Tag: O-level

Posted in EDUCATIONAL ADVICE

The big jump – from N-Level to O-Level …

Posted on by admin

I wish all N-level students good results come Monday. But as you know, even if you get good results, it’s just the beginning of another journey. If you intend to do your O-Levels, bear in mind that it’s going to be a rough journey, so you’d need to work extra smart and hard. The O-Levels is tougher than the N-Levels in at least three ways:

(1) Additional topics are added so you’d have to remember more facts and think more, and some of the exam papers are now longer;

(2) The questions in the O-Levels are harder both in intellect and in language use; you’d be expected to write longer answers in proper English for most of the papers;

(3) The marking is stricter for most of the papers. For eg, for the Sciences, you are expected to write proper units for the values you have calculated.

However, preparing for the O-Levels may actually be easier than for the N-Levels as there is much more educational support for the O-Levels – more guide or assessment books, more notes and prelim papers on sale, more tutors willing to coach you etc.

Anyway, I hope that when the N-Level results are released I’ll get a few calls telling me the good news. : )

LOOKING FOR THE BEST PLACE TO DO YOUR SCIENCE PRACTICALS? JOIN US!

We provide A-Level / H2 and O-Level Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Science (Physics/Chemistry/Biology) Practical Training for private / school candidates and homeschoolers, for both local (eg. H2, Singapore-Cambridge) and international exams (CIE, IB, IGCSE).

*Enjoy huge discounts on fees if your lab sessions start in January! Send a message to 88765498 for details.

Why Us?

  • Our teachers are highly qualified and very experienced, and we actually TEACH you good practical techniques.

  • We have been a one-stop comprehensive science practical centre providing solid practical training for ALL THREE sciences and for all levels and streams since 2017.

  • Our laboratory apparatus are exam-grade and the same as those used in MOE schools and our chemicals are all NEA-approved.

  • We have a structured practical training programme catering to the needs of both beginners and experienced students.

  • We have a small class size so that the teacher is able to observe the actions of each student more closely and demonstrate the correct practical techniques where and when necessary.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PRIVATE CANDIDATES 

The registration for ‘A’ and ‘O’ Level exams as a private candidate usually opens around early to mid-April (Please check SEAB website). If you are registering for a Science subject (Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Combined Sciences), at the time of registration in April, you will be asked whether you have done any science practical training in any school, centre, or institute. 

Thus if you are considering Singapore Learner as your science practical training provider, you must register with us and begin your science practical sessions for each subject BEFORE APRIL for us to certify that you have attended basic science practical training. Thus it is recommended that you commence practical training with us in Jan/Feb. Please note students usually do about 10 practical sessions per subject to be competent in practicals.

The following is taken from SEAB website:

“If you are registering for a Science subject with a practical paper, you:
• Must have sat the same Science subject(s) previously, OR
• are currently attending or will be attending a course of instruction in Science practical at any institute/school. You must complete the course of instruction in Science practical at the institute/school enrolled in. You are required to declare that you have fulfilled the above requirements at the point of registration. Registration for the subject may be cancelled without a refund of the examination fees if a false declaration is made.“

O-LEVEL PHYSICS PRACTICAL (Jan to Oct)

O-LEVEL CHEMISTRY PRACTICAL (Jan to Oct)

O-LEVEL BIOLOGY PRACTICAL (Jan to Oct)

HANDS-ON PRACTICAL CRASH COURSES (Jun, Sep, Oct)

MOCK EXAMS FOR SCIENCE PRACTICAL (Sep, Oct)

 

* If instead you are looking for a COMPLETE Science O-Level Prep program (Theory + Practical), then join our SCIENCE ACADEMY.

 

Note:  For training purposes, Pure and Combined Science students attend the same practical sessions as the syllabus for practicals is the same for both. The only difference between the two kinds of practicals is there are no Planning questions for Combined Science students.

HOW TO BOOK A LAB SESSION:

(1) Decide which Program or Lab sessions you need or most suitable for, by visiting the webpages of the practical subjects you are interested in (if you can’t find the labs you want, Whatapps us at 88765498). http://wa.link/w0xxk2

(2) WhatappS or Message our staff at 88765498 with your Name, Private or School Candidate, A or O level, Subject or Lab Name (e.g Lab PP2), Date and Time of Lab. (Our staff will then guide you on how to register and make payment. If you are not sure about the lab sessions, just state your Name and the Subjects and we will get back to you)

(3) Register Online by clicking below:

(4) Pay Registration fee of $50 via Paynow or funds transfer.

(5) Make the required payment for each lab session at least 7 days before the date of the lab session. (You may also pay for several sessions at one go to ensure that you will have a place in future slots)

 

FEES PER SESSION

Practical Training Session: $190

Mock Exam:- $240

Note: Above fees are subject to changes without prior notice.

