Dear Parents / Students, the following lists our headstart programmes for S1-J2 levels.
P6 going to S1:
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Our weekly Sec 1 Arithmetic & Algebra workshop will begin on Fri 6 Nov 2015.
S2 / S3 / S4 ( in 2016):
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Our English, Math, Physics, Chemistry & Science HEADSTART classes will begin in the FIRST week of November.
S4 going to JC1:
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Our BRIDGING & HEADSTART classes for General Paper, Economics, Math, Physics & Chemistry will begin from 15 Nov 2015 onwards.
JC2 (in 2016):
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Our HEADSTART classes for General Paper, Economics, Management of Business, Math, Physics & Chemistry will begin from 15 Nov 2015 onwards
O-LEVEL | SEC 1-4 | MALAY LANGUAGE TUITION
Sec 2 Malay: Saturday | 1.30 pm – 3.15 pm | Code: S2ML1 (starting 7 Mar)
Sec 1 Malay: Saturday | 1.30 pm – 3.15 pm | Code: S1ML1 (starting 7 Mar)
TO REGISTER, SMS <STUDENT NAME>, <CODE> TO 97860411.
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Profile of Tutor:
Current MOE teacher, NIE-trained, more than 5 years’ experience teaching O-Level Malay Language, Postgraduate Diploma in Education from the National Institute of Education (NIE), Bachelor of Arts 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.
TO REGISTER, SMS <STUDENT NAME>, <CODE> TO 97860411.
For enquiries, kindly call or sms to 9786 0411.
Sec 1 (2015) Extended Algebra & Indices Math Holiday Enrichment for Post-PSLE students
This is the extension on our very successful annual S1 Math Headstart programme for post-PSLE students. It reflects the recognition of parents and students of the importance of Algebra in preparing for Secondary Math.
TO REGISTER, SMS <STUDENT NAME> , <S1EAI> TO 97860411.
Level/Subject: Sec 1 Extended Algebra & Indices (S1EAI)
Dates: Mon 29/12, Tue 30/12, and Wed 31/12 (three 3 hr sessions)
Time: 9.30 am – 12.30 pm
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.
Target Group: Suitable for post-PSLE students who have attended our S1AA course, or have basic knowledge of arithmetic involving negative numbers and algebraic expressions. RECOMMENDED for students going to INTEGRATED PROGRAMME schools as Indices is actually a Sec 3 topic but very important to learn early.
Purpose: To give post-PSLE students a STRONG FOUNDATION in the THREE MOST IMPORTANT TOPICS of secondary Math – Arithmetic, Algebra and Indices.
Topics: (1) Factorising Algebraic expressions; (2) Solving linear and fractional Algebraic equations; (3) Changing the subject of a formula; (4) Solving simultaneous linear equations; (5) Simplifying expressions involving Indices.
Focus: CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING
Format: Teaching + Worksheets + Discussions
Fee: Only $270 for all 3 sessions (inclusive of materials & refreshments)
Tutor: Mr Ilyasa (M.Ed., PGDE, B.Sc, Ex-MOE Teacher, Full-Time Tutor of PSLE, ‘O’ and ‘A’ Level Math and Physics since 2004).
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, 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, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree from the National University of Singapore.
TO REGISTER, SMS <STUDENT NAME> , <S1EAI> TO 97860411.
Choosing a sec school: Is it more important to be in a ‘Top’ school or the Top class?
If you are confident of being in the top class of a top school, go ahead and choose that school. This normally happens to students who have PSLE aggregate scores of more than 270. But if you happen to be in the bottom 20% of those admitted to a particular school, chances are, you will eventually not be in the top class of that school for your level.
What are the implications of not being in the top 20% of a school? In many schools, only the top 80 pupils get to do the Triple Pure Sciences plus A. Math in Sec 3, the subject combination that gives you the most choices when choosing subjects to do for the A-levels. Some schools even have only one such class. These top students are selected based on their end-of-year streaming exams in Sec 2.
The exams in top schools are of course difficult, thus many Sec 2 pupils in top schools find themselves disqualified from doing the Triple Pure Sciences (TPS) in Sec 3. If you are in IP school and doing badly, you may be barred from doing at least one Pure Science subject in Year 3. Thus a student who scored 240 in the PSLE may end up doing TPS in a ‘neighbourhood’ sec school whereas one who scored 252 to enter a top school may eventually be deprived of doing A.Math or one of the pure sciences only because the latter school set much harder exam questions in Sec 2!
