Standing here, you’re facing Victoria Junior College. It is more than just a school. It’s a launchpad where countless students have begun their journey to shape Singapore.
Victoria Junior College, fondly known as VJC, is a co-educational institution. It offers pre-university education. This junior college stands proudly on Marine Vista. It is not far from its affiliated brother, Victoria School.
VJC’s story began in 1984. It replaced the Pre-University classes at Victoria School. The first intake comprised 776 students and 51 teachers. This pioneer batch set a high academic standard. This was a sign of things to come for future Victorians.
Over the years, Victoria Junior College has gained recognition. It is consistently ranked among Singapore’s top junior colleges. In 1995 and 2001, the Ministry of Education’s ranking placed VJC at the top. This ranking was based on academic results.
Victoria Junior College has always been ahead of its time. In 1989, it was the first junior college to offer Theatre Studies and Drama as an A-Level subject. Until 2005, it remained the only one.
Victoria Junior College constantly evolves to meet students’ needs. Since 2005, VJC has offered the Integrated Programme. This allows students to bypass O Levels and directly enter junior college. The Victoria Integrated Programme started as a four-year program. In 2012, it transformed into the six-year Victoria-Cedar Alliance Integrated Programme. This was in collaboration with Cedar Girls’ Secondary School and Victoria School.
The two-year curriculum at Victoria Junior College culminates in the Singapore GCE Advanced Level examinations. Students take several subjects. General Paper and Project Work are compulsory in the first year. They can choose to read additional subjects in their second year.
Victoria Junior College excels in more than just academics. It’s home to the East Zone Science and Technology Centre. In 2004, it sent the first Singapore school team to the International Science and Engineering Fair.
The college has seen several principals lead it to success. Mrs. Lee Phui Mun, the founding principal, served for 18 years. She was followed by Mrs. Chan Kah Gek, Mr. Chan Poh Meng, Miss Ek Soo Ben, and currently, Mr. Jeffrey Low.
Victoria Junior College has a tradition of sporting excellence. In 2017, the college won championships in girls’ football, boys’ floorball, boys’ wushu, and girls’ hockey. The girls’ football team secured their fifth straight title.
The VJC Choir holds a special place in the college’s history. In 1990, it won an international choir competition in Wales. It was the first Singapore school choir to achieve this. For its contribution to music, it received the Guinness Stout Effort Award. In 2004, the choir won Gold Medals in all three categories at the World Choir Games in Bremen, Germany.
Many Victoria Junior College alumni have achieved great things. Lawrence Wong, Singapore’s Prime Minister, is a proud alumnus. Other notable alumni include cabinet ministers, members of parliament, actors, and sports personalities.
Victoria Junior College is affiliated with Victoria School. This provides VS students a path to continue their education within the Victorian family.
The Old Victorians’ Association is the alumni body. It connects former students of Victoria School and Victoria Junior College. The OVA supports school activities and promotes social and cultural events.
So, as you stand before Victoria Junior College remember its motto. Nil Sine Labore or Nothing Without Labour. It is a fitting reminder of the hard work and dedication that defines this exceptional institution.