 

Our Practical Centre:

Singapore Learner @ Bukit Batok

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

Tel: +(65) 6569 4897,   +(65) 88765498 (WHATAPPS) http://wa.link/w0xxk2

Email: singaporelearner@gmail.com

If you wish to visit us, kindly call or sms first. Thank you.

 

Posted in A. Math, Sec Math

Reflections on Sec 4 A. Math class (9/12/2012) …

Posted on by admin

Two new students joined us ytdy, one from Monfort Sec and one from SCGS. Apparently, I tutored the latter’s cousin a few yrs ago, all the way from Sec 2 to JC2 in Math and Physics, and who is now a first year undergrad; just learnt that he scored 2 A’s and 2 B’s in his A-levels (he might have told me about it); anyway, that proves my point, that you can come from a ‘neighbourhood’ sec sch and then go to a ‘low-ranked’ JC and still do well at the A-Levels. Contrast this with the two ex-IP students that I helped this year to re-take their A-Levels. So students out there pls wake up; no one owes you good grades.

The three tutees agreed to revise some sec 3 topics instead of me teaching them a Sec 4 topic. So for this class (Sat 2.15 to 3.45pm), I will only start teaching Differentiation in Jan 2013. So ydty two of them covered Indices, Surds and Log while the remaining one wanted to revise Trigonometry. Every time, I find joy in proving to students that Logarithms is a VERY EASY topic. Once you understand what a logarithm is, everything about it becomes very easy (I’ve posted another article on Log; pls do a search on it, under A Math study tips I think).

Trigo is a much harder topic, especially the proving of some Trigonometric Identities. However, there are heuristics to use in solving the latter, and these techniques work 95% of the time. I like ‘proving’ qns because there is no answer to find, and students normally dislike such qns precisely because there is no answer to find. But I can’t blame them; imagine spending 6 yrs of your life in pri sch only learning how to find answers, so students become obsessed with finding a numerical answer, and eventually get defeated by qns that ask them to prove something already known.

Ilyasa

Related pages:

(1) A. Math study tips.

(2) Sec 4 A. Math tuition.

 

Posted in A. Math, A. Math Tips

A. Math Reflections & Study Tips

Posted on by admin

(1) Simultaneous Equations

Generally an easy topic, but beware of certain kinds of questions such as:

(a) Questions involving reciprocals of x and y, such as

Solve  3(1/x) + 1/y = 1;  1/(x^2) + 1/(y^2) = 5

Ans: x = 1, y = -1/2 or x = -5/2, y = 5/11

Do not make common denominators and cross-multiply; the better technique is to let p = 1/x and q = 1/y.

(b) Questions involving coefficient matrices that are singular (determinant = 0), such as

Given that x and y satisfy the simultaneous equations mx + (m-1)y = 10 and (m-2)x + 3my = 20,

(i) if the equations have no unique solution, find the values of m; (ans: 1/2, -2)

(ii) if the equations have no solution, find the value of m.(ans: 1/2)

(adapted from Additional Math, EPB Panpac, p. 13)

 

(2) Indices, Surds & Logarithms

Generally an easy topic, except for students who do not understand or memorize the laws of indices and logarithms properly. I find that quite a number of weak students do not know the meaning of logarithm, thus not appreciating and enjoying the topic. Weak students do not realize that while Indices is concerned with the answer or expression obtained when a power is applied to a base number, Logarithms is about the power itself; the power that is needed to be applied to a base to give a certain number.

For eg, why is lg1000 = 3? ‘Evaluate lg1000’ or ‘What is lg1000?’ is the same as asking, “What is the Power that must be applied to the number 10 (the base) to obtain 1000?” Since 10^3 = 1000, therefore the answer is 3.

Weak students almost always make one or more of the following mistakes, thinking that (i) logA x logB = logA + logB, (ii) log(A + B) = logA + logB, (iii) logAB = logA x logB, (iv) (logA)^n = nlogA, (v) logAB^n = nlogAB, (vi) (a^m)^n = a^(m+n). All these are wrong.

How to be good in Indices and Logarithms? READ AND UNDERSTAND THE LAWS OF INDICES AND LOGARITHMS CAREFULLY. Yes, there is such a thing as READING MATH, not just practising Math.

 

(3) Quadratic Functions & Equations

Some of the points to note are:

(1) Understand that alpha and beta by themselves also satisfy the quadratic eqn because they are the roots of the equation! So it’s not just abt finding the sum and product of roots;

You must be able to solve questions like:

If α is the root of the equation x^2 = 2x – 1, show that α^4 – α^2 = 2α – 2.

