A strong competency in lower sec math and science is often underrated by students and parents. The idea that after streaming at sec2, you will be able to drop one science subject, or simply just not being interested in A-math, is a dangerous idea to toy with.

Lower sec science explores all 3 major aspects of science, which are chemistry, biology and physics. By underperforming in lower sec science, students would have a tougher time choosing whichever science specialization they want to go to after streaming. Underperforming in lower sec science actually sacrifices the potential of the student, and results in lost opportunities. You must bear in mind that choosing a pure science subject in sec 3 onwards affords you certain opportunities in post-secondary education, and eventually in the workforce. It would be a shame to underperform in lower sec science, take combined science and then to eventually realize that you were meant to become an engineer or a science researcher. A strong foundation in lower sec science also prepares you for the intensity of pure sciences at sec3, as former concepts will not be covered again. You will not want to be playing catch up for your mistakes in lower sec come the O-level period.

Lower sec math teaches important concepts such as basic equations, basic indices, negative numbers and proportionality. As you can see, these topics are not covered in primary six. This means even if a student has an A* in PSLE math, there is a limitation on the amount of competitive advantage he has over his peers. Yes, the student might be more skilled in concepts relating to ratio, and creative solving in problem sums, but that does not help much in secondary math which focuses on rules, and further algebra. A consistent effort in lower sec math goes a long way into ensuring a smooth secondary school life, as many students often forget that E-math is compulsory. Another factor to consider is that an A in lower sec math allows the student to take A-math, which is necessary for certain industries such as accounting, and those industries generally enjoy high employability. A-math is also a ticket to entering JC, which can pave the way for their children to enter university. It would be disastrous if a child were to underperform in lower sec math and be rejected from A-math, eventually crushing their dreams of entering JC.

What puzzles me is that parents, students, and even tuition centres can completely neglect lower sec math and science, and de-prioritize it from their lives. If you are reading this, and you are a parent who is seriously concerned with the well being of your lower sec child, and you are unable to find proper avenues for help in lower sec math/science, I urge you to sign up for my lower sec math and science classes and seek my expert opinion.

Mr YS Pang, Sec Math and Science tutor at SL

For lessons, contact 9385 534.

Location: Blk 644, Bukit Batok Central, #01-68. S(650644).

PM us on FB if you wish to have a free consultation.

https://www.facebook.com/SingaporeLearner/

Cost of JC tuition v.s Cost of private University

Why is JC tuition so expensive? This is because many parents deem it to be an appropriate level of investment into their child’s education, and to mitigate further costs down the road at the tertiary level of education. JC tutors are mostly ex-JC students, university educated, specialize in certain subjects, and have small class sizes. JC classes, unlike PSLE classes, only caters to a small proportion of students in Singapore, making it a niche and specialized product. All these factors contribute to its high cost.

It is not sufficient to just pass the A-levels, as local universities typically require students to score above 65 rank points to qualify for most of their courses. Popular courses are also highly competitive, requiring multiple As as a bare minimum. Polytechnic graduates and Foreign students can compete with JC students for quite a large proportion of the spots as well. With increasing competition and constantly limited vacancies, it can be difficult to enter your ideal University course in Singapore. For students who have failed to qualify for their chosen courses in a local University, they would have to take the course in a foreign University if they want to continue pursuing their dream career.

Costs of Singaporean University v.s Foreign University(annual)

The International Universities chosen are popular schools that Singaporeans attend, which are also of a similar standing in the QS ranking, compared to our local Universities.

This does not take into account the costs of lodging, food, and other basic needs while studying in a foreign University, which can cost anywhere around $14k and up.

Fees are reflected as annual fees, and converted into SGD

University of Melbourne (Australia)

Average Cost: $40k – $45k

Medicine or related course: $86k – $91k

Link: https://study.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0024/48057/2019-tuition-fees_Tuition-fee-tables-for-International-students_06_November_2018.pdf

University of Toronto (Canada)

Average Cost: $52k – $55k

Link: https://utsc.utoronto.ca/admissions/tuition-fees

University College London (UK)

Average Cost: $32k – $47k

Medicine or related course: $60.6k

Link: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/undergraduate/fees-funding/tuition-fees/overseas

University of Chicago (USA)

Average Cost: $65k

Medicine or related course: $72k

Link: https://www.ssa.uchicago.edu/tuition-fees

Singapore (NUS, NTU, SMU, etc)

Average Cost: $8k – $12k ($12k for Law)

Medicine or other related course: $28k – $34k

Link: https://dollarsandsense.sg/2018-cost-guide-singapore-universities-tuition-fee-comparison/

Students studying in local Universities are also eligible for various scholarships and concessions in fees as compared to studying overseas. The difference in fees per year can be from $20k – $55k per year.For most students taking their honors programme, that can mean up to 200k savings in their tertiary education.

As you can see, this is the reason why some parents are willing to pay a few thousand a year for quality JC tuition, in order to secure their children a spot in the local Universities, and save on University education costs.

To find out more about our JC Tuition programmes, please click below:

Start Date:  THURSDAY 8 Nov 2018

Fee: $50 per 2h session

Note: You can choose as many sessions as you want. You can also bring your own MCQs. You can do both Physics and Chemistry in the same session.

To book a session/sessions, SMS “MCQ”, YOUR NAME, DATES & TIMES to 88765498.

Please bring the fees every session or pay by full amount on first session. Thank you!