Express-stream students taking the O-levels in 2o14 for the first time will do A. Math 4047, whereas those repeating their A. Math O-level exam in 2014 will do A. Math 4038. A. Math 4047 is likely to stay around for the next five years.
So what is the difference between A. Math syllabus 4047 and A. Math 4038? The difference is technically not much, but makes a world of difference for students and teachers. Here are the differences:
(1) Students no longer need to know the inverse matrix method of solving simultaneous equations.
(2) Students now need to memorize two new formulae:
(i) a^3 + b^3 = (a+b)(a^2 – ab + b^2)
(ii) a^3 – b^3 = (a-b)(a^2 + ab + b^2)
(3) For Trigonometry, students no longer need to know the Factor Formula or its reverse, the Product Formula. Thank God. (But for JC H2 Math, the Product Formula is useful in the integration of some trigonometric functions)
(4) For Plane Geometry, students no longer need to know the Intercept, Intersecting and Tangent-Secant theorems. Thank God. (Many IP schools skip this topic anyway).
In summary, the new syllabus has less sub-topics than the old one. This is good news for both students and teachers of our content-heavy math curriculum.
Rgds,
Ilyasa (hp: 97860411)
REMINDER: SEC 4 A. MATH, PHYSICS & CHEMISTRY HEADSTART CLASSES COMMENCE TOMORROW SATURDAY 16 NOV AND SUNDAY 17 NOV:
Sec 4 Physics: Every Saturday, 2.00 pm – 3.45 pm (Start Nov 16); Code: S4P2.
Sec 4 A. Math: Every Saturday, 4.00 pm – 5.45 pm (Start Nov 16); Code: S4M4.
Sec 4 Chemistry: Every Sunday, 11.00 am – 12.30 pm (Start Nov 10); Code: S4C1.
Location: Blk 627, Bukit Batok Central, 07-640
Class Size: 3-8
Tutors:
For Math & Physics: Mr Ilyasa (M.Ed, PGDE, B.Sc), former MOE Physics Subject Head with more than 10 years’ experience tutoring students in O-level, IP and A-Level Math & Physics.
For Chemistry: Mr Tan, NTU undergrad with 3 years’ experience tutoring students in O-Level, IP & IB Chemistry.
Monthly fee for each subject or slot is $180, inclusive of materials fee. Discounts apply for multiple subjects or slots.
All of the above courses will end by 15 Dec 2013 and will resume in the week starting 6 Jan 2014.
TO REGISTER, SMS <FULL STUDENT NAME>, <CODE> TO 97860411.
For enquiries, kindly call or sms to 9786 0411.
Reflections on my Sec 3 A. Math Headstart class today …
I was quite happy that three students turned up, knowing well that this is a ‘holiday’ period for them. I began with one of the easiest topics in Additional Math, Simultaneous Equations. The difference between Simultaneous Equations in E. Math and in A. Math is that in the latter, one of the given equations is non-linear.
Both the Elimination and Substitution methods can be used, but the latter is more popular. After teaching for half an hour, I gave them a worksheet to do, and selected 6 important questions for them to complete. But two of them were stuck at the first question and all three couldn’t complete the second question without my help. This was surprising because all three did quite well in their recent SA2 Math exam.
Their main problem was that they had forgotten some of their algebraic skills, such as in handling algebraic fractions and factorisation. Imagine not doing anything now about their math and starting to learn this ‘simple’ topic in Jan 2014. It is then easy to see why many students do badly in A. Math and in the pure sciences in secondary three. Sec 3 teachers teach at a fast pace and before students are ready, they move on to the next topic. I’m glad that some students and parents see the importance of attending headstart classes in Pure Math and Pure Science; it is not about being ultra-competitive; it is about survival.
Rgds,
Ilyasa
SEC 3 ADDITIONAL MATH CONSOLIDATION WORKSHOPS 11 NOV – 14 NOV
Consolidation workshops are for students who have performed poorly in their SA2 exams or in certain topics in their exams. These classes are intended for students to “consolidate” what they have learnt and re-learn if necessary. Such students are encouraged to attend these lessons before attending Headstart lessons.
(1) Indices, Surds & Logarithms: Monday, 11 Nov, 9.30 am – 12.30 pm; Code: S3MC1.
(2) Roots of Quadratic Equations & Inequalities: Monday, 11 Nov, 2 pm – 5 pm; Code: S3MC2.
(3) Polynomials & Partial Fractions: Tuesday, 12 Nov, 9.30 am – 12.30 pm; Code: S3MC3
(4) The Binomial Theorem: Tuesday, 12 Nov, 2 pm – 5 pm; Code: S3MC4.
(5) Trigonometry I: Wednesday, 13 Nov, 9.30 am – 12.30 pm; Code: S3MC5.
