This is an announcement for current parents and students who are attending the Integrated Programme specialization Maths and Science classes at Singapore Learner. With effect from today, there will be a FREE marking and revision service granted to all students for their EOY past year revision papers issued by their individual schools. It has come to my attention that for quite a few students, the work they have done for these revision papers are unmarked or have not been explained to them properly. I would like to extend my help by marking and going through their papers with them. If you wish to use this service, do assist your child in scanning their papers and sending it to me via PDF format using camscanner and I will handle the rest.
This also serves as a call to action for all current parents of students attending IP schools. If you are looking for intensive revision for the EOY exams, and interested in having a tutor who will go the extra mile in securing your child’s grades, do not hesitate to contact us and arrange for an appointment. Additional timeslots for revision can be arranged at the tutor’s discretion, so do not think its too late to improve.
Our tutors:
Mr Pang: Mr Pang graduated with a B.Eng(Honors) from NUS, and has been coaching students in O-level/IP and A-level Mathematics and Science for more than 5 years. An alumnus of RVHS(IP) and an experienced tutor in IP/A-level education, Mr Pang is a results oriented tutor whose students do very well in exams through efficient learning methods and exam preparation skills. Mr Pang employs a variety of teaching methods to cater to every type of learner, as well as teaching them the skill of self diagnostics, giving them the ability to constantly spot and rectify their own errors. He takes pride in inspiring his students to become confident learners and critical thinkers. He is in the midst of pursuing and completing his master of education in curriculum and teaching from NIE.
Mr Muhammad: An NIE-trained Teacher, Mr Muhammad has been coaching students in O-Level & IP Chemistry, Physics and Math for more than 12 years. An alumnus of Raffles Institution, Mr Muhammad holds a a Bachelor of Science degree from the NUS as well as a Master of Education (Curriculum & Teaching) degree from the National Institute of Education. Mr Muhammad’s thinking and metacognitive approaches to problem solving has helped many students of varying abilities to excel in Math and the Sciences. He has coached students from many different schools and streams, including IP, SAP, and IB.
Contact us:
Singapore Learner @ Bukit Batok
Address: Blk 644, Bukit Batok Central, #01-68. S(650644).
Tel: 6569 4897, 87762711 (WHATAPPS) https://wa.link/rey2dv
Email: singaporelearner@gmail.com
If you wish to visit us, kindly make an appointment first. Thank you.
INTEGRATED PROGRAMME SCIENCE PRACTICALS
LOOKING FOR THE BEST PLACE TO DO YOUR SCIENCE PRACTICALS? JOIN US!
We provide A-Level / H2 / IP 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).
Why Us?
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Our teachers are highly qualified and very experienced, and we actually TEACH you good practical techniques.
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We have been a one-stop comprehensive science practical centre providing solid practical training for ALL THREE sciences and for all levels and streams since 2017.
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Our laboratory apparatus are exam-grade and the same as those used in MOE schools and our chemicals are all NEA-approved.
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We have a structured practical training programme catering to the needs of both beginners and experienced students.
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We have a maximum class size of just 5 students! Yes just 5 students at most, so that the teacher is able to observe the actions of each student more closely and demonstrate the correct practical techniques where and when necessary.
Please click on any of the relevant links below to view details such as syllabus, lab topics, lab days and times, for each Science subject:
IP PHYSICS PRACTICAL
IP CHEMISTRY PRACTICAL
IP BIOLOGY PRACTICAL
For IP theory lessons, please click on the link below:
IP THEORY LESSONS
One-time Registration Fee: $30
Fee per session:
Y1-Y2: $140 (must be paid at least 5 days in advance)
Y3-Y4: $190 (must be paid at least 5 days in advance)
If you have any queries kindly contact Admin at 6569 4897 or 87762711.https://wa.link/rey2dv Thank you!
Integrated Programme Math and Sci Re-learn for WA3 and EOY exam
These revision classes are designed for Integrated Programme Y1-Y4 students who have not performed up to expectations for their exams, as well as students who have had Project or experiment based WA exams who are unsure of their current content mastery and ability to perform. With our intensive classes, students will be able to catch up in time for WA3 and EOY exams. Here are some of the key revision topics that we will be drilling in class based on our analysis of current IP exam trends.
