SCIENCE PRACTICAL TRAINING
H2 PHYSICS PRACTICAL
H2 CHEMISTRY PRACTICAL
H2 BIOLOGY PRACTICAL
I’ve had the privilege of teaching and tutoring students Math and Physics in both the A-level and IB programmes, so here I’m sharing with you my sincere thoughts on the two programmes.
Whether you choose to do the IB progamme or the A-levels depends on several factors:
(1) Your method of studying.
If you are the lazy type and you prefer to just study VERY intensively for three months prior to a high-stakes exam, then do the A-levels. If you can continually work hard and can cope with the pressure of being constantly assessed, then do the IB Diploma programme. This is serious. I have a student who dropped out of IB to do the the A-levels, precisely because he was not able to cope with being continually FORMALLY assessed.
(2) The university you want to go to:
If you are Singaporean and you intend to go to a local university such as NUS or NTU, it’s better for you to do the A-Levels. This is because you will be compared only with local students performing the same exam in your country, as far as I have been informed. At the moment, a lot of local students doing the IB are from ACS (I), who only take in students who obtained a minimum score of 247 at the PSLE or those who obtained an L1R5 of 5 (incl. bonus points) at the O-Levels. So not surprisingly, the average score at ACS (I) for the IB exams last year was a whopping 41.65! Do you know that a score of 36 and above in the IB diploma exams is considered excellent by educators?
Imagine that you have obtained a score of 40 in the IB exam. In the world, you will be considered a top student. But at ACS (I), you are below average! Thus you may find yourself rejected by NUS but accepted by Oxford or Cambridge University! This weird situation was first highlighted to me by a parent of my tutee a few years ago. She regretted sending her daughter to ACS (I) because although the latter obtained a score of 38 and thus a top student for the rest of the world, she was rejected by a local university (reason being she was below average for her IB cohort) and finally applied to do teaching at the NIE as she did not want to go overseas.
Thus if you are a local student and you intend to study overseas for your degree, then by all means do the IB programme.
(3) The breadth or depth of the subjects you want to learn:
Generally, the IB programme is broader in academic scope while the A-Levels is deeper. For example, when I was covering an IB Physics class, I was surprised to discover that they also learn Astrophysics and the Carnot Cycle, topics not covered in Singapore’s A-Level H2 Physics. Thus I feel that if you want a more holistic programme, do the IB diploma as you’ll be exposed to the Theory of Knowledge as well as doing a community service project.
The above are just my personal albeit informed views. What is clear and certain is that if you DON’T have a thinking disposition, you’ll do badly in either course. Good luck. : )
Rgds,
Ilyasa, M.Ed, PGDE, ex-MOE Teacher.
TUITION CLASSES:
Please click on one of the following:
TUITION FOR INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB) MATH OR PHYSICS
Our JC1 Learn Ahead classes will most likely start in early Feb
Although I’ve already received requests for JC1 Math, Physics, GP and Economics tuition classes to start as soon as possible, I think most likely we will start the classes in the first or 2nd week of Feb.
If you didn’t get A1 at O-level for the same subject you intend to take at A-level, I would encourage you to join our Learn Ahead Programme so that your academic life in your JC would be smoother.
For enquiries, kindly contact or SMS to 97860411. Thank you.
Our JC1 GP weekly tuition starts this friday, 10 Jan, for IP students
JC1 General Paper: Every Friday, 8.30 pm – 10.00 pm (Start 7 Feb); Code: J1G1.
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The Tutor:
Mdm Lyn: A Bachelor of Arts (Honours) graduate from the National University of Singapore, Mdm Lyn is an NIE-trained GP teacher who has more than 13 years’ experience teaching General Paper effectively in a Junior College. Mdm Lyn is a highly competent, friendly and patient tutor whose students continue to meet up with her long after their A-Level exams.
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The GP intensive coaching programme comprises
1. Content Scaffolding using concepts that connect topics to help students cope with a greater variety of questions
2. Current topical content and pertinent cross-topical case studies tailored for different question types
3. Thinking skills and practice to apply the concepts and content to specific essay questions
4. Language skills through generic and topic-specific sample writing
5. Reading comprehension, summary and application question skills using texts that are related to essay questions
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Administrative Matters:
Location: Blk 627, Bukit Batok Central, 07-640. It is just a 3-min walk from the Bukit Batok MRT station as well as the Bukit Batok Bus Interchange.
