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 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
Differences between Integrated Programme Maths VS Express Maths
Integrated Programme Mathematics Y1-Y4
Y1:
This is a table of comparison for Express and IP Math for Y1. Bolded are the topics unique to IP, which are from the sec3 to sec4 O-level text. Note that this list is not exhaustive.
Y2:
This is a table of comparison for Express and IP Math for Y2. Bolded are the topics unique to IP, which are from the sec3 to sec4 O-level text. Note that this list is not exhaustive.
Y3 to Y4:
This is a table of comparison for Express and IP Math for Y3-Y4. Note that this list is not exhaustive.
How do we address this difference in our classes?
In the IP Math syllabus, efficiency is the key to success. Time and time again, students have complained to me that they have no time to finish the paper, even though they have prepared and are conceptually sound. The reason is that these students are taking very inefficient paths to solving their paper. In IP papers, most questions are set with a critical thinking aspect, meaning, they are testing for your ability to recognize certain patterns, and take the most efficient path, instead of just blindly expanding straight away and working at the math. Take note of important numbers, such as natural squares, cubes, and equations or identities, such as trigonometry identities for tangent, or quadratic identities. Once these patterns are recognized, the path to solving the question will be much smoother, and less prone to careless mistakes. By taking a traditional route and solving it like what you learn exactly from your school lecture or textbook, you are taking an inefficient route, which will delay you, and present your workings in a manner that makes you extremely prone to careless mistakes, due to the unnecessary complexity caused by your haste in solving the question.
The question below is a typical two marks Math question set by Raffles Institution. Note the differences between the recommended approach versus typical approach, appropriately named as good and bad.
NJC JH2 Math:
Solve 7(x-3)(x+4) = -4(x+4)
Common Pitfalls in IP Y1-Y4 Math:
Many students of mine who have done well in PSLE math show an over-reliance on PSLE style, open ended techniques which are designed to solve problem sums, but not secondary level questions. Secondary level questions focus on laws, procedure, equations, and discipline. Insisting on the use of these methods often prove to be detrimental to their grades, as it slows them down significantly, as well as confusing them even further. The nature of the questions at IP level are not as open ended or free-form as Primary school. Students need to memorize specific equations, master specific laws, and apply them in the right context, at the same time also using algebraic manipulation to simplify the question. An A* in math, olympiad maths training, or GEP training will not be enough at the secondary level, especially IP.
Y3-Y4 Maths especially can be a challenge. Unlike the O-level, Y3-Y4 math is packaged as a single subject, but its weightage is equal to two subjects. This gives the students overconfidence, underestimating the workload of the math subject, and dedicating too little time for it until it is too late. Students must remember that IP brings down content from the upper levels, meaning Y1Y2s are tested on certain O-level concepts, and Y3Y4s are tested on certain A-level concepts. Mastery of maths at Y3Y4 also has a DIRECT CORRELATION WITH COMPETENCY IN YOUR SCIENCES. Physics, Chemistry and Biology at the IP level often have their difficulties bolstered by the addition of complex math concepts, be it calculus for rates of changes and graphs, or trigonometry in periodic patterns.
Q: My child is taking double/triple sciences and double math, but has no time to attend all sessions despite needing assistance in all of them. What can I do?
A: Our IP Math classes at the upper secondary level are designed as a hybrid A/E math class, and some of our IP Science classes are designed to be a hybrid Physics/Chem, Chem/Bio, Triple Science class. This is to cater to students who need to receive instructions and assistance in all 3 sciences and both maths but do not have the time and resources to attend so many lessons. Through careful curriculum planning and design by our team of curriculum experts (Master of Education, Curriculum and Teaching, NIE), the lessons are designed to teach the full suite of skills for Maths and Science in a short time frame without being shortchanged, with the addition of around the clock assistance via WA with the tutor for all sciences and maths. Classes run throughout the holidays, and current students have priority placing in booking additional classes during the holidays in order to cover more content.
TOUGH IP MATHS QUESTION SERIES:
Y1 Number Patterns question
Y2 Indices and Index Notation question
Y3 Indices and Surds question
Y3 Simultaneous Equation question
Y4 Binomial theorem question
We aim to consistently update our teaching methods and classroom management style to best suit the teaching of IP syllabus. In order to cater to the Y3Y4 upper secondary students with tight schedules, we offer a dual track Math system for Amath/Emath or Math1/Math2 in the same slot. Contact the tutor to be allocated into the timeslot suitable for you.
IP TUITION SCHEDULE (2024):
IP Y1 Math: Mon and Fri 745pm-915pm, Sun 230-4pm
IP Y2 Math: Mon 5-630pm, Fri 745pm-915pm, Sun 230-4pm
IP Y3 Math: Thu 3-430pm, Sat 230-4pm, Sun 1245-215pm
IP Y4 Math: Mon and Fri 745pm-915pm, Sun 230-4pm
Tel: +(65) 6569 4897 (office).
