Posted in Ad hoc tuition, Crash Course, Integrated Programme (IP), Intensive Revision, IP Chemistry, IP Math, IP Physics

Integrated Programme Math and Sci EOY Marking and Revision service

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.

UNDERSTANDING OUR INTEGRATED PROGRAM TUITION

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 Ilyas:  An NIE-trained Teacher, Mr Ilyas has been coaching students in O-Level & IP ChemistryPhysics and Math for more than 12 years. An alumnus of Raffles Institution, Mr Ilyas 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 EducationMr Ilyas’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.

 

Posted in A. Math, EDUCATIONAL ADVICE, Integrated Programme (IP), Intensive Revision, IP Chemistry, IP Math, IP Physics

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

Posted in EDUCATIONAL ADVICE, Educational Advice, Integrated Programme (IP), IP Chemistry, IP Math, IP Physics, PSLE results

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).

 

Posted in Crash Course, Group Tuition, Holiday Classes, Integrated Programme (IP), Intensive Revision, IP Chemistry

IP Y3 CHEMISTRY TOPICAL RELEARNING PROGRAM (Dec 2024)

Start Date:  MONDAY 20 Nov 2024

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

Focus: CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING & APPLICATION OF SKILLS

Format: Teaching + Worksheets + Discussions

Target Group: Current Y3 students who obtained a grade of B4 or lower in their Y3 CHEMISTRY SA2/EOY/Final Exam.

Time : Monday to Friday from 10am – 12pm

Course Outline:

1.Periodic Table

  1. Chemical bonding

3.Chemical Equations

4.Mole concept

  1. Chemical calculations

  2. Acids and Bases

  3. Salts

Fee: $90 per student per 2-hr session.

$30 registration fee

Background of Tutors:

AN NIE trained tutor, Mr Pang graduated with a B.Eng(Honors) from NUS and a Master of Education (curriculum and teaching) NIE, 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.

An NIE-trained Teacher, Mr Ilyas has been coaching students in O-Level & IP ChemistryPhysics and 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.

To register, sms <Student Name><Y3CHEMRL> to 90065997.

 

UNDERSTANDING OUR INTEGRATED PROGRAM TUITION

 


By EX-MOE TEACHERS & EXPERIENCED TUTORS

@ BLK 644, BUKIT BATOK CENTRAL, #01-68. S(650644).

CALL 65694897 OR SMS 87762711.

 

 

Posted in A-Level, EDUCATIONAL ADVICE, Educational Advice, Exam Results, H2 Math, Integrated Programme (IP), IP Chemistry, IP Physics

Integrated Programme subject combination and promotion criteria

Q: Is triple Science good?

A: Triple Science gives you options, as you are still young and have time to figure out which discipline of science they are more interested in. Triple Science is a premium in certain IP schools and will only accept students of a high GPA. Many triple science students are in the course because they enjoy the pursuit of a challenging, all rounded science syllabus. If you know what you want, it’s fine to just take two sciences as well. There are no “bad choices”, subject combination should be selected based on talent and passion. Remember that triple science is not a must have, it is an avenue for the student to take on an additional challenge in their academic life.

 

Q: What is the safest combination?

A: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and any humanities of your own choosing at Y3. PCME(physics, chemistry, mathematics and econs) at Y5. This combination caters to almost all jobs that IP students are traditionally interested in pursuing in Singapore (medicine, law, finance, consulting, accountancy, engineering, research etc)

 

Q: What if I am forced to take 3H2 at Y5, will that affect me badly?

A: Many 3H2 students I know from IP schools eventually go on to do very well post graduation, don’t let it affect your confidence. Study properly for your promos, prelims and A-level and do yourself and the school proud.

 

Q: Will I be retained?

A: Schools enforce a certain GPA for promotion criteria for Y1-Y4, 3.0 is usually a good gauge. However, 2.5 – 2.9 usually qualifies the student for conditional promotion. Anything else would be a case by case basis, but safe to say that if you fall short of 2.0GPA, chances are slim. At Y5 you typically need a few H2 passes. Your conduct and recommendation from teachers will also affect promotion criteria, so please be cordial and respectful to your teachers who work so hard to educate you. In the off chance that you are retained, take it as an opportunity to prove yourself again.

 

Q: Can I take H1 instead of H2 Math at Y5 and Y6 and still qualify for good university courses?

