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For more details, kindly visit www.conceptlearning.sg, or call 97860411.
Ok la, this year I shall break tradition by posting whichever results my last year’s students inform me of. One has just come in. I will update throughout the week as I get more results (sometimes students are just forgetful).
Physics: Luke, A2 (from b4 avg, failed in sec 3 (his mum just told me), St Pat’s sch, Farkhanda, B3 (from fail avg)
Chemistry (under Mr Anthony): Charmaine A2; Bandar A2; Luke, B3; Farkhanda, B4. (from fail avg)
Science: Ben, B3.
A. Math: Ameerul, C5 (from fail avg, Yuhua sec); Loges, B3 (from C5-C6 avg, ACS(I)); Ravin, B3 (from fail avg); Rahim, B3 (from C5-C6 avg); Jin Yong, A1 (from B4 avg); Farkhanda, B3 (from fail avg).
Math: Ali Zul, B3 (from C5-C6 avg); Colin, B3 (from C5)
This year, I shall also break tradition in another way, by posting a testimonial from a student, Ravin. Below is the exact words that he smsed to me at 10.06 am on 11 Jan 2013:
“My plan is to do engineering. More to aerospace or aeronautical. I will put my first few choices as that the rest I’m still thinking. Last choice will be MI. Yes Mr Ilyasa, a lot of improvement. I did not put in a lot of effort for A-math and my sci in secondary school. In fact I was failing but I’m happy to see that I got Bs and A for my math and sci but it’s really disappointing to see a 6 for EL. Thank you for your help Mr Ilyasa. You make lesson so fun and you taught me a lot. : ) “
Well, he taught me a lot too.
Waiting for more updates from more students …..
Ilyasa, M.Ed., PGDE, full-time tutor, ex-sch teacher (h/p: 97860411)
The following system ranks primary schools according to the number of gifted classes available in a school from P4-P6, and how many awards they have obtained in 2011. The information has been taken and analysed from the MOE’s website.
For ease of reading, the numbers in the table under each column heading is the number of awards/classes there are, while the number in [ ] is the points that we assign to each award/class based on our judgement of the perceived relative importance of these programmes or awards. The Total is the number of points obtained by each school for the purpose of our ranking.
Gifted Education Programme (GEP)
As the presence of GEP classes in a primary school is an indication of the recognition and support that such schools have from the government, 3 points are awarded for each class present in the school from Primary 4-6.
School Distinction Award (SDA) & School Excellence Award (SEA)
As the SEA and SDA are very prestigious awards for a school, 2 points will be awarded for each of these awards obtained.
The following awards are assigned one point each for the purpose of computation of the ranking:
Development (DA) and Outstanding Development Award (ODA) (National Education)
Development (DA) and Outstanding Development Award (ODA)(Character Development)
Best Practice Award (BPA)
Special Award (SA)—Lee Kuan Yew National Education Award (LKY NE Award)
This page is for students who are keen to join our Young Scientist Programme, from P3 to P6, to enhance their learning of scientific phenomena and concepts, as well as to develop their science investigative skills such as making a hypothesis, understanding variables, observing changes in test specimens, collecting data, deducing relationships or trends, and making evidence-based conclusions.
Such students may also keep and maintain a portfolio of their scientific investigations for DSA purposes.
For expressions of interest or early bookings, please don’t hesitate to send a message to 88765498, as we can cater to a maximum of only 10 students in one session.
P3 TO P4 SCIENCE PRACTICAL SCHEDULE
P5 TO P6 SCIENCE PRACTICAL SCHEDULE
PRIMARY SCIENCE PRACTICAL TRAINING:
TIMETABLE
Practical Timings:
Mon, Tue, Fri: 11am-12.30pm | 4.30pm – 6pm
Sat, Sun: 5pm – 6.30pm
Mar, Jun, Nov, Dec school hols: To be announced.
*For Mar, Jun, Nov and Dec school holidays we will have special days and times for Primary Science Practical Enrichment which will be announced later. For expressions of interest or early bookings, please don’t hesitate to send a message to 88765498, as we can cater to a maximum of only 10 students in one session.
