Exam Matters

Should I Retake My O Level Maths Again?

Email from one of the students:

Basically, i am a o level graduate of 2007 and scored pretty well in my other subjects just that my maths got a D7. Even though, i appealed and got a place in polytechnic and currently going to study my favourite course that i am keen in. I tried JAE, but i failed even though i apply for design courses however i appealed again using JPAE, and i sucessfully got a place.Now what i want to ask is, do u think i should retake my o level maths again? I have just register as a private candidate for 2008 o level maths elemetary maths the old syylbas. However from small to big, i do not really have interest in maths but i hate teo see a 7 in my o level grade. What do u advise? i am really confused now, because if i were to retake i have to study my poly as well as the maths.. So what should i do? I rreally hope u can help me out here.

Now my questions to you is

"Why do you want to retake your O Level Maths?"
"What purpose does retaking serve for you and what is it you hope to achieve for this 2nd attempt?"

You need to get your purpose clear and strong so that your goal will be clear as well. Whatever is your choice, there are different consequences to bear. Are you fully ready for these?

Only you will know the answers to the above 2 questions. And only you decide on whether you should retake your o level maths again.

fyi: The old syllabus 4017 is going to be totally out of syllabus soon.

Instructions For GCE O Level 2008 Private Candidates

Due to the drawing near on closing date for the registration of 2008 GCE O Level exams, they have been a high search on this area.

I have also quite a number of emails on this as well.

I have written previously in How To Retake O Level As A Private Candidate on some of the steps involved in the registration.

All Private Candidates must be clear on the instructions of the following matters:

Click on image for a larger view.

The Complete Instructions available here.

GCE Cambridge 2008 O Level Elementary / Additional Mathematics Exam Timetable

photo credit: Leo Kan

It's Out!

Additional Mathematics

4038/01 : 22 Oct WED 230-430pm

4038/02 : 24 Oct FRI 230-500pm

Elementary Mathematics

4016/01 : 24 Oct FRI 800-1000am

4016/02 : 30 Oct THUR 800-1030am

hmmm... this year E-Math is together with A-Math and the intervals between both the e-math papers are almost a week away.

More complete timetable available here.

How To Retake O Level As a Private Candidate

2015 Update: Registration for private candidates to take or retake 'O' Level exams commences on 9 March 2015 and end on 24 March 2015 (11:59 pm). Click here for more information.

Kindly call 6872 2220, MOE Customer Service Hotline for any questions regarding Private O level candidate registration or click here for other contact methods.

With the release of GCE O Level results, I received 2 phonecalls from parents whose children did not perform well asking me about how to go about registering as private candidate to retake the O Levels as well as if I could providing some coaching for their children so that they can do much better for this year O Levels.

So I thought I might as write about how to retake O Level as a private candidate. (:

As a private candidate, I would suggest you enroll in one of the private schools providing full time education for preparation of O Level examinations. These schools have their teaching systems structured to teach the subjects so that you are more readily prepared for your second chance.

Examination Entry Requirements

You may register as a private candidate if you satisfy the minimum age requirement of 15 on 1st January of the examination year.
Private candidates may enter up to a maximum of nine subjects.
Registration for exam is usually during March period every year. You may register online at SEAB site

These logistics matters should be well taken care by the private centres when you sign up with them.

Things to note as a private candidate

Be disciplined towards your learning. Ensure that you work hard and achieve your goals.
Treasure your 2nd chance.
Ensure that you are taking the correct syllabus since there are changes in syllabus recently. Check out the relevant syllabus here

"The end is yet another new beginning."

How to prepare for Maths common test

Hi everyone,

The Chinese New Year is just over. Certainly hope you have received lots of gifts, plenty of blessings, many ang paos...

Well, I am certain amdist all these festive moods, many of you or perhaps just some are in fact using this holiday period to mug for your upcoming common tests, aren't you?

Today, I am going to share with you guys some tips on preparing for your Maths Common Test, Exams or Quizzes.

Which option should I take after O Level?

Option

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