A: H2 MATH is NOT a pre-requisite for MOST courses in NUS and NTU, our highly-ranked world-class universities. This makes perfect sense. Why? You see, two large and difficult topics in H2 Math are Vectors and Complex Numbers. Non-engineers don’t need to know these topics, and many other topics in H2 Math.

Believe it or not, WITHOUT H2 MATH, you can still enrol in the following courses in NUS and NTU:

ACCOUNTANCY, BUSINESS ADMIN, BUSINESS, ARTS & SOCIAL SCIENCES, SCIENCE, COMPUTING, DENTISTRY, MEDICINE, NURSING, PHARMACY, LAW, ARCHITECTURE, PROJECT & FACILITIES MANAGEMENT, REAL ESTATE, INDUSTRIAL DESIGN, ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES, MARITIME STUDIES, BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES, SPORTS SCIENCE & MANAGEMENT.

 

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.

For IP tuition,do contact Admin Staff at 87762711 (Whatapps).


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 ChemistryPhysics 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 EducationMr 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.

IP INDIVIDUAL TUITION (1-1) (click here)

Posted in A-Level, H2 Chemistry, IP Chemistry, JC Chem (H2/H1), Practical

H2 MOCK PRACTICAL EXAM (CHEM)

To do your A-Level H2 Chemistry Practical Mock Exam, please choose one or more of the following slots:

Session 1: Monday 7/10, 9 am – 12 pm. (Code: H2PC1)

Session 2: Wednesday 9/10, 9 am – 12 pm. (Code: H2PC2)

Session 3: Wednesday 9/10, 2 pm – 5 pm. (Code H2PC3)

Location: BLK 644, BUKIT BATOK CENTRAL, #01-68. s(650644)


At the end of each session, the tutor will go through the answers with you, highlight your mistakes (if any) and give you tips on how to score well for your actual practical.


If you need training,

Session 1: Saturday 5/10, 9 am – 11.30 am. (Code: H2TPC1)

Session 2: Tuesday 8/10, 2 pm – 4.30 pm. (Code: H2TPC2)

To book a Practical session (MUST be at least 3 days in advance),

(1) SMS or Whatsapp the following info to 9786 0411: (a) Name of student; (b) Date and Time; (c) Subject OR (d) Name and Code.

(2) Pay $160 (O-level, per session) or $280 (A-level, per session) via cash or online transfer or Paylah or Paynow (to 9786 0411).

* If you prefer days and timings different from our regular schedule, a surcharge of $30 per session is imposed as extra preparation is needed on our side.

For enquiries, please whatsapp to 9786 0411 or call our centre at 6569 4897.

Location: BLK 644, BUKIT BATOK CENTRAL, #01-68. s(650644)

 

Posted in A-Level, Crash Course, Group Tuition, H2 Biology, H2 Chemistry, H2 Physics, Holiday Classes, Intensive Revision, IP Chemistry, IP Physics, JC Biology, JC Chem (H2/H1), JC Physics

A Level MOCK PRACTICAL during SEP HOLS

For 2020 schedule click on this link:

MOCK EXAMS FOR SCIENCE PRACTICAL (2020)


You can secure up to 20 percent of your grades for your science courses for your A levels even before you sit for the theory papers.

Do well in your practical exams and you are well on your way to achieve your targeted grade.

Prepare for your practicals by taking part in our mock practical exams.

Our experienced tutors will observe how you do your practicals within the stipulated time in exam-like conditions. They will then go through the practical paper and give you tips on how to save time, avoid common errors and improve accuracy of your results.

We are equipped for all the 3 sciences and take in a maximum of only 4 students per lab session. This gives a small tutor:student ratio and maximises student learning.

 

 

 

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

Fees: $280 / session

You can register or enquire more through 87762711.

 

 

Posted in EDUCATIONAL ADVICE, Educational Advice, Exam Results, Integrated Programme (IP), IP Chemistry, IP Physics, Junior College

What to do if you are failing in Integrated Programme?

Throughout the years, be it from my personal experience in the Integrated Programme system, or from the many IP students under my wing and those who come for free consultations, I have encountered all the different types of IP students. But one problem still bugs me, and that problem is this:

If you are a student who is failing in the IP system, what should you do? Besides investing heavily in tuition, here are some steps you can take in order to troubleshoot your problems.

