two delegates, one representing Sierra Leone and the other Cameroon. Training sessions were held in school, but nothing could prepare us for the engagement and excitement during the actual conference held at the Student Activities and Leadership Training (SALT) Centre at Hwa Chong Institution. We were put through our paces learning to handle the lobbying process, as well as the format of debate (terms like ‘Point of Information’ were mandatory). It was a revelation watching how resolutions got approved and how the international delegates handled questions. The Dinner and Dance added a cultural dimension to the conference. We made new friends from different nationalities and backgrounds and Facebook makes it easier to maintain that bond until even today! We encourage anyone who is interested to participate in THIMUN, to be part of a conference that genuinely cares about global concerns through listening to the voice of the youth.

THIMUN 2011

Choir Jubilate V25 AJ Choir members attended the Choir Jubilate V - Festival of Choirs held in Shah Alam, Malaysia from November 27th – 30th, 2011. The festival comprises a few masterclass choral workshops with 3 internationally renowned choral clinicians and choral assessments by our very own Artistic Director, Nelson and the Clinicians. There was also a Friendship Concert and an SYF Presentation Concert by the participating choirs. St. Michael’s High

School visitOver 80 students from the St. Michael’s High School visited AJC on their annual exchange programme on January 12th. They were accompanied by 4 teachers and a Vice Principal. AJCians involved during their visit included those from Wushu, AJChoir, Volleyball, Badminton, Table Tennis, the Student Councilors and the Photographic Society. The Japanese students we interacted with were good-natured and had a tremendous appreciation for the arts. They were grateful to us for our hospitality towards them and commented that Singapore was a nice place to be. Here are a few common phrases that they taught us:

Social Conscience 13

Fold with a Heart, YOUth play a Part!

On October 8th 2011, amidst the JC1 Promotional Exams, Iris Ng (01/11), Cao Xiwen (21/11), Tan Xuan Ming (21/11), Hewett Tan (21/11), Keane Tan Kai Hua (21/11) and project leader Low Hao Jie (21/11), planned and executed the Children’s Day cum Flea Market event alongside four other students from MJC, TJC and ITE College East in collaboration with Rivervale Grove RC. The students engaged the residents in activities such as an art competition and sing-along sessions in the sold-out event.

Through this event, these AJCians learnt the vital skill of time management. They also displayed a high level of flexibility and responsibility in executing the activities on the day itself.

This is not the first event planned and executed by AJCians in collaboration with Grassroots Organisations in Punggol East. In June and July of 2011, a total of 40 AJCians were involved in the Father’s Day Fiesta by Rivervale Grove and the Racial Harmony Durian Fest by Rivervale CC. In fact, the Father’s Day event made history as it is the first RC event to be planned by a committee of under-18s.

Events such as these are key platforms through which the People Association’s Youth Movement (PAYM) engages youth in community events.

Heartsfor the Young!

February 25th saw Interact Club members busy folding and mounting 2,500 paper hearts using recycled materials onto a large heart formation as part of the ‘Fold with a Heart, YOUth play a Part’ project. A sum of $50,000 was raised for the beneficiaries of ‘Lend A Helping Hand!’, a fund that was set up by Central Singapore CDC to help the elderly and less fortunate households in Singapore. To top it all off, the largest heart-shaped formation (15m by 15m) made out of small folded hearts made it to the Singapore Book of Records!

In February 2012, 19 Interact Club members and teachers made a trip to Malacca, Malaysia, for community service. The trip turned out to be a real eye-opener. At the Happiness Centre for the Mentally Disabled Children, the sight of bed-ridden patients rendered us helpless and uncertain as to how to interact with them. It dawned on us that sometimes community work is not about the manual activities, but about bringing the simple human touch to console those in need. Visits to the Mentally Disabled Children Centre Melaka and The Salvation Army Melaka Hopehaven also left heart-warming memories. The children’s determination in learning skills to support themselves earned our admiration. As we were constantly showered by friendly handshakes, hugs and happy, innocent smiles, we felt that what we gained was more than what we gave, because the children had brought hope that nothing is impossible.