If you have any queries kindly contact Admin at 6569 4897 or 88765498 (Whatsapp)
| Name of School | PSLE Cut-Off Score |
| NANYANG GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL | 262 |
| RAFFLES GIRLS’ SCHOOL (SECONDARY) | 261 |
| RAFFLES INSTITUTION | 261 |
| HWA CHONG INSTITUTION | 258 |
| NATIONAL JUNIOR COLLEGE | 258 |
| DUNMAN HIGH SCHOOL | 256 |
| RIVER VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL | 254 |
| METHODIST GIRLS’ SCHOOL (SECONDARY) | 250 |
| CEDAR GIRLS’ SECONDARY SCHOOL | 249 |
| CHIJ ST. NICHOLAS GIRLS’ SCHOOL | 249 |
| CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL | 248 |
| SINGAPORE CHINESE GIRLS’ SCHOOL | 248 |
| ANGLO-CHINESE SCHOOL (INDEPENDENT) | 247 |
| VICTORIA SCHOOL | 247 |
| BUKIT PANJANG GOVT. HIGH SCHOOL | 244 |
| ANGLICAN HIGH SCHOOL | 243 |
| CRESCENT GIRLS’ SCHOOL | 243 |
| NAN HUA HIGH SCHOOL | 243 |
| ST. JOSEPH’S INSTITUTION | 242 |
| CHUNG CHENG HIGH SCHOOL (MAIN) | 237 |
Related Links:
LATEST! :
(A) List of ‘Top’ Secondary Schools (2013) in Singapore by Cut-Off PSLE aggregate score (2012)
(B) Post-PSLE Math Enrichment: Sec 1 Arithmetic & Algebra (24 Nov & 1 Dec)
(C) WHAT FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A SECONDARY SCHOOL
(1) List of ‘Top’ Secondary Schools (2012) in Singapore by median PSLE aggregate score (2011)
(2) List of ‘Top’ Primary Schools (2012) based on GEP classes and Awards achieved.
(4) List of ‘Top’ Courses of Polytechnics (2012) in Singapore by net Cut-Off ELR2B2 aggregate
*To find out important details of a particular school, click on School Information Service.
If you are already in these schools, don’t be arrogant, don’t be complacent; you still need to study hard and intelligently. Good luck. : )
Ilyasa, M.Ed., PGDE, full-time tutor of Math & Physics (h/p: 97860411)
Related link: Beware the critical years in math education in Singapore …
On Monday, a Mrs Lee came to collect the GP Resource and Practice Package that she ordered. I didn’t realise she had come to my place before, until she mentioned that her daughter’s econs essay marks had improved significantly (from ard 5 to ard 19 marks now)after reading and studying the Economics Essay Revision Package that she had bought from me earlier. If you dont believe this, you can call Mrs Lee directly if she agrees to be ‘interviewed’. However, her daughter’s case study marks didn’t improve so I’m looking into it to understand why.
Well, I wasn’t surprised at all, as the same set of essays had been used by my Math student, Emily, to get an A at her Econs a year earlier (you can verify it with her if she agrees; she’s now studying in the US after getting four As in her H2 subjects). For those of you econs students who are too busy to attend econs tuition, and you can self-study, I would encourage you to purchase this Econs revision package that I had compiled. The essays may not be perfect (you may even add to them), but are far better than those written by average Econs students.
Alternatively, if you live near Bukti Batok, you can come to my place for econs tuition, which will be taught by Mr Jay Lim, an ex-banker in his 50’s, who has wide experience in practising finance and economics, and supported by myself and the materials that I have compiled. Although not an ex-JC teacher, Mr Lim is US-trained, and very comfortable with case studies and very familiar with the world of economics, finance, international trade and banking. He is also currently tutoring an IB student in Business & Management.
For enquiries, just give me a call or sms, to 97860411.
