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St. Josephs Institution

Looking Forward Since 1852

A GUIDE TO AN SJI EDUCATION SECONDARY 1 4

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ORA ET LABORA

MISSION
Enabling youth in a Lasallian community to learn how to learn and
to learn how to live; empowering them to become men and women
of integrity and men and women for others.

VISION
A mission school of choice, recognised for values-centred education
and learning driven by passion, that nurtures persons to make a
difference in society.

LASALLIAN CORE VALUES

Faith, our foundation
Service, our way and
Community, our support.

Soul Counsellor II (1987),

by Brother Joseph McNally

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WELCOME TO ST. JOSEPH'S INSTITUTION (SJI)

t. Josephs Institution (SJI) is a Catholic school founded in 1852 by the Brothers

of the Christian Schools or the La Salle Brothers. SJI was the first missionary
establishment of the Brothers of the Christian Schools in the Far East. The school
owes its establishment to Reverend Father Jean-Marie Beurel, a French priest who
was working in Singapore in the 1840s.
On 22 July 1852, SJI (previously named as St. John's Institution) started as a free
school for boys at Bras Basah Road which depended on the support of the public.
As the enrolment for the school had increased significantly, the cornerstone of the
expansion was laid on 19 March 1855 (Feast of St Joseph). With the laying of the
cornerstone, the name of the school was changed to St. Joseph's Institution.
SJI offers its secondary school boys a dual track education comprising an 'O' Level
programme and an Integrated Programme (IP). The O Level track is a 4-year
programme leading to the GCE O Level examinations at the end of Secondary 4.
The IP track is a 6-year programme leading to the International Baccalaureate
Diploma Programme (IBDP) in JC 1-2. The 2-year pre-university IBDP admits boys
and girls (co-education).

As an institution of learning, SJI aims to educate the whole person. An SJI education
focuses on nurturing our students to learn how to learn and to learn how to live, so
that they can be empowered to grow into Men of Integrity and Men for Others. We
operate based on the values of Faith as our foundation, Service as our way, and
Community as our support.
Hence, our broad-based academic curriculum integrated with a comprehensive
student development curriculum focuses on providing our secondary school boys a
balanced and holistic education with a strong emphasis on character formation and
leadership development. We develop each boy according to his talent and interest,
so as to prepare him for the real world beyond school. We not only want our students
to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and dispositions that will prepare them
well for post-secondary education and the future but also the disposition and
capacity to be able to live a meaningful life driven by passion in the service for others.
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OUTCOME OF AN SJI EDUCATION: THE JOSEPHIAN

osephians are Men of Integrity and

Men for Others. He is one who
strives to grow in integrity
(wholeness) to make a positive
difference to the lives of others.
DRIVEN BY PASSION AND STRIVE
FOR MEANING
Josephians are passionate about what
they do as they know clearly what they
believe and why they believe. They
approach life and work with a sense of
purpose and meaning. They are not
afraid to venture beyond the
conventional paths to discover and
develop their personal vocation, and to
find meaning in life.
PEOPLE-CENTRED AND
PRINCIPLED
Josephians place people at the centre in
their approach to life. They understand
and accept themselves and others. They
show compassion and respect towards
the needs and feelings of others. They
work effectively and willingly in
collaboration with others. They are
honest with themselves and with others.
Their thoughts, words and actions are
integrated and consistent with their
values, beliefs and principles.

REFLECTIVE AND SELF-DIRECTED

LEARNERS
Josephians are life-long learners. They
are able to assess and understand their
strengths and limitations, and to
proactively acquire the knowledge,
skills and dispositions to support their
independent learning and personal
development.
EFFECTIVE THINKERS AND
COMMUNICATORS
Josephians integrate critical and creative
thinking in recognizing and finding
innovative approaches to complex
problems. They listen with deep
empathy and express themselves
effectively in varied modes of
communication and attuned to the
needs of their audience.
SERVANT LEADERS AND
COMMUNITY BUILDERS
Josephians lead with a care for the needs
and growth of each individual. They
take responsibility for the common good
and continuously develop their talents
for the building of a more just and
loving community.

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DUAL PROGRAMME EDUCATION

Respectful of each boys ability and pace of development, transfer is possible

between these programmes:
O LEVEL PROGRAMME (OP)
A 4-year curriculum leading to the O Level Examinations.
INTEGRATED PROGRAMME (IP)
A 6-year curriculum that by-passes the O Level Examinations, and leads
directly to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in
JC 1-2.