Y1 Sci: Diffusion and Osmosis, Transport systems (plant, human circulatory), Light, Elements, compounds and mixtures, Solutions and Suspensions, Kinetic Particle Theory, Heat
Y1 Math: Algebra, Expansion and Factorization, Map Scales, Simultaneous Equations, Coordinate Geometry, Number Patterns and Real Life word problems (hire purchase and interest rate)
Y2 Sci: Atomic structure and bonding, Acids and Alkalis, Chemical Reactions, Electricity, Forces, Work Energy Power, Nutrition, Digestive system, Ecology
Y2 Math: Algebraic fractions and manipulation, Changing subject of formula, Quadratic Equations, Proportion, Trigonometry, Coordinate Geometry, Indices and standard form
Y3 Math: Quadratic Equations, Polynomials, Remainder and Factor theorem, Indices and Surds, Logarithms and Exponents, Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry 1 and 2 (ASTC, identities, bearings)
Y4 Math: Differentiation, Integration, Matrices, Vectors, Inequalities and Modulus Function, Functions, Probability
Parents and students who are interested, do contact us and provide your level, school, and current grade/topics for revision so we can find a class that is best suited for your needs. Classes can be conducted either on a weekly basis, one to one, or intensive revision period thats best designed for your schedule. Additional classes will be pro-rated accordingly
Contact the tutor @90065997
IP Y2 SCIENCE PRACTICAL HOLIDAY ENRICHMENT
15 Nov (Mon 1-3pm): Physics Lab1 – Melting of ice and Heat Capacity
13 Dec (Mon 1-3pm): Physics Lab2 – Pulley System and Rebound Height
20 Dec (Mon 1-3pm): Biology Lab1 – Diffusion and Osmosis
27 Dec (Mon 1-3pm): Chemistry Lab1 – Reactions of Acids and Bases
Fee for each lab session: $190
One-time Registration fee: $30
TO REGISTER, SMS <STUDENT NAME> , <Lab Name and No.> TO 87762711 and make payment of ($30 + Lab fee) to confirm your seat.
For any queries, you may also talk directly to the admin at 87762711.
As places are limited, pre-payment is necessary to confirm your attendance.
Background of Tutor:
He is an NIE-trained ex-school teacher who has been coaching students in A–Level Physics, Chemistry, Science Practicals and Mathematics for more than 10 years, as well as O-Level & IP Physics, Chemistry, A.Math, and E. Math for more than 12 years. An alumnus of RI and RJC, he holds a Master of Education (Curriculum & Teaching) degree from the National Institute of Education, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree from the National University of Singapore.
DSA students in Integrated Programme
Direct School Admission (DSA) students in Integrated Programme schools:
Parents of children who have been admitted into IP schools have expressed their concern to me on their anxieties, mainly whether their child will be able to cope with the rigorous educational standards of the top schools even though many of them do not meet the cutoff scores of their individual schools. I can assure you that with enough preparation, your child will be ready to meet the expectations of their IP schools and do better than their peers. I will cover this issue in the points below.
- Your child’s PSLE grade is low because of their success in the DSA interview.
Once a 12yo child is informed that he/she has been admitted into a top school before taking the PSLE, their typical response will be a sigh of relief and a more relaxed attitude towards one of the most stressful exams in Singapore. Most of my DSA students, and including my friends who have been successful in DSA applications into IP schools, have told me that the days leading up to PSLE have been stress-free, and they are able to focus more on their CCAs instead of just pure academics. This is shown in their lower PSLE scores as compared to their peers in their respective IP schools, who have been spending a lot of time hitting the ten year series as their spots in the IP schools are not secured. I assure you that if your child studied more during those days, he/she would see a significant jump in their PSLE scores as well. They are by no means lacking in terms of intelligence compared to their peers.
- There are quite a few skills or chapters covered in the PSLE that have insignificant impact on secondary school life
In the chapters of Science, only human/plant systems, forces, energy, man and his environment are tested in Secondary school. The bulk of what they learn in Primary 6, which is animal based such as environmental impact, web of life, adaptation, is completely untested at the Secondary level. For Math, the skills used in the last 20 marks of the exam, which essentially act as a gatekeeper to A* grade, are used to tackle open ended problem sums with abstract concepts. These skills may not be of great value in Secondary level Maths which focuses more on laws, procedure and presentation. In English, compositions test students on creative narrative writing, whereas Secondary level English tests them on argumentative essays, which place more importance on current affairs, and debating of key points rather than narrative and creative writing. In Secondary school, discipline and conscientiousness is more important, as compared to primary school which values open ended problem solving through problem sums and seemingly out of textbook structured question answers.
- The schools provide extra assistance to their DSA students
It should come as no surprise that the DSA students are valued members of the school as they are their representatives in CCAs. If students are taken out of class due to CCA commitments, there will be avenues for the teachers to cover those lost lessons with them again. CCAs are also expected to stand down during exam periods, especially during finals where the weightage of the exams are the highest.
