Singapore Maths Tuition - University and JC

Individual and small group maths tuition in Singapore - University and Junior College

New scholarships open to Institute of Technical Education students from May this year

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18th Jan 2023

From May 2023, Institute of Technical Education students who achieve good academic results will be able to apply for a new scholarship launched to support the next step in their education. 10 scholarships worth $6,000 each will be given out each year.

The merit-based scholarship will be open to those who wish to pursue any structured vocational training or apprenticeship programme. The scholarship will also be open to those who opt to start working first, before deciding to pursue further studies and training.

There are no restrictions on the field of study for scholarship holders. In contrast, scholarships offered by other organisations to ITE graduates are often targeted at specific fields.

Minister for Education Chan Chun Sing said that the scholarship would greatly benefit ITE students, who are a group in need of support within Singapore’s education landscape.

Singapore Institute of Technology has begun to attract students with better academic results

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18th Jan 2023

Applicants to the Singapore Institute of Technology now comprise of students who attained higher grades compared to previous cohorts, indicating that the reputation or the university is rising amongst varsity applicants.

SIT, which became Singapore’s fifth autonomous university in 2014, recorded a greater than 20 per cent increase in the number of applicants who scored a grade point average (GPA) of between 3.6 and 4 in 2022, compared with 2021.

SIT president Chua Kee Chaing said that the university has seen a gradual improvement in the academic quality of applicants over the years, especially in the more competitive programmes.

In 2022, SIT increased the amount of time its students spend at the workplace through a new Term-In-Term-Out pathway where they alternate between campus and companies every year. By the end of their undergraduate studies, they would have spent nearly half of their time learning at the workplace.

Polytechnic graduates enjoy an improved job market

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18 Jan 2023

Last year, according to the 2022 Polytechnic Graduate Employment Survey, the proportion of polytechnic students who found full-time permanent jobs after graduation attained a three-year high of 59 per cent.

Slightly more than nine in 10 of fresh graduates and graduates coming out of national service were employed.

Graduate salaries also increased across the board, with the starting pay of graduates from eight groups of course types rising from an average of $2,500 a month in 2021 to $2,600 in 2022.

As at Oct 1, 2022 – about six months after graduation – 57.9 per cent of respondents were part of the labour force. Another 41.3 per cent were pursuing or preparing to begin further studies.

Singapore University of Social Sciences launches new common core curriculum to better prepare graduates for working life

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23rd December 2022

The Singapore University of Social Sciences has revamped its curriculum to better prepare students for the evolving world of work and give them more flexibility in their studies.

A new set of 12 common modules has been introduced. These modules, which cover topics like interdisciplinary processes, learning skills, digital and data literacy, creativity and wellness, are similar to other common courses that educational institutions like the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University have introduced in recent years.

Under the new common curriculum, full-time undergraduates will also take part in compulsory community engagement and overseas attachments, which were already in place previously. Part-time students not on the honours track will be required to take four core modules while those on the honours track will take six such modules.

Institute for Digital Molecular Analytics and Science at NTU launched to advance digital molecular analysis capabilities

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23rd December 2022

The Institute for Digital Molecular Analytics and Science (IDMxS) at the Nanyang Technological University was recently launched. The institute aims to advance the science behind analysing biological molecules such as proteins and carbohydrates, and develop the capabilities that will allow for real-time tracking of viral infections.

IDMxS will use artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyse and interpret the vast amount of information a biological sample provides. Among the possible applications of the technology is the development of a tool to identify the different disease-causing molecules in the blood. This would allow doctors to analyse a patient’s blood sample immediately using a smartphone camera.

Another project to be undertaken by the centre is the large-scale monitoring of insect-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria.

What is the difference between IB and A Levels?

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From the Editorial Team
23rd December 2022

When deciding on a Junior College, students and their parents alike must contemplate the difference between A Levels and the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculums. This article will hopefully shed some light on the key components of the IB curriculum which are not present in A Levels, so parents can make a meaningful comparison.

In the IB curriculum, students can take subjects at either Higher Level (HL) or Standard Level (SL). In Singapore schools which offer the IB diploma, students typically take 3 HL and 3 SL subjects, so as to not overburden them.

The maximum number of points obtained for each subject is 7 points. Students taking 6 subjects will be able to obtain 42 points from their subjects, with another 3 points obtained from the combination of the grades attained for Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay. The highest amount of points obtained is 45, which is considered a perfect score.