Rgds,
Ilyasa, M.Ed, PGDE, ex-sch teacher
For our latest timetable, click here =>
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ORIGINAL POST (OUTDATED):
Related links:
O-LEVEL | SEC | PHYSICS TUITION
O-LEVEL | SEC | A. MATH TUITION
O-LEVEL | SEC 1-4 | MATH TUITION
O-LEVEL | SEC | CHEMISTRY TUITION
O-LEVEL | SEC 1-4 | ENGLISH TUITION
O-LEVEL | SEC 1-4 | MALAY LANGUAGE TUITION
———————————————————————————————————–
[I] = Independent; [A] = Autonomous; [SAP] = Special Assistance Plan; [IP] = Integrated Programme.
NAME OF SCHOOL (Median Aggregate Score available in 2011) [Type of School]
Nanyang Girls’ High (266)[I, SAP, IP]
Raffles Girls’ Sec (265)[I, IP]
Raffles Institution (264)[I, IP]
Hwa Chong Institution (261)[I, SAP, IP]
Dunman High (259)[A, SAP, IP]
National Junior College (259)[IP]
River Valley High (257)[A, SAP, IP]
Methodist Girls’ (254) [I,IP]
Cedar Girls’ Sec (253)[A, IP]
Catholic High (252)[IP, A, SAP]
CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls’ (252)[IP, A, SAP]
Anglo-Chinese (Independent) (252)[I, IP]
Singapore Chinese Girls’ (252)[I,IP]
Victoria (251)[A, IP]
Anderson Sec (248)[A]
Anglican High (247)[A, SAP]
Nan Hua High (247)[A, SAP]
Bukit Panjang Government High (247)[A]
Crescent Girls’ (246)[A]
St. Joseph’s Institution (245)[I,IP]
CHIJ Sec (Toa Payoh) (243)[A]
Chung Cheng High (Main) (241)[A, SAP]
Nan Chiau High (241)[SAP]
St. Margaret’s Sec (241) [A]
Tanjong Katong Girls’ (240)[A]
Xinmin Sec (240)[A]
Commonwealth Sec (239)[A]
Fairfield Methodist School (Secondary) (239) [A]
Yishun Town (239) [A]
Swiss Cottage Sec (238)
Related Links:
LATEST! :
(A) List of ‘Top’ Secondary Schools (2013) in Singapore by Cut-Off PSLE aggregate score (2012)
(B) Post-PSLE Math Enrichment: Sec 1 Arithmetic & Algebra (24 Nov & 1 Dec)
(C) WHAT FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A SECONDARY SCHOOL
(1) List of ‘Top’ Secondary Schools (2012) in Singapore by cut-off PSLE aggregate score (2011)
(2) List of ‘Top’ Primary Schools (2012) based on GEP classes and Awards achieved.
(3) List of ‘Top’ Courses of Polytechnics (2012) in Singapore by net Cut-Off ELR2B2 aggregate
*To find out important details of a particular school, click on School Information Service.
If you are already in these schools, don’t be arrogant, don’t be complacent; you still need to study hard and intelligently. Good luck. : )
Ilyasa, M.Ed., PGDE, full-time tutor of Math & Physics (h/p: 97860411)
Related link: Beware the critical years in math education in Singapore …
Parents play a key role in getting children interested in Science. Science is a living subject that surrounds us everyday. There’s Science in the kitchen, the bathroom, the living room, in fact, everywhere. The following are some questions that children typically ask, or questions that parents can ask their children, so as to set their minds thinking:
(1) Why do metallic objects feel colder than wooden ones?
(2) Why does ice feel cold?
(3) Why is the air-con unit placed near the ceiling?
(4) Why do we feel cold just after taking a bath?
(5) Why does oil float on water?
(6) Why does ice float on water?
(7) Why do metal ships float on water?
(8) Why does the swimming pool appear shallower than it really is?
(9) How does a pair of spectacles work?
(10) How does a fan work?
(11) Why do we need to breathe air?
(12) Why do oranges and lemons taste sour?
(13) Why do salt and sugar melt faster in warmer water?
(14) What causes the tides in the sea?