Max Class Size: 8
Monthly fee for each JC subject or slot is $240, inclusive of materials fee. Discounts apply for multiple subjects or slots.
TO REGISTER, SMS <FULL STUDENT NAME>, <CODE> TO 97860411.
For enquiries, kindly call or sms to 9786 0411.
Join our JC PHYSICS LEARN AHEAD PROGRAMME!
JC2 H1 Physics: Every Sunday, 2.00 pm – 3.45 pm (Start 12 Jan); Code: J2P1.
JC2 H2 Physics: Every Sunday, 6.00 pm – 7.45 pm (Start 12 Jan); Code: J2P2.
JC1 H2 Physics: Every Sunday, 4.00 pm – 5.45 pm (Start 9 Feb); Code: J1P1.
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The Tutor:
Mr Ilyasa: A former MOE school teacher, Mr Ilyasa has been coaching students in ‘A’ Level (H2/H1) Physics and (H2/H1) Mathematics for more than 7 years. An alumnus of RI and RJC, Mr Ilyasa holds a Bachelor of Science degree with Merit from the National University of Singapore, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education with Credit from the National Institute of Education, Singapore, and a Master of Education (Curriculum & Teaching) degree also from the NIE, Singapore.
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Administrative Matters:
Location: Blk 627, Bukit Batok Central. It is just a 3-min walk from the Bukit Batok MRT station as well as the Bukit Batok Bus Interchange.
Max Class Size: 8
Monthly fee for each JC subject or slot is $240, inclusive of materials fee. Discounts apply for multiple subjects or slots.
TO REGISTER, SMS <FULL STUDENT NAME>, <CODE> TO 97860411.
For enquiries, kindly call or sms to 9786 0411.
Reflections on my JC1 H2 Math headstart class this afternoon
I was quite excited to start the lesson, as I had not seen some of my ex-Sec4 tutees since the O-level exams started. It’s amazing that they even want to come for this jc1 h2 math lesson, as O-level results will only be out around 13 Jan 2014. But they understood my rationale for conducting this headstart class – it’s not really a headstart class; it’s actually a catch-up class as many of their IP peers have already learnt today’s topic – the Binomial Series.
I began by making them recall something more familiar, the Binomial Theorem, and proceeded to show them the difference between the two. A few times during the 2 hrs they lamented how their brains have become rusty since the end of the O-level exams. It’s obvious when they started asking me “what to do” with the expression |x| < 1.
It took about 1 hour before the mathematical part of their brains began to awaken, and then they were able to solve a H2 math question at least halfway. Now at least they are proud that they are able to solve a JC math question before entering a JC.
For the next lesson on 22nd Dec I’ll be covering Permutations & Combinations, another topic that most IP students have learnt. Then they asked me about Jan – will I be waiting for their O-level results to be released before resuming this J1 h2 math class? We discussed this a bit and we agreed that we shall not wait. This because even after receiving their O-level results they have at least one week of orientation, and it will be almost Feb before formal lessons actually start. As the h2 syllabus is heavy, it would be unwise to start learning later.
JC1 (2014) H2 Math Bridging Course for non-IP students
Dates: 15 Dec (Sun) and 22 Dec (Sun)
Time: Both dates 2pm – 4pm
Location: Blk 627, Bt Batok Central, 07-640. S(650627). 3-min walk from Bukit Batok MRT station and bus interchange. Opposite Civil Service Club.
Purpose: To help non-IP students learn two topics that most of their IP counterparts have already learnt: (1) Binomial Series and (2) Permutations & Combinations
Tutor: Mr Ilyasa, M.Ed (NIE), PGDE (NIE), B.Sc (NUS), ex-MOE Subject Head who has been teaching A-Level Math and A. Math since 2004.
Fees: Total fees for the two sessions is just $100.
Max no of students: 8
Registration: To register, send <STUDENT NAME><H2MB> to 9786 0411.
