Posted in Recommended Books

Recommended Books for ‘A’ Level Physics & Math

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JC Math

For students to master each topic in JC Math, I would recommend the following series of books:

1. Power Maths H1 & H2

Publisher: Tavern learning Centre; Author: P K Lim

It comes in four Volumes. Volume 1 provides notes and examples for Sequences & Series, Functions & Graphs and Calculus. Volume 2 provides notes and examples for Vectors, Complex Numbers and Statistics. Volumes 3 and 4 provide a variety of difficult questions and worked solutions for all six topics.

How to use these books?

Use Volumes 1 and 2 to learn the theories of each topic and analyse the examples to understand and remember how different types of problems are solved.

Use Volumes 3 and 4 to either learn new techniques (if you don’t have much time left to study for exams) or to do self-practice. For the latter, cover the solutions when you attempt to answer the questions and after that mark your own solutions by comparing them with the model answers. If your answers are incorrect, seek to understand where, how and why you got them wrong.

If you often find yourself not understanding some parts of the model answers, then, yes, you’d probably need to consult a tutor. But you can first try asking your school teachers or friends first.

 JC Physics

For students to master each topic in JC Physics, I would recommend the following series of books:

1. Sears & Zemansky’s College Physics

Publisher: Pearson International Edition; Authors: Hugh D. Young, Robert M. Geller

This is a comprehensive reference book for A-level Physics. It is very informative but some of the worked examples are difficult to understand. But it is a must-have book for those of you who are very passionate about physics.

2. College Physics

Publisher: Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning; Author: Vuille, Serway

This book has worked examples that are easier to understand. It is also written in a simpler style which makes learning easier. A good reference book for JC Physics students to have.

3. Physics A Level Complete Yearly Solutions

Publisher: Themis Publishing; Authors: Thomas Bond, Chris Hughes

This book is good because of the examiners’ reports included in it. Students should read the examiners’ comments to know what is expected of them in answering A-Level Physics questions.

4. GCE ‘A’ Level Physics (Worked Solutions)(Classified Topic by Topic)

Publisher: Dyna Publisher Pte Ltd; Author: Phang Yu Hon

The answers to past A-Level questions provided in this book is generally better than those in other books; more comprehensive and more accurate. It is also excellent for providing answers to selected H3 Physics questions.

5. Physics A Level Challenging Drill Questions for H1. H2 (questions from top JCs)

Publisher: Cosmic Services; Authors: Thomas Bond, Chris Hughes

If students complete most of the questions in this book and mark their answers using the separate answer book, they will almost certainly get an ‘A’ for their A-level Physics.

6. Longman Advanced Level Physics

Publisher: Pearson Longman South Asia Pte Ltd; Author: Loo Kwok Wai

This book is actually a collection of A-Level Physics notes. It is good for beginning to intermediate level physics students as its many worked examples are gradual and easy to understand. Ideal for quick revision. Not comprehensive enough to be used as a reference text.


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Posted in Recommended Books

Recommended Books for ‘O’ Level Math, Physics & Chemistry

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SCIENCE (CHEMISTRY) HANDS-ON PRACTICAL CRASH COURSE

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MOCK EXAMS FOR SCIENCE PRACTICAL (Sep & Oct)


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

Tel: +(65) 6569 4897,   +(65) 87762711 (WHATAPPS) https://wa.link/rey2dv

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

 


 ‘O’-Level Elementary Math

For students to master each topic in ‘O’-Level  Elementary Math, I would recommend the following series of books:

1.    ‘O’ Level Elementary Mathematics Companion

Publisher: Casco Publications Pte Ltd; Author: Lee-Ann Goh

It comes in two volumes. Book 1 provides notes, examples and practice questions for Arithmetic, Algebra, Coordinate Geometry and Graphs. Book 2 provides notes, examples and practice questions for Geometry, Trigonometry, Sets, Matrices, Vectors and Statistics. Each book comes with fully worked-out solutions to all the practice questions.

How to use these books?

Use the two books to learn or revise the theories of each topic and analyse the examples to understand and remember how different types of problems are solved.

Then attempt to answer as many questions as you can in the Revision Exercises provided and after that, mark your own solutions by comparing them with the worked solutions. If your answers are incorrect, seek to understand where, how and why you got them wrong.

If you often find yourself not understanding some parts of the worked solutions, then, yes, you’d probably need to consult a tutor. But you can first try asking your school teachers or friends first.

If you have mastered most of the topics in ‘O’-Level and you need practice papers, then I would recommend that you complete the papers in the following book:

2.   G.C.E. ‘O’ Level Mathematics Paper 1 and Paper 2

Publisher: Casco Publications Pte Ltd; Author: Lee-Ann Goh

It has 10 ‘Trial Exam’ papers, with fully worked-out solutions for each paper. You should attempt each paper in the time allocated (2hrs for Paper 1 and 2.5hrs for Paper 2). Then mark your own solutions and reflect on your errors and learn from them.