  1. Am I working hard enough? That is the most basic question you have to ask yourself. The IP system is meant to be more challenging. Putting in little effort in your studies is just shortchanging yourself. As an IP student, you need to develop the mentality of working harder and being more proactive in your studies. So for those of you who have been slacking off, work harder and don’t give up! You are in the IP system for a reason, with enough work you will catch up and pull through. Practice some delayed gratification, put aside your playthings and put in the work. You will be surprised at what you can do once you put in more effort.
  2. I worked hard but failed, and now I feel really bad, what should I do? First of all, working hard alone doesn’t guarantee success, especially if you have been going in the wrong direction. Seek help from your school teachers first! The IP teachers I know are very caring, and they do their best to help you if you were to meet them halfway. Schedule a consultation with your teachers in the library to clarify all your doubts. It is likely that you have a deep conceptual error in the subject that went unaddressed, or you cannot understand the objectives of the exam questions. Your teachers will be able to help you with those problems as they are the experts. With their guidance, you should be able to do well. Never be shy in asking questions, especially when you are struggling. Many students before you have struggled as well, but with the help of their teachers, they have done very well for themselves eventually. Don’t give up!
  3. I have worked hard, sought help from my teachers, and it doesn’t seem to be working, what do I do now? Usually, this problem occurs when a student has taken the wrong subject combination. Students can take a combination because they have more friends in the same class, only to realize they do not have the aptitude for the subject or have no interest in the subject. If that happens, seek advice from your teacher in order to change your subject combination to something that suits you more. It is a drastic change, but it is necessary if you have exhausted all means and do not see a way out. If you have taken too many subjects, you might want to consider dropping one as you cannot handle the workload. Additionally, if the level as a whole is not doing well in certain subjects due to a sudden increase difficulty, there will be steps taken in order to moderate the scores. As long as you show good effort and attitude, you will eventually pass.
  4. I don’t see the point of all of this system, and I had enough. What else is there to do? At this point as a student, you might feel helpless because you have encountered certain emotional problems, and are struggling in a competitive system. Please seek help from your school counselor and address your emotional issues. It is equally important to take care of your mental well being besides your studies. Having a healthy mindset will put you back on the right path to success.

Every year, there will be IP students who are failing, have failed/retained, or have stopped attending school altogether. This is a matter that is close to my heart, as I have had good friends who struggled through such tough times. But I have also seen them rise above the occasion and bounce back. If you require a consultation about your options, or maybe even just a listening ear, please Whatapps Admin Staff to schedule a free consultation at 87762711. Do not despair, keep your chin up, and I wish you all the best in your studies.

Mr Y.S Pang, IP 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 ChemistryPhysics 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 EducationMr 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 Y1-Y4 SCIENCE PRACTICALS

Posted in A-Level, EDUCATIONAL ADVICE, Educational Advice, Exam Results, H1 Economics, H1 Math, H1 Physics, H2 Biology, H2 Chemistry, H2 Economics, H2 Management of Business, H2 Math, H2 Physics, H2 Principles of Accounting, Integrated Programme (IP), IP Chemistry, IP Physics, JC Biology, JC Chem (H2/H1), JC Economics, JC F.MATH, JC History, JC Math (H2/H1), JC Physics, Junior College, Subject combinations

What happens at the end of Y4 IP?

After your final exam in Y4 IP, you will be streamed into different classes for Y5 and Y6 based on your competencies and Y4 subject combination. As a parent or student, you might ask, what options are made available to me? The following few paragraphs will illustrate to you the paths you can take from Y5 onwards.

Y5 follows the Junior College system, which grades subjects based on H1 and H2. In Y5, you are required to take the following, H1 General Paper, H1 project work, H1 Higher Mother Tongue (most students are exempted as long as they have passed higher mother tongue in O level), and last but not least, to decide on the 3H2,1H1 or the 4H2 combination.

What is the significance of 3H2, 1H1 versus 4H2? A subject taken at the H2 level is deeper as compared to taking it at the H1 level, and it also bears a more significant weight when it comes to calculation of rank points. IP students who wish to take the 4H2 combination would also typically have to maintain a 3.0GPA in most schools for Y4. Otherwise, you will have to take the 3H2, 1H1 combination.

