TPJC, Too Perfect a JC! (By Yang Zhixing)

TPJC, Too Perfect a JC!

Before this JC experience, I had never heard of TPJC (Tampines Junior College), the JC where I went to. When I first saw this name, I laughed to myself: “Oh, is it Too Poor Junior College?”, and I doubted whether I could enjoy myself there. After I had a great time there for two weeks, I strongly agreed that the name should be the contracted form of “Too Perfect Junior College”. What made it so perfect to me was the class atmosphere, their critical thinking & practical learning and the student’s characteristics.
I think the word that best describes the class atmosphere is “free”. First, they are totally free to raise questions. If they have any single thing that they do not understand, they can ask the teacher immediately when the teacher is not speaking. In light of this free rule, I could always hear such words as ”Teacher, I did not understand, can you explain again?”. Second, they are free to remind the teachers of their mistakes, and the teachers accept them readily. One day the teacher kept talking when class was over, and the students kindly reminded the teacher; the teacher, then, apologised and ended that class quickly.
I was also deeply impressed by their critical thinking and practical learning. During the general paper class, the teacher encouraged the students to think and criticize the topics and affairs that were around us, for example, they were asked to discuss whether the youths were self-absorbed, and in another lesson they analysed the functions of nature conservation. These topics are deeply rooted in our daily life. By studying such practical things, the students can acquire a keen sense of observation and become perceptive. Besides, their handouts were the latest newspapers and magazines instead of out-of-date textbooks. This definitely helps them to gain a clear understanding of what is going on in the world.
The students’ characteristics, I would say, can be shown in the following details. First, they are humorous. They often make fun of each other. When asked about how they would defend Singapore, one boy answered:”I want to defend the nation with a stick!”; then the class bursted into laughter. Some naughty girl drew a picture of him with a stick in hand. It was so funny. Second, they are sincere and honest. They regarded me as one of their classmates and would not let go of my mistakes. One day I did not managed to sleep well the night before, and I fell asleep during the class. My buddy tapped me on the shoulder to wake me up. He said that I should observe the class rules just as the class did. I was grateful for this because they really thought of me.
Although the joyful time in Too Perfect Junior College was short and flowed even fast, I learned a lot of things from it. I will apply these attitudes and learning methods into my study. I shall cherish this experience forever in life!
Yang Zhixing