Parents often forget that their once top-performing children may end up being the worst performing students in a top school, a result of being a small fish in a big pond, a possible reality that many students and their parents are not ready to face, after spending 6 years in a primary school where the child was the “darling” of the principal, HODs and teachers. Let me give you a few examples of the devastating effects of being an average or bottom student in a top school. I shall begin with my own experience:
(1) I did not work hard enough when I was in Sec 2 in RI in 1986. RI test and exam papers were tough so I had mediocre grades. Thus I was not given the option of doing Pure Biology. I could only take the Physics-Chemistry-History-Literature combination, in addition to other compulsory subjects. That meant I would not be allowed to do Biology at A-level, and at that time, Biology was a compulsory subject for choosing Medicine and Dentistry at the NUS. Thus many of us could not eventually become doctors simply because we did not do very well at RI’s sec 2 exam papers. Had I gone to a school near my home then, I’m sure I would have been in top 20% of that school as I was already in the top 2% at the national level for my cohort!
(2) Very recently, an NJC student has not been allowed to do H2 Math or H2 Chemistry in his Year 5. This means he will be excluded from ALL Science, Engineering or Medicine-related courses at most universities. With a PSLE score of 257, I’m sure he wouldn’t have been in the same predicament had he gone to do O-levels in a sec school whose COP is around 235-240, as NJC papers are way tougher than the papers of most schools at Sec 4 level.
(3) An RVHS student was retained in his Year 4 because of poor results. Imagine that your friends from non-IP schools getting places in JCs while you still have to struggle to pass your own school exams in Sec 4 again chiefly because your school sets harder exam papers. Repeating a year can be very hard for a student, both academically and psychologically.
(4) A HCI student was asked to take the O-levels instead because of poor performance. I found his academic standards below that of students from lesser known schools. This must have been a case of being demoralised from right from Sec 1. And he was NOT the only such case from HCI or NYGH that ended up with me since I started tutoring in 2004.
The above are just a few real examples. There many more cases of IP students being asked to do O-levels or leave the school to find an O-level school, or students in some top schools (IP or non-IP) being retained. The less serious cases involve students in top schools not being allowed to do certain subjects such as A. Math or a Pure Science. My point is that these very good PSLE performers might have fared better in less ‘prestigious’ schools, acing the O level exams and going on to top JCs and eventually getting 4 A’s at the A-levels. For example, I had a tutee (with very good PSLE score) who came from Tanglin Sec, went on to PJC and obtained enough A’s at the A-levels to get a place in a much-sought-after course in a prestigious university.
Some parents and students also have this mistaken idea that top schools have better teachers and better academic materials. BOTH of these perceptions are often wrong. If you are in a top school, most of the teachers EXPECT you to be either smart (can’t blame them on this right?) or have tuition. They teach fast and set very hard test and exam papers. Do they sound like nurturing or caring teachers to you? Top schools become top schools simply because they take in top students to begin with, not because they take in poor-performing students and are able to turn them around through skilful teaching.
In summary, to me, consistently being in the top class of your school is very important, regardless of which school you are in. And it’s just common sense that it is easier to academically dominate a good school than a top school.
There is NO NEED to compare your results or choice of school with friends or relatives or neighbours, or desire to be part of a ‘Top’ school. There is no need to be egoistic or elitist. There is no need to be exclusive, else you’d find yourself being excluded from many good things in life. Let others do what they want. You must have your own clear idea what success means. The end is almost always more important than the beginning. How you END your formal academic training matters more than how you started.
Ilyasa
About myself:
I was a secondary school teacher for 3 years before becoming a tutor in 2004. I also taught in a private school and in an international school. I’ve taught Math, Science, Physics and Chemistry to all kinds of students from Pri to JC and from all streams: Express, NA, NT, IP and IB. From my students and their parents I’ve learnt a lot about the various schools in Singapore, their problems, their strengths and so on. I also come from a family of teachers, and many of my friends are also teachers, HODs, VPs and Ps. I tutor my own children and they all have become proficient in Math and the Sciences. My youngest daughter just got her PSLE (2016) results and this will be the 3rd time I’m going through this school selection process. If you have any questions regarding schools, education or about tuition, feel free to contact me at 97860411. I will help answer your questions as best as I can. All the best!
