More to a library and canteen than what meets the eye.

By :Nicole Choong

There is more to a library and canteen then the first impression we usually have of it.

What is different about Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s library and CHIJ Secondary’s library? Well , it is a VERY big difference with Ngee Ann’s library having four more levels than the library we have, and about a thousand more books. In addition , library users are free to listen to music while they read , watch movies and  videos. A huge difference from the library we have back at IJ.

Their canteens on the other hand , and yes , plural , offers a wide variety of food and snacks ranging from Japanese , Indonesian and Taiwanese cuisine to the ever popular western food. Food is never a problem on Ngee Ann campus , but maybe a choice of what food to buy, is.

When asked, Azmyre , a year-three student and Michelle , a year-two student both replied they go to the library for enjoyment purposes and not , as a last resort.

Azmyre said her favourite thing about Ngee Ann library is the wide selection of DVDs provided, as she mostly goes to the library to borrow DVDs.She rarely studies at the library as she prefers the study space nearer to her school(FMS). When asked about the canteens , Azmyre said her favourite canteen was either Munch , at block 73 and Makan place which can be found at block 51.She would also like to see a food stall for snacks in her favourite canteens.

Michelle likes the relaxing atmosphere of the library best, using the library as a study space. She frequents canteen 3 as it is closer to her school. She is very happy with the variety of food provided and would like to see a MacDonalds on Ngee Ann campus.

Both library and canteen at Ngee Ann Poly  serves as a relaxation and study space for students and teachers alike. Do consider dropping by the library and the many canteens if you ever come to Ngee Ann Poly. Trust me , you will not regret it. The canteens and the library are one of the most beautiful facilities on campus.

With reference to: http://www.np.edu.sg/

No need to hesitate. Straight to Ngee Ann.

By: Therese Malini Pereira

Students interested in media and   medical sciences need not go through JC but enter polytechnics straight after O’ levels knowing that they graduate with contentment.

 A group Ngee Ann polytechnic students were interviewed on their courses and feelings about each of their courses. Second year student in Mass Communications Department Debby Marshall says that course consists of journalism, broadcasting, and more.

Moreover  “A course not for the faint hearted “She chose this Polytechnic because it is diverse and not too specialized in just one field, they were friendly and approachable. It was very convenient and close to her home.

The library was also a crucial part when she decided to come here as quiet places were ideal for her. A place to chill out would be the ATTIC as there is a calm sensation that frees you from your troubles. The critical part was choosing her careers as based on the diploma she would carry on her degree and work.

She also explained about her dream of going to Hollywood as a form of the overseas learning journey to gain exposure. The 18 year old student advises secondary school students to join Mass Communication as it is diverse and provides better opportunities.

There are universities such as National University of Singapore (NUS), National Technological University (NTU) and other private ones such as Singapore Management University for students to pursue their desired course.

If students perform well, they can get scholarships. A good sense of fashion and good presentation skills are essential for Mass Communications. The students of mass communications are elated with their course and find it enjoyable and something not to be missed.

Secondly Biomedical Science (BMS), The course teaches research based curriculum about diseases and human anatomy “If you feel that you want to find a cure for cancer one find, this would be just the course for you” says second year student Liyana Horsahamay.

The 19 year old also says that having a good memory and sufficient Biology knowledge is essential to doing well. Something unexpected was to do Mathematics but still managed to pull through it. One thing she was astonished about was the exhibition for life sciences unlike other polytechnics that did not have exhibition.

 She felt that the lifestyle was much better and flexible. Balancing normal life and classes was easy.

There is also a wide range of career opportunities such as a research assistant and Bio Technologist if the student pursues a degree. Students felt that a community service trip would help them to not taking life for granted.

The type of diseases and illnesses that they come across in a foreign land would vary to an urban land like Singapore.

This would help them gain exposure. The students are elated in the course they are in and encouraged the students who are intending to go into polytechnics to not hesitate and make the right decision and said to persist and not give up as failure is the key stone to success.

Reference: http://www.np.edu.sg/

Ngee Ann Polytechnic`s Study Haunts

By Natasha Lee

One usually studies in the library, but the study areas in this campus provide an alternative when the library gets too crowded.