To sign up, Whatsapp Mr Y.S Pang at 90065997
Fee Structure:
Y1-Y6 SUBJECTS: $360 PER MONTH (4 LESSONS)
(NEW AND AMMENDED)Trial Class:
Costs of a one-off trial class for Y1-Y6 is $120. Trial class timings will be arranged based on my discretion and assessment of your child’s needs. Subsequently, should you decide to sign up, the remainder of the monthly fee will be charged, i.e. you sign up for Y3 in Jan, trial is $120, if after the trial you continue, pay the balance of $360-$120=$240.
A trial class serves as a diagnostics for your child, by looking into his/her previous schoolwork, exam papers, as well as watching how they respond to the lecture and tutorial content. From there, as a parent, you can decide whether the class is suitable for your child. A lot of preparation work is done before a trial, so do make payment ASAP to confirm your attendance.
MISC CHARGES: $30 ONE TIME OFF REGISTRATION FEE AND YEARLY MATERIAL FEE OF $80
STUDENTS WHO JOIN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MONTH, FIRST MONTLHY FEE WILL BE PRO RATED BASED ON NUMBER OF LESSONS LEFT IN THE MONTH, FOR EXAMPLE IF YOU JOIN IN JUNE WITH 2 LESSONS LEFT FOR Y4 CLASS, YOUR MONTHLY FEE WILL BE 360/4 X 2 = 180, MISC FEES STILL APPLY
NOTE: MATERIAL FEE IS CHARGED FOR ONLINE CLASSES, MATERIALS WILL BE EMAILED TO YOU BY SCANNED PDF, PARENTS CAN ARRANGE TO SELF COLLECT THE PHYSICAL MATERIALS IF NEEDED
NOTE: ONLINE CLASSES ARE SAME PRICING AS PHYSICAL CLASSES, WE PROVIDE THE SAME QUALITY EDUCATION IN SMALL SIZED CLASSROOMS BE IT ONLINE OR PHYSICAL
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.
For more information, visit us at our main IP page:
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
(2020) Bukit Batok (for River Valley High) IP Maths Tuition Schedule
At Singapore Learner, we understand that sometimes it is easier for our IP classes to comprised of majority students from the same school. These slots offered are specifically targeted at students from River Valley High, and the class syllabus will follow the RVHS syllabus.
Y3 IP Math: Monday | 7.45 pm – 9.15 pm | Code: Y3M1
Y2 IP Math: Thursday | 8.00 pm – 9.30 pm | Code: TPY2M1
Y5 IP Math: Saturday | 1.00 pm – 2.30 pm | Code: TPY5M1
BACKGROUND OF OUR IP TUTORS:
Mr Y.S Pang: Mr Pang has been coaching students in A-level and IP for more than 4years. An alumnus of River Valley High School as well as from its pioneer IP batch , he has taught many students from HCI, NJC, RVHS and DHS. Mr Pang is aware of the challenges that IP students face and able to inspire them to succeed despite the overwhelming odds. Mr Pang holds a B.Eng Electrical (Hons) from National University of Singapore, and was once a former student under Singapore Learner’s IP tuition scheme.
Mr Ilyasa: An NIE-trained ex-School Teacher, Mr Ilyasa has been coaching students in A–Level & IB Physics and Mathematics for more than 7 years, as well as O-Level & IP Physics, Chemistry, A.Math, E. Math and PSLE Math for more than 10 years. An alumnus of Raffles Institution himself, and having taught many students from RI and HCI, Mr Ilyasa understands very well the psychology of top students and the challenges faced by them and he is determined to help IP students who are either struggling in their studies, or those who wish to maintain their top form through advanced learning. Mr Ilyasa 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.
Singapore Learner @ Bukit Batok
Blk 644, Bukit Batok Central, #01-68. S(650644).
Tel: +(65) 6569 4897, 9006 5997.
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).
IP Y1-Y4 MATH TOPICAL RELEARNING PROGRAM (Oct to Dec 2023)
Start Date: Oct 2023 End Date: 15 Dec 2023
Location 1: Blk 644, Bukit Batok Central, #01-68, S(650644) or Online classroom via Google Meet
Focus: CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING & APPLICATION OF SKILLS
Format: Teaching + Worksheets + Discussions
Target Group: Current Y1-Y4 students who obtained a grade of B4 or lower in their IP Math SA2/EOY/Final Exam.
Time : Monday to Friday (1/11 – 31/11) from 3PM – 9PM, Monday to Friday (1/12 – 31/12) from 10am-3pm
$360/month for Y1-Y4, 1.5h per lesson, 4 lessons a month
Background of Tutors:
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.
An NIE-trained Teacher, Mr Ilyas has been coaching students in O-Level & IP Chemistry, Physics 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><Y1to4MRLDEC> to 90065997.
For any queries, you may Whatapps the tutor at 90065997.
_______________________________________
TUITION CLASSES:
_______________________________________________________________
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES:
______________________________________________________________
By EX-MOE TEACHERS & EXPERIENCED TUTORS
@ BLK 644, BUKIT BATOK CENTRAL, #01-68. S(650644).
CALL 65694897 OR SMS 87762711.