Posted in Schools

List of ‘Top’ Secondary Schools (2012) in Singapore by Median PSLE aggregate score (2011) of their Sec 1 cohort

 

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O-LEVEL | SEC | PHYSICS TUITION

O-LEVEL | SEC | A. MATH TUITION

O-LEVEL | SEC 1-4 | MATH TUITION

O-LEVEL | SEC | CHEMISTRY TUITION

O-LEVEL | SEC 1-4 | ENGLISH TUITION

O-LEVEL | SEC 1-4 | MALAY LANGUAGE TUITION

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[I] = Independent; [A] = Autonomous; [SAP] = Special Assistance Plan; [IP] = Integrated Programme.

NAME OF SCHOOL (Median Aggregate Score available in 2011) [Type of School]

Nanyang Girls’ High (266)[I, SAP, IP]

Raffles Girls’ Sec (265)[I, IP]

Raffles Institution (264)[I, IP]

Hwa Chong Institution (261)[I, SAP, IP]

Dunman High (259)[A, SAP, IP]

National Junior College (259)[IP]

River Valley High (257)[A, SAP, IP]

Methodist Girls’ (254) [I,IP]

Cedar Girls’ Sec (253)[A, IP]

Catholic High (252)[IP, A, SAP]

CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls’ (252)[IP, A, SAP]

Anglo-Chinese (Independent) (252)[I, IP]

Singapore Chinese Girls’ (252)[I,IP]

Victoria (251)[A, IP]

Anderson Sec (248)[A]

Anglican High (247)[A, SAP]

Nan Hua High (247)[A, SAP]

Bukit Panjang Government High (247)[A]

Crescent Girls’ (246)[A]

St. Joseph’s Institution (245)[I,IP]

CHIJ Sec (Toa Payoh) (243)[A]

Chung Cheng High (Main) (241)[A, SAP]

Nan Chiau High (241)[SAP]

St. Margaret’s Sec (241) [A]

Tanjong Katong Girls’ (240)[A]

Xinmin Sec (240)[A]

Commonwealth Sec (239)[A]

Fairfield Methodist School (Secondary) (239) [A]

Yishun Town (239) [A]

Swiss Cottage Sec (238)

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 cut-off PSLE aggregate score (2011)

(2) List of ‘Top’ Primary Schools (2012) based on GEP classes and Awards achieved.

(3) 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 …

Posted in Educational Advice

Should N-Level graduates opt for the direct poly route?

From 2013 onwards, top N-Level graduates can go to polytechnics without first having O-Level certificates, either by undergoing a one-year foundation course in the polys for the top 10%, or by doing a Higher Nitec course at the ITE for the next top 20% of their N-Level cohort.

So would it be a wise choice for an N-Level grad to opt for direct entry into a poly, instead of first sitting for the O-Levels? Well, in my opinion, with regard to certification, they face about the same problem as top Express stream students when deciding whether to choose an IP programme or enrol in an O-Level sec school.

An IP student who fails his A-Levels only has a PSLE cert to show, which, despite all the stress it causes, counts for next to nothing. If an N-Level holder fails to get a poly diploma, he would have only his N-Level cert for employment purposes (still sounds better than just having a PSLE cert right?). But I believe many jobs today require at least 3 or 5 O-Level passes. So I think it’s still wise to have an O-Level cert.

However, the O-Level route is a very academic one, and may not suit all N-Level grads, especially those who are weak in English and Mother Tongue. But having a good O-Level cert also allows a student to enter a JC.

So, I think, in the final analysis, whether or not a top N-Level grad chooses to bypass the O-Levels in his quest to enter a poly should depend on whether he believes he can do well in the very theoretical and academic O-Level programme. I’m certain the poly foundation program or the Higher Nitec course has a more hands-on approach to learning and solving problems.

Ilyasa

Related Articles:

From N- Level to O- Level

Between JC and Poly

O-LEVEL EXAM PREPARATION FOR PRIVATE CANDIDATES

 

 

 

Posted in Pure Physics

Reflections on Sec 4 Physics class (9/12/12) …

Just like in the Sec 4 A Math class ytdy, we revised Sec 3 Physics instead, but I will move on to Electricity in Jan 2013. The two students in this class are from Nan Hua and NJC, in case you want to know, although I find it strange that parents ask me which schs the students come from (I’ll write another article soon – ‘The kinds of parents who call me’). C’mon, if you are weak in Physics, you are weak in Physics, even if you are a graduate from Harvard. Apparently, parents are concerned about the syllabi. However, let me tell you something – even two IP schs or two non-IP schs can be at different topics in Physics at the same time. As for level of difficulty, Sec 4 Physics is Sec 4 Physics; no IP sch is going to teach Quantum Physics at Sec 4 ok, except, maybe, NUS High. In fact, some O-level sch prelim papers are harder than those of the IP schools.