With a student population of 15000, Ngee Ann Polytechnic `s (NP) has many study areas available. They include The Attic, Student Plaza and The Atrium. These study places get most crowded, filled with students and notes during the examinations period.

Upon entering The Attic, one feels the air-conditioner blowing at him or her. The room is estimated the size of 4 classrooms back at CHIJ and is furnished contemporary styled tables, bean bags and cushioned seats. Students are seated in pockets, discussions abuzz.

Zul, a Year 3 Film and Media Studies (FMS) student says that “it has provided me with space to do my work”.  Zul enjoys the quiet atmosphere and big space. He goes there with his friends.

The Attic is more than merely a study corner. “I also watch movies there” he adds. It is located on the 8^th floor of the FMS building and opens from 0830-2200.

Student Plaza would be considerable for a more outdoor feel. It is located just behind the NP bus stop. Chairs and tables are aplenty and one need not fret over seat availability. On top of that, there is a Cheers convenient outlet one could go to. However, this study area may be a little noisier due to the frequent arrival of buses nearby.

Students who prefer studying with music would flock to The Atrium. The latest hits are broadcasted through NP`s very own radio station there. Over there, the tables and chairs are set in groups of fours and one could patronize the snack shops there while having a study break.

Another study area is Our Space, a hot spot among the students. This study area permits only the students and staff of the school to enter. Our Space is located at block 73.

Despite the many study areas, Business Studies student Jin Pei frequents the canteens with her friends instead. Going there, “we can discuss what has been taught in class over food” says the Year 2 student. On a negative side, she commented that studying there may not be that effective, as “it could get a bit noisy and distracting”.

Each study haunt in NP has its own set of characteristics. Nevertheless, they have one thing in common – creating study space for the NP students.

Reference: www.np.edu.sg

The “Jewel” of Ngee Ann Polytechnic

By ser jia min

Secondary school students who cannot stand the sight and smell of their school toilets, fret not, there are polytechnics in Singapore that have decent toilets.

CHIJ secondary Toa Payoh students who is tired of the poor conditions of their school toilets and is willing to go to any polytechnic that has a decent toilet, well then, Ngee Ann polytechnic is just for you.

Students in Ngee Ann polytechnic have very good comments about the toilets in their school. Neo Yan Ling a first year student, doing a course on early childhood education in Ngee Ann polytechnic says that the toilets are, “Okay lah, it is quite clean, at least there is toilet paper in the toilets compared to other schools.”  She added that other areas in the school are “not really dirty”.

Siti Nurdiana, a first year student in Ngee Ann polytechnic who is pursuing a course in nursing says that toilets are “okay compared to the other blocks where the toilets are run down”. She added that “it’s not like the toilets are not clean”and that the school is “not badly dirty or something like that”.

Even the security guard, Lee Choo Moi, who was positioned near “Makan Place”, a canteen in Ngee Ann polytechnic, commented, “The toilets here are okay and it is slightly better than the other places that I had been.”

The students in Ngee Ann polytechnic find the cleaners in this school quite pleasant as well. Neo Yan Ling, a first year student who was mentioned earlier, said that the cleaners “are helpful I would say”. But there are those who do not really know them yet, an example would be Siti Nurdiana a first year student who was also mentioned earlier, commented, “I haven’t met any of them yet.”  

Despite its perfections, there are certain flaws to the “jewel” of Ngee Ann polytechnic. One such flaw is the manpower involved to maintain the cleanliness of the school. As the size of the school campus is different compared to the school in CHIJ secondary Toa Payoh, the manpower involved has to be sufficient.  

Atiqah a second year student doing a course on business and social enterprise says, “I think there are a lot of cleaners here so I guess there is sufficient manpower.” However, Zhang Qiu Huan, a sweeper, commented in mandarin," It is quite hard to keep the floors clean especially with so many students coming in and out and the place is quite big.”

In addition, a female cleaner who cleans the toilets at block 46, said in mandarin, “there is so many things to do, sometimes I have very little time for a tea break but I still have to do my job well.” She also added, “The place is very big you go and look outside and see how big the corridor is” as she gestured outside.  

With clean toilets and friendly cleaners who does their job well despite the size of the school, the toilets in Ngee Ann polytechnic is just right for the students of CHIJ Secondary Toa Payoh.

Reference: http://www.np.edu.sg