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GCE O level 2009 Timetable

Singapore GCE O level 2009 timetable is available at the SEAB website. Click here for direct link.

As indicated, both Elementary & Additional Mathematics would be completed within a week, with 1 paper a day which I thought is a better arrangement compared to 2008 (where there are 2 Math papers within a day!)

All Mathematics papers will end by the last week of October' 09!

4016/01: Elementary Mathematics 27th Oct 09 230-430pm
4016/02: Elementary Mathematics 28th Oct 09 230-500pm

4038/01: Additional Mathematics 29th Oct 09 230-430pm
4038/02: Additional Mathematics 30th Oct 09 230-500pm

Countdown to GCE O level 2009: Less than 7 months!

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.

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."

Start of School Holidays!

Secondary school students have already enjoy close to 1 month of holidays while primary school students just have their fun beginning.

I was talking to a parent recently and I realize how much autonomy MOE schools have nowadays. They can decide when to start holidays, when not to have classes.

Education system is opening up, recently there was a report on home schooling in Singapore which is something really popular in US.