We covered Kinematics and Moments ytdy, and as usual, students have misconceptions about free-falling objects, free body diagrams, kinematics graphs and what constitutes ‘perpendicular distance’ and ‘line of action of the force’ in the calculation of moments. Since they were new students, I also listed the 6 ways that examiners make physics questions difficult, and these have nothing to do with physics! (I will post an article abt this some time soon). Every year, I find that students THINK that they know Kinematics and Dynamics, but they can’t answer some conceptual questions I ask. Even some JC students have actually not understood their Sec 3 Physics!

Ilyasa

Related post:

(1) Sec 4 Physics tuition.

Posted in A. Math, Sec Math

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

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 Educational Advice, Schools

List of Top (Academically Very Good) Secondary Schools in Singapore …

This is just my informed opinion.

[I] = Independent; [A] = Autonomous; [SAP] = Special Assistance Plan; [IP] = Integrated Programme.

NAME OF SCHOOL (GCE O-LEVEL BAND IN 2010) [Type of School]

Anderson Sec (1)[A]

Anglican High (1)[A, SAP]

Anglo-Chinese (Independent) (NA)[I, IP]

Bukit Panjang Government High (1)[A]

Catholic High (1)[A, SAP]

Cedar Girls’ Sec (1)[A, IP]

CHIJ Sec (Toa Payoh) (2)[A]

CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls’ (1)[A, SAP]

Chung Cheng High (Main) (2)[A, SAP]

Chung Cheng High (Yishun) (3)

Commonwealth Sec (3)[A]

Crescent Girls’ (1)[A]

Dunman High (NA)[A, SAP, IP]

Hwa Chong Institution (NA)[I, SAP, IP]

Maris Stella High (3)[A, SAP]

Methodist Girls’ (1) [I]

Nan Chiau High (2)[SAP]

Nan Hua High (2)[A, SAP]

Nanyang Girls’ High (NA)[I, SAP, IP]

National Junior College (NA)[IP]

Raffles Girls’ Sec (NA)[I, IP]

Raffles Institution (NA)[I, IP]

River Valley High (NA)[A, SAP, IP]

Singapore Chinese Girls’ (1)[I]

St. Joseph’s Institution (2)[I]

Swiss Cottage Sec (3)

Tanjong Katong Girls’ (2)[A]

Tanjong Katong Sec (2)[A]

Temasek Sec (3)[A]

Victoria (1)[A, IP]

Xinmin Sec (2)[A]

Zhonghua Sec (2)[A]

*To find out important details of a particular school, such as the median PSLE aggregate of it’s sec 1 cohort, 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. : )

Related articles/posts

(a) Beware the critical years in math education in Singapore.

(b) Not all IP students make it ….

(c) Sec 1 (2013) Algebra Headstart Programme in Nov/Dec for post-PSLE students

(d) List of ‘Top’ Secondary Schools in Singapore by median PSLE score (2011) of their Sec 1 cohort

Good Luck,

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

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Posted in Schools

Is every school in Singapore a good school?

When we are talking about good schools, are we referring to the schools’ (1) teachers, (2) facilities, (3) programmes or (4) students?

If we are referring to just aspect (1), yes, I would agree that all schools here are good schools, in the sense that most of the teachers are qualified, experienced and dedicated to their profession.

But if we are talking about facilities and programmes, we know that some schools get more funding and more autonomy in deciding their curriculum. We can see with our own eyes that some school complexes are physically much bigger and in some schools nearly all or all of the classrooms are air-conditioned, which really makes learning more comfortable. We also know for sure that some schools provide more CCA options and have a greater variety of enrichment activities. So with respect to (2) and (3), it’s kind of a stretch to say that every school here is a “good” school.

Through the PSLE system and streaming, we have created elite schools and ‘neighbourhood’ schools. Do you think students in these two kinds of schools perform and behave in classrooms the same way? Many of my family members, in-laws and relatives are teachers or ex-teachers. We meet at least once a year, often sharing stories of what goes on in the schools. The result? Suffice to say that I will not send my children to certain schools. Because of this, it will be against my conscience to say that every school in Singapore is a good school.

It is a good and noble aim, to make every school in Singapore a good school. But to achieve results, it has to be done sincerely and with a strong will, because teachers, parents and students can see for themselves what actually happens in the schools. How schools are viewed by parents and prospective students cannot be changed by oral persuasion alone.

Ilyasa

 

Posted in Pure Physics

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

For our latest timetable, click here =>  secbutton

 

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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, Group Tuition, Sec Math

Sec 4 A. Math Group Tuition @ Bt Batok by qualified and exp. tutor

For our latest timetable, click here =>  secbutton

 

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If you are struggling with A. Math for the coming O-Levels and you need guidance for certain topics, the following tuition slots are suitable for you:

Day/Time:  Mon 4.30 to 6 pm, Wed 4.30 to 6 pm.

