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Below is the exact article I have written (unpublished as of now):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

In my humble opinion, I think that holiday classes are absolutely required for graduating students for example the students doing their O Levels. Having said that, I am not suggesting that schools take up all the entire school holidays for that purpose. Depending on the objectives of these holiday classes, having 1-2weeks of them is reasonable. Teachers can get a break too.

Being an educator myself, I understand the importance of recharging one’s mind to be prepared for the remaining terms. So teachers deserve a break too but the fact that they are committing their break time to their students speak volume. So it was a little disheartening when I read with disappointment on how parents not see from the point of teachers and principals in this case.

As for other level of students, I feel that enrichment programmes can be introduced during this holidays but made on a non-compulsory basics, allowing parents and students to make their own decision. Holidays are meant to be of a balance of work and play. From the articles read in Strait Times Forum, it seems to be that some parents aren’t too appreciative of the schools’ good intention. But arrangements for such programme must be communicated in advance to the parents so that parents can plan for their overseas trip with their children.

Well, in terms of school holiday programmes, I want to acknowledge my fellow educators working real hard at making a difference in the students’ life and the effort of the school in planning for the enrichment programmes.

Hmmm… perhaps we should have a term devoted to some sort of summer camps just like in USA. Being a camp counsellor in USA, I totally love the experience!

Courtesy of  Hackintosh
Now that the GCE O Level students have received their results. I think most of you will be deciding on the path you are going to take.

Oh yar, congratulations to WS (Chung Chueng High School Main) & J ( Unity Sec School) on achieving the wonderful results (:

I think it is useful to hear from folks who have gone through the decision making on where to go after your O Levels.

Sean from SimpleChemConcepts.com has written an article based on his personal experience on his choice of route after his O Level. You can read more about here.

Options Galore – Choosing the Right Path for O-Level holders

Personally, I continued my education in the Junior College route. I was able to continue my education in National Junior College after the release of my O Level results. One of the main reasons for my choice was that I was not sure of the course I want to pursue at that moment but one thing for sure, I want to enter the local university and my parents pin high hopes on me on this aspect. Well, JC offers the fastest way to enter the university and I must say during my time, the JC route was pretty the same as Secondary in the sense that it is rather academic.

From what I understand, Poly students are exposed to more hand-ons which have definitely mould them into more “society-inclined”. Afterall, worklife is about the application of the knowledge we have learnt.

Nevertheless, I had no regrets on my choice of entering into the JC as I achieve my objective and at the same time, get to know some great friends who I have excellent friendships with until now.

I always like to emphasize, whichever your choice is, it must be something you like or have interest in continuing with so that the flame will keep on burning despite any challenges.

This is the big picture for Singapore Education System which I thought is useful.

For a complete picture, click here.

By Ministry of Education MOE