(2) Understand that the discriminant (b^2 – 4ac) is less than or equal to zero when the question involves the phrase “for which the function is never positive or never negative”;

(3) Understand that sometimes you are required to solve an inequality involving the discriminant but at other times the inequality involves the function itself;

(4) Understand how to complete the square to determine the maximum or minimum value of a quadratic function;

(5) Recognise that “real and distinct roots”, “real and equal roots”, and “no real roots” have other names that express the same meaning.

TO BE CONTINUED ……….. (by Mr Ilyasa)

===================================================

For our latest timetable, click here =>  secbutton

 

 

Posted in Headstart Classes, Holiday Classes, Pure Physics

Sec 4 Physics Nov/Dec 2012 Headstart Programme – Electricity

Posted on by admin

For our latest timetable, click here =>  secbutton

 

==============================================================

ORIGINAL POST(OUTDATED):

 

The details of the 2-day, 6-hr programme are as follows:

Date/Time (choose one pair of sessions only):

(1) Sat 24 Nov (10 am to 1 pm) and Sun 25 Nov (10 am to 1 pm);

(2) Sat 8 Dec (10 am to 1 pm) and Sun 9 Dec (10 am to 1 pm);

Location: Blk 627, Bukit Batok Central, 07-640.

Class size: Max 6 students.

Investment amt: $150 total for both days (6 hrs).

Topics: Electrostatics, Current Electricity

Tutor:  Mr Ilyasa; M.Ed (NIE), PGDE (NIE), BSc (NUS), A-Level (RJC); ex-sch teacher, full-time tutor (8 years) of PSLE, O and A Level Math and Physics.

To book a place in the programme, sms to or call Mr Ilyasa at 97860411.

Posted in A. Math, Pure Physics, Sec Math

Sec 4 Physics, A. Maths One-to-One Tuition

Posted on by admin

 

For our latest timetable, click here =>  secbutton

=============================================================

ORIGINAL POST (OUTDATED):

 

Objective: Intensive Revision or Crash Course for O-Levels 2013

Focus: Understanding Key Concepts, Problem-Solving Techniques, Difficult Topics

 

DETAILS:

Available Time Slots:

Mon 4pm – 7pm

Thur 1.30pm – 4.30pm, 8pm – 10pm

Fri 6pm – 8pm

Sat 9am – 11am

Investment Amt: $80 per hr

Tutor: Mr Ilyasa; M.Ed (NIE), PGDE (NIE), BSc (NUS), A-Level (RJC); ex-sch teacher, full-time tutor (8 years) of PSLE, O and A Level Math and Physics.

Location: Blk 627 Bukit Batok Central #07-640

Average Class Size: 2-6 students

 

For appointment, call or sms to 97860411. Thank you.

Posted in Educational Advice, Personal

What subject combination to choose for Sec 3 or O-levels …

Posted on by admin

Enjoy up to 37.9% discount off the usual fee if you sign up in Nov or Dec!

We have been successfully tutoring secondary students in Math, Physics and Chemistry since 2007. 

If your child is currently struggling in his/her math or science studies, we recommend 1-1 tuition as the best way for him/her to get back on track.

HEAD START (NOV-DEC)

STANDARD WEEKLY TUITION (NOV-OCT)

INDIVIDUAL TUITION

SCIENCE PRACTICAL TRAINING

For enquiries, CALL 65694897 [office] or Whatsapp to 88765498 [Admin].

 

Based on my experience as a secondary school teacher, if you are now in Sec 2, here are the subjects I think you should choose for Sec 3 which will ultimately become your all-important O-Level subjects:

Other than (1) English, (2) Mother Tongue and (3) Mathematics, your other subjects should be:

(4) Additional Mathematics (A. Math is important for all higher level courses in Business and Science, including Engineering, and it will help you tremendously in JC Math (H1 or H2), as well as in math modules in the Polytechnics or ITE. Even a fail in A. Math is given some recognition for the purpose of application to some poly courses. Many university courses which do not require a pass in A-Level Math still require a pass in O-Level Additional Math. And NEVER, EVER drop A. Math even if your school asks you to; schools only care about their overall percentage passes and image, not about you. A school cannot force you to drop A. Math)

(5) Pure Chemistry or Combined Science with Chemistry (Chemistry is the central science. Without any O-level Chemistry, most likely you will not be allowed to do Chemistry in JC which in turn will bar you from taking any unversity courses related to the life sciences, such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy etc.)

(6) Whether you take Geography, History or Literature depends on your inclinations. If you are unsure, take History if you intend to go to a JC for it will train you in argumentative or discursive essay writing skills necessary for the General Paper (I took history last time, got an A1 for it and my GP grades were always B3 and above. If you intend to do Law, getting good grades in History and GP helps)

(7) If you want to be in Engineering or Aviation, you must take Physics. If you intend to work in the life or ecological sciences field, you should do Biology.