That being said, DSA students should never rest on their laurels. IP is a competitive system that has sieved out most of the academically gifted children in Singapore. To do well in such an environment requires intense efforts from both parents as well as students to ensure that they do not stray from the path of academic excellence.
Mr Y.S Pang, IP Math and Science tutor at Singapore Learner
OUR IP TUTORS:
Mr Pang: Mr Pang graduated with a B.Eng(Honors) from NUS, and has been coaching students in O-level/IP and A-level Mathematics and Science for more than 5 years. An alumnus of RVHS(IP) and an experienced tutor in IP/A-level education, Mr Pang is a results oriented tutor whose students do very well in exams through efficient learning methods and exam preparation skills. Mr Pang employs a variety of teaching methods to cater to every type of learner, as well as teaching them the skill of self diagnostics, giving them the ability to constantly spot and rectify their own errors. He takes pride in inspiring his students to become confident learners and critical thinkers.
Mr Ilyasa: An NIE-trained Teacher, Mr Ilyasa has been coaching students in O-Level & IP Chemistry, Physics and Math for more than 12 years. An alumnus of Raffles Institution, Mr Ilyasa holds a a Bachelor of Science degree from the NUS as well as a Master of Education (Curriculum & Teaching) degree from the National Institute of Education. Mr Ilyasa’s thinking and metacognitive approaches to problem solving has helped many students of varying abilities to excel in Math and the Sciences. He has coached students from many different schools and streams, including IP, SAP, and IB.
For INDIVIDUAL (1-1) TUITION, you may contact Mr Ilyasa at 97860411.
IP Y2 (2024) HOLIDAYS HISTORY HEADSTART PROGRAM
Many students in lower secondary have difficulty in answering questions in history. They do not understand the nuances of the questions and how these should be answered.
Hence, despite preparing well, they are not doing well in these examinations.
This workshop is taught by an experienced teacher. He has created 3 modules to prepare the student for History in Y2 such that they will appreciate the subject. He will enable the student to know how to answer the questions in a manner that the examiners are happy with.
Module 1: Content Knowledge
a) Understanding The Big Picture – The key personalities and events that shaped Singapore’s Modern History since 1819 – Colonial Era to Independence
b) Using Effective Strategies to enhance the understanding of the key historical developments, changes, challenges and impact (outcomes) on Singapore’s growth:-
**The “Prince James Approach” to consolidate conceptual understanding
**the 5W + 1H strategy to grasp relevant details and boost mastery learning
MODULE 2: Applying the Studying skills
a) Understanding the core SBQ Skills: simplifying and structuring the “I.C.U.R.E” skills
b) Developing SEQ skills – Using the PEEL strategy to write effective paragraphs
c) Developing Annotational skills
d) Mind-Mapping skills
e) Use of Mnemonics
f) Understanding the LORMS
g) Time-Management Skills
MODULE 3: ASSESSMENT MODES
**Formative and Summative Modes
– Quizzes
– Short- Answer Questions
– SBQ
– SEQ
– Research-based Questions on Key Historical Personalities and Events
– Time-Lines
– Oral Presentations
SCHEDULE : Every Thursday 30th Nov – 21st Dec
Time: 5PM – 6.30PM
Target Group: Current Y1 students.
Fees: $360 for 4 sessions
Registration Fee: $30 for new students
About the Tutor:
A former student from Raffles, the tutor has 26 years of experience teaching in MOE schools. He loves reading and is well versed in literature, history and social studies.
TO REGISTER, Whatsapp <STUDENT NAME> , <EL> TO 6569 4897, 87762711 (WA)
Refer to our main IP page for more information on our IP math and science courses
Tough IP Maths Question: Simultaneous Equations with “Hence” Keyword
Source: NJC 2015 Junior High 3 MA301 YEA Q4, sent by one of my Y3 students
A good example of a simultaneous equation question that teaches important skills which are used in Y5/Y6 or Senior High.
In part ii, the keyword hence is used. Most students stumble at this question as they try to solve part ii by redo-ing the simultaneous equation. Part i is generally solvable by most IP students.
The trick here is to use the solutions for x and y that you have given in part i. Looking at part ii, 9(a+1)^2 + 4b^2 = 18 looks almost exactly like the equation given in part i. You can safely conclude that you should substitute x=a+1 and y=2b as they expand with square to give you the same equation you have in part ii. Sub x=a+1 and y=2b into the other equation in part ii, and do some simple expansion to manipulate it to look like 2x + y = 5. Afterwords, sub x=a+1 and y=2b into the solutions of part i, and you have your answer.
