I - BACKGROUND

COLLEGE PHILOSOPHY

In anticipation of the challenges that our students will face in the world of tomorrow, PIONEER JC, the college of the new millennium, must continually work towards ensuring that its programmes are adequate in preparing these young adults to fulfil their aspirations, and to serve the nation.

The key guiding ideas for the success of the college are as follows:

Pioneers as leaders PJC, harnessing the power of IT PJC, a culture of innovation PJC, a caring college ‘While I live, I learn’ Pioneers as leaders

A Junior College is a place for young adults to realise their dreams. It is where they focus on their academic, aesthetic, social and moral development. Not all students have the opportunity to pursue their pre-university education in a JC. Society has invested, and will invest, much in them. Thus, they are expected to serve society as national, community, business or professional leaders in future.

There will be greater student involvement and intensive leadership training in PJC. The college will encourage its students to participate in the formulation of college policies as well as in the day-to-day running of the college. The student body, as represented by the Student Council, CT reps and CCA reps, will play a more vital leadership role in the College. Our administration and teachers will play a facilitation role to provide resources, support and guidance to our student leaders.

As IT has become more prevalent in our daily life, it is important for students to learn in an IT-enriched environment. The College will invest in its IT infrastructure to facilitate teaching and learning, project work, administration and communication within the college as well as with external institutions.

The name ‘Pioneer’ reflects the spirit of inquiry that we would want to instill into our students. Students of PJC will be challenged to venture into new ways to push the limits of learning to the furthest possible extent in the new millennium. Students will create new possibilities, new knowledge and demonstrate new ways of doing things. Yet, while being global in outlook, Pioneers will remain loyal and committed to Singapore.

The world has changed. In order to effect and manage change successfully, there must be concerted effort in developing a strong sense of shared destiny amongst our staff and students. The presence of care and rapport among staff and students, and between College and home should remain strong. Teachers will take good care of their students. Students will respect their College and teachers. The interaction between teachers and students should be purposeful and professional. Between the College and the home, the relationship will be open and positive.

The college will equip students with the skills and knowledge, and the values and instincts to face the challenges of a knowledge-based economy. It will also promote a culture of learning beyond the college environment. Indeed, PJC will prepare students not only for a life of work, but also for a life of worth. The college is committed to grooming students to be lifelong learners – to be creative, resourceful, enterprising, receptive to change, intellectually competent and to possess a spirit of inquiry. They will be independent and motivated learners who believe in self-discipline. At all times, Pioneers will be guided by the college motto: ‘While I live, I learn’.