(15) Why are we able to see the moon?
(16) Why do moving toys need batteries? What goes on in a dry cell?
(17) Why does food last longer when frozen?
(18) Can a see-saw be balanced when two people are sitting on it? How?
(19) Why does the swing stop after some time?
(20) ……………..
There are many more such questions that parents and children can think of. These questions have both vague, unscientific answers as well as the scientific ones. It is understandable that most parents have forgotten the correct answers to these questions, but this should not deter parents from learning with their children.
It would be a good idea for parents to buy or borrow a basic science encyclopedia to read with their children. Searching for information together on the internet is also a good joint activity between parents and children.
The true nature of Science is learning by thinking and exploring, observing and experimenting, making many errors along the way. It is this spirit of thinking and persistence that gives us many of the useful things that we have today, like electricity and aeroplanes. Teenagers can certainly afford to spend some time thinking about how computers or hand phones work, instead of just using them.
Ilyasa, M.Ed, PGDE, B.Sc, ex-sch teacher.
I believe the human brain has a math processor that needs to be activated and nurtured regularly. Again, parents play an important role in making a child comfortable with numbers and calculations. The following are some concepts in daily life that deal with math:
(1) Time: Parents can ask children to add hours and mins to the current time to arrive at a specific time for some activity. Alternatively, give the child a time problem that he needs to solve by working backwards. For example, “if we want to reach the shopping mall at 5:15pm and we take 40 mins to get there, at what time should we leave the house?”
(2) Money: Counting money, calculating change (remainder), determining the price after discount, budgeting and calculating profit or loss are some of the mathematical activities that we may encounter daily or weekly.
(3) Shapes and figures: In toys, art and household furniture there are shapes and figures for children to think about. How about the area and perimeter of such shapes? How about the volumes of some 3-D figures? The concepts of proportion, similarity and congruency can also be discussed when observing shapes. For example, two dining table chairs are congruent. A baby elephant and a mother elephant are similar but not congruent.
(4) Lines and gradient: Look around us and we can see many parallel lines, intersecting lines and perpendicular lines. How about the slope (gradient) of a road outside the house? The steepness of a staircase?
(5) Distance and speed: What is speed? How is it determined? Observe walking speeds, cycling speeds and the speeds of vehicles. While taking a taxi, estimate its average speed and take note of the travelling time. Estimate how far the taxi travelled.
(6) Statistics: In the newspapers we can find pie charts and bar charts, and the terms “average” and “mean”. What do the charts show and what do these terms mean? Even young kids can interpret pie charts. Parents can relate pie charts to cutting a birthday cake.
There are many more examples of mathematics in daily life. When children understand cost price, selling price, revenue and profit, they are on their way to understanding business and the economy. Entrepreneurship can then develop from there.
Ilyasa, M.Ed, PGDE, B.Sc.
From 2013 onwards, top N-Level graduates can go to polytechnics without first having O-Level certificates, either by undergoing a one-year foundation course in the polys for the top 10%, or by doing a Higher Nitec course at the ITE for the next top 20% of their N-Level cohort.
So would it be a wise choice for an N-Level grad to opt for direct entry into a poly, instead of first sitting for the O-Levels? Well, in my opinion, with regard to certification, they face about the same problem as top Express stream students when deciding whether to choose an IP programme or enrol in an O-Level sec school.
An IP student who fails his A-Levels only has a PSLE cert to show, which, despite all the stress it causes, counts for next to nothing. If an N-Level holder fails to get a poly diploma, he would have only his N-Level cert for employment purposes (still sounds better than just having a PSLE cert right?). But I believe many jobs today require at least 3 or 5 O-Level passes. So I think it’s still wise to have an O-Level cert.
However, the O-Level route is a very academic one, and may not suit all N-Level grads, especially those who are weak in English and Mother Tongue. But having a good O-Level cert also allows a student to enter a JC.
So, I think, in the final analysis, whether or not a top N-Level grad chooses to bypass the O-Levels in his quest to enter a poly should depend on whether he believes he can do well in the very theoretical and academic O-Level programme. I’m certain the poly foundation program or the Higher Nitec course has a more hands-on approach to learning and solving problems.