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THE SJI EDUCATION FRAMEWORK (SECONDARY 1 4)

he Levels of Learning is the core

framework behind the Cognitive
Development component of an SJI
education. It describes the Josephian
student as moving from foundational
subject-based knowledge, to extending
learning by adopting an inquirymindset motivated by interest and
passion, and eventually making use of
this knowledge in service to community
in authentic settings.

Physical
Education
Outdoor
Adventure

Religious,
Moral & Social
Education
Leadership
Development

While the Levels of Learning are

designed with the IBDP in mind, all SJI
students at the Lower Secondary years
will have a chance to participate in all 3
Levels of Learning.

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LEVEL 1 LEARNING
Academic Foundations (Secondary 1-4)
A broad-based curriculum comprising languages, humanities, sciences and
mathematics provides a strong foundation for exploring interests and talent, and for
further studies in the IBDP for the IP boys, and flexibility for IBDP or A Level for
the O Level Programme boys. At the upper secondary level, most students offer
an 8 subject combination.

O Level Programme

Integrated Programme

SECONDARY 1-2
English (English Language & Literature)
Mother Tongue Language (Higher/Express)
Geography
History
Science
Mathematics
Computer Studies
Music
Visual Art
SECONDARY 3-4
Compulsory:
English Language
Mother Tongue Languages (H/E)*
Combined Humanities (Social
Studies & Geography Elective or
History Elective)
Mathematics
Additional Mathematics
Chemistry

SECONDARY 3-4
Compulsory:
English (English Language &
Literature)
Mother Tongue Languages (H/E)*
Humanities (History &/or
Geography)
Mathematics
Additional Mathematics
Chemistry

Electives:
Sciences (Biology &/or Physics)
Humanities (History or Geography or
English Literature)
Arts (Visual Art or Music) (H/E)*

Electives:
Sciences (Biology &/or Physics)
Arts (Visual Art or Music)

* Higher or Express

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LEVELS OF LEARNING AT SJI

LEVEL 2 LEARNING
Building Understanding of the World Through Inquiry & Nurturing a Sense of
Wonder and Curiosity
To nurture students who are driven by passion and strive for meaning. The SJI
curriculum offers opportunities for extended learning through Level 2 Learning
Modules.

Academic Discovery Modules (ADM)

To inquire into the world or the self through a process guided by teachers. This
process will get students to think and act like a Scientist or Historian, for example,
adopting lenses of the discipline in order to answer essential inquiry questions.

Independent Study Modules (ISM)

To inquire into a topic of great interest through an independent research. Students
get to pose any inquiry questions (E.g. What kind of lives do celebrities lead? Why
do frogs croak after rain?) which may arise in their daily lives, and go through an
independent research process to answer these questions. They will then do an oral
presentation in order to communicate their understanding.

Independent Academic Paper (iAP)

Offered only to Upper Secondary IP students, the iAP aims to prepare students for
the IBDP Extended Essay (EE). It is an in-depth study of a focused topic of personal
interest chosen from subjects offered, and promotes high-level research and writing
skills, intellectual discovery and creativity. Students will write a research paper under
the guidance of a supervisor.

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LEVEL 3 LEARNING
Systematic Inquiry to Address Issues or Problems in Service to Community
Cutting edge innovation and thinking programmes in collaboration with top global
institutions empower SJI students to deal with complexity, diversity and rapid
changes, so that they can make a difference in our globalized world.

ArtScience
This is a collaborative effort between SJI and the ArtScience Labs, which arose from
Harvard University. This programme provides an experience-based education for
our students. SJI is the Singapore Site for this global programme that is a catalyst for
student learning through passionate pursuit of innovation and design ideas at the
cutting edge of science. Anchored in the core work of an annual scientific theme that
is socially relevant and on the cusp of innovation, it supports and challenges students
to stretch their thinking and come up with wild blue-sky ideas to address needs that
exist throughout the world. Students do this through the three steps of the ArtScience
Idea Translation process of Conception, Translation and Realization. A small group
of students will get the opportunity to participate in an international Translation
Workshop attended by students from other sites around the world.