What is the purpose of taking 4H2 then if it gives more workload? Typically, students taking the 4H2 combination would have a wider variety of H2 subjects to choose from, which will give them more choices in University. Some courses, such as Chemical Engineering, require the student to take H2 chemistry at Alevel as a pre-requisite. If a student has not taken chemistry as he has taken H2 physics, H2 Math and H2 Econs, they will not be allowed to make the choice of taking such a course at University and would have to settle for other courses such as mechanical engineering, as compared to a student who has taken the 4H2 combination such as H2 Physics, H2 Math, H2 Chem and H2 Econs, who can take almost all engineering courses. 4H2 combination also typically opens more doors to scholarships, and certain courses such as medicine would also require students to take 4H2.

So is taking 3H2,H1 bad? Not necessarily. By taking that combination, an IP student would have more time to focus on all of their subjects, and eventually even perform better than their peers at Alevels. Students who are very sure of their path in University and want to forgo the stress of handling 4H2s can opt for the 3H2, H1 plan as well. This leaves more time to attend to extra-curricular activities and also other actvities such as learning programming or other important skills that are valued in the workforce. The student can still stream into popular courses such as computer science, engineering, and sciences with only 3H2s.

If you have failed the promotional exams and feel very lost, please schedule a consultation with me ASAP.

Mr YS Pang, IP 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/

Posted in A-Level, EDUCATIONAL ADVICE, Exam Results, Integrated Programme (IP), IP Chemistry, IP Physics, Junior College, Pure Biology, Pure Chemistry, Pure Physics, Universities

Tips on how to Excel in Integrated Programme

The challenges of the Integrated Programme may be overwhelming for many of us, especially for those of us who are not well informed about the expectations that the school has for the students. This is a guideline on the mindset you must have, and steps you can take to excel in the IP system.

  1. Humble yourself

For many students who have entered the IP system, you would have scored at least 250 cut off points and above, making you the top 10% of the P6 cohort. Most students of your calibre would also have been top students in your individual primary schools, enjoying years of praise and accolades bestowed upon you by teachers and parents alike. In IP schools however, you are a dime a dozen, and the “miracle” that you pulled off in PSLE may not work as well as you think it will from Y1 onwards. Secondary school education is about discipline and practice, unlike PSLE questions. Humble yourself and be open to learning new things, as well as consulting your teachers and even your peers. You are in a new world now, with many people who may be more academically gifted than you. Seek help whenever necessary and keep an open mind.

  1. Be proactive

Learning never ends in the IP system. Unlike Express stream, some IP schools may not have an official textbook or guideline to follow, and teachers use their personal notes and base their syllabus off their own judgment. Being proactive allows you to anticipate such challenges and prepare for them before it becomes disastrous. Consult your seniors, and read deeply into topics that are taught. You will not find a guide in the O-level texts, but you can use them for practice before you are taught that certain topic. The school expects you to learn ahead, and you might be surprised to find that many of your peers are doing so during the holidays. Be proactive and don’t idle away your time.

  1. Learn smart

I have lost count of the amount of students I have seen struggle with the IP system because they hold on to the idea of rote learning and memorization. Unless you have a photographic memory, memorization will not serve you well. On the contrary, it will sabotage your grades. The IP system is about critical thinking, and often poses open ended questions. However, you can spot certain trends, and work more on such problems in anticipation of them coming out in exams. Learn what’s on your formula sheet, and only remember equations that are not on it. Take note of what teachers emphasize on during lessons and tutorials. Don’t blindly memorize, instead, link the information to each other and understand how they interact. Make efficient cheat sheets and short notes on your own. Another pro tip, the IP syllabus typically likes to omit or test less of what is not in the A-levels, so you might want to proceed with that in mind.

  1. Plan ahead

Plan your time well, and do not procrastinate. Attend to your assignments, homework and project work immediately as you might not get the chance to do so. This is because there can be events such as SYF, bringing about extra CCA sessions, leaving you drained and tired. Teachers can suddenly assign new projects or heavy workloads without coordinating with one another. Surprise quizzes may be conducted. There is a reason for this, and it is to prepare you to be a leader in a volatile working world. Plan ahead, do not procrastinate, and put in a consistent effort every single day. Remember, your score is determined over the year, not on one single exam.

 

Lastly, try to have fun in school. There are many great opportunities for you to take part in and show your leadership skills, but at the same time, you can make many great lifelong friends. Even as a working adult, I still keep in close contact with most of my friends from IP, and we are still inspiring each other to improve and grow together.

Y.S Pang, B.Eng (Hons), IP tutor at Singapore Learner and former IP student


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 ChemistryPhysics 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 EducationMr 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.


To find out more about our teaching methods for IP and IP Tuition:

INTEGRATED PROGRAMME (IP)