(1) Choosing a secondary school …
(2) Beware the critical years in math education in Singapore …
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TUITION CLASSES:
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES:
By EX-MOE TEACHERS & EXPERIENCED TUTORS
@ BLK 644, BUKIT BATOK CENTRAL, #01-68. S(650644).
CALL 65694897 OR SMS 98530744 OR 97860411.
O-LEVEL | SEC 1-4 | MATH TUITION
Ad Hoc 1-1 Consultation (for the busiest of students)
Under this scheme, students do not need to register with our centre. If a student needs clarification on a particular topic in E.Math, A.Math, Physics or Chemistry, or needs help solving some questions in these subjects, he can just message the tutor (hp: 97860411, NUS grad, NIE-trained, Ex-RI) to book a 1-hr slot. Fee is $90 per hour and must be paid in advance to confirm the slot (no refund for a no-show whatever the reason). Lessons can be physical in-centre or online via zoom. Fee for home tuition (west area) is $180 per hour.
Weekly Regular Tuition
We have 2 modes of regular weekly tuition for our Math and Science classes (non-IP): Flexible Group Tuition and 1-1 Tuition.
FLEXIBLE HYBRID GROUP TUITION (FHGT) (Proven very effective personalised tuition for the busy student. Try it!)
Features:
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Very small class size (max 4 students)
-
Flexible schedule that allows for make-up lessons
-
Hybrid Dual Subject system to save on tuition fees.
-
Students can ask about their own school work
-
Fee Discount on Practical lessons for Science students.
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
MON (5-6.30PM): MATH | A.MATH
TUE (5-6.30PM): PHYSICS | CHEMISTRY
FRI (5-6.30PM): PHYSICS | CHEMISTRY
SAT (5-6.30PM): A.MATH | CHEMISTRY
MON (5-6.30PM): A.MATH | CHEMISTRY
Structure: Once a week, 4 times a month
Registration fee: $30
Monthly fee: $360
1-1 TUITION
Days: To be negotiated and agreed upon
Times: To be negotiated and agreed upon
Registration fee: $30
For further details, click on INDIVIDUAL TUITION.
Note: Our Upper Sec Math students enjoy a 20% discount when they book our science practical sessions (once a month). (Click here for —> SCIENCE PRACTICALS)
The Tutor for our Math program is a former MOE school teacher (ex-Rafflesian) who has been coaching students in ‘A’ Level & IB Physics and Mathematics for more than 10 years, as well as ‘O’ Level & IP Physics, Additional Math, E. Math and PSLE Math for more than 12 years. An alumnus of RI and RJC, he also 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).
For enquiries, you may msg the Tutor directly at 97860411.
If you need private 1-1 HEAD START, REVISION or RELEARNING of Math, Physics or Chemistry topics, kindly message our tutor directly at 97860411.
Articles:
Beware the critical years in math education in Singapore …
That ‘P5’ becomes S3 Math Olympiad Question – When is Cheryl’s birthday? – An in-depth discussion
Is metacognition part of the mathematics curriculum in Singapore?
TO REGISTER, SMS <STUDENT NAME>, <SUBJECT, DAY> TO 87762711
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.
SCIENCE PRACTICAL TRAINING
O-LEVEL PHYSICS PRACTICAL
O-LEVEL CHEMISTRY PRACTICAL
O-LEVEL BIOLOGY PRACTICAL
O-LEVEL | SEC 1-4 | ENGLISH TUITION
CONTACT US!
@ BLK 644, BUKIT BATOK CENTRAL, #01-68. S(650644).
CALL 65694897 OR Whatsapp 90065997.
NEW!! BUKIT BATOK TUITION SCHEDULE:
Secondary 1 English :
- Monday| 3.00 pm – 4.30 pm | Code: S1E1
- Tuesday| 6.00 pm – 7.30 pm | Code: S1E2
- Saturday| 10.45 am – 12.15 pm | Code: S1E3
Secondary 2 English :
- Monday| 3.00 pm – 4.30 pm | Code: S2E1
- Tuesday| 6.00 pm – 7.30 pm | Code: S2E2
- Saturday| 1.00pm – 2.30 pm | Code: S2E3 (2 slots left)
Secondary 3 English :
- Tuesday | 6.00 pm – 7.30 pm | Code: S3E1
- Saturday | 2.30 pm – 4.00 pm | Code: S3E2
- Sunday | 1.00 pm – 2.30 pm | Code: S3E3 (1 slot left)
Secondary 4 English :
- Tuesday | 6.00 pm – 7.30 pm | Code: S4E1 (2 slots left)
- Saturday | 11.00 am – 12.30 pm | Code: S4E2 (3 slots left)
- Sunday | 9.00 am – 10.30 am | Code: S4E3
TO REGISTER, Whatsapp <STUDENT NAME>, <CODE> TO 87762711.