You can view Mr Ilyasa’s resume at https://singaporelearner.com/
For other timeslots for JC Math in 2014, CLICK HERE.
Suggested Answers to 2013 A Level H2 Math 9740 Paper 2
NEW! H2 MATH TOPICAL CRASH COURSE (Sign Up Now!)
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The above solutions had been worked out by Mr Teng.
Errata:
For qn 3(I) line 7, the denominator of the third derivative of f(x) should be of power 4 instead of 2.
For qn 4(I), was some scanning error. The answer is 40.4.
For qn11(III), I made a terrible mistake and forgot the third case for which exactly three letters same AND two digits same. The permutation for that will be (26×9).
11(iv) I made the mistake of double counting and arranged after using the permute function. The following is the full solutions
Case 1: Exactly one vowel and 2 different consonants and exactly one even digit
(5C1)(21C2)(3!)(4C1)(5C1)(2!) =252000
Case 2: Exactly one vowel and 2 same consonants and exactly one even digit
(5C1)(21C1)(3!/2!)(4C1)(5C1)(
P(exactly one vowel & exactly one even digit) = (252000+12600)/(26^3*9^2) = 0.186 (3SF)
Disclaimer: We welcome fair comments and discussion. The answers were rushed out and done while Mr Teng was in between classes too. So there are errors definitely, so many thanks for all who point them out. 🙂
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TUITION CLASSES:
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EDUCATIONAL SERVICES:
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By EX-MOE TEACHERS & EXPERIENCED TUTORS
@ BLK 644, BUKIT BATOK CENTRAL, #01-68. S(650644).
CALL 65694897 OR SMS 98530744 OR 97860411.
Suggested Answers to 2013 A Level H2 Math 9740 Paper 1 (11 Nov)
MOCK EXAMS FOR SCIENCE PRACTICAL
END OF PAPER
Note: The above answers had been hurriedly worked out by Mr Teng, our H2 Math tutor.
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Errata: question 7(iii)
This question is really confusing due to the word “before”. However, after much discussions, Mr Teng concludes that he is wrong. The answer should be n=12. If you put the emphasis on how many MUST be cut off, 12 will be the correct answer. If you’re my student, you will know that my English is terrible. Haha.
Question 6(iii)) should λ = 8μ/7.
Question 9(iii) due to the lousy app should be 24n.
Disclaimer: Question 3
The line y=1 was drawn as part of my solution to (ii). So long as the diagram is clearly labeled, there should be no issues.
Any more issues, please let me know. Lastly, big thank-you to all the j1 and j2s who helped me clarify and explain the English behind the statement. And do watch out this space for P2!
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(1) What to do if your A-level results are bad …
(2) A-Level Results: What to do if you get BAD or DEAD, i.e., the ‘middle class’
(3) Beware the critical years in math education …
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TUITION CLASSES:
_______________________________________________________________
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES:
______________________________________________________________
By EX-MOE TEACHERS & EXPERIENCED TUTORS
@ BLK 644, BUKIT BATOK CENTRAL, #01-68. S(650644).
CALL 65694897 OR SMS 98530744 OR 97860411.
JC / IP / A-LEVEL CONCEPTUAL LEARNING SCHEDULE 2015
2015 TIMETABLE OF COURSES:
A-LEVEL | JC | GENERAL PAPER TUITION
A-LEVEL | JC | ECONOMICS TUITION
A-LEVEL | JC | PHYSICS TUITION
A-LEVEL | JC | CHEMISTRY TUITION
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB) Year 6 Mathematical Studies (SL) Tuition
A-LEVEL GENERAL PAPER MAR 2015 HOLIDAY INTENSIVE REVISION
A-LEVEL ECONOMICS MAR 2015 HOLIDAY INTENSIVE REVISION
Retaking A-Levels: A-LEVEL EXAM PREP FOR PRIVATE CANDIDATES
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2014
JC1 H2 Math: Every Wednesday, 8.00 pm – 9.45 pm (Start 8 Jan); Code: J1M1.