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 Administrative, Educational Advice, Universities

List of recognised or approved universities and educational institutes in Singapore

It’s heartbreaking to enrol in a degree or diploma course and to find out later that your degree or diploma is not recognised or cannot be used to be registered as a practicising professional in Singapore. So use the following links before you decide to apply to a particular university, college or institute:

1. List of recognised Universities and Post-secondary Institutes with campuses in Singapore

2. List of Approved Universities for Admission to the Singapore Bar

3. List of Registrable Basic Medical Qualifications for practice in Singapore

Fyi, if you spend at least 3 years studying in the campus of an overseas university that is recognised by the government of that country, the degree is also valid in Singapore for the purpose of recognising you as a degree holder. For example, if you had spent 3 or 4 years doing a degree in the University of Malaya (which is recognised by the Malaysian government), you are also considered a degree-holder if you apply to work in the Singapore Civil Service. However, restrictions apply to professional courses such as Law, Medicine and Accountancy.

 

Related articles:

(a) Between JC and Poly.

(b) What subject combination to choose in JC.

(c) What to do if your A Level results are bad.

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Posted in A-Level, Educational Advice, Personal

What to do if your A-level results are bad …

It’s ok if you cried at first, because chances are, you are below 21 and legally, you are still a child. But let that be for just one day, and no more after that. The past is over. You cannot change your past, but you can still influence your future.

(1) Do not blame others. The first step in making any kind of improvement to yourself is not to blame your teachers, your tutors, your notes, your handphone etc. Blame yourself. It was YOUR show. Only YOU can fail your self and only YOU can make your self succeed.

(2) Reflect on yourself. What went wrong?

(3) Search and find your true self. What are your real interests? What is your passion?

(4) Plan your next course of action. What can you do with poor A-level results? Here are some options:

(a) Redo your A-levels. If you didn’t get an overall pass, redo it in your own JC; you’d still need the right environment and the support. If you obtained a bad pass, you will not be allowed to redo it in your JC, yet you will not be given any place in any local university. So you either self-study, get tuition, or enrol yourself in a private school like SLA or MDIS College. But re-taking A-levels will not bear fruit unless you do steps (2) and (3) above properly; if you continue your bad habits and bad strategies or you simply did not like the subjects you were taking, it’d be very hard for you to be self-disciplined and to maintain focus. You don’t get different results by doing the same things the same way over and over again (in fact, Einstein called that kind of expectation, “insanity”).

(b) Go overseas (if you have the money or get some kind of sponsorship, loan or bursary). Do the SAT and go to the US, or do a foundation year in Australia and move up.

(c) Apply to a local polytechnic to get a Diploma (but make sure you do steps (2) and (3) carefully first). With a good poly diploma, you can still get into a local university. But I think you should apply to a poly using your O-level results instead (it worked for some students before). With a poly diploma, you may even apply to be admitted directly into the 2nd or 3rd year of a recognised overseas university. REMEMBER THAT MONEY IS NOT THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR. IF YOU HAVE TALENT OR PROVEN ACADEMIC ABILITY, THERE WILL ALWAYS BE A SPONSOR.

(d) If you have poor A-level results but very good O-level results, you might want to apply to the NIE to become a teacher; either you will be allowed to do a degree course or you might have to become a non-graduate teacher first before moving up later. Remember that a non-graduate teacher can become a graduate teacher via the Open University Degree Programme run by SIM. But the non-graduate teacher scheme is gradually being phased out.

(e) Apply to SIM to get a Diploma in something you like. Some SIM Diplomas are sought after by employers.

(f) Apply to a private education provider like MDIS, Kaplan, Stansfield or PSB Academy to get a Diploma or if you have two A-level passes, you might still get to do a degree course. But bear in mind that these degrees or diplomas may not be recognised by the Singapore government. But if you intend to work in the private sector, it should be alright.

(g) If you are tired of studying, work for at least two years first and when you reach 21, apply to SIM University (UniSim) if you have two A-level passes. UniSim degrees are recognised in Singapore, even by our government.

(h) If you want to be an accountant, self-study for the exam conducted by the ICPAS.

(5) Take action. Strategise. Gather resources. Believe in youself and your abilities. Adopt the right values and attitude. Set your short-term and long-term goals clearly. Write these down somewhere. Be positive, and be with positive people.

You see, there are so many ways to move on. Do not let setbacks affect you too much. Pick up and join back the pieces. Get up if you are down. Don’t go anywhere near Bedok reservoir (oops!). Spend time with your loved ones instead. Remember these lines from Miley Cyrus’ song (if you don’t hate her of course):

“But I gotta keep tryin’
Gotta keep my head held high

There’s always gonna be another mountain
I’m always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Sometimes I’m gonna have to lose
Ain’t about how fast I get there
Ain’t about what’s waitin’ on the other side
It’s the climb.”

Do not worry about being left behind as your friends move forward. Chances are, you are going to live for another 60 years or so. When you look back someday, it wouldn’t matter that you ‘lost’ one or two years somewhere along the way. Setbacks happen to everybody; I had my fair share of failures and setbacks. How we respond to these setbacks matter.

If you still feel down, then please watch this video, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOlTdkYXuzE. It might help you a bit. : )

Good luck!

Best Regards,

Ilyasa

Related page:   A-Level Results: What to do if you get BAD or DEAD, i.e., the ‘middle class’

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