By Veena Bharwani

HE scored 11 points for the best six subjects in his O-level exams in 2007. With that grade, Kenneth Kwek, could have joined a junior college (JC).

Instead, he chose Temasek Polytechnic's (TP) diploma in psychology studies. Never mind if it was a course offered for the first time at TP last year.

In his options form, Kenneth put JC as his 10th choice, out of a possible 12 choices. (Apart from JC and poly, he also had ITE courses to choose from)

Said Kenneth, 17: 'I didn't want to go to a JC and mug and study for two years. I did enough of that for the O-levels. I wanted to do something more hands-on. That's what I'm getting at TP.'

Like many teens his age, he was initially confused about what to do after his O-levels.

He said: 'Everyone tells you that O-level is a big deal and you have to do well. You are exposed to some choices, but it's still confusing.'

He was keen on TP as he had three cousins and an elder sister who had studied there.

It has been six months since he made the decision and he hasn't looked back since.

He has completed a foundation module in psychology where he studied the basics about the human mind and behaviour.

He will also be learning organisational psychology and forensic psychology, among other subjects in the three-year course.

Said course manager Mr Ang Teck Hua: 'A lot of people still hold strong to the notion that psychology is clinical and is about mentally ill people. This is not true. It's about understanding human beings, which is useful in whatever career you go into.'

But other than the vigorous curriculum, life at TP has also given Kenneth a chance to help the community.

The teen was actively involved in TP's Campus Care Network Day in November where TP students raise money for the less fortunate students in the polytechnic.

'It gives you a real sense of what charity is all about. Before this, we were never interested in charity,' he said.

His ambition

Students who graduate with a diploma in psychology can branch into a variety of jobs such as human resource, marketing, law enforcement or even teaching.

But Kenneth's ambition is to be a motivational trainer. 'If you cannot be the best, then you should train the best,' he said.

If you want to know about this course and more, sign up for the Beyond O-Level Seminar at Temasek Polytechnic on Saturday.

The seminar, the 14th in the series, is jointly organised by The New Paper and Temasek Polytechnic.

It is open to 2008 O-level graduates, ITE graduates and their parents.

To register, go to www.tp.edu.sg

Admission is free, and is on a first-come-first-served basis.

For more information, call 6780 5017, 6780 6556 or 6780 5024.

IF YOU are interested in early childhood education and psychology, here is the dream diploma for you.

Temasek Polytechnic is launching a dual diploma in psychology studies and early childhood teaching this year.

Students will gain two diplomas within three years - one in psychology studies and a specialist diploma in early childhood teaching.

Outstanding students also have a chance to apply for a Ministry of Education scholarship.

The scholarship covers the following:

• Three-year course fee of $6,300
• Book and learning resource allowance of $1,050 for the whole course
• Training allowance of $10,800 for the whole course

For more information, visit www-hss.tp.edu.sg

This article was first published in The New Paper on 7 Jan 2009.