Coming from a country where people place great significance on Science and Technology, it is nothing out of the ordinary for a student from Singapore to be introduced to these fields at a very young age. However, while you can initially set your mindset and desire to excel, it can be quite challenging to do so. Students these days face many distractions while studying.
As students may resort to memorization, it is understandable that mastering the fundamentals and honing your skills are necessary to excel. You must understand that it may only provide a temporary solution to performance. As the academic timeline progresses, it will require much more effort to reach the top. Even more so, such difficulties can even deter students from wanting to learn more and perform better, as topics that they do not understand can be quite daunting.
Having said this, science does not need to be difficult. With the proper education and training, any student can achieve great things.
Benefits of Enrolling at a Chemistry Tuition Centre in Singapore
Before selecting a Chemistry tuition centre in Singapore, one must first understand the importance and benefits of this program mentioned below:
1. Receive professional help from trained experts
First and foremost, Chemistry is a subject many students struggle with. Whether it be O Level, A Level, or IB Chemistry tuition courses, many students find this subject difficult and boring. You can enroll your child in a tuition class to receive professional help from trained experts. Through the knowledge and skills of our Chemistry tutor Dion Khoo, your children will be able to grasp concepts and topics effectively. With his guidance, the students will learn to identify and rectify their own mistakes. Furthermore, through his reputable practice of simplifying complex concepts via simple analogies, he will equip your children to excel and flourish in the subject matter.
2. Increased interest and motivation in learning Chemistry
In addition, Chemistry tuition can provide a stepping stone to get rid of this boredom. This situation is regularly associated with Chemistry itself. Because most students find Chemistry uninteresting and troublesome, it will be difficult for them to perform. On top of it all, social circles can easily influence the younger generation. Surrounding themselves with highly motivated students and those who enjoy learning Chemistry. It encourages them and gradually invokes an interest in the subject.
3. Develop Healthy Study Habits
Being part of a disciplinary, learning program can also help your children develop healthy and productive study habits. Tuition centres are focused on instilling concepts and providing detailed explanations to further enhance their students’ knowledge. This helps create an encouraging learning environment, whereby learning doesn’t stop when the tutor isn’t present. When reviewing on their own, students will slow down and focus on understanding the concepts, as what is taught in tuition centres. As Chemistry is already a daunting subject, this helps them digest lessons more efficiently. They will also develop the habit of taking notes in order to retain what is taught, and use it to re-teach it to themselves during their free time.
4. Personalised Guidance
There can be times wherein students may find themselves still struggling with their studies no matter how much hard work and time they put in. Because this can be due to a number of factors, not being able to pinpoint the exact cause can be the very reason why they are having trouble. Through personalised guidance from a qualified and professional Chemistry tutor, you will not only be able to identify what your area of weakness is, but also be able to successfully address it. One instance, for example, is if there is a student who struggles with grasping the concept and calculations involved in Stoichiometry, their Chemistry tutor can develop specific ways to target the issue that aligns with how the student learns. The tutor helps simplify the problems for them to understand better. They will be able to break down the calculations into easy steps, allowing the student to slowly digest and tackle the task at hand. With personalised lesson plans that target the student’s problem points, enrolling in a Chemistry tuition centre can definitely enhance your child’s learning.
What levels are taught in Chemistry tuition?
Now that we understand the benefits of tuition centre programs, what levels are offered?
1. Pure Chemistry and Integrated Programme
Pure Chemistry is offered at Secondary 3 and 4 levels. Pure Chemistry, in simplest terms, is the theoretical study of Chemistry. From the definition, it focuses on research to broaden one’s knowledge and understanding a principle of Chemistry and its process.
The Integrated Programme, on the other hand, is a 6-year course. By taking this course, students no longer need to take the GCE O level examination in Secondary 4. With that, they will be required to take the GCE A-Level examination or International Baccalaureate Diploma or NUS High School Diploma.
Admission of students to IP highly depends on PSLE scores, only available for the top 10%. This is to be able to provide an avenue for students to explore their talents or develop soft skills. One example is through immersion programmes, leadership camps, talent programmes, and more.
When it comes to the Integrated Programme, students get more time and opportunities to explore their areas of interest. This is because schools generally have more resources and programmes for students. With that, students have a near-guaranteed placement into a junior college in Singapore.
2. IGCSE Chemistry
IGCSE, otherwise known as the International General Certificate of Secondary Education, is a two-year Chemistry program. This well-recognised English international curriculum provides students with globally valued and esteemed Cambridge IGCSE qualifications to help equip them with the necessary skills needed in today’s technological era.
While IGCSE offers different curriculum areas, IGCSE Chemistry covers the fundamentals of elements, along with the structure of compounds and the various reactions that can result from these. In addition, this course also delves into the importance and fundamentals of Chemistry in our daily lives, namely food, clothing, energy, etc.
IGCSE Chemistry tackles several topics such as:
- The Particulate Nature of Matter
- Experimental Techniques
- Atoms, Elements and Compounds
- Stoichiometry
- Electricity and Chemistry
- Chemical Energetics
- Chemical Reactions
- Acids, Bases and Salts
- The Periodic Table
- Metals
- Air and Water
- Sulfur
- Carbonates
- Organic Chemistry
In order to be eligible to enrol in IGCSE Chemistry, candidates must take three assessment papers based on their appointed grade scale. Each paper can take from 45 minutes to an hour and can have a total of 80 marks.
IGSCE Chemistry is an avenue for students to hone their knowledge and comprehension. Specifically, via methods like written, oral, coursework and practical assessment. These will help develop essential life skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving, time management, and analytical skills.
