Comparing English Enrichment Programmes

[jamestancx997]

Hi,


On average we try to keep our classes at 5-8 students, and ideally for normal lessons we would not let it go above 12.

Only for special programs that we launch, such as an O-level English boot camp, do we extend the class size to 20+ (we have a retractable wall that allows us to adjust classroom sizes... check out PD Door, they're really good :lol: ).

We don't have minimum class sizes either, we'll run the class whether it's 1 or 10.

Do PM/email me, or call us at our centre... would not want this thread to get derailed...

[bigsnoopy]

@ Jamestancx997 OK you have pm with text.

[awfullyKS]

Hi TAS,


May I know if you are going to do a Parents workshop for TAS parents again as I missed the last one. :sad:

[GamJiongBaBa]

Hi TAS


Is it possible for you to organize another English Workshop for TAS Parents?

I understand there is one for non-TAS parent on the coming 16July, is it full? Can I(TAS parent) register?

I think last time you did organize one for TAS parent, but I did not manage to sign up my son for your English lesson due to timing clashes. Recently I just manage to sign up my son for your English lesson but you are having English Workshop for non-TAS Parents.

May I know what is the different between the workshop for TAS parent & another for non-TAS parent?

[mummy so kiasu]

Hi ccgoh,


May I know what does TAS stand for? I am looking for creative writing class for my P5 boy. Just check out Morris Allen and British council. They are quite costly and don’t know whether it is value for money.

[hquek]

hi mummy so kiasu,


TAS = the alternative story.

Their usual classes covers the whole gamut of english - grammar, vocab, compre, creative writing. I think they do (or did??) have classes that focus only on creative writing. They offer a one time free trial and an assessment so they can figure out where to place your child.

Teachers are generally young and enthusiastic locals (ie no native speakers like BC or probably MA). so far feedback is kids do enjoy attending the classes. But if you are looking for hot-timings (eg weekends), be prepared that there may be many kids in the classroom.

[ccgoh]

mummy so kiasu:

Hi ccgoh,


May I know what does TAS stand for? I am looking for creative writing class for my P5 boy. Just check out Morris Allen and British council. They are quite costly and don't know whether it is value for money.

Hi mummy so kiasu,

I find that the difference between TAS and Morris Allen and British council is British council focuses more on enrichment, Morris Allen is a bit more attuned to our education system. TAS is different in that they really break down the creative writing learning so your child will learn how to make his compo interesting by having a variety of sentence structure, use good vocabulary and build tension. Recently, they added another component which is to give the children phrases without the composition and train them how to craft a story that has not been taught before. They explained that they want to teach the children to apply what they have learnt to compos that are different. I find that their teaching is not stagnant, they keep adjusting it as the students progress and now their compres focus more on inferential questions and they teach some technique called SIF to get the children to answer more precisely.

I suggest going down to get a trial lesson to see how your child finds it. Their weekend classes are almost full already I think.

[bbsin]

Can I know if the Bt Timah Centre one is good?


Any parent’s kids are there and show results?

It seems that TAS is good and have good results on creative writing.

My kids overall English is ok, but find that she does not understand when she read a book, writing not very good too.

[quirkymum]

My kids used to be at AMK, then we switched to Bukit Timah as the timing was more suitable. Both are good. My oldest one showed a lot of improvement in his writing. He did well for his SA1. His compre is still getting about the same marks but I can see that his understanding has improved so I am ok about it. To me, English is not something that can see drastic improvement over a short period of time.


My youngest also likes to do comprehension now and can write quite ok. Teacher commented that there is room for improvement. But I can see that she is moving towards that and the teachers at TAS are dedicated. Have you tried other centres before?

[allcc6]

ccgoh:

I find that their teaching is not stagnant, they keep adjusting it as the students progress and now their compres focus more on inferential questions and they teach some technique called SIF to get the children to answer more precisely.

What does SIF refer to? How does it help in compre?