(8)(added on 21/10/2016) You may also need to consider your overall workload. By taking “triple science”, you may end up taking 8 or 9 subjects when you only need 6 to go to a JC and only 5 to go to a polytechnic. Bear in mind that you may also be more involved in CCA as Sec 3 students will soon become CCA leaders. For example, even though my daughter can do “triple science”, but because she is in the Art Elective Programme and also actively involved in the school band, she has decided to opt for double science instead and I’m happy for her.

Please be very serious in choosing the above subjects because they may actually determine your career in Singapore.

 

If you need academic help, kindly click on any of the following programs:

HEAD START (NOV-DEC)

STANDARD WEEKLY TUITION (NOV-OCT)

INDIVIDUAL TUITION

SCIENCE PRACTICAL TRAINING

For enquiries on the above, you may contact the tutor directly at 97860411.

SCIENCE PRACTICAL TRAINING:

O-LEVEL PHYSICS PRACTICAL

O-LEVEL CHEMISTRY PRACTICAL

O-LEVEL BIOLOGY PRACTICAL

O-LEVEL SCIENCE (PHYSICS) PRACTICAL

O-LEVEL SCIENCE (CHEMISTRY) PRACTICAL

O-LEVEL SCIENCE (BIOLOGY) PRACTICAL

 

 

Click on any related post below:

Beware the critical years in math education in Singapore.

TUITION FOR INTEGRATED PROGRAMME (IP) STUDENTS

TUITION CLASSES:

jcbutton          secbutton

ipbutton                    pributton

EDUCATIONAL SERVICES:

hwsupervbutton                   intensivebutton

headststart-1                   private-candidates

By EX-MOE TEACHERS & EXPERIENCED TUTORS

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

For enquiries, CALL 65694897 [office] or Whatsapp to 88765498 [Admin].

 

Posted in Pure Physics

Sec 4 Pure Physics Intensive Revision for O-Level @ Bt Batok by qualified and exp. tutor

Posted on by admin

For our latest timetable, click here =>  secbutton

 

=============================================================

ORIGINAL POST (OUTDATED):

 

 

If you need Topical Intensive Revision for Pure Physics for the coming O-Levels, the following programme is suitable for you:

Day/Time:  Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 6 pm to 7.30 pm (each slot is a different topic according to the Physics syllabus)

Start Date:  Monday, 27 August.

Location: Blk 627, Bukit Batok Central.

Class size: 2 to 5 students.

Investment amt: $50 per session.

Tutor:  Mr Ilyasa; M.Ed (NIE), PGDE (NIE), BSc (NUS), A-Level (RJC); ex-sec teacher (3 years); full-time tutor of O and A Level Math and Physics (8 years). To see his detailed resume, click here.

To book a tuition slot, sms to or call Mr Ilyasa at 97860411.

Posted in A. Math, Sec Math

A. Math Chap 2 – Quadratic Functions & Equations

Posted on by admin

I was teaching this topic in sch the other day and as expected, students encountered quite a number of problems with this topic. Many of my tuition students over the years also reported the same problems in handling issues related to Quadratic Functions.

Some of these problems are:

(1) not understanding that alpha and beta by themselves also satisfy the quadratic eqn because they are the roots of the equation! So it’s not just abt finding the sum and product of roots;

(2) not knowing the condition for the discriminant (b^2 – 4ac) when the question involves the phrase “for which the function is never positive or never negative”;

(3) not being sure whether one is required to solve an inequality involving the discriminant or the function itself;

(4) not knowing how to complete the square to determine the maximum or minimum value of a quadratic function (even those who can do it do not understand why it works!);

(5) not recognising that “real and distinct roots”, “real and equal roots”, and “no real roots” have other names that express the same meaning.

 

=============================================================

For our latest timetable, click here =>  secbutton

Posted in A. Math, Group Tuition, Sec Math

New Sec 4 A. Math class Fri 7.45 pm …

Posted on by admin

For our latest timetable, click here =>  secbutton

=============================================================

ORIGINAL POST (OUTDATED):

 

Sec 4   A. Math (Investment amt: $150 per mth):

Fri 7.45 pm – 9.15 pm; Course Code: s4amfri745. ( 3 vacancies) *NEW

Sat 10.45 am – 12.15 pm; Course Code:  s4amsat1045. (1 vacancy)

Sun 10.00 am – 12.00 pm;  Course Code:  s4amsun10. (IP Programme – $200 per mth) (2 vacancies)

 

 

_____________________________________________________________

SINGAPORE LEARNER

Singapore Learner provides Group Tuition, Individual Tuition, Intensive Revision, Enrichment Workshops, Headstart Classes, Holiday Classes and Crash Courses at the Primary, Secondary and Junior College levels in the areas of Math, Pure Physics, Pure Chemistry, Science, Economics, and General Paper for the Singapore A-Levels, O-Levels and PSLE.