3. H1, H2, H3 Chemistry at A Levels
In junior college, Chemistry is taught at different levels. These are namely H1, H2, and H3, wherein ‘H’ stands for “higher.” The curriculum makers designed H1 and H2 to focus on knowledge and application of scientific concepts. However, it is known that H2 Chemistry covers more content compared to H1. To be specific, while H1 Chemistry consists of two papers and no practical, H2 on the other hand, has four papers including a practical.
H3 Chemistry is the most advanced level offered by MOE to H2 Chemistry students, as it is only available for students who can manage an additional load on top of their H1 and H2 studies. Additionally, the programme requires the students in first-year junior college to meet certain qualifications in order to be eligible to take H3 Chemistry alongside H2 in their second year.
4. IB Chemistry at Standard Level and Higher Level
IB (International Baccalaureate) Chemistry is a course that undertakes both theory and practical work to help develop students’ skills in investigation and critical thinking. In addition, this course also gives opportunities for students to develop interpersonal, mathematical and information technology skills that are useful in everyday life.
Notorious for being one of the most strenuous and challenging programmes, each subject contributes greatly to the overall end result. This course requires students to score 7 out of 7 in their IB Chemistry grades.
In IB Chemistry, students must decide whether they will take a subject as HL (Higher Level) or SL (Standard Level). This greatly depends on their level of interest on the topics as well as what they would like to pursue in higher education. However, before making a decision, one must first understand the difference between SL and HL IB Chemistry.
The main difference between the two mainly lies in the amount of material that each one will cover. To be more specific:
- As suggested by the name, HL is more advanced compared to SL. It does not only covermore materials, but it also needs more teaching hours. There will be a total of 11 topics for SL and 21 topics for HL.
- When it comes to Assessment for Paper 1, students are required to accomplish 30 MCQ for SL and 40 MCQ for HL.
- For practical work, SL requires a total of 40 hours of material to be covered, while HL requires 60 hours.
What Are the Different Approaches/Learning Methods Available in a Chemistry Tuition Centre?
There are two different set-ups in Chemistry tuition: 1-1 tutor or group tuition. While both have their own list of benefits, it solely relies on the student to determine which learning environment is best for them.
1. 1-1 Tuition
1-1 Tuition is a method of learning wherein a student is situated in a room where they receive undivided tutoring from a teacher. Because they share the space with no one, it provides the student with a more intimate setting with a tailor-fit approach. This greatly benefits students who are struggling with a particular topic and need more attention than they would normally receive in a group setting. In addition, the tutor can focus on using methods that are more effective for the student, targeting their specific needs. This means the student can learn at their own pace, without having to worry about disturbing or delaying others. As a result, 1-1 tuition helps students build their confidence and motivates them. Through the tutor’s constant support, a student will feel more confident in their ability to understand and master all the topics.
1-1 Tuition is available via online or in-person learning. Theis student can only determine this, as it matters most what is convenient for them. Moreover, they decide if they can meet on a regular basis to work on and discuss the student’s progress.
2. Group Tuition
Group tuition is a learning method where a tutor teaches a group of students with the same academic ability in a classroom setting. Because it is very similar to a school setup, the tutor may introduce methods that one can find in class. These include handouts or group activities.
Group tuition offers several benefits that set it apart from 1-1 tuition. One example is that group tuition is more affordable as the cost is divided separately among all the students. Another is that group tuition provides an avenue for students to practice their social skills. This can help serve as motivation and confidence for some students as they are able to receive support from their peers. Through this, students are also able to learn from one another, whether these are from positive experiences or even mistakes, reinforcing discussion and reviewing strategies, helping them improve as a learner overall.
What Makes a Chemistry Tuition Centre Stand Out from Other Centres?
1. Credibility of the Chemistry Tuition Centre
Credibility is one of the factors that helps a tuition centre stand out among its competitors. In fact, it is one of the key distinguishing characteristics between establishments that flourish to those that don’t. However, a tuition centre doesn’t simply become credible overnight. This takes a lot of time, effort, and resources.
Credibility states that an establishment is believable, reliable and plausible. With that, a credible tuition centre is one that serves as a beacon of reassurance that merits your investment in them and, overall, the quality education of your children. A premier tuition centre dedicates its resources to providing top-tier services that rightfully own its title of credibility. Simply put, they let their work speak for themselves, putting themselves out in the market and above everyone else.
2. Experience/years in industry
Another surefire way to make a chemistry tuition centre stand out among its competitors is its experience or number of years in the industry. There is so much an establishment can learn and strategies it can implement to bring it towards the level of success that it’s at today. Additionally, experience is also vital when hiring staff as a teaching experience for tutors is positively associated with student achievements in their education. The more knowledgeable a tutor is in their field, the more their students are likely to excel beyond tests and performance, but also with their attitude towards life.
3. Qualifications of Tutors
When it comes to studies, parents want nothing but the best for their children. And with how demanding Chemistry can be, it is natural to pivot towards a tutor that you are sure can provide the best quality education. Being an excellent tutor doesn’t stop with their list of achievements and accolades, but it also reflects on how successful and efficient they are in educating students of different backgrounds and personalities. Being able to adjust their teaching style to accommodate each individual, helps build credibility towards themselves and the establishment they work for. Thus helping their tuition centre stand out among the rest.
4. Testimonials/Reviews from Students and Parents
Client testimonials are a great testament to making a tuition centre stand out. Not only can they highlight the positive experiences brought upon by the tutors and other staff, but they can also provide insight for potential customers trying to narrow down their options. A testimonial is the most genuine form of marketing. It provides an unbiased, personal insight based solely on one’s overall encounter. Someone who’s had firsthand experience with a tuition centre is the best person to gain insight from because they can give you an accurate walkthrough and provide you with an in-depth understanding of what to expect when choosing between options.