Hey there!

Welcome to the first issue of GLUE

for the year! Well, it's not really the
first issue since it's just a special ori-
entation issue, but, urm, nevermind.

Anyway I bet you're wondering what

GLUE is for. To put it simply, it is a news-
letter published by the Students' Coun-
cil with the intention of bringing the staff
and students closer together through
CONTENTS (please click)
an additional means of communication
between the council and the college. From The Editor’s Desk [2]
This special issue aims to guide for
the new batch of students in making
Academic Reflections [3]
their subject choices for the next two Cross Faculty Subjects
years. On top of that we've gone be- Mathematics & Computing
hind the scenes in the preparation for Arts Faculty Subjects
orientation as well as put up a sales
Science Faculty Subjects
catalog of the things that the council
sells!
Do The Boogie-Woogie:
So what are you waiting for? Start Orientation Preparation [7]
flipping through today!

Council Sales Catalog [8]

Alex Lee
GLUE Editorial Team

The 26th Student's Council

Anglo-Chinese Junior College

Telephone: 775 6813

E-mail: enquiries@acjc26th.com
Website: www.acjc26th.com

The Transition
Having to write the foreword for
this issue of GLUE, I cannot help
but look back upon my own ori-
entation just a year ago. It was
enjoyable, no doubt, but somehow
at that time there seemed to be
something lacking.
Don't get me wrong here. The
people were fun and my OGLs
were fantastic people. But I bur-
dened myself with disappoint-
ments and grievances that now
seem all too petty.
Everything was different: the sur-
roundings, the people, the things
they made us do. It was not some-
thing I was used to - the renova-
tion made me lost and I was
forced to move out of the comfort
zones of familiarity and the lau-
rels my former school rested on.
After being spoilt for four years in
a school which was used to being
champions, each time I hear
ACJC coming in second or third in
any competition, I felt very dis-
heartened.
Besides, those first few weeks
were far from comfortable. The
school was undergoing massive
renovation and once again, the fa-
cilities just did not seem as good.
(Except for the gym, of course.)
For that few weeks I kept asking
2
GLUE is a project by
the 26th Students’
Council Public
college I wanted to go to. Relations
For that few weeks I kept Sub-Committee.
asking myself, why did I
myself, why did I make the EDITORIAL TEAM
myself, why did I make the Alex Lee
choice of coming to ACJC? I could Darryl Sim
have gone somewhere else I sup- Shaun Khiu
pose, I did well enough to go to a
higher ranking college and my DESIGN & LAYOUT
parents never restricted me on Alex Lee
which college I wanted to go to. Kenneth Goh
Did I come out of mere obliga-
A big thanks goes out to
tion because I was from a feeder
all those who have
school? In a sense I felt it was
helped us in the printing of
only right I stayed on in this same
this special issue of
institution after I have gained so
GLUE. To Mr Loo for your
much from it the past ten years.
invaluable support. To
I was grateful for the values that
Kenneth for all your help,
the institution stood for - to pro-
we couldn’t have done it
vide an all-rounded Christian
without you. To Pam for
education with the emphasis on
the interview. To Vincent
character development. It
for help with Adobe
seemed morally wrong that I
PageMaker, you saved
should seek seemingly "greener"
us tonnes of work. To
pastures in my last two years of
Mok for all his
schooling.
encouragement and
understanding. To Shen
Then one day in March I was
for designing the logo for
walking through the canteen and
us. It’s great. To Sabrina,
someone said "hi". I looked up
Danny and Bryna for
and waved back. Then someone
helping with the editing
else yelled a big "hey" to me. And
work. To Madam for the
I gave a big "hey" back. That was
use of the laptops and all
when I stopped to look around.
the support and
And I smiled. Maybe things were
encouragement. To the
falling back into place.
printing company for
rushing this job for us
It took me three months to re-
despite the holiday
member why I came to ACJC.
season. To all those who
Not for the glory, the achieve-
contribued to the subject
ments nor the reputation. But for
articles, including Boon,
what the college stands for, the
Jared, Lance, Leonard,
strong traditions, our culture, our
Rama, Karin, Sujartha.
heritage and the people who
make it all. It is not the physical
And most of all, to God
facilities nor the awards that the
above for showing us the
college have earned, but the
love of Christmas amidst
ACSian spirit that beats inside us
all the stress and work.
all, whether new to this family or
click for contents
 3
Cross Faculty Subjects
Still unsure about which subjects
you should do at the A-levels?
Need to know more, perhaps not in
terms of sylabbi or university
potential but rather a word of
personal advice from a senior that
just went through the same thing?
Well fear not, as we have compiled
a collection of opinions and advice
from the J2s regarding the various
academic subjects. We hope they
will sort things out for you.
MEP
'To succeed in music, you need passion'. That
was one of the first things I heard from my
Music teacher in ACJC.
I had received a distinction in 'O' level music
and thought that I should pursue it for my 'A'
levels also. I was disadvantaged not being an
MEP student in Secondary School. The teach-
ers in ACJC were very encouraging and I
managed to catch up with my classmates un-
der their guidance.
The MEP program also gives us a lot of expo-
sure as it puts us up to perform at recitals.
Even in composition, the school has hired the
T’ang Quartet to perform pieces of music,
which we have composed.
Overall, the music program in ACJC is an ex-
perience I will hold with me for the rest of my
life. If you really have a love for music and
the passion and determination to pursue it,
then ACJC MEP is for you.
Economics
Economics is basically a social science. Con-
trary to popular belief that it is just about
money, economics is also the study of people
and how they react to certain situations in-
volving products and goods. At the centre of
all the concepts lies the basic understanding
of demand and supply. How much I’m going
to let you have and how much I’m going to
get back in return.
This subject is divided into two main branches,
Macroeconomics and Microeconomics. Why
did the September 11 th attacks on the US
affect the Singapore stock exchange so badly?
That’s a macroeconomics question for you.
How much you’re willing to spend during
recess, that’s a microeconomics question. As
you progress in the study of this subject it
gets more complex, and I would strongly
advise you to do some reading up before
attending lectures. Don’t imagine that these
theories will help you conquer the world, but
rather, appreciate the fine intricacies and
subtle links which hold this world together.
Art
There’s a common saying that goes on about
how art is all about passion and a popular
belief that with passion comes ease. I have,
however, also learnt that when the art of draw-
ing and painting is to become reflected as a
grade on your report card, it takes a greater
eye for detail, an ear more receptive to
criticism, patience and just about all that has
to be put into each of the other curriculum
subjects to achieve results. Yet, as appalling
as all this may sound, I feel strongly that
interest, and a firm determination to accom-
plish the utmost perfection of results is reason
enough to take up and persevere with the
subject. In return for doing so, one can only
attain a sense of self-satisfaction and an even
greater love and passion for art.
click for contents
 4

