singaporeolevelmaths

Simple Tips for Better Maths Results!

Ai Ling Ong

Private Candidate: Which Math Syllabus To Retake?

I'm considering retaking my Os for 2009 and had searched through SEAB website for the syllabus.  For Math D, there is a revised version and a version which will be examined for the last time in 2009.  Hmm.. as im 23 this yr and its like donkey years since ive taken my Os, would appreciate if you could advise on which is the appropriate version so that i could purchase the textbooks.  Also, how are your fees like if i were to have you as my tutor? Vanessa
Hi Vanessa,
A quick update on the 2 different syllabus of Elementary Mathematics 4016 (New) and 4017(Old)

For the new syllabus:

  • Calculators are allowed for both Paper 1 and 2
  • There is formulae sheet provided for the new syllabus as well.
  • There isn't anymore Transformations, Loci, part of vectors is also streamlined.
  • There is added new component like in Statistics the Box-Whisker diagram, stem and leaf plot, dot diagrams, calculation of Standard deviation, Matrices, Arc length of circle, area of sector

Advantages of new syllabus:

  • You can easily get hold of the latest textbooks as almost every school is adopting the new syllabus.
  • Calculators and formula sheet are provided so rote memorization is minisized.
  • You do not have to deal with visual topics like transformations, loci, part of vectors.
  • If you do not do well in the retake, you can still continue with the new syllbus.

Advantages of old syllabus:

  • Those are the things which you have learnt it previously and might have a little recollection so relearning is easier and faster.
  • You can refer to the TYS for reference questions, after all the old syllabus has been around for quite long.
  • No calculator for Paper 1 so the questions are testing on basic understanding of concepts

Important Points:

  • Registration for private candidates start early in the year (Feb-Mar)
  • Start preparation early and be consistent
  • Preparation for E-Math involves Sec 1 - 4 syllabus.

MOE To Set Clearer Rules To Curb False, Misleading Ads By Private Schools

I was just being informed of this latest announcement: MOE is going to set clearer rules to curb false, misleading ads by private schools.

Since this blog has a high number of students enrolling in private education, either retaking 'O' levels as a private candidate or studying private courses. I think it is important that students are careful with their selection of private schools and courses.

Here are some ways I think a private student can make a wiser decision on selection of private schools and courses.

  • Personally visit the private schools to find out more. Hear from both the principals,teachers as well as the students (talk to at least a few of them) who are already in the schools. Understanding from a student perspective could be more real, afterall they are already in the schools for sometime. They can give you more insight into the schools track record.
  • Never believe totally what the private schools say to be true until you have verified the information by checking the credibility of the schools through online research like CASE or even through MOE. It is always safer to trust that you are committing yourself financially and mentally to a reputable school.
  • Clear all your doubts before signing on any programmes.
  • Never give in to peer pressure. Instead of following your friends blindly, allow yourself sufficient time to gather relevant information from different sources or programmes before making your final decision.
  • When things are too good to be true, very often, they are too good to be true!
  • Please note that when schools state that their teachers are school teachers, it does not necessarily mean that they are ex-school teachers. It could be a marketing gimmick, widely misunderstood by public. If you are looking specifically for MOE school teachers, look out for NIE-Trained teachers. If you still do not believe, ask for the credentials of the teachers.

I hope this post has been useful for students and parents finding a suitable private school for continued education.

A-Math: Find Coordinates and Nature of Stationery Point (Plus: Tips to note in Differentiation)

The following question is similar to June 2008 GCE O Level A-Math Paper question which is testing on the following concepts

Differentiation involving exponential (I have written a post on Differentiation of e; post on Basic Differentiation Techniques are available here too )

Finding coordinates and nature of stationary point (Application of Differentiation)

Watch the video for a few more important tips on handling this sort of question.

 

Video Solution Of Plane Geometry Question (Plus:Strategy To Handle Angles)

This is the step by step video solution for this Plane Geometry question

Inside this video, you will get to know how I begin this question with a clear objective and the steps I took to achieve this objective.

I used 2 strategies (on differentiating the angles) to quickly and easily prove this question.

  • Letting an angle be x
  • Usage of color (In exams, you can perhaps use different type of lines to differentiate the angles as well)

Hear from you on this approach. If you have your own approach, we would love to hear from you.

Leave me a comment in the section below.

A-Math: This Plane Geometry Question Almost Drives Me To Insanity!

Plane geometry is one of the top killer questions in A-Math as there are many things to prove in addition to the many lines, circles, triangles, angles ...

Read about the post I wrote earlier What you need to know to do well in Plane Geometry Part 1

I must admit this question almost drives me to insanity ;-) but luckily I saw the light when I was on the verge of sane and insanity ...

Question: Prove that a circle can be drawn passing through the points T,P,X and Q. [3 marks]

planegeometry-circle

Let me know how you handle this question in the comments section. For those who wants the step by step solution, drop me a comment as well. I highly recommend that you think about this question first before asking for solution.

There are 2 strategies I have used to help me in this Plane Geometry question. Do you want to know? so that you can learn and use them in your own question.

Hint: You must use one of the properties of circles.

Update: Video solution Here