singaporeolevelmaths

Simple Tips for Better Maths Results!

Exam Matters

What Matters Most


Most students should have completed your common tests or in the midst of completion.

How have you performed? Are you happy with your results? Are you upset? Or you don't bother at all?

What matters most is perhaps not what you have scored, but moving forward, what do you do with the outcome?

Every test or examination has a lesson for us to learn. Do you sit down and think through the lessons taught or you simply forget about it?

3 Questions to learn the lesson well:

  1. Ask yourself, what are some of the good things you have done? (You start preparation early, you clarify all your questions before the test, you did your assignments consistently, you manage your time well, you handle the questions with calm and confidence)
  2. What did not go right this time? (Slept too late the night before your test, you didn't put in any effort, your 'what's-the-great-deal' attitude, you didn't finish the questions due to poor time planning)
  3. What is one action you would work on to improve upon on your next test or examination?

Regardless how you have fared for your test, there are definitely good things you have done, it just takes time to realize and acknowledge.

So, what you have learnt?

Photo Credit: KaCey97007

2010 GCE 'O' Level Examinations Timetable


I was looking at this year 'O' level examinations timetable and observed the following:

Unlike last year where first official week is reserved for English, E-Math & A-Math, we see a 'scary' schedule in which A-Math Paper 2 is combined with Pure Chemistry Paper 2 or Combine Sci Paper 3 on the same day. (29 Oct 2010)

E-Math Papers are scheduled separately on consecutive days afternoons. This arrangement is just like 2009 timetable. Candidates need to keep themselves in peak performance despite the 230pm paper.

2010 Timetable 29 October

Download the entire 2010 GCE 'O' Level Examinations Timetable here.

For more details, please visit Singapore Examinations Assessment Board. (http://www.seab.gov.sg)

Foods for Better Memory


One of the interesting questions I discuss with my students every year before major examinations is

'What foods would you recommend for brain?'

Photo Credit: Bob.Fornal

Generally, I have heard about 'berries' and fish help in memory.

It wasn't until recently that I came across an interesting article on Pickthebrain.com

Here's a summary of the foods recommended in the article:

  1. Herb: Rosemary
  2. Tea (Yes! The beverage)
  3. Fruits & Vegetables; colors for boosting memory are dark red, blue and green.
  4. Fish & Nuts
  5. Dessert: Honey

More details here: '5 Foods To Remember For Better Memory'.

So are there any specific foods you take to better your memory? I would love to hear from you! Leave me a comment.

Should I Drop A-Math (Additional Mathematics)?


Some of the common questions I get around this period (before registration of GCE 'O' level exams) is that 'Should I Drop A-Math?', 'Can I still study H2 Math in JC if I didn't take A-Math at O level?'

This post is also suitable for Secondary two students who will be choosing their subject combination at the end of the year.

'Should I Drop A-Math?'

This question usually pops out after a long period of unsuccessful attempts to pass A-Math or when it was recommended by teachers to drop the subject.

I have a poem to share: To Drop Or To Perserve On, Read the “Don’t Quit” Poem (Click to read)

'Can I still study H2 Math in JC if I didn't take A-Math at O level?'

I have also answered this question previously in this post: What happens if I do not take A-Maths?

Just a note : I have recently communicated with Temasek Junior College (TJC) Math teacher. For students intending to study H1 Math (Art Stream), 'O' level A-Math is not a requirement.

Official: Release of 2009 GCE O-Level Examination Results on 11 January 2010


School candidates may collect their results from their schools at 2.00 pm on 11 January 2010. Private candidates will be informed of their results by post. They may also access their results through the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board website from 2.00 pm on 11 January 2010.

More details here: http://www.moe.gov.sg/media/press/2010/01/o-level-results-jae-jpsae-2010.php

All the best!