As parents, many of you would have seen your child bring home science worksheets which require them to answer using the CER method, and are unsure of how to guide them to solve those questions. So what is the CER method? The CER method stands for Claim, Evidence and Reasoning. It is developed to encourage students to answer a scientific problem using data to support their answers. This method is used to train students to develop the necessary skillset to tackle the PSLE answering format.
C – Claim. When you make a claim, it is supposed to be a statement which is unsubstantiated. This statement has to answer the original question. For example, in a question with woodlice in a box, a student can make a claim which is “woodlice prefer to live in dark areas”
E – Evidence. Provide evidence to your claim. This evidence must always be based on whatever diagram, model, table or graph that is presented in the question. Evidence is typically numerical in nature, i.e. the student must quote the significant numbers to substantiate their claims. For example, in the same woodlice question, a student can say “after 2h, there are 10 woodlice in the sheltered area, and 0 woodlice in the lighted area”. Note that in the answer, the student needs to quote and compare these statistics presented.
R – Reasoning. Reasoning is the use of scientific concepts to explain your claim and evidence. These scientific concepts are usually limited by the scope of your issued textbook, i.e. your answer should include keywords or key concepts quoted in that specific topic in the textbook. An example of a good reasoning answer would be “some animals are nocturnal in nature. Because more woodlice are in the sheltered area, this means that they are nocturnal and prefer the dark or will be more active in the dark”
Some parents might ask, is this exact answering scheme required of my child in PSLE? Of course not, the questions in PSLE science do not segregate the questions into its individual CER components and expect an answer as such. However, you must bear in mind that this mode of answering is effective for training your child to become a learner who can give proper scientific answers, which is what the PSLE is looking for. I hope you find this information useful for your child’s academic growth.
Bridging the gap from AL2-3 to AL1 in P6 Science
Many parents of academically gifted children are often perplexed by their inability to secure an A* for Science, especially if their child is already doing exceedingly well in other subjects such as Mathematics, which also requires higher order thinking. Based on my experience from training such students, as well as my personal experience, I can offer some insight into this matter.
1) Primary level Science, unlike Mathematics, follow a strict marking scheme with a range of keywords. Mathematics on the other hand, accept a wide array of solving techniques, even if they are of a more advanced nature. (i.e. using simultaneous equations to solve problem sums is a valid technique, even if it involves competencies which are taught in Lower Secondary maths) A strong Maths student at P6 may find themselves knowledgable on Science, but unable to be a high achiever because their phrasing is not within the acceptable parameters of the P6 Examination. A very knowledgable student in Science can still fail to get A* if they do not use the correct terminology. Drilling of keywords is necessary, but can be memory intensive and inefficient. It is important to teach them that there are a set of keywords instead of just one acceptable answer, so their thinking is nimble, and able to adapt to different questions. It is also less taxing on their memory.
2) Carelessness in MCQ. Even after the changes to MCQ section, moving from 30 questions to 28 questions, the MCQ still forms the bulk of the grades in the PSLE. Securing near full marks in MCQ is vital to securing A*. As a parent, you must understand that almost every year without fail, there will be an extremely challenging or creative section B question which most students cannot handle. In order to hedge against the scenario that your child might be unable to get the question right, you must have near perfect MCQ grades. That marginal difference in MCQ means that carelessness cannot be tolerated, and MCQ techniques or skills have to be properly taught to them, and it has to be taught early. Last minute preparation will not serve you well.