I hope this has been helpful to your revision, and good luck for your exams
If you are interested in IP Maths tuition, contact me at 87762711. Stay tuned for more updates on tough IP style Maths questions.
Circuit Breaker Integrated Programme Maths Lecture Series
Lectures will be hosted during the Covid19 Circuit Breaker period, which has shifted the June Holidays up to May. Lecture content is targeted at Year 3 and Year 4 IP students who need intensive, focused topical revision in order to prepare for their exams. Lecture materials include short formulas, and challenging tutorials suiting the academic rigor of IP education.
Lectures are split into Part 1 and Part 2, total 4h of teaching. Cost of each set of topical lecture is $240 for 4h.
6/5 Wednesday 2pm: Indices 1 8/5: Friday 2pm Indices 2
6/5 Wednesday 4pm: Trigonometry 1 8/5: Friday 4pm Trigonometry 2
13/5 Wednesday 2pm: Logarithms 1 15/5: Friday 2pm Logarithms 2
13/5 Wednesday 4pm: Trigonometric Identities 1 15/5: Friday 4pm Trigonometric Identities 2
20/5 Wednesday 2pm: Differentiation 1 22/5: Friday 2pm Differentiation 2
20/5 Wednesday 4pm: Integration 1 22/5: Friday 4pm Integration 2
27/5 Wednesday 2pm: Vectors 1 29/5: Friday 2pm Vectors 2
27/5 Wednesday 4pm: Quadratic equations and Polynomials 1 29/5: Friday 4pm Quadratic equations and Polynomials 2
Background of Tutor:
Mr Y.S Pang B.Eng(Hons) Electrical Engineering, National University of Singapore
River Valley High School(Integrated Programme) Graduating class of 2011
Full time partner and tutor in charge of IP matters in Singapore Learner
Contact admin now to arrange for an online consultation.
Whatapps admin staff @ 87762711
Tough IP Maths question: Number Patterns
This question is from a Y1 Promo paper. The concept behind recognizing this type of number pattern is derived from A-level/Y5 topic known as summation or sequences and series.
Below are the question, the tips, and our answers.
If you are interested in IP Maths tuition, contact admin at 87762711 (whatapps). Stay tuned for more updates on tough IP style Maths questions.
First time having a child going to an Integrated Programme school
This guide is released to assist parents who have no prior experience in Integrated Programme matters, but have a child enrolling into an Integrated Programme stream.
1. The difficulty of the syllabus is enhanced. Using the traditional O-level textbooks or workbooks may not be sufficient to help your child in tackling the IP syllabus. The formula sheets, or timing of the papers may not be the same as the O-level. It is not uncommon for IP schools at the secondary level to teach beyond the regular syllabus, by including either JC topics/concepts or questions that may be very fringe/out of syllabus. If you are looking for good books to use, I suggest using those O-level textbooks with express/special stream in their titles. Those books are usually better for IP students as they involve deeper concepts and tougher questions. IP exam papers are very difficult to find online or in most bookstores, and there is no standardized textbook for reference due to the fast changing nature of IP syllabus.
Examples of tough IP questions which use concepts that are beyond their own level:
2. CCA is demanding. Your child will need to balance between studying hard and training for CCA rigorously. During competition periods, your child might miss some lessons and that will affect their grades. A consistent effort throughout the term is necessary for them not to fall behind, together with eating and sleeping well. Some schools even require students to take up more than one CCA in order to demonstrate their potential for leadership. Ultimately, this assists them in making their report book presentable for scholarships.
3. IP schools have graded project work. This is to prepare them for Y5 and Y6 as they would be required to take H1 project work. If your child is quiet, they have to learn to speak up, in order to score for presentation. A lot of time has to be dedicated to research, as well as preparing for presentation and a written report. Ultimately, this helps them in their H1 project work as they have 4 years of project work experience prior to JC. The research skills gained from project work will help them eventually in university as well.
4. The workload for homework is heavy. On top of CCA, and project work, there is still a lot of homework to clear. Besides the traditional worksheets issued for homework, there are still homework like lab reports, book reports or essays. These are all part of their continual assessment, and doing well in these modes of assessment requires your child to be very competent in the basics of all their subjects(e.g. Science lab reports can involve deep Mathematics concepts) Questions can seem very open ended as they are testing your child for their critical thinking skills.
This post is compiled by the IP tutoring team at Singapore Learner, based on our personal experience studying in an IP school or teaching in an IP school.
Our IP tuition schedule and other IP tips can be found here
For enquires on IP tuition, please call our office number at call 65694897.
To consult about IP matters, you can reach Admin Staff at 87762711 (Whatapps)
Location: Blk 644, Bukit Batok Central, #01-68. S(650644).