Ilyasa
Related Articles:
O-LEVEL EXAM PREPARATION FOR PRIVATE CANDIDATES
I wish all N-level students good results come Monday. But as you know, even if you get good results, it’s just the beginning of another journey. If you intend to do your O-Levels, bear in mind that it’s going to be a rough journey, so you’d need to work extra smart and hard. The O-Levels is tougher than the N-Levels in at least three ways:
(1) Additional topics are added so you’d have to remember more facts and think more, and some of the exam papers are now longer;
(2) The questions in the O-Levels are harder both in intellect and in language use; you’d be expected to write longer answers in proper English for most of the papers;
(3) The marking is stricter for most of the papers. For eg, for the Sciences, you are expected to write proper units for the values you have calculated.
However, preparing for the O-Levels may actually be easier than for the N-Levels as there is much more educational support for the O-Levels – more guide or assessment books, more notes and prelim papers on sale, more tutors willing to coach you etc.
Anyway, I hope that when the N-Level results are released I’ll get a few calls telling me the good news. : )
We provide A-Level / H2 and O-Level Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Science (Physics/Chemistry/Biology) Practical Training for private / school candidates and homeschoolers, for both local (eg. H2, Singapore-Cambridge) and international exams (CIE, IB, IGCSE).
*Enjoy huge discounts on fees if your lab sessions start in January! Send a message to 88765498 for details.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PRIVATE CANDIDATES
The registration for ‘A’ and ‘O’ Level exams as a private candidate usually opens around early to mid-April (Please check SEAB website). If you are registering for a Science subject (Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Combined Sciences), at the time of registration in April, you will be asked whether you have done any science practical training in any school, centre, or institute.
Thus if you are considering Singapore Learner as your science practical training provider, you must register with us and begin your science practical sessions for each subject BEFORE APRIL for us to certify that you have attended basic science practical training. Thus it is recommended that you commence practical training with us in Jan/Feb. Please note students usually do about 10 practical sessions per subject to be competent in practicals.
The following is taken from SEAB website:
“If you are registering for a Science subject with a practical paper, you:
• Must have sat the same Science subject(s) previously, OR
• are currently attending or will be attending a course of instruction in Science practical at any institute/school. You must complete the course of instruction in Science practical at the institute/school enrolled in. You are required to declare that you have fulfilled the above requirements at the point of registration. Registration for the subject may be cancelled without a refund of the examination fees if a false declaration is made.“
Note: For training purposes, Pure and Combined Science students attend the same practical sessions as the syllabus for practicals is the same for both. The only difference between the two kinds of practicals is there are no Planning questions for Combined Science students.
(1) Decide which Program or Lab sessions you need or most suitable for, by visiting the webpages of the practical subjects you are interested in (if you can’t find the labs you want, Whatapps us at 88765498). http://wa.link/w0xxk2
(2) WhatappS or Message our staff at 88765498 with your Name, Private or School Candidate, A or O level, Subject or Lab Name (e.g Lab PP2), Date and Time of Lab. (Our staff will then guide you on how to register and make payment. If you are not sure about the lab sessions, just state your Name and the Subjects and we will get back to you)
(3) Register Online by clicking below:
(4) Pay Registration fee of $50 via Paynow or funds transfer.
(5) Make the required payment for each lab session at least 7 days before the date of the lab session. (You may also pay for several sessions at one go to ensure that you will have a place in future slots)
FEES PER SESSION
Practical Training Session: $190
Mock Exam:- $240
Note: Above fees are subject to changes without prior notice.
Our Practical Centre:
Singapore Learner @ Bukit Batok
Blk 644, Bukit Batok Central, #01-68. S(650644).
Tel: +(65) 6569 4897, +(65) 88765498 (WHATAPPS) http://wa.link/w0xxk2
Email: singaporelearner@gmail.com
If you wish to visit us, kindly call or sms first. Thank you.