3) Overanswering in section B may cost you more than you think. Parents, students, or even some teachers, may have the mentality that overanswering is the way to go, and better be safe than sorry. This tactic will not serve you well if you are aiming for A*. Overwriting often leads to less time allocated to reading long questions and understanding complex diagrams. This is costly as the students might find themselves misinterpreting the question and going out of point. It is much more efficient to learn how to interpret certain prompts(state, explain, describe) in the questions and answer accordingly. (i.e. not all 2 marks questions must have lengthy answer, and not all 1 mark questions are that straightforward. The specific wording used in the question will determine the depth of your answer)
4) Last but not least, a healthy interest in the pursuit of Science is important. A driven and motivated child will be well read, and in turn, that makes the child very resilient to challenging questions which involve scenarios that test heavily on external knowledge. It is not surprising that many of my students who eventually made it into specialist science schools (SST, NUS High) have a deep interest in the sciences, and are very well read or engaged(perhaps even more knowledgable than myself in certain aspects, which is a very impressive feat). Providing them with an environment which encourages the pursuit of science beyond grades alone, will actually improve their grades in the long run.
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 88765498 (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 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.
IP INDIVIDUAL TUITION (1-1) (click here)
List of ‘Top’ Secondary Schools (2019) in Singapore by Cut-Off PSLE aggregate score
Integrated Programme subject combination and promotion criteria
What happens at the end of Y4 IP?
Tips on how to Excel in Integrated Programme
What to do if you are failing in Integrated Programme?
| Name of School | COP 2019 | Highest Score |
| RAFFLES GIRLS’ SCHOOL (SECONDARY) | 259 | 276 |
| HWA CHONG INSTITUTION | 259 | 274 |
| NANYANG GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL | 258 | 276 |
| RAFFLES INSTITUTION | 258 | 277 |
| NATIONAL JUNIOR COLLEGE | 256 | 270 |
| DUNMAN HIGH SCHOOL | 256 | 272 |
| CHIJ ST. NICHOLAS GIRLS’ SCHOOL | 255 | 280 |
| METHODIST GIRLS’ SCHOOL (SECONDARY) | 254 | 258 |
| CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL | 254 | 267 |
| SINGAPORE CHINESE GIRLS’ SCHOOL | 252 | 257 |
| RIVER VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL | 252 | 276 |
| ANGLO-CHINESE SCHOOL (INDEPENDENT) | 250 | 260 |
| CEDAR GIRLS’ SECONDARY SCHOOL | 250 | 262 |
| TEMASEK JUNIOR COLLEGE | 250 | 265 |
| ANDERSON SECONDARY SCHOOL | 247 | 260 |
| VICTORIA SCHOOL | 246 | 255 |
| CHIJ SECONDARY (TOA PAYOH) | 246 | 265 |
| ST. JOSEPH’S INSTITUTION | 245 | 255 |
| BUKIT PANJANG GOVT. HIGH SCHOOL | 245 | 266 |
| NAN HUA HIGH SCHOOL | 245 | 262 |
| ANGLO-CHINESE SCHOOL (BARKER ROAD) | 245 | 247 |
| NAN CHIAU HIGH SCHOOL | 244 | 266 |
| CHUNG CHENG HIGH SCHOOL (MAIN) | 242 | 269 |
| CRESCENT GIRLS’ SCHOOL | 242 | 257 |
| FAIRFIELD METHODIST SCHOOL (SECONDARY) | 242 | 249 |
| ST. MARGARET’S SECONDARY SCHOOL | 242 | 254 |
| SWISS COTTAGE SECONDARY SCHOOL | 242 | 254 |
| ST.ANDREW’S SECONDARY SCHOOL | 242 | 246 |
| CHUNG CHENG HIGH SCHOOL (YISHUN) | 240 | 258 |
| ANGLICAN HIGH SCHOOL | 239 | 265 |
| COMMONWEALTH SECONDARY SCHOOL | 239 | 248 |
| YISHUN TOWN SECONDARY SCHOOL | 239 | 255 |
| NGEE ANN SECONDARY | 238 | 262 |
| CHIJ ST. THERESA’S CONVENT | 238 | 245 |
| MARIS STELLA HIGH SCHOOL | 237 | 250 |
| CHIJ ST. JOSEPH’S CONVENT | 237 | 249 |
| KUO CHUAN PRESBYTERIAN SECONDARY SCHOOL | 236 | 249 |
| ZHONGHUA SECONDARY SCHOOL | 236 | 254 |
| XINMIN SECONDARY SCHOOL | 235 | 253 |
| FUHUA SECONDARY SCHOOL | 235 | 250 |
Integrated Programme subject combination and promotion criteria
What happens at the end of Y4 IP?
