My intention is to support students’ interest, love and passion in the Sciences of the Universe (particularly Chemistry, and also psychology and philosophy, but these are of course, not examinable at ‘O’ level), and most importantly, to help students realize that they can (and will) make these Sciences their