Design Thinking@SJI
Design Thinking uses the mindset of designers to produce innovations in products,
processes and business and organizational models, with the core focus on deep
understanding of and empathy with the people who use them. Design Thinking@SJI
aims to provide opportunities for students to practise balancing between analytical
thinking and intuitive thinking to address real-life issues and multi-faceted
challenges. Students will be trained in the three gears of Design Thinking that
integrates a designer mindset with a business-oriented value proposition. The
curriculum is grounded on SJIs longstanding mission of nurturing men of integrity
and men for others. This alignment with SJIs value-based education is further
manifested through social values-based projects that reinforce the mindsets and skills
of Design Thinking.

World & Me
A multi-disciplinary global education programme that equips Josephians with the
critical thinking skills necessary to grasp the multi-faceted nature of global issues. It
also nurtures the creative and caring thinking of an engaged global citizen, capable
of acting effectively in collaboration with others to address these complex issues. The
Overseas Residential Programme (ORP) serves as a capstone programme and
actualises the 5th stage of the World & Me curriculum. In the ORP, students are
`transported to communities across Asia to explore the self, and the many
dimensions of citizenship.

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INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION

o cultivate in students a better understanding of themselves and of the world,

SJI aims to bring Josephians beyond the borders of Singapore for a unique
experience abroad. Through interacting with others from a different land, they
will learn how to learn and learn how to live in a globalised environment. Eventually,
they will reflect upon these experiences and live to become men of integrity and men
for others.

International Experience Programme (IE)

All Secondary 3 students on the 'O' level programme participate in the International
Experience trips during the June and November breaks. Through these overseas
experiences, which include immersion with overseas schools and organisations,
outdoor activities, community service and academic field learning, students are
encouraged to become responsible global citizens who help create a better and more
peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

Overseas Residential Programme (ORP)

The Overseas Residential Programme (ORP) is
a unique capstone programme for all
Secondary 4 students on the Integrated
Programme. This brings together the various
strands of physical, intellectual and socioemotional learning. Students will reside
overseas at a site in the region to immerse
themselves in the environment. In this way, SJI
students can understand the `Self and their
relationship with the World, as well as learn to
commit themselves to the betterment of
humankind.

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THE SJI DIFFERENCE: CHARACTER AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

t SJI, we pride ourselves on producing young people who have integrity and
a desire to serve others. Ethics, values and character development are
hallmarks of an SJI education. Through the co-curricular activities, outdoor
and leadership education, and the unique SJI Religious, Moral & Social Education
(RMSE), SJI boys are nurtured to become men of integrity and men for others.

RELIGIOUS, MORAL & SOCIAL EDUCATION (RMSE)

Religious, Moral and Social Education (RMSE) adopts a two-pronged approach
Human Development and Community Education - and runs on two parallel tracks,
with a Catholic and a general option.

Human Development
The Human Development component of RMSE seeks to develop in the SJI boy his
competency of self-awareness and for self-management in decision-making.

Community Education
The Community Education component empowers the SJI boy to move out of his selfcentredness to reach out to others through his acts of charity especially to the last,
the lost and the least. In time, he learns to understand the injustices in society, and
to hopefully make a difference to building a community based on justice and peace.

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THE SJI DIFFERENCE: CHARACTER AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Co-curricular activities (CCA) play an important part in the all-round development
of each boy and enables him to actively participate in the life of the school
community. These activities promote service, teamwork, leadership, group and selfdiscipline, loyalty, healthy living and sportsmanship.
Every Josephian is expected to develop and use his talents for his personal
development, as well as for the service of his school and the wider community.

Sports & Games

Uniformed Groups

Performing Arts

Catholic Groups #

National Cadet Corps

(Air)
National Cadet Corps
(Land)
National Police Cadet
Corps
St John Brigade
St Josephs Pelandok
Scouts

Legion of Mary
Society of St Vincent de
Paul (SSVP)
Young Christian
Students (YCS)

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Athletics
Badminton
Canoeing
Fencing
Football
Gymnastics
Hockey
Judo
Rugby
Sailing
Squash
Table-Tennis
Tennis

Drama Club
Guitar Ensemble
SJI Military Band
SJI Pipe Band
SJI Vocal Ensemble
Chinese Cultural Society*
Design Club*
Indian Cultural Society*
Malay Cultural Society*