Tips on how to Excel in Integrated Programme
What to do if you are failing in Integrated Programme?
** PROMOTIONS!!** (click here!)
TUITION CLASSES:
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES:
By EX-MOE TEACHERS & EXPERIENCED TUTORS
@ BLK 644, BUKIT BATOK CENTRAL, #01-68. S(650644).
CALL 65694897 OR SMS 88765498.
LOWER SEC IP 2023 HOLIDAYS LITERATURE INTENSIVE RELEARNING & REVISION 2022
Many students in lower secondary have difficulty in answering the questions in these 2 examinations. 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 will enable the student to know how to answer the questions in a manner that the examiners are happy with.
SCHEDULE: Every Wednesday, 6 Nov 2023 – 17 Dec 2023
Time: 3PM – 430PM
Fees: $280 for 4 sessions
Registration Fee: $30 for new students
Location West: Blk 644, Bukit Batok Central, #01-68. S(650644).
Target Group: Current Sec 1 and Sec 2 IP 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, 88765498 (WA)
O-LEVEL | SEC 3-4 | SOCIAL STUDIES TUITION
Sec 4 Social Studies: Sunday| 2.30 pm – 4.00 pm | Code: S4SS1
Sec 3 Social Studies: Sunday| 2.30pm – 4.00pm| Code: S3SS1
TO REGISTER, SMS <STUDENT NAME>, <CODE> TO 88765498
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Administrative Matters:
Location: Blk 644, Bukit Batok Central, #01-68. S(650644).
Our location is just a 3-min walk from either the Bukit Batok MRT station or the Bukit Batok Bus Interchange. Buses that stop along the roads surrounding our location are numbers 157, 178, 66, 506, 173, 174, 176, 187, 985. Buses services which terminate at Bukit Batok Bus Interchange are 61, 77, 106, 173, 177, 189, 852, 941, 945, 947.
TO REGISTER, SMS <STUDENT NAME>, <CODE> TO 88765498
For enquiries, kindly call 65694897 or sms to 88765498 http://wa.link/w0xxk2
TUITION CLASSES:
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES:
By EX-MOE TEACHERS & EXPERIENCED TUTORS
@ BLK 644, BUKIT BATOK CENTRAL, #01-68. S(650644).
CALL 65694897 OR Whatapps 88765498 (Admin Staff).
JC H2 Maths and Physics Lecture Series Tuition
For all JC students taking H2 Physics or H2 Mathematics in 2019. Are you feeling lost or confused in class? Not able to keep up with your H2 tutor in school? Have you forgotten some key concepts and need focused revision? Are you anxious that your school’s syllabus is too slow and want to get a head start? Do you just want a refresher session on the weekend to help you retain all that content after class?
Here at Singapore Learner, we have topical lecture series to address these needs! Priced at a competitive rate of $120/- every 2 lectures, or $190/- every 4 lectures, you can attend whichever topic of your choosing at our given time slots. Our lecture series will cover the full content of the entire topic, without skipping or speeding up unnecessarily, as well example questions based on popular questions asked in tutorial, block tests, as well as the A-levels. Our small class size ensures that we can address every misconception a student in time. Strengthen your concepts and build towards that A-grade with us now!
Lectures start with H2 Maths followed by H2 Physics. Sign up for 20 lectures with us before 10th Feb and you can get them at an exclusive price of $890!