There is a greater emphasis on independent research and assignment writing, along with preparing for the major exams at the end of 2 years spent studying the content. Students will undertake their various assignments and essays, all the while studying for the exams, which allows them to have a more holistic perspective of education.

Below are 4 components of the IB diploma which students must consider before choosing to undertake it:

Individual Assessments for Higher and Standard Level Subjects

Both HL and SL subjects have Individual Assessments (IAs) which comprise at least 20% of the subject grade. These Individual Assessments can be externally or internally assessed by the school itself. For example, the Mathematics subject for both HL and SL has a Math Exploration IA where students must choose a topic of interest and write about it, demonstrating how their thesis statement has been proven.

Compulsory Theory of Knowledge Component

The Theory of Knowledge (TOK) component is a quasi-philosophy subject which deals with epistemology. In short, it is about how we think about the way we think. There are 2 graded aspects of this subject which count towards the final IB score – a presentation and a 1600-word essay. The presentation can either be done individually or in pairs, and the essay must be written individually. Students will be allowed to choose their own “Knowledge Question” for their presentation. Every year, the questions are released for the essay and students may choose from the options available.

Extended Essay

The Extended Essay is a 4000-word essay written by the student independently with the guidance of an Extended Essay mentor. This essay must be from one of the student’s Higher Level subjects and it must be independently researched. For example, if the student’s chosen subject is Biology, he/she must undertake the relevant experimentation on his own, designing his methodology. There will be opportunities for the student to check in with the Extended Essay mentor and submit reflections about the process so that the student knows he is going on the right track.

Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS)

Although the CAS component is not graded, it is compulsory for students to submit a portfolio of the other activities they have undertaken during the IB diploma, showing that they have taken part in a holistic educational experience. Co-curricular Activities (CCA) can be included in this portfolio. Creativity is fulfilled by undertaking artistic endeavours such as dancing, music, art, or photography; Activity is fulfilled by taking part in sporting events, and Service is fulfilled by performing community service for others.

To conclude, students must decide for themselves whether they are willing to undertake these additional components instead of devoting their full time and energy to prepare for a major exam at the end of two years. Students more suited for the IB diploma are creative, unafraid to think outside the box, and good at time management.

Fully automated farming facility launched at ITE College East

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21st December 2022

A fully automated farming facility has been launched at ITE College East as part of Singapore’s efforts to boost training in high-productivity agricultural skills.

The Horticulture Technology Hub, or HortITEch Hub, will train students in the agriculture and aquaculture technology work-study diploma course that will be launched in 2023. ITE College East students who are now in courses such as horticulture, food science and even mechanical engineering will be involved in its day-to-day maintenance.

Around 500 students will benefit from the additional exposure provided by the new hub. Entrepreneurship opportunities for students are possible, as the greens harvested from the lab can be sold for profit.

Three important skills for all students of all levels

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From the Editorial Team
18th Jan 2023

In the Singaporean education system, there is a high emphasis on academic excellence. However, in the real world, there are more factors than mere academic prowess which a student requires to succeed.

Clear Communication

The ability to write concisely is important to communicate messages to others. Often, learning how to write proper emails and reports is something that students are not taught in schools. The techniques used to write essays will not always be relevant in preparing documents in the working world. Students should learn the appropriate language, cadence, and tone to use when preparing documents and presentations during their employment.

Critical Thinking

The Singaporean education system often does not train students to question things, emphasising rote memorisation and a systematic application of taught concepts to answer difficult problems. Often, the student who will do best is one with a large memory and the ability to perform complex tasks according to specific directions.

However, students should learn how to question information and reason whether they are true or not. There is a lot of false information swirling around in the media and the truth is not often straightforward. It would be unwise to blindly accept everything a figure of authority says and critical thinking would serve a student well in navigating complex areas of life.

Constructive Collaboration

There is a marked difference between school and real life in group projects. In school, there is sometimes the option of selecting who to work with. However, we are unable to choose the people we work with and the people we answer to when we are employed. An important skill is therefore constructive collaboration.

Students should seek to develop a tolerance for others and a task-focused approach. An awareness of team dynamics and strengths and weaknesses of others is important in working in any organisation or team. Students should be aware that everyone can contribute something in a team, albeit in different ways. Not everyone has the same views and skills, but they are still able to contribute something to achieving a common goal.

Email Address

ngejaysuss@gmail.com

Handphone Number

9724-0163 (Mr Ng)

Academic Qualifications

Ph.D. in Mathematics;
B.Sc. First Class Honours in Mathematics