3. Pass With Distinction, Elementary Mathematics (By Topic) with Solutions

Publisher: Shinglee Publishers Pte Ltd; Author: Teh Keng Seng, Loh Cheng Yee

 

  ‘O’-Level Additional Mathematics

For students to master each topic in A. Math, I would recommend the following series of books:

1. Pass With Distinction, Additional Mathematics (By Topic) with Solutions

Publisher: Shinglee Publishers Pte Ltd; Author: L. K. Lee

2. OLevel Additional Mathematics Revision Guide 3 and 4

Publisher: Pearson Longman; Author: Aven Choo

How to use these books?

Use the two books to learn or revise the theories of each topic and analyse the examples to understand and remember how different types of problems are solved.

Then attempt to answer as many questions as you can in the Practice Exercises provided and after that, mark your own answers. If your answers are incorrect, seek to understand where, how and why you got them wrong.

If you have mastered most of the topics and you need practice papers, then I would recommend that you complete the papers in the following book:

3. ‘O’ Level Additional Mathematics Revision Guide Paper 1 and 2

Publisher: Dolphin Publications

It has 14 challenging ’Revision Exam’ papers, with fully worked-out solutions for each paper. You should attempt each paper in the time allocated (2hrs for Paper 1 and 2.5hrs for Paper 2). Then mark your own solutions and reflect on your errors and learn from them.

 

 ‘O’ Level Chemistry

For students to master each topic in ‘O’-Level Chemistry, I would recommend the following series of books:

1. Understanding Chemistry ‘O’ Level

Publisher: GLM Pte Ltd; Author: Li Geok Jin

2. Pass With Distinction: Chemistry (By Topic)

Publisher: Shinglee Publications; Author: Sean Chua

3. ‘O’ Level Chemistry Workout (Structured and Free-Response Questions)

Publisher: Pearson Longman; Author: Lim Eng Wah, JGR Briggs

4. Effective Guide to ‘O’ ‘Level Chemistry (2nd Edition)

Publisher: Pearson Longman; Author: Lim Eng Wah

 

 ‘O’ Level Physics

For students to master each topic in ‘O’-Level Physics, I would recommend the following series of books:

1. ‘O’ Level Challenging Drill Questions Physics

Publisher: Cosmic Services; Authors/Compilers: Thomas Bond, Chris Hughes

2. Pass With Distinction: Physics (By Topic)

Publisher: Shinglee Publications; Author: Tan Kim Seng

3. ‘O’ Level Physics Workout (Structured and Free-Response Questions)

Publisher: Pearson Longman; Author: Gabriel Lionel Morris

4. 1001 Physics MCQs for ‘O’ Level

Publisher: Pearson Longman; Author: Tan Peng Yeon


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

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Posted in Sec Math, Track Record

Yay, my Sec 4 student topped her class in Math. : )

Congrats to Ameerah from Clementi Town Sec who obtained 24/25 for her most recent Math test. It’s my fourth good news in two weeks (before this, Daniel Lam from BPGHS topped his class in A Math, Peng Wee from CTSS did the same in Physics and Hanaa from Hillgrove Sec missed the top spot in her class for Math by just one mark).

Over the years, many of my tutees topped their classes, in Math and/or Physics. Is there a secret to their accomplishments? No, and Yes. It’s not a secret that they all worked hard and smart. The secret is, and I intend to keep it as a trade secret, is what I tell them in class, at the crucial moments. The power of words, truly amazing.

In case you don’t believe, let me tell you of another student, Victoria, formerly from Nan Hua High, now in RI year 6. Her math results were very inconsistent, but she obtained A1 for both in the O-levels. She didn’t attend my lessons in the last month before the O-levels because I kind of scolded her badly, and she decided to study by herself. When she called to inform me of her O-level results, I asked her what caused the change, and she said, “It’s something you said.”

The lesson for teachers and tutors is, be careful of what you say to your students. I’ve made mistakes in this area before, in my first few years of teaching. If you are a parent, please be even more careful of what you say to your children. Words have power beyond our comprehension.

Rgds,

Ilyasa

Posted in Pure Physics

S4 Pure Physics O-Level Conceptual Revision: Exam Prep beginning 2nd week of April

 

For our latest timetable, click here =>  secbutton

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ORIGINAL POST(OUTDATED):

Conceptual Revision classes are for Sec 4 students to revise their Sec 3 work in preparation for their SA1 or Prelim exams. For Physics we will be having three such weekly slots (sms or call 97860411 to register):

Level/Subject:  S4 Pure Physics

Days/Times:

(1) Wednesdays, 7.45pm to 9.15 pm;

(2) Saturdays, 12.30pm to 2.00 pm;

(3) Sundays, 4.oo pm to 5.30 pm.