Mathematics & Computing

Math ‘AO’ [Only Arts/SC]
When I decided to take AO maths in ACJC, my
friends were less than encouraging. They just
did not see the point in taking what was essentially
the same subject all over again. But I must say I
have never once regretted my decision.
It was always an upward struggle throughout the
year. However, the teachers here in ACJC were
always willing to help me out during the free
periods that they had. While the syllabuses did
not differ altogether that much, AO maths
required a greater depth of understanding from
the student. It doesn’t matter whether you have
a background in A maths or not. What matters is
the effort that you put in. The road ahead will not
be an easy one but with determination and hard
work, you can, and you will do well.
Further Math
Math ‘C’ [All combinations]
I always thought that all mathematics requires is
some logical thinking on the day of the exam itself.
Like most of the other subjects, the first semester
of lectures merely repeated O-level topics. Thinking
that I knew everything, I continued to not pay much
attention even after totally foreign topics started
popping up in the following semester. Just a week
before the end year examinations, I looked at the
past year papers and turned pale. Something that
I had always taken for granted – getting an A for
math – suddenly seemed far from grasp. It was
one nightmare week of desperate seeking for help
and practicing like crazy that managed to pull me
through in the end.
Thus the moral is: take an easy subject like Math C
for granted and it will become hard. All you need is
consistency and everything will fall in place.

[Only avaliable in the SA combination]

To some, this particular subject is merely an accessory, for the simple reason that no course in
NUS - not engineering, not even mathematics - has that subject as an admission criterion.
However, it is of great benefit in the computing, engineering, physics and mathematics courses.

