Tuition / Enrichment at Secondary level

[micko07]

Imo, not really.

It’s more important that you are disciplined enough to revise consistently, do your homework and pay attention in class. As long as you work hard, you can do without tuition, especially for muggable subjects like Maths, Sciences. Humanities is more skill-based so once you get the knack of answering questions, it should be alright (can be self-acquired; I went from Cs to As without tuition). I’ve only had tuition in Chinese and English; Chinese because I’m horrible at it and English because I kiasu (and I liked the lessons).

[jzapple]

Can it really work out ? Hearing this from u make me feel more at ease as I am going to pull my child out of a few tuitions because of the recent financial crisis .

[pinky]

I agree with Micko07 that paying attention in class and being consistent

in schoolwork help in managing all the subjects. I discussed with my son
on his needs and we both agreed to have tuition in English and HMT only.
I feel languages are important especially English because they need to
answer essay questions and you need a strong foundation in English to
do so.
As for Maths and Science, ditto for above. The first few chapters are actually
a revision of what they learnt in P6 but more in depth.
Anyway, I feel this first 6 months is for him to get use to the rigours of sec school life and
will assess his performance after his SA1 exam before
deciding the next step.

[lizawa]

Hi,


Did most Sec 1 students have their first test already ? My son had a series of tests the past 2 weeks. We haven’t got all the papers back yet. He felt Geography, History and IS tests fairly difficult. How do your kids study for these subjects ?

[Zann]

lizawa:

Hi,


Did most Sec 1 students have their first test already ? My son had a series of tests the past 2 weeks. We haven't got all the papers back yet. He felt Geography, History and IS tests fairly difficult. How do your kids study for these subjects ?

Hi Lizawa, just wondering whether your son still buy outside assessment to practice? Kind to share how he prepare for test nowadays? My son also have had some test and still on going. How's HCL test standard in your school so far? I have heard IP school HCL varies.

[lizawa]

Zann:

Hi Lizawa, just wondering whether your son still buy outside assessment to practice? Kind to share how he prepare for test nowadays? My son also have had some test and still on going. How's HCL test standard in your school so far? I have heard IP school HCL varies.

I actually bought 1 English and 1 Chinese assessment book for him during the Dec hols. But he hardly has time to do them.

Not sure how the HCL test standard compare to other schools. Have never seen other schools tests. He has worksheets and letter/essay writing, finding meaning etc to do. Tests wise, haven't seen the actual paper yet.

I just asked him to go through the teachers' notes and textbooks before tests. So again, not very sure if this works. So far, he only got back his Maths paper, which is quite ok since his Maths is relatively stronger than other subjects.

[kiasu_mum75]

my ten cents worth…not really necessary unless the kid asks for tuition himself/herself… else…complete waste of money…

[yismoms]

Hi lizawa,


My gal will be in Sec 1 next year. Care to share which area we need to prepare them for S1. I understand it will be totally different from primary. Did you send your son for tuition? I went to popular fair and dont know what assessment book to get for them. Care to share. Thanks in advance

lizawa:

Zann:

Hi Lizawa, just wondering whether your son still buy outside assessment to practice? Kind to share how he prepare for test nowadays? My son also have had some test and still on going. How's HCL test standard in your school so far? I have heard IP school HCL varies.

I actually bought 1 English and 1 Chinese assessment book for him during the Dec hols. But he hardly has time to do them.

Not sure how the HCL test standard compare to other schools. Have never seen other schools tests. He has worksheets and letter/essay writing, finding meaning etc to do. Tests wise, haven't seen the actual paper yet.

I just asked him to go through the teachers' notes and textbooks before tests. So again, not very sure if this works. So far, he only got back his Maths paper, which is quite ok since his Maths is relatively stronger than other subjects.

[stsl]

I bought some assessment books from longman as advised by my DD Tuitor. I don’t find many assessment books around unlike PSLE books. Just wondering if they ever have the time to do after all. Any one can advise how to cope with so many subjects ? Currently, I have Chinese Tuitor for DD HML, very worried she cannot cope with other subjects too.

[mrswongtuition]

By secondary school, students would most likely be REQUESTING for classes instead of parents having to force them to attend classes.


With their busy CCA schedules, I would say tuition in 2-3 subjects would be sufficient. For other subjects, they have to learn to manage on their own.

If your child is not doing well and still not asking for assistance, then it’s time to sit down for a proper talk. Find out if they are satisfied with the results (or already given up). Talk to them about possibilities of the future. Encourage and motivate them, set realistic expectations.

Also, teenagers are more ‘fussy’ about their tutors. They want someone who can ‘click’ with them. Someone who can understand them and speak their lingo.
That’s why I try to hire younger tutors or those who have proven to have good rapport with students. Else, the students will just run far far far away!

And, they like to attend tuition with their friends/classmates. Many I know will pool together to form their own classes.