Location: Blk 627 Bukit Batok Central #07-640

Topics: Sec 3 Physics topics, such as Kinematics, Dynamics, Heat and Waves, including Light and Sound.

Target Group: This series of revision workshops is suitable for low to medium ability Sec 4 Physics students who need to revise their Physics in a systematic and effective way. High ability Sec 3 students may also attend these sessions to revise or have a headstart on their Physics.

Focus: Conceptual Understanding, Solving Challenging or Tricky Physics Problems, Exam-Answering Techniques.

Format: Lecture + Worksheets + Discussions

Fees: $200 per month

Class Size: 2 to 6 students.

Tutor: Mr Ilyasa; M.Ed (NIE), PGDE (NIE), BSc (NUS), Ex-RI/RJC; ex-sch teacher, full-time tutor of PSLE, O and A Level Math and Physics. (h/p: 97860411)

ilyasa2

A former secondary school Physics teacher, Mr Ilyasa has been coaching students in ‘A’ Level (H2/H1) Physics and (H2/H1) Mathematics for more than 7 years, as well as ‘O’ Level Physics, Additional Math, Math and PSLE Math for more than 10 years. An alumnus of RI and RJC, Mr Ilyasa holds a Bachelor of Science degree with Merit from the National University of Singapore, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education with Credit from the National Institute of Education, Singapore, and a Master of Education (Curriculum & Teaching) degree also from the NIE, Singapore.

To register, kindly call or send an sms to 97860411.

Posted in Pure Physics, Sec Science

Sec 4 Physics Tuition By Ex-Sch Teacher

 

 

For our latest timetable, click here =>  secbutton

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ORIGINAL POST(OUTDATED):

 

 

Sec 4 Physics (Fast-Track):      Sunday | 9.30 am – 11.15 am | Code: S4P1

Sec 4 Physics:      Tuesday | 8.00 pm – 9.45 pm | Code: S4P2

Sec 4 Science (Physics):      Tuesday | 8.00 pm – 9.45 pm | Code: S4P3

Sec 3 Physics:      Friday | 4.00 pm – 5.45 pm | Code: S3P1 

Sec 1-2 Physics (IP / Fast-Track):      Thursday | 6.00 pm – 7.45 pm | Code: S12PIP

 Related link:  S4 Physics Tuition Schedule 2015

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The Tutor:

Mr Ilyasa:  A former MOE school teacher, Mr Ilyasa has been coaching students in ‘A’ Level & IB Physics and Mathematics for more than 6 years, as well as ‘O’ Level & IP Physics, Additional Math, E. Math and PSLE Math for more than 10 years. An alumnus of RI and RJC, Mr Ilyasa holds both a Master of Education degree and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education with Credit from the National Institute of Education (NIE), as well as a Bachelor of Science degree from the National University of Singapore (NUS).

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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.

TUITION FEES

TO REGISTER, SMS <STUDENT NAME>, <CODE> TO 97860411.

For enquiries, kindly call or sms to 9786 0411.

Posted in Pure Physics, Sec Science

Sec 3 Physics Tuition By Ex-Sch Teacher

 

For our latest timetable, click here =>  secbutton

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ORIGINAL POST(OUTDATED):

 

Sec 3   Physics:  (Investment amt:  $180 per mth).

Wed 5.45 pm to 7.15 pm;

Sat 10.45 am to 12.15 pm;

Tutor: Mr Ilyasa; M.Ed (NIE), PGDE (NIE), BSc (NUS), Ex-RI/RJC; ex-sch teacher, full-time tutor of PSLE, O and A Level Math and Physics. (h/p: 97860411)

ilyasa2

A former secondary school teacher, Mr Ilyasa has been coaching students in ‘A’ Level (H2/H1) Physics and (H2/H1) Mathematics for more than 7 years, as well as ‘O’ Level Physics, Additional Math, Math and PSLE Math for more than 10 years. An alumnus of RI and RJC, Mr Ilyasa holds a Bachelor of Science degree with Merit from the National University of Singapore, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education with Credit from the National Institute of Education, Singapore, and a Master of Education (Curriculum & Teaching) degree also from the NIE, Singapore.

DETAILS:

Location: Blk 627 Bukit Batok Central #07-640

Average Class Size: 2-6 students

To register, kindly call or send an sms to 97860411, indicating the Student Name, the Subject and Level.