Nothing is Impossible By Nguyen Tú Anh (30/11)

14 National Education

On January 27th, AJC hosted the show Campus 938LIVE, organised by Mediacorp. Around 60 JC2 students participated in the ‘live’ radio show which was centred on the topic: “Are Singapore’s youths more politically-aware today? How will they shape the future of Singapore politics?”

Two of the five panelists for the show were from AJC: Sharanya Pillai (29/11) was the student representative from the college, while Mr Leon Choo, a General Paper teacher from the English Department, was the teacher representative. The other panelists, brought in by Mediacorp, were Mr PN Balji, Political Analyst and Media Consultant, Mr Soh Yi Da, President of the National University of Singapore Students’ Political Association, and Mr Wilson Foo, a member of the Workers’ Party Youth Wing Executive Committee. Each of the panelists shared their opinions on the topic first, followed by questions from the audience.

Many students raised pertinent questions which reflected the growing awareness of and interest in the political scene among our youth. The panelists answered the questions and shared their own experiences and sentiments with the students freely. This open atmosphere led to more informal discussions with the panelists even after the session had ended!

By Audrey Tay Hui Yi (PDG 24/11) and Tay Renjie (PDG 22/11)Singapore Airshow 2012 On February 17th, 9 of us travelled to Changi Exhibition Centre to attend the Singapore Airshow 2012 through the YES Aerospace Induction Programme. We learnt about aerospace and defence industries from exhibitors from all around the world and from booths set up by Airbus, Boeing, the United States Air Force and even ST Kinetics, our home-grown defence company. It was an eye-opening experience to see how cutting-edge technologies went into the production of military and civil aircraft, with each vehicle requiring the input and cooperation of multiple companies, either through subcontracting or joint development.

LIVE ON AIR!

Total Defense Day 2012Under the Singapore Arm Forces (SAF)-School Partnership Programme in engendering fitness & healthy lifestyle, 35 SCE (Singapore Combat Engineers) worked together with AJC to deliver an SAF experiential Physical Training programme for our JC2. During Total Defense Day (TDD) week in February, all JC2 boys underwent an hour session with soldiers from 35 SCE, as part of a training to prepare them for National Service.

On TDD day itself on February 15th, the soldiers from 35 SCE also made arrangements to visit our college, to conduct a ceremonious flag raising ceremony, complete with arms, to mark the significance of the day. As part of SAF’s initiative to reach out to the schools, the soldiers also held an exhibition at the MPH, which included stations with various displays showcasing weaponry and arms such as the SAR 21 and GPMG. The soldiers also introduced combat rations, camouflage painting and the IBA (Integrated Body Armour) to the students.

National Education 15

By Audrey Tay Hui Yi (PDG 24/11) and Tay Renjie (PDG 22/11)

All JC1 students went on the Ang Mo Kio (AMK) Trail during the JC1 Orientation. This Learning Journey (LJ), initiated in 2010, aims to impart to the students a greater appreciation of the neighbourhood, and to nurture a stronger sense of belonging to Ang Mo Kio. Over 6 afternoons, 37 classes visited four different locations – the Asian Women’s Welfare Association, Masjid An-Nahdhah, the Yio Chu Kang Community Club and Bishan Park. Students learnt about care for the elderly, religious sensitivities, opportunities for youth community involvement and environmental issues from this LJ.

32 JC2 students were trained in the role of Trail Facilitators (‘Facils’). They attended intensive training sessions to hone their facilitation and presentation skills.

