Congratulations to the ACJC Class of 2008 for its outstanding results in the 2008 GCE ‘A’ Level Examinations! The ACS family is very proud of its success and also acknowledges the dedication and commitment of their teachers who made the achievement possible.

Two students, who did not have particularly good starts but managed to finish well ahead of others, deserve special mention. Their performances speak volumes for the ACS brand of education that prepares all-round students academically, physically, socially and spiritually for the real world.

The first is David Loo. When he was admitted into ACS (Barker Road) after completing his PSLE in ACS (Primary) with a modest score of 232, few then had expected that he would one day rank among the school’s top students. Through commitment and sheer hard work, he eventually became the top ‘O’ Level student in ACS (Barker Road) and recently scored 7 distinctions at the 2008 GCE “A” Level Examinations to be among ACJC’s top Science students.

A recipient of several academic awards, among them the Principal’s Roll of Honour 2008, David has represented ACJC in various research programmes, He was also a Youth representative at the Global Young Leaders’ Conference and the National representative at the 2007 International Science Summer Camp in Beijing. David also excelled in Sports and was the captain of the Swimming Team that clinched the 2nd runners-up position in the National Inter-School Swimming Championships 2008.

The other student is Li Jiayi, another true-blue ACSian formerly from ACS (Primary) and ACS (Barker Road). A Direct-School Admission student who entered ACJC with a not too impressive O Level score of 16, he still managed to do exceedingly well at the A Levels, with 5 distinctions. He was also part of the Rugby team that obtained 3rd placing at the National Schools Championships and a member of the Ultimate Frisbee team. Jiayi’s ambition is to do a double degree in Business and Accountancy, which he will read at NTU.

Well done, David & Jiayi! Your academic and CCA achievements prove that PSLE & O Level scores are not the final determinants of success, which bears out the message Mr Peter Tan, Principal of ACS (Barker Road) shared with readers in the previous issue of the ACS Echo: “It is not how well you start, it is how well you finish that is important”.

Both David and Jiayi have indeed run the race to finish well. We spoke to them and below is a summary of what they shared with us.

David Loo

Did you expect your results to be so good?

David: Frankly, no.

What is your secret for doing so well?

David: I do a lot of self-study at home, especially for the lectures I missed. And I did my tutorials. Tutorials are THE THING that you have to do. If you don't do your tutorials, you will not do well. I also studied along with a few friends and this helped us motivate one another.

What has your time in ACJC taught you?

David: A lot. Friendship being one, commitment, time management, integrity, tenacity and passion as well! But honestly, I reckon that my time in ACJC is one of the best times of my life.

After 12 years in ACS, how would you describe the ACS spirit?

David: I would say the ACS spirit is intangible. You feel it, but you can't describe it. It's about the way we live our lives, essentially.

Li Jiayi

To whom do you attribute your excellent results to?

Jiayi: There are many, among them are Ms Nuridah Lee, Ms Lynette Loh and Ms Ng Li Eng from ACS (Barker Road). They laid a good foundation of moral values that really did me well in ACJC; they also provided me encouragement and belief in myself.

Can you share with readers your studying methods?

Jiayi: Well, I liked to study while keeping a routine and a structure - chapter by
chapter, subject by subject, so that the information and materials wouldn’t get so messy. And practice is something I hold dear as there really is no point studying without practice. My advice to those taking their A Level exams is that DILIGENCE will pay off!

Were there any memorable moments during the two years in ACJC?

Jiayi: Life in ACJC was great! Besides the wide range of experiences and the friends I had made for life, I treasure the dramatic moment when we came from behind to beat RJC in the inter-JC Ultimate Frisbee tournament!

What has your CCA taught you?

Jiayi: Rugby has taught me that the hunger to achieve something and the will to
succeed differentiate you from the others and determine the outcome. On the other hand, Frisbee taught me a lot about the importance of the process - that if we focus less on winning and more on the process, everything becomes more enjoyable and meaningful.

How has the ACS brand of education influenced you?

Jiayi: I think the daily morning devotion and the weekly chapel sessions have made an impact on me. They have played a part in bringing me up to believe that there is more than just the need for excellence in life but also a good set of moral values and integrity.

How would you describe an ACSian?

Jiayi: An ACSian is a person of God, is confident, socially adept and someone who will always strive to be better!