School-specific Programmes: Raffles Institution

• Raffles Academy (RA)

  • Application Process

    • Entrance examinations for JAE students during Orientation (in past years, it falls on the 2nd day)

      • Chemistry, Physics and Bio: Set largely at A-Level standards. Do study for these early in the holidays. (feel free to look through our A-Level academic resources!)

    • Reputably, RA is difficult to get into for JAE students, and Integrated Programme (IP) students, who have had years to prepare, have an advantage. Nevertheless, this is an avenue to demonstrate and pursue your interests at a higher level, so don’t be afraid to try!

• Monday Enrichment (ME)

  • Application Process:

    • Involves an interview

    • For humanities interviews, you should show that you are able to converse, think and argue critically, assess new information, update your opinions and bring something new to the table

  • One ME is the Governance and Civic Engagement Programme (GCEP)

    • Benefits:

      • Students attend lessons that cover a broad gamut of issues that are pertinent to government and civil society, such as what constitutes national identity, race and religion and gender issues in Singapore, and urban development, among many others. These issues are discussed through the lenses of policymakers, civil society. Lessons are a mix of didactic instruction, animated and intellectually stimulating discussions between groups of students, and invited guest speakers.

      • In addition to lessons, students attend at least 10 Meet the People sessions. Through these sessions, students gain a better understanding of the wide range of everyday issues that have brought people to visit the MPS sessions. Students usually shadow letter writers (people who interview residents, draft a letter on behalf of the MP to advocate for the resident’s case), or may even get to be letter writers themselves. Students may also be invited to additional sessions, or have unexpected opportunities for conversation with volunteers during the end of session meals.

      • The capstone event of GCEP is an overseas trip. In 2019, it was to South Korea. During non-COVID times, students would be able to explore the ideas discussed in class in a new environment. Students would get to visit important political and cultural sites such as the DMZ, a city that prides itself on the preservation of culture, and different types of museums, among others. Each day ends with open discussions in a seminar room that often produces many unique insights, challenges students to refine their opinions and consider a wide variety of perspectives.

    • Time Commitment:

      • Once a week on Monday mornings, along with at least 10 Meet-The-People sessions which typically last from 730pm-10pm+

Other programmes include

• MEs like Eco-Lit, Global Studies Programme (GSP), Raffles INVENT, Peer Helpers Programme, Business Leaders Programme, International Service Learning Experience (ISLE)

• ASEAN Social Innovations Programme

• Science Olympiads

• Various academic competitions such as National Economics and Financial Management Challenge

• VIA Programmes: Self-initiated, student-initiated and programmes led by external organisations

• Dillmann Gymnasium Exchange Programme

• Science Research Programme (SRP), and how this experience might be unique to RI students

Do note that this information is gathered from past year students, and the precise details of programmes may evolve year-to-year. Nevertheless, we hope these sharings give you a general idea of the programmes available, their application process and benefits.

Contributed by Benjamin Chek (RI '20)