All of mathematics is based on foundations that have been previously covered, and Maths C
provides the foundations on which FM is built. Topics are covered in much greater breadth and
depth. Naturally, the Maths C syllabus would have to be covered before any FM can be taught,
and for that reason, SA students would find themselves completing the bulk of the Maths C
syllabus by the end of term 3, J1. Furthermore, taking FM helps to train and enhance the critical
and analytical skills required for those hoping to take the Maths C S-paper.

Computing
[Only avaliable in the SA/SB combinations]
The GCE “A” level computing course in ACJC is one of the most rewarding courses that can be
offered to the student body. The course itself is a unique, stimulating blend of the application of
critical thinking skills and knowledge of the curriculum. Throughout the course, students will
develop a deeper understanding of the workings of computers and learn how to utilize various
programs, and in turn develop other programs using software such as C++. Most importantly,
the course allows students to develop their own creative faculties as they learn to develop and
create programs of their own. The computing course is indeed one of a kind, a noteworthy
choice if you are so inclined.
click for contents
 5

Arts Faculty
Literature
[All combinations in the Arts Faculty]
Unlike in secondary school, studying Litera-
ture in JC involves a more skilled approach
than the usual “memorize and regurgitate”
tactics that most students employ. Since most
of the assignments require you to analyze
and criticize a piece of writing, literature re-
ally engages your thinking skills. No “O” Level
background in literature is needed although
prior experience in writing literary essays may
come in handy. Most of the foundational skills
and knowledge are also covered in the “A”
Level syllabus so those who did not take lit-
erature in secondary school need not worry
about being unable to cope with the require-
ments of the subject. In “A” Level literature,
what matters more is your personal response
to the piece of writing, instead of simple nar-
ration of the subject matter or providing mas-
sive chunks of information for the examiner.
History
[Only avaliable in the AD combination]
Geography
[Only avaliable in the AA combination]
The study of geography involves two aspects.
The examination of the natural world in
physical geography ranges from its most
impressive parts such as wind systems or
tectonic trends. Human geography, on the
other hand, investigates the reasons and
patterns of human collective.
You will be met with an endless torrent of
graphs and diagrams that await interpretation.
Extra reading is a must and case studies come
in handy. In short, if reading is anathema to
you, give geography, and the arts faculty a
miss. While the study of geography in
Singapore is overly table bound for a subject
that calls for experience and experimentation,
the geography department has put together
a curiously interesting syllabus of projects and
independent research to challenge students.
As one who faces the same obstacles of life,
I can say that I have no regrets taking
Geography with me into the fray of the “A”
levels.

"Only men who know history, can guide men into the future." It has long been thought that
history was about memorising the events of the past and giving a narrative on paper so as to
attain an A grade. That makes history equivalent to the past and of no practical use to men
who demanded foresight and understanding. History is actually very much about argument,
about how each generation was to view what went on before and thus steer their generation
towards the future but inevitably falling into the books of the historians. That is what JC history
is all about. It is to hone the individual into the art of making sound judgement. It is the
beginning of a call to be the eyes the society, to look behind or forward for the benefit of his or
her time. That journey begins with history in JC.
click for contents
 6

Science Faculty
Physics
[All combinations in the Science faculty]

If there’s one subject that’s said to be the stumbling block for many J1 students, it has got to
be physics. No longer do you deal with oversimplified problems and easily quantifiable units,
where everything was clearly stated in black and white. “A” level physics requires a lot more
critical thinking on your part, and many things that help you solve a problem aren’t directly
stated but “assumed” that you know. The concepts may seem easy when you first learn
them, but application of those concepts is a whole different thing altogether.

Practice does not always make perfect when it comes to physics, but it sure makes you a
whole lot better at it. Make sure the formulae and concepts stick in your head, and you can
concentrate more on solving the problems rather than recalling what was taught earlier,
that’s one piece of advice worth taking note of.