Below are some of the reflections from the JC2 ‘Facils’ on the Trail:

“I’ve learned from the training that ‘all facilitation starts with self-facilitation’…” - Kai Ling (34/11)

“Having to facilitate more than 20 students was challenging… I learnt how carrying out such events can teach others about important values and issues facing Singapore…” - Ismahfaris (07/11)

“The co-operative JC1s were the main factor for it being a success. They really put in their best, discussing issues…” - Yuh Harn (13/11)

“Being a leader, the people you lead are a reflection of you…to get people engaged, I myself first have to be engaged.” - Calvin (07/11)

Visit to Parliament House on Budget Day 2012 By Pang Bioajin (24/11)

Budget Day 2012 was a refreshing experience for us. Being there personally at the Parliament House, listening to the presentation, was really a far cry compared to listening to it on the news or reading through the press! By enhancing our knowledge on how Parliament operates, Budget Day 2012 has engaged us in understanding the rationale behind some decisions and policies. We would like to thank the teacher i/c, Ms Maggie Quek, as well as AJC for giving us this wonderful opportunity.

Ang Mo Kio Trail 2012

This year, the college sent the whole JC1 cohort on a Learning Journey (LJ) to one of two places offered by MINDEF: the Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC) and the Specialist Cadet School (SCS). Organised by the National Education Committee, these LJs gave the boys a glimpse of what to expect of National Service (NS) and the girls awareness of what NS is. Over two Wednesdays, all JC1s had a close up look at physical training, accommodation, food, and even had a go at some of the weapons. They were taken around by guides, who were themselves officers, for the duration of the whole visit. Overall, the students found the visits beneficial and an eye-opener on the little joys and sacrifices that need to be made when one serves the nation.

Life in the Army

In collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline, three Project Eureka students, namely Keith Lim (06/11), Tan Xing Liang (11/11) and Samantha Tan (19/11) worked on a science research project, titled “Alternative uses of Discarded Durian Husks as a Substrate, Fertiliser or Potting Medium for Orchids”.

The project was awarded 3rd prize in the recent Clean and Green Singapore: Environment Project Competition (Tertiary Category) which also came with a $400 cash prize.

They were also invited to showcase their project at the Clean and Green Singapore (CGS) Schools’ Carnival 2011 at ITE College West on November 9th and 10th, 2011 where they put up their poster and displayed their orchids.

The annual CGS Schools’ Carnival is the culmination of the various competitions, programmes and activities that National Environmental Agency has organised with and/or for education institutions.

16 Science Excellence

IMCB Science Research Outreach Programme

The Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB) Student Outreach Programme consists of a 2½ -day workshop conducted during curriculum time in the Outreach laboratory at Proteos, Biopolis. Each week, a different group of students attend the workshop for the duration of the programme.

The workshops provide students the opportunity to carry out experiments in a research laboratory, attend talks, be exposed to discussions on topical issues as well as present their experimental results. Through this experience, students will have a glimpse of life as a scientist and be encouraged to pursue future careers in the Life Sciences.

This year, the workshops are focused on zebrafish developmental biology. Developmental biology is currently an important research area with implications in cancer, congenital syndromes and other applications, and the zebrafish is a popular animal model for developmental studies.

SSEF 2012 On March 14th and 15th, 2 teams from AJC battled in an intense competition cum science fair at the Singapore Science and Engineering Fair (SSEF) against teams from top schools such as Raffles Institution and Hwa Chong Institution.

The members of the teams were Tay Ming En (25/11), Low Hao Jie (21/11), Tan Wei Heng Benjamin (03/11), Barry Tee Wei Cong (23/11, The Su Zin (27/11) and Phyo Shyo Yee Win (26/11). Both teams showed excellent resilience and teamwork under pressure throughout the event. Despite not being winning any awards, the enriching experience in itself is a valuable lesson learnt.

Clean and Green Singapore 2011

From left to right: Gomez Hannah Guia Santos (30/11), Gabriel Thorai Ravindran (10/11), Samantha Tan Yan Lin (19/11), Cheng Dao Han (12/11) and Tay Ming En (25/11).