Saturday Lectures
16th Feb:
9:00am – 10:30am – Functions Part 1
10:45am – 12:15pm – Measurements Part 1
23rd Feb:
9:00am – 10:30am – Functions Part 2
10:45am – 12:15pm – Measurements Part 2
2nd Mar:
9:00am – 10:30am – Graphing Part 1
10:45am – 12:15pm – Kinematics Part 1
9th Mar:
9:00am – 10:30am – Graphing Part 2
10:45am – 12:15pm – Kinematics Part 2
16th Mar:
9:00am – 10:30am – Inequalities Part 1
10:45am – 12:15pm – Dynamics Part 1
23rd Mar:
9:00am – 10:30am – Inequalities Part 2
10:45am – 12:15pm – Dynamics Part 2
30th Mar:
9:00am – 10:30am – Sequences and series Part 1
10:45am – 12:15pm – Forces Part 1
6th Apr:
9:00am – 10:30am – Sequences and series Part 2
10:45am – 12:15pm – Forces Part 2
13th Apr:
9:00am – 10:30am – Differentiation Part 1
10:45am – 12:15pm – Work, Energy, Power Part 1
20th Apr:
9:00am – 10:30am – Differentiation Part 2
10:45am – 12:15pm – Work, Energy, Power Part 2
27th Apr:
9:00am – 10:30am – Maclaurin Series Part 1
10:45am – 12:15pm – Circular Motion Part 1
4th May:
9:00am – 10:30am – Maclaurin Part 2
10:45am – 12:15pm – Circular Motion Part 2
11th May:
9:00am – 10:30am – Integration Part 1
10:45am – 12:15pm – Gravitation Part 1
18th May:
9:00am – 10:30am – Integration Part 2
10:45am – 12:15pm – Gravitation Part 2
25th May:
9:00am – 10:30am – Definite Integrals Part 1
10:45am – 12:15pm – Temperature and Ideal gas Part 1
8th Jun:
9:00am – 10:30am – Definite Integrals Part 2
10:45am – 12:15pm – Temperature and Ideal Gas Part 2
15th Jun:
9:00am – 10:30am – Differential Equations Part 1
10:45am – 12:15pm – First Law of Thermodynamics Part 1
22th Jun:
9:00am – 10:30am – Differential Equations Part 2
10:45am – 12:15pm – First Law of Thermodynamics Part 2
29th Jun:
9:00am – 10:30am – Revision Lecture Pure Math Part 1
10:45am – 12:15pm – Oscillation Part 1
6th Jul:
9:00am – 10:30am – Revision Lecture Pure Math Part 2
10:45am – 12:15pm – Oscillation Part 2
Sunday Lectures
17th Feb:
9:00am – 10:30am – Vectors Part 1
10:45am – 12:15pm – Wave Motion Part 1
24th Feb:
9:00am – 10:30am – Vectors Part 2
10:45am – 12:15pm – Wave Motion Part 2
4th Mar:
9:00am – 10:30am – Vectors Part 1
10:45am – 12:15pm – Superposition Part 1
10th Mar:
9:00am – 10:30am – Complex Numbers Part 1
10:45am – 12:15pm – Superposition Part 2
17th Mar:
9:00am – 10:30am – Complex Numbers Part 2
10:45am – 12:15pm – Current of Electricity Part 1
24th Mar:
9:00am – 10:30am – Permutations and Combinations Part 1
10:45am – 12:15pm – Current of Electricity Part 2
31st Mar:
9:00am – 10:30am – Permutations and Combinations Part 2
10:45am – 12:15pm – DC circuits Part 1
7th Apr:
9:00am – 10:30am – Probability Part 1
10:45am – 12:15pm – DC Circuits Part 2
14th Apr:
9:00am – 10:30am – Probability Part 2
10:45am – 12:15pm – Electric Fields Part 1
21st Apr:
9:00am – 10:30am – Discrete Random Variables Part 1
10:45am – 12:15pm – Electric Fields Part 2
28th Apr:
9:00am – 10:30am – Discrete Random Variables Part 2
10:45am – 12:15pm – Electromagnetism Part 1
5th May:
9:00am – 10:30am – Normal Distribution Part 1
10:45am – 12:15pm – Electromagnetism Part 2
12th May Physics:
9:00am – 10:30am – Normal Distribution Part 2
10:45am – 12:15pm – Electromagnetic Induction Part 1
19th May Physics:
9:00am – 10:30am – Sampling Part 1
10:45am – 12:15pm – Electromagnetic Induction Part 2
26th May Physics:
9:00am – 10:30am – Sampling Part 2
10:45am – 12:15pm – AC Circuits Part 1
9th Jun Physics:
9:00am – 10:30am – Hypothesis Testing Part 1
10:45am – 12:15pm – AC Circuits Part 2
16th Jun Physics:
9:00am – 10:30am – Hypothesis Testing Part 2
10:45am – 12:15pm – Quantum Physics Part 1
23rd Jun Physics:
9:00am – 10:30am – Correlation and Linearity Part 1
10:45am – 12:15pm – Quantum Physics Part 2
30th Jun Physics:
9:00am – 10:30am – Correlation and Linearity Part 2
10:45am – 12:15pm – Nuclear Physics Part 1
7th Jul Physics:
9:00am – 10:30am – Revision Lecture Stats
10:45am – 12:15pm – Nuclear Physics Part 2
PROGRAMME HAS CEASED OPERATIONS, PLEASE REFER TO OUR REGULAR TUITION SCHEDULE
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.
- 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.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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 88765498. 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 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 Y1-Y4 SCIENCE PRACTICALS
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/
Importance of Lower Secondary Math and Science
A strong competency in lower sec math and science is often underrated by students and parents. The idea that after streaming at sec2, you will be able to drop one science subject, or simply just not being interested in A-math, is a dangerous idea to toy with.
Lower sec science explores all 3 major aspects of science, which are chemistry, biology and physics. By underperforming in lower sec science, students would have a tougher time choosing whichever science specialization they want to go to after streaming. Underperforming in lower sec science actually sacrifices the potential of the student, and results in lost opportunities. You must bear in mind that choosing a pure science subject in sec 3 onwards affords you certain opportunities in post-secondary education, and eventually in the workforce. It would be a shame to underperform in lower sec science, take combined science and then to eventually realize that you were meant to become an engineer or a science researcher. A strong foundation in lower sec science also prepares you for the intensity of pure sciences at sec3, as former concepts will not be covered again. You will not want to be playing catch up for your mistakes in lower sec come the O-level period.
Lower sec math teaches important concepts such as basic equations, basic indices, negative numbers and proportionality. As you can see, these topics are not covered in primary six. This means even if a student has an A* in PSLE math, there is a limitation on the amount of competitive advantage he has over his peers. Yes, the student might be more skilled in concepts relating to ratio, and creative solving in problem sums, but that does not help much in secondary math which focuses on rules, and further algebra. A consistent effort in lower sec math goes a long way into ensuring a smooth secondary school life, as many students often forget that E-math is compulsory. Another factor to consider is that an A in lower sec math allows the student to take A-math, which is necessary for certain industries such as accounting, and those industries generally enjoy high employability. A-math is also a ticket to entering JC, which can pave the way for their children to enter university. It would be disastrous if a child were to underperform in lower sec math and be rejected from A-math, eventually crushing their dreams of entering JC.
What puzzles me is that parents, students, and even tuition centres can completely neglect lower sec math and science, and de-prioritize it from their lives. If you are reading this, and you are a parent who is seriously concerned with the well being of your lower sec child, and you are unable to find proper avenues for help in lower sec math/science, I urge you to sign up for my lower sec math and science classes and seek my expert opinion.
Mr YS Pang, Sec Math and Science tutor at SL
For lessons, contact 9385 534.
Location: Blk 644, Bukit Batok Central, #01-68. S(650644).
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