JC1 H2 Math: Every Friday, 8.00 pm – 9.45 pm (Start 10 Jan); Code: J1M2.
JC1 H2 Math: Every Sunday, 2.00 pm – 3.45 pm (Start 5 Jan); Code: J1M3.
JC2 H2 Math: Every Wednesday, 6.00 pm – 7.45 pm (Start 8 Jan); Code: J2M1.
JC2 H2 Math: Every Friday, 6.00 pm – 7.45 pm (Start 10 Jan); Code: J2M2.
JC2 H2 Math: Every Sunday, 4.00 pm – 5.45 pm (Start 5 Jan); Code: J2M3.
JC2 H1 Math: Every Sunday, 6.00 pm – 7.45 pm (Start 5 Jan); Code: J2M4.
JC2 H1 Physics: Every Sunday, 2.00 pm – 3.45 pm (Start 5 Jan); Code: J2P1.
JC2 H2 Physics: Every Sunday, 6.00 pm – 7.45 pm (Start 5 Jan); Code: J2P2.
JC1 H2 Physics: Every Sunday, 4.00 pm – 5.45 pm (Start 5 Jan); Code: J1P1.
JC2 H2 Management of Business: Every Wednesday, 8.00 pm – 9.45 pm (Start 8 Jan); Code: J2B1.
JC2 H1 Economics: Every Thursday, 8.00 pm – 9.45 pm (Start 9 Jan); Code: J2E1.
JC2 H2 Economics: Every Saturday, 8.00 pm – 9.45 pm (Start 11 Jan); Code: J2E2.
JC2 General Paper: Every Saturday, 11.00 am – 12.45 pm (Start 11 Jan); Code: J2G1.
JC1 General Paper: Every Friday, 8.30 pm – 10.00 pm (Start 7 Feb); Code: J1G1.
JC / A-LEVEL HEADSTART Classes for 2014 that will start in December 2013
For our latest timetable, click here => 
=============================================================== ORIGINAL POST(OUTDATED):
Note: The JC levels shown below are 2014 levels. For example, JC2 H2 Math is for students who will be in JC2 in 2014.
JC1 H2 Math: Every Wednesday, 8.00 pm – 9.45 pm (Start Dec 4); Code: J1M1.
JC1 H2 Math: Every Friday, 8.00 pm – 9.45 pm (Start Dec 6); Code: J1M2.
JC1 H2 Math: Every Sunday, 2.00 pm – 3.45 pm (Start Dec 8); Code: J1M3.
JC1 H2 Math: Every Sunday, 4.00 pm – 5.45 pm (Start Dec 8); Code: J1M4.
JC2 H2 Math: Every Wednesday, 6.00 pm – 7.45 pm (Start Dec 4); Code: J2M1.
JC2 H2 Math: Every Friday, 6.00 pm – 7.45 pm (Start Dec 6); Code: J2M2.
JC2 H2 Math: Every Sunday, 4.00 pm – 5.45 pm (Start Dec 8); Code: J2M3.
JC1 H2 Physics: Every Sunday, 2.00 pm – 3.45 pm (Start Dec 8); Code: J1P1.
JC2 H2 Physics: Every Sunday, 6.00 pm – 7.45 pm (Start Dec 8); Code: J2P1.
JC2 H2 Management of Business: Every Monday, 8.00 pm – 9.45 pm (Start Dec 2); Code: J2B1.
JC2 H2 Economics: Every Thursday, 8.00 pm – 9.45 pm (Start Dec 5); Code: J2E1.
JC2 H2 Economics: Every Saturday, 8.00 pm – 9.45 pm (Start Dec 8); Code: J2E2.
Administrative Matters:
Location: Blk 627, Bukit Batok Central (if you wish to visit or have a chat with the principal tutor, pls sms 97860411 first)
Max Class Size: 6
Monthly fee for each JC subject or slot is $240, inclusive of materials fee. Discounts apply for multiple subjects or slots.
All of the above courses will end by 15 Dec 2013 and will resume in the week starting 6 Jan 2014.
TO REGISTER, SMS <FULL STUDENT NAME>, <CODE> TO 97860411.
For enquiries, kindly call or sms to 9786 0411.