(6) Trigonometry II: Thursday, 14 Nov, 9.30 am – 12.30 pm; Code: S3MC6.
Administrative Matters:
Location: Blk 627, Bukit Batok Central
Max Class Size: 6
Fee: $80 for each 3 hr session.
Tutor: Mr Ilyasa (M.Ed., PGDE, B.Sc), former MOE Subject Head with more than 10 years’ experience tutoring students in Math and Physics.
TO REGISTER, SMS <FULL STUDENT NAME>, <CODE> TO 97860411.
For enquiries, kindly call or sms to 9786 0411.
REMINDER: SEC 3 A. MATH, PHYSICS & CHEMISTRY HEADSTART CLASSES COMMENCE THIS SUNDAY 10 NOV
Sec 3 A. Math: Every Sunday, 11.00 am – 12.30 pm (Start Nov 10); Code: S3M1.
Sec 3 Physics: Every Sunday, 9.30 am – 11.00 am (Start Nov 10); Code: S3P1.
Sec 3 Chemistry: Every Sunday, 9.30 am – 11.00 am (Start Nov 10); Code: S3C1.
Location: Blk 627, Bukit Batok Central
Max Class Size: 8
Tutors:
For Math & Physics: Mr Ilyasa (M.Ed, PGDE, B.Sc), former MOE Physics Subject Head with more than 10 years’ experience tutoring students in O-level, IP and A-Level Math & Physics.
For Chemistry: Mr Tan, NTU undergrad with 3 years’ experience tutoring students in O-Level, IP & IB Chemistry.
Monthly fee for each subject or slot is $180, inclusive of materials fee. Discounts apply for multiple subjects or slots.
All of the above courses will end by 15 Dec 2013 and will resume in the week starting 6 Jan 2014.
TO REGISTER, SMS <FULL STUDENT NAME>, <CODE> TO 97860411.
For enquiries, kindly call or sms to 9786 0411.
SECONDARY MATH & SCIENCE HEADSTART Classes for 2014 that will start in November 2013
For our latest timetable, click here=> 
=============================================================== ORIGINAL POST(OUTDATED):
Note: The secondary levels shown below are 2014 levels. For example, S4 Math is for students who will be in Secondary 4 in 2014.
Sec 3 A. Math: Every Sunday, 11.00 am – 12.30 pm (Start Nov 10); Code: S3M1.
Sec 3 Physics: Every Sunday, 9.30 am – 11.00 am (Start Nov 10); Code: S3P1.
Sec 3 Chemistry: Every Sunday, 9.30 am – 11.00 am (Start Nov 10); Code: S3C1.
Sec 4 Math (NA): Every Monday, 6.00 pm – 7.30 pm (Start Nov 4); Code: S4MN.
Sec 4 Math: Every Monday, 8.00 pm – 9.45 pm (Start Nov 4); Code: S4M1.
Sec 4 A. Math: Every Tuesday, 8.00 pm – 9.45 pm (Start Nov 5); Code: S4M2.
Sec 4 A. Math: Every Thursday, 8.00 pm – 9.45 pm (Start Nov 7); Code: S4M3.
Sec 4 A. Math: Every Saturday, 4.00 pm – 5.45 pm (Start Nov 16); Code: S4M4.
Sec 4 Physics: Every Friday, 8.00 pm – 9.45 pm (Start Nov 8); Code: S4P1.
Sec 4 Physics: Every Saturday, 2.00 pm – 3.45 pm (Start Nov 16); Code: S4P2.
Sec 4/5 Exp Science (Physics): Every Thursday, 6.00 pm – 7.30 pm (Start Nov 7); Code: S4P3.
Sec 4 NA Science (Physics): Every Thursday, 6.00 pm – 7.30 pm (Start Nov 7); Code: S4P4.
Sec 4 Chemistry: Every Tuesday, 8.00 pm – 9.45 pm (Start Nov 10); Code: S4C1.
Sec 4 Chemistry: Every Sunday, 11.00 am – 12.30 pm (Start Nov 10); Code: S4C2.
Administrative Matters:
Location: Blk 627, Bukit Batok Central (if you wish to visit or have a chat with the principal tutor, pls sms 97860411 first)
Max Class Size: 8
Monthly fee for each subject or slot for S1/S2/S3/S4 is $150/150/180/180 respectively, inclusive of materials fee. Discounts apply for multiple subjects or slots.
All of the above courses will end by 15 Dec 2013 and will resume in the week starting 6 Jan 2014.
TO REGISTER, SMS <FULL STUDENT NAME>, <CODE> TO 97860411.
For enquiries, kindly call or sms to 9786 0411.