Background of the tutor:
The tutor is an experienced teacher, an ex-HOD teaching in MOE for many years. He graduated from RI/RJC and has a B.A (hons) in History from the National University of Singapore. He is known to be a jovial teacher with his students, inspiring them to make tremendous progress in the English language and the humanities in their own time. A pioneer of his own R.A.S method and Prince James analysis, he offers a structured learning system for English and language arts, teaching students how to analyze and break down complex texts into simple points. An avid reader of current affairs and global news, he always brings something new to the table each class, and fresh content to keep the students engaged, and prepared for the exams to come.
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, Whatsapp <STUDENT NAME>, <CODE> TO 87762711.
For enquiries, kindly call 65694897 or whatsapp to 87762711.
_______________________________________
TUITION CLASSES:
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES:
By EX-MOE TEACHERS & EXPERIENCED TUTORS
@ BLK 644, BUKIT BATOK CENTRAL, #01-68. S(650644).
CALL 65694897 OR Whatsapp 90065997 OR 97860411.
Our HEADSTART programmes starting in NOVEMBER – REGISTER NOW!
A-LEVEL | JC | GENERAL PAPER TUITION (starting Sun 9 Nov – REGISTER NOW!)
A-LEVEL | JC | ECONOMICS TUITION (starting Sat 8 Nov – REGISTER NOW!)
A-LEVEL | JC | PHYSICS TUITION (starting Sun 2 Nov – REGISTER NOW!)
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Sec 4 (2015) Additional Math Headstart Tuition (starting Sun 2 Nov – REGISTER NOW!)
Sec 4 (2015) Pure Physics Headstart Tuition (starting Sun 2 Nov – REGISTER NOW!)
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P4-P6 MATH TUITION (starting Sat 15 Nov – REGISTER NOW!)
P4-P6 SCIENCE TUITION (starting Sat 15 Nov – REGISTER NOW!)
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TO REGISTER, SMS <STUDENT NAME> <SUBJECT CODE> TO 97860411
O-LEVEL | SEC | PHYSICS TUITION
Ad Hoc 1-1 Consultation (for the busiest of students)
Under this scheme, students do not need to register with our centre. If a student needs clarification on a particular topic in E.Math, A.Math, Physics or Chemistry, or needs help solving some questions in these subjects, he can just message the tutor (hp: 97860411, NUS grad, NIE-trained, Ex-RI) to book a 1-hr slot. Fee is $90 per hour and must be paid in advance to confirm the slot (no refund for a no-show whatever the reason). Lessons can be physical in-centre or online via zoom. Fee for home tuition (west area) is $180 per hour.
Weekly Regular Tuition
We have 2 modes of regular weekly tuition for our Math and Science classes (non-IP): Flexible Group Tuition and 1-1 Tuition.
FLEXIBLE HYBRID GROUP TUITION (FHGT) (Proven very effective personalised tuition for the busy student. Try it!)
Features:
-
Very small class size (max 4 students)
-
Flexible schedule that allows for make-up lessons
-
Hybrid Dual Subject system to save on tuition fees.
-
Students can ask about their own school work
-
Fee Discount on Practical lessons for Science students.
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
MON (5-6.30PM): MATH | A.MATH
TUE (5-6.30PM): PHYSICS | CHEMISTRY
FRI (5-6.30PM): PHYSICS | CHEMISTRY
SAT (5-6.30PM): A.MATH | CHEMISTRY
MON (5-6.30PM): A.MATH | CHEMISTRY
Structure: Once a week, 4 times a month
Registration fee: $30
Monthly fee: $360
1-1 TUITION
Days: To be negotiated and agreed upon
Times: To be negotiated and agreed upon
Registration fee: $30
For further details, click on INDIVIDUAL TUITION.
Please Note: Our Science lessons include Practical Training as well.