* 2nd CCA

# Compulsory for all Sec 1 Catholics

as a 2nd CCA

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THE SJI DIFFERENCE: CHARACTER AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
At SJI, we recognize that every boy has the potential to lead. The school provides a
wide range of opportunites and levels for our boys to exercise leadership. This
includes taking up leadership roles in the Student Council, the Prefectorial Board,
the Class Committee, as well as within CCAs.
Our boys are provided with training at the different levels to enable them to be
effective in their leadership role. Every boy who aspires to hold the top school or
leadership positions in school or co-curricular activities is required to attend the
Lasallian Leadership Training Camp.
In SJI, we expect every student to transmit the Lasallian values of Faith, Service and
Community to his fellow Josephians. This is why SJI desires that each student become
a Servant Leader. He is encouraged to serve and lead others to add value to our
school and society, to friends and families. He takes a holistic approach to work,
promotes a sense of community and shares responsibility in decision-making.

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THE SJI DIFFERENCE: CHARACTER AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

OUTDOOR & ADVENTURE

SJI's Adventure Camps & Expeditions (ACE) are an integral part of our total
education curriculum. The objectives of the camps and expeditions are to promote
physical fitness self-confidence, self-reliance, teamwork and leadership through a
series of well-planned and challenging experiences.
Sec 1 Orientation Camp
The Sec 1 camp involves a 2-day 1-night stay on the school premises. The objectives
are to orientate our new students into the traditions of the school, to acquaint them
with each other through a series of organised games and interaction activities. The
team of teachers running these camps is ably assisted by trained student Peer Support
Leaders. This program culminates with a highly charged campfire attended by
parents and students.
Sec 2 Adventure Camp
Although this is categorised as a Sec 2 component, it takes place at the completion of
the students first year in SJI. As they become exposed to the great outdoors, they
learn to work with one another as a team and also to develop personal resilience. A
series of activities are organised prior to the camp to equip students with the skills
and knowledge necessary for their safe and meaningful participation during the
camp. These activities include:
Canoeing Contact Time (a basic kayaking skills orientation)
Outdoor cooking practice
Orienteering lessons and practice
Sec 3 Together-and-by-Association Camp (Camp TABA)
At the beginning of their Sec 3 year, because they would have come from different
lower secondary classes to form their new class, this camp helps the students to begin
to know their new classmates and Form Tutors. During this camp, students take part
in team-building activities and getting-to-know one another sessions. Outdoor
elements help them to build resilience.
Enduring Journeys and Expeditions
We regularly organise expeditions for Secondary 2 and 4 students annually.
Participation is voluntary and pre-selection is based on fitness and regular attendance
at pre-expedition training sessions. Our boys have been to several exotic locations in
Asia such as Krabi in Thailand, Bohol in the Philippines, Southern Islands of
Singapore and Endau- Rompin in Malaysia.

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ADMISSION TO SJI

oys are admitted into Secondary 1 at SJI based on the merit of their PSLE
T-scores. Through Direct School Admission (DSA), boys with talents in sports
can be admitted into the Secondary 1 O-level Track, while those who are
academically talented with special passion and/or have talents in sports can be
admitted into the Secondary 1 Integrated Programme Track.
Boys can also seek admission into Secondary 3 Integrated Programme Track by DSA.

Admission By DSA
DSA is a scheme which gives SJI the flexibility to select students for admission based
on a recognition of more diverse range of achievements and talents than just results
achieved at national examinations.
For more information, please visit
www.sji.edu.sg/admission.

School Fees
For more information, please visit
www.sji.edu.sg/fees.

Scholarships and Awards

For more information, please visit
www.sji.edu.sg/scholarships.

CONTACT SJI
Visit www.sji.edu.sg for more information on SJI and its programmes.
For enquiries, please email us at the following addresses:
General enquiries on SJI:
contact@sji.edu.sg
Integrated Programme (IP) and O-level Programme:
admissions@sji.edu.sg
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP):
ibdp_admissions@sji.edu.sg
Scholarships, Bursaries & Financial Assistance:
student_services@sji.edu.sg

St Josephs Institution (SJI), 2016

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ST JOSEPHS INSTITUTION

A School of the De La Salle Brothers

Telephone:
Facsimile:
Website:
Email:

(65) 6250 0022

(65) 6253 3640
www.sji.edu.sg
contact@sji.edu.sg