Additional Mathematics is a subject which explores in depth abstract concepts and is highly application-based. It definitely demands more from students than Elementary Mathematics.

Based on my years of experience, many Secondary 3 students lose interest and confidence in A-Maths in the first 6 months when they are not able to catch up with their learning.

If you find yourself falling into this stage even 2 months in A-Maths, I would like to invite you to join my Secondary 3 A-Maths class starting on 20 Feb 2011 (Sunday), 2 – 4pm.

Lesson is taught in a topical basis, with analogies drawn from everyday life examples to make learning easier and more enjoyable for students.

The following topics will be discussed for the year:

• Surds
• Indices
• Exponential Function
• Logarithms
• Quadratic Equations
• Partial Fractions
• Factor – Remainder Theorem
• Modulus Function
• Coordinate Geometry
• Linear Law
• Trigonometry

For fees structure and registration, click here.

P.S: Secondary 3 Elementary Maths class is available on Saturdays, 9 -11am.

Ai Ling has taught me the formulas for Maths in an easier way. She also showed me different techniques that can be applied to the Maths question and how to look out for certain things in questions, to be able to apply the formulas learn. That has made it easier for me to do questions and I can now do the questions with much ease. Thank you, Annabelle, CHIJ – Toa Payoh

This programme has been very helpful to me for my Maths. Through this programme, I have fully understand certain topics that I was unsure of, for example Trigonometry. This has helped my A-Maths improve greatly and I passed my CA2 A-Maths. It was the first time I passed in this year! Also, I find Ai Ling very interactive and engaging , easy to understand what she’s saying. This has helped me alot and I will continue with this programme. Gabriel, Maris Stella High School

For fees structure and registration, click here.

Students are busy planning their activities while parents are also busy planning! But planning activities (holiday courses, revision classes, registration for tuition classes for 2010, overseas holidays…) for their kids!

So I thought it’s a suitable time for me to share an article I wrote to TODAY.

Last week in Today Papers, there was a big article on ‘PSLE Tuition Ad’ which claims to have SEAB (Singapore Examination & Assessment Board) setters conducting intensive revision programmes for PSLE and ‘O’ levels.

Below is the exact article I have written (unpublished as of now):

Parents Beware!

I was appalled when I read the article on ‘PSLE tuition ad’(26 Oct, Mon) for making such bold and misleading claim on exam setters providing revision programme for PSLE and ‘O’ levels.

Logically, parents should know that in such national examinations like PSLE and ‘O’ levels, the confidentiality of questions and the panel of setters are kept to the highest level, ensuring fairness for every candidate.

This makes the claims of the advertisement highly questionable.

Being in the education industry, I wasn’t surprised that there were parents who might call to find out more and perhaps even signed their children for the programmes. Afterall, education is one of the top priorities in Singapore and committed parents will do whatever it takes to help their children in the stressful examination period.

That being said, since finding the right programmes and centres are so crucial, parents ought to be aware of some of the commonly ‘misused’ terms like ‘school teachers’, ‘MOE-registered teachers’, ‘MOE-registered centres’.

I run a training company specialize in the coaching of ‘O’ level Mathematics and Chemistry. We have received calls, making enquiries of our programmes and the background of our trainers. Some of the commonly asked questions are: ‘Is your centre MOE-registered and endorsed by MOE?’ and ‘Are you a school teacher?’

Myth 1: MOE-registered learning and tuition centres represent an endorsement or accreditation by MOE

Tuition and learning centres are considered as private school when they register with Ministry of Education (MOE) but do not in any way represent an endorsement or accreditation by MOE.

As stated clearly on MOE website: ‘Registration by MOE does not in any way represent an endorsement or accreditation of the quality of the schools, courses offered and the teachers permitted to teach these courses.’ (http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/private-education/school-registration/)

Myth 2: ‘School teachers’, ‘MOE-registered teachers’ went through formal NIE training.

During the registration of tuition or learning centres under ‘private school’ category, teaching staff is also registered with MOE.

Many tuition and learning centres leverage on this perception of ‘school teachers’ and use it as part of their marketing gimmick.

They would usually tell parents that they have a team of ‘school teachers’ or ‘MOE-registered teachers’.

Many parents have this wrong perception that ‘school teachers’ or ‘MOE-registered teachers’ in tuition or learning centres are experienced current or ex-school teachers who are familiar with syllabus, teaching methodology and have gone through the formal National Institute of Education (NIE) training.

This might not be true in all instances.

In summary, I would strongly urge parents to ask for referrals and recommendations from friends and relatives with regards to choosing suitable tuition or coaching programmes. They should also personally call to find out more of the tutors and trainers who would be teaching their children instead of relying on misleading advertisements! One way to determine the quality of the tuition or coaching programmes offered is to look at the centres’ testimonials from their ex-students (and their parents).

I hope parents would find this article useful and if there are any terms which you aren’t sure, drop me a comment and I’ll do my best.

Please send this article to your friends by clicking on the ‘Share this‘ button (found at towards the end of the page) who would benefit from this as well.

Original news article: (click on image for a larger view)

See Results EVERY Lesson!