Biology
[Only avaliable in the SC combination]

Chemistry Due to the government’s recent announce-

[All combinations in the Science faculty]
Chemistry is a subject that most people
would welcome as a relieving alternative to
the seemingly more technical other subjects,
but it is a far cry from being as easy as secon-
dary school work.
Daunting as this whole new world of chemis-
try may sound, however, the subject is really
very interesting. As the level of difficulty
gradually escalates, so does the level of in-
terest. Stuff that may have sounded totally
irrelevant in Sec 4 all comes together in JC.
You’ll find out that chemistry is a fundamen-
tal subject. It is the grounding upon which
other science subjects strike a fine balance
on. The result of this is that many careers
branch from chemistry. The opportunities are
really limitless!
ment of several initiatives to expand the field
of life sciences in Singapore, the number of
biology students has skyrocketed. However,
it is imperative that you are prepared for the
rigors of biology as an “A” level subject.
If you have an interest in medicine, dentistry,
pharmacy, accountancy, architecture, law or
engineering, then you are encouraged to
consider biology as one of your subjects.
Biology is noted for the excessive amount of
materials that need to be committed to
memory. However, biology will captivate you
by showing you how nature works to solve
problems in a simple and elegant manner. “O”
level biology is not a requirement for the
course. Be prepared to put in the effort,
though. It is a subject that gives back as much
as you put in.
click for contents

What made you decide on the
mass dance song?
PAM: Choosing the music was an
extremely daunting task as I had
no specific theme to go by.
LEX: (with a sigh) She kept listening
to the songs over and over to gain
inspiration, and by the time she
starts choreographing it she has
grown sick of it.
PAM: It was impossible for me not
to make a switch when something
better came by! Eventually I
settled on Jordan Knight’s Give It
To You and Smash Mouth’s Diggin’
Your Scene as it allowed me to insert
various genres of dance; from the
traditional feel of a mass dance to
challenging hiphop and a waltz.
There’s a waltz?
PAM: Yup.
LEX: Well, she wanted it in despite
not knowing how to waltz herself.
Fortunately or not I had to a waltz
for a production before so I
roughly knew how to teach it. It’s
very simple really. And at least by
the end of 2003 the J2 batch can
all waltz for their graduation dinner!
How has the filming for the
video been so far?
7
LEX: (groans) So far we’ve only
completed the Day 3 video.
PAM: It took us 3 full days!
LEX: Plus I had two weeks of
churning out drafts for the script
and 12 hours of editing. It was
extremely exhausting.
PAM: But at least all of us were
very pleased with the end result.
So what are the videos about?
LEX: Well, there’s a dance element
to it. As for the rest, you wait and
find out.
PAM: Yeah it will spoil Orientation
if we tell you now.
LEX: Pam just doesn’t want you to
know the embarassing things we
made her do in it. (quietly to me)
But later I’ll give you some pictures
to put in GLUE.
PAM: I heard that!
Then at least tell me what has
it been like choreographing
and filming.
LEX: One crazy roller coaster ride.
PAM: Getting eyebags thanks to
countless sleepless nights of worry
and work.
LEX: But I gotta admit, despite all
the stress and frustration, in a
sense it was fun.
PAM: From the excitement of being
put in charge of the dance to the
pressure of trying to come up with
something to appease everyone, I
have to say the best part of it all is
seeing the people practising it with
enthusiaism and taking the effort
to get a copy of the songs and
practise on their own at home.
LEX: (nods) And the pride that they
share when you show them the final
result.
Anything else to say?
LEX: Ask the girl, she talks more.
PAM: (glares at Alex) The task to
choreograph this year’s mass
dance has proved to be an invalu-
able experience, enriching me in al-
most every way possible, brnging
me closer to my collegues who
have helped me in this very pressing
and difficult task. Therefore I
would like to take this opportunity
to thank everyone helping me for
their efforts and making the expe-
rience so enjoyable and rewarding.
LEX: (feeling awkward saying this
to me) Urm, thanks everyone.
Thanks for the interview.
LEX: Yup no problem.
PAM: (laughs) You owe me lunch.
click for contents
 8

Sales Catalog
Sweater >>
Keeps you warm and
good-looking.

Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Price: $20

<< Faculty T-shirts

Stylishly designed T-shirts
for general purpose use.

Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Price: Only $4

Box File >>

Protect your ^^ Accesories
papers from wind,
rain, and folding. Additional items
of high fashion.
Price: $1
Cap: $2
Bag: $2

<< Stationery
Eye-catching items that have every-
day uses

Pencil case: $2
Diskette paper cutter: $0.50
Keychain: $2

click for contents