O-LEVEL PHYSICS PRACTICAL
The Tutor for our PHYSICS program is a former MOE school teacher (ex-Rafflesian) who has been coaching students in ‘A’ Level & IB Physics and Mathematics for more than 10 years, as well as ‘O’ Level & IP Physics, Additional Math, E. Math and PSLE Math for more than 12 years. An alumnus of RI and RJC, he also 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).
For enquiries, you may msg the Tutor directly at 97860411.
If you need private 1-1 HEAD START, REVISION or RELEARNING of Math, Physics or Chemistry topics, kindly message our tutor directly at 97860411.
TO REGISTER, SMS <STUDENT NAME>, <SUBJECT, DAY> TO 87762711
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.
STUDY TIPS
Study Tips: O-Level Physics Chapter 1- Measurement
Study Tips: O-Level Physics Chapter 16- Static Electricity
By EX-MOE TEACHERS & EXPERIENCED TUTORS
@ BLK 644, BUKIT BATOK CENTRAL, #01-68. S(650644).
CALL 65694897 OR SMS 87762711
Short-term ad hoc Math or Physics tuition during June Holidays 2014.
By all means, go for your holidays, even short ones (I’m going on 10, 11 and 12 June). However, if you had done badly in your SA1 or mid-year exams, do not let the June hols pass without reviewing your first semester work. For things will only get harder in the second semester, and some topics or concepts learnt in the first semester need to be used to understand some topics later in the year.
If you are too busy to attend weekly tuition, you might want to take the opportunity this June to consult a qualified and experienced tutor, for just a few hours and for a few difficult topics. Since it is the school holidays, the lessons can be in the mornings or early afternoons.
If you need solid tutoring in Pri, Sec or JC Math, or Sec or JC Physics, don’t hesitate to contact me at 97860411 and I’ll work out an arrangement for you. You may opt for individual tuition or in small groups of 2 to 4 students from the same class or school. Fees vary depending on the level and number of students.
If you have any queries, you may also call or sms to 97860411, or send an email to principal@singaporelearner.com.
If you are serious about improving your Math or Physics, hope to hear from you soon.
Rgds,
Ilyasa
List of ‘Top’ Secondary Schools (2012) in Singapore by Cut-Off PSLE aggregate score (2011)
Name of School | PSLE Cut-Off Score |
NANYANG GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL | 262 |
RAFFLES GIRLS’ SCHOOL (SECONDARY) | 261 |
RAFFLES INSTITUTION | 261 |
HWA CHONG INSTITUTION | 258 |
NATIONAL JUNIOR COLLEGE | 258 |
DUNMAN HIGH SCHOOL | 256 |
RIVER VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL | 254 |
METHODIST GIRLS’ SCHOOL (SECONDARY) | 250 |
CEDAR GIRLS’ SECONDARY SCHOOL | 249 |
CHIJ ST. NICHOLAS GIRLS’ SCHOOL | 249 |
CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL | 248 |
SINGAPORE CHINESE GIRLS’ SCHOOL | 248 |
ANGLO-CHINESE SCHOOL (INDEPENDENT) | 247 |
VICTORIA SCHOOL | 247 |
BUKIT PANJANG GOVT. HIGH SCHOOL | 244 |
ANGLICAN HIGH SCHOOL | 243 |
CRESCENT GIRLS’ SCHOOL | 243 |
NAN HUA HIGH SCHOOL | 243 |
ST. JOSEPH’S INSTITUTION | 242 |
CHUNG CHENG HIGH SCHOOL (MAIN) | 237 |
Related Links:
LATEST! :
(A) List of ‘Top’ Secondary Schools (2013) in Singapore by Cut-Off PSLE aggregate score (2012)
(B) Post-PSLE Math Enrichment: Sec 1 Arithmetic & Algebra (24 Nov & 1 Dec)
(C) WHAT FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A SECONDARY SCHOOL
(1) List of ‘Top’ Secondary Schools (2012) in Singapore by median PSLE aggregate score (2011)
(2) List of ‘Top’ Primary Schools (2012) based on GEP classes and Awards achieved.
(4) List of ‘Top’ Courses of Polytechnics (2012) in Singapore by net Cut-Off ELR2B2 aggregate
*To find out important details of a particular school, click on School Information Service.
If you are already in these schools, don’t be arrogant, don’t be complacent; you still need to study hard and intelligently. Good luck. : )
Ilyasa, M.Ed., PGDE, full-time tutor of Math & Physics (h/p: 97860411)
Related link: Beware the critical years in math education in Singapore …