Junior Colleges usually offer a two-year program, while Millennia Institute has a three-year option. Both prepare you for the GCE A-Level exams.2
This time helps you move from the general learning in secondary school to the more focused knowledge you'll need for university. Some JCs also offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, which is another way to get ready for university.
The lessons in JCs are tough and focus on deep theories.
A-Level subjects have different levels: H1, H2, and H3. H1 subjects cover the basics, are less intense, and count for up to 10 points towards your University Admission Score (UAS), also called Rank Points. H2 subjects go deeper, have more class time, and count for up to 20 points. These H2 subjects are often what you'll specialise in and are usually needed for certain university courses. H3 subjects are advanced courses for students who are really interested and good at a certain area. They make your academic record look better, but they don't add to your UAS.
All JC students must take H1 General Paper (GP), H1 Project Work (PW), and a Mother Tongue Language (MTL) at either H1 or H2 level. Students typically choose a minimum of three H2 subjects and one H1 subject, in addition to these compulsory components. Subject combinations generally fall into Science, Arts, or Hybrid streams. Science students often take Math and two science subjects (like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computing). Arts students focus on subjects like Economics, History, Geography, and Literature. A key rule is the "contrasting subject": Science students must take at least one Arts subject (usually Economics). If you're in Arts, you must take at least one Science subject (usually Math). This rule helps you learn a bit about different areas, even if you're specializing. It gets you ready for university and jobs where knowing a bit about many things is useful.
The learning in JCs is very academic, deep in theory, and focused on exams. You need to be disciplined, able to learn on your own, and ready to understand complex ideas from lectures, tutorials, and lots of self-study. The main goal of JC is to prepare you for direct entry into local or overseas universities. It is important for students to recognize that while JC provides an excellent foundation for university, it does not primarily prepare them for direct, specialized employment immediately after graduation without a university degree.
Why Junior College was a good choice for these students
Schoolbag caught up with three A-Level grads from Catholic Junior College (CJC) to find out more about their JC experience. From the school’s wide-ranging programmes and activities, to the tight support network of teachers and friends – find out why the JC route was the right choice for them.
By Arielene Wee/ Jacquelyn Ng 3 March, 2025