Posted in Pure Physics, Sec Science

Sec 4 Physics Reflections 03/02/13 – Current Electricity

Today, I asked them a few questions to improve their conceptual understanding of electricity:

(1) What is the difference between e.m.f and potential difference?

(2) What is the difference between resistance and resistivity?

(3) How do you derive the unit for resistivity?

(4) Why does the resistance of a metallic conductor increase when its temperature increases?

(5) Why is the ammeter connected in series to a resistor but the voltmeter is connected in parallel?

Some points to note:

(1) Resistance is NOT the gradient of the V-I graph.

(2) The I-V and V-I graphs of a conductor may be different and you’ll need to understand why and explain the difference.

Rgds,

Ilyasa, M.Ed, PGDE, ex-MOE Math and Physics teacher (hp: 97860411)

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For our latest timetable, click here =>  secbutton

Posted in Pure Physics

Sec 4 Physics Reflections 27/01/13 – Applications of Electrostatics

I wanted to proceed to Current Electricity, but the students wanted more discussion on how to answer application questions on electrostatics.

So I supplied them with quite a number of such application questions, often with confusing diagrams. The key to answering such questions is to first draw the distribution of charges on the items in the diagram, and identify which objects are conductors and which are non-conductors. For the conductors, check whether they are insulated from the surroundings.

Key points to note:

(1) Only non-conductors can be charged by rubbing (why?)

(2) Electrons can flow into and out of only conductors, and only when the conductors are in contact with other conductors (why?)

(3) A charged object can attract a neutral conductor (why?) and a charged object can also attract a neutral non-conductor (why?)

(4) Upon contact with a highly charged object, a conductor behaves differently from a non-conductor (why?)

Rgds,

Ilyasa, M.Ed, PGDE, ex-MOE Math and Physics teacher (hp: 97860411)

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For our latest timetable, click here =>  secbutton

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Posted in Pure Physics

Sec 4 Physics Reflections sun1415 20/01/2013 – Electrostatics

I completed the teaching of Electrostatics to this class of 6 eager boys from a top school. First I showed a video of how a home-made electroscope is used to determine the kind of charge on a rubbed insulator.

I like to link topics to real life, so I described to them one of my roles while serving NS – to attach cargo to the bottom of a helicopter in what is commonly known as “underslung” operations. But we have to discharge the helicopter first, which is flying above our heads, using a long earth wire, else we may get an electric shock.

We covered definitions, procedures and concepts such as electric field and electric field lines. I even taught them an A-Level formula, F = Qq/kr^2, so that they understand that the electric force between two charged particles is the same for both charges even though the sizes of the charge on them are different.

We also discussed answers to a challenging worksheet and true enough, the students have certain misconceptions about charges and their movement.

Next week, we’ll start on Current Electricity. It’ll be fun.

Ilyasa, M.Ed, PGDE, ex-MOE teacher

(hp: 97860411)

 

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For our latest timetable, click here =>  secbutton

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Posted in Exam Results

My (our) students’ O-Level (2012) results released in 2013

Ok la, this year I shall break tradition by posting whichever results my last year’s students inform me of. One has just come in. I will update throughout the week as I get more results (sometimes students are just forgetful).

Physics: Luke, A2 (from b4 avg, failed in sec 3 (his mum just told me), St Pat’s sch, Farkhanda, B3 (from fail avg)

Chemistry (under Mr Anthony): Charmaine A2; Bandar A2; Luke, B3; Farkhanda, B4. (from fail avg)

Science: Ben, B3.

A. Math: Ameerul, C5 (from fail avg, Yuhua sec); Loges, B3 (from C5-C6 avg, ACS(I)); Ravin, B3 (from fail avg); Rahim, B3 (from C5-C6 avg); Jin Yong, A1 (from B4 avg); Farkhanda, B3 (from fail avg).

Math: Ali Zul, B3 (from C5-C6 avg); Colin, B3 (from C5)

This year, I shall also break tradition in another way, by posting a testimonial from a student, Ravin. Below is the exact words that he smsed to me at 10.06 am on 11 Jan 2013:

“My plan is to do engineering. More to aerospace or aeronautical. I will put my first few choices as that the rest I’m still thinking. Last choice will be MI. Yes Mr Ilyasa, a lot of improvement. I did not put in a lot of effort for A-math and my sci in secondary school. In fact I was failing but I’m happy to see that I got Bs and A for my math and sci but it’s really disappointing to see a 6 for EL. Thank you for your help Mr Ilyasa. You make lesson so fun and you taught me a lot. : ) “

Well, he taught me a lot too.

Waiting for more updates from more students …..

Ilyasa, M.Ed., PGDE, full-time tutor, ex-sch teacher (h/p: 97860411)