Re-Learn & Refresh Classes for Sec 1 to Sec 3 students (2013) for Math, Science, A. Math and Physics Starting 22 Oct 2013
For our latest timetable, click here=> =============================================================== ORIGINAL POST(OUTDATED):
We understand that some Sec 1 to Sec 3 students have performed poorly in their recent SA2 exams for Math, Science, A. Math or Physics. Thus we will be conducting Refresher (Re-learn & Refresh) classes for these levels and subjects from 22 Oct onwards which will run until Dec 15:
S1 MATH: Every Tues, 4.30-6pm. (Start: 22 Oct)
S1 SCIENCE: Every Thurs, 4.30-6pm (Start: 24 Oct)
S2 MATH: Every Tu…es, 6.00-7.30pm. (Start: 22 Oct)
S2 SCIENCE: Every Thurs, 6.00-7.30pm (Start: 24 Oct)
S3 A. MATH: Every Tues, 8.00-9.30pm. (Start: 22 Oct)
S3 PHYSICS: Every Wed, 8.00-9.30pm. (Start: 23 Oct)
Class size: 3-8 students
Tutor: Qualified ex-MOE Teacher with 10 years’ experience; M.Ed (NIE), B.Sc (NUS), PGDE (NIE).
Individual, one-to-one tuition is also available upon request.
For registration or enquiries, call or sms to 97860411.
O-LEVEL INTENSIVE REVISION SCHEDULE FOR MATH & PHYSICS
For our latest timetable, click here=> =============================================================== ORIGINAL POST(OUTDATED):
To register, SMS Student Name, Email addr, Subject (code) to 9786 0411.
To confirm a place in any of the courses, upfront payment is needed, by cash, cheque or electronic bank account transfer.
Tutor: Mr Ilyasa, M.Ed (NIE), PGDE (NIE), B.Sc (NUS), ex-MOE Subject Head with 10 years’ experience teaching Physics, Math and A. Math.
Max no of students per class: 8
For enquiries, you may also call Mr Ilyasa at 9786 0411.
O-LEVEL ADDITIONAL MATH (4038) INTENSIVE REVISION / CRASH COURSE
For our latest timetable, click here=> =============================================================== ORIGINAL POST(OUTDATED):
O-LEVEL ADDITIONAL MATH (4038) INTENSIVE REVISION / CRASH COURSE
Periods: (A) 7 Oct to 10 Oct (4 days, 12 hrs) or (B) 14 Oct to 17 Oct (4 days, 12 hrs).
Time: (A) 9 am to 12 pm or (B) 1 pm to 4 pm.
Location: Blk 627, Bt Batok Central, 07-640. S(650627).
Focus: Topical Revision on how to solve “Must-Know” questions and problems, using a Metacognitive problem-solving approach.
Tutor: Mr Ilyasa, M.Ed (NIE), PGDE (NIE), B.Sc (NUS), ex-MOE Subject Head with 10 years’ experience teaching A. Math.
Fees: Total fees for four days (12 hrs) is $360.
Max no of students: 8
Registration: To register, send an sms to my hp no: 97860411, indicating Student Name, Email, A. Math (A) or A. Math (B), or email the same information to principal@singaporelearner.com.
Rgds, Ilyasa, Principal Tutor, Singapore Learner.
You can view my resume at https://singaporelearner.com/
91 DAYS TO O-LEVELS!
For our latest timetable, click here =>
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ORIGINAL POST(OUTDATED):
Singapore Learner provides Conceptual Revision classes for students to revise their work in preparation for their Prelim or O-Level exams.
Sec 4 A. Math (Investment amt: $180 per mth):
Tue 7.45 to 9.15 pm; Fri 5.45 to 7.15 pm; Fri 7.45pm to 9.15pm; Sat 2.15 pm to 3.45 pm; Sun 5.30 pm to 7.00 pm.
Sec 4 E. Math (Investment amt: $180 per mth):
Tues 4.00pm to 5.30pm; Thurs 4.00pm to 5.30pm.
Sec 4 Pure Physics: (Investment amt: $180 per mth).
Wed 7.45 pm to 9.15 pm; Fri 4.00 pm to 5.30 pm; Fri 7.45pm to 9.15pm; Sat 12.30 pm to 2.00 pm; Sat 4.00 pm to 5.30 pm; Sun 4.00 pm to 5.30 pm.
Sec 4 Pure Chemistry: (Investment amt: $180 per mth).
Mon 7.45 pm to 9.15 pm; Sat 10.45 am to 12.15 pm; Sun 2.15pm to 3.45 pm;
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Location: Blk 627 Bukit Batok Central #07-640
Class Size: 2-6 students
To register, kindly call or send an sms to 97860411, indicating the Student Name, the Subject and Level.