Science Excellence 17

H2Olympics 2012On March 23rd, 4 teams from AJC squared off against other teams from Dunman High, Saint Andrew’s Junior College and Hwa Chong Institute in the inaugural H2Olympics 2012 hosted by Dunman High and supported the Public Utilities Board (PUB). This competition took everyone across Singapore as participants learnt about the Active, Beautiful Clean waters (ABC Waters) Programme while being challenged physically by travelling long distances in short time frames. Despite these obstacles, 2 AJC teams have claimed the 1st and 3rd positions! These 2 teams were representatives from Project Eureka, consisting of 13 JC1s and 5 JC2s.

Well done Eurekans and fellow AJCians who have participated in the event!

REAP at TLL I had the privilege of participating in the REsearch Attachment Programme (REAP) sponsored by Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory (TLL). During the 8-week attachment (November 14th 2011 – January 6th 2011), I was exposed to new experimental techniques and new scientific developments, which I had never imagined possible. After every single day spent in the lab, I went home looking forward to the next session. The programme made me realise that what I learn in school is just a very much simplified version of the whole process, and I feel the need to want to learn more. I am really thankful for this experience, as it has given me a clearer sense of the path I want to pursue in the future: it is certainly not even and easy all the time, disappointment and uncertainty are sure to come, but the whole process of learning and uncovering is, in itself, a reward.

By Tay Ming En (25/11)

Reflection by Nguyen Tu Anh (30/11)

A*STAR-MOE Student Attachment Programme Can metamaterials bend light backwards? Is it possible to engineer a lightsaber. Are these just pure fantasy?

I used to think so. However, this 5-week research attachment in 2011 (November 14th – December 15th) made me rethink everything I knew about science. I not only learnt a lot on nonlinear optics, in the process I also learnt that science is not a realm exclusive to geniuses.

My project is on the self-focusing of gaussian beam in dielectric solutions where I conducted mathematical and graphical simulations on the beam propagation. I feel that the most important takeaway from this program is the feel of becoming a scientist.

I could remember the spirit of perseverance and the commitment in completing the project quite vividly. There were a multitude of challenges, from cracking the literally “mind blowing” helmholtz equation (which took me 1 week) to ensure the computer simulation tallied with the physical experiment done by my teammate.

What Einstein said is so true: ‘a person who never made a mistake, never tried something new’. Even though I made many mistakes in the research process, I certainly did not make any mistake in taking up the challenge of science research.

Reflection by Low Hao Jie (21/11)

18 Global Outreach

7th – 20th August 2011

14 students, accompanied by two teachers from Anderson Junior College, attended a two-week immersion programme in Cambridge, which aims to broaden the students’ academic and cultural

perspectives. Lessons were mainly held at Trinity Hall and Downing College.

After a long journey, we were overcome with the excitement of finally touching down at London’s Heathrow Airport. Upon our arrival in Cambridge, we were greeted by quaint shops and lush greenery. The gentle breeze coupled with the warm sunshine made our day even better. As we toured the town of Cambridge, we were enthralled by the many stately museums and monuments. We were fortunate to have the opportunity to visit Grantchester, with its idyllic and genteel setting, where the famous and charismatic war poet, Rupert Brooke, used to reside.

Another highlight of our stay in Cambridge was certainly the memorable experience of punting down River Cam during which we indulged in the beauty of Cambridge and the magnificent colleges surrounding the river. On one of the nights, we were treated to Shakespeare’s play - Much Ado About Nothing. It was staged against the backdrop of the scenic gardens in King’s College and was undoubtedly one of the most inspirational experiences we have had. The performers were captivating and we were mesmerised by the marvellous show they put up.

The academic programme was rigorous and the lessons helped us gain a deeper understanding of key concepts as well as sharpen our perspectives on global issues. We also went on subject-related field trips to the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, the Institute of Astronomy and the Fitzwilliam Museum.

Towards the end of the two-week programme, we visited some interesting places in London which were relevant to our respective courses such as the Bank of England, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre as well as the Natural History Museum and Science Museum.

The two weeks have indeed left us some wonderful memories that will last us a lifetime.

REACH Cambridge 2011

A group of AJCians, from ODAC, went to Vietnam for a taste of adventures in late 2011. In high spirit and ready for any challenge, the ODACians not only conquered the summit of Mount Fansipan, but also immersed themselves in the culture and traditions of the land. The ODACians brought good will with them – they presented donated items to the representatives of the Agent Orange Friendship Village – and got, in return, amazing hospitality and insights into the Vietnamese way of life and the traditions that are increasingly hidden behind a modernizing façade.

They all went to foreign lands with the spirit to conquer a terrain. They returned knowing that they have conquered themselves.

Adventure ‘Conquer Fansipan’

By Mrunal Subodh Deosthale (27/11)

Global Outreach 19

Japan Bound! By Kor Zhen Hong (28/11) and Chua Hong Chuan (33/11)

The exchange programme to St. Michael’s Senior High School in Kobe, Japan, on December 9th – 18th 2011 was a fulfilling one. Throughout our 10-day stay, the greatest challenge we faced was the language barrier. Nonetheless, this challenge motivated us to learn some basic Japanese phrases. We experienced learning in a different culture through lesson observations and through living in a foreign environment. Some things that we learnt from the trip: many Japanese are appreciative of life and feel that every single day of our lives should be treasured. If we are able to have such

a positive mindset, we will certainly benefit by becoming happier and also more resilient in trying times. We are filled with utmost respect and admiration for the Japanese. At the same time, we learn to better appreciate what we have in Singapore. The trip has been most memorable and enriching.

Ahn Neyong Ha Seyo, South Korea! 6 students and a teacher from AJC embarked on a learning trip to South Korea together with students from other colleges in the North Zone for the Global Immersion Programme from March 9th – 16th. This programme aims to inculcate greater awareness of the principles of governance and leadership. It also encourages participants to critically assess global issues that affect Singapore.

Highlights of the programme included trips to not only the International Enterprise (IE) Singapore but also KBS World, Hyundai Heavy Industries, the KIA Motors Sohari plant and Daegu Design Centre. The students were able to observe up close how the large Korean conglomerates contribute to the economy. The participants also attended lectures at the Kangwon National University where they learnt the differences between South Korea and Singapore while sharing similarities in their economies.

a touche design production @ 66591876

20 Global Outreach

Adventure Challenge Taiwan 2011By Teng Kok Long Albert (28/11), Tay Shi Han (29/11), Koh Wen An (11/11) and Joel Liauw (06/11)

Adventure Challenge Taiwan, organised by Outward Bound Taiwan (OBT), took place from 28 November to 8 December 2011. The overseas programme aimed to help us gain an international perspective and appreciation of other cultures. It also brought us out of our comfort zone and challenged our personal limits. For instance, we hiked through unfamiliar terrains (and braved

icy-cold water during river tracing. We learnt to look out for one another to surmount the many obstacles faced.

The highlight of our trip was the trek at Syue Mountain (雪山) which stands at 3,886m above sea level. The five-day trek through unfamiliar terrains was tiring yet fun. The temperature dropped to below sub-zero degree nearing the summit as hail literally rained

on us. Despite the cold and the high altitude, our team spirit remained high and all of us supported one another.

Then came river tracing - braving the icy waters of Taiwan was harder than we thought despite our dry suits and boots. However, the constant shivering did not deter us from working together and we literally ended with a splash!

Goodbyes are always difficult, especially after having spent 11 days with one another and the OBT trainers, not knowing if we will ever see one another again. What we do know is that OBT has developed us into more independent individuals who also care for others before ourselves and are willing to take on challenges. We have developed a ‘Passion for Challenge’!

As long as we press on, even in the face of adversity, we will be one step closer to our dreams. After all, ‘the most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.’

Photo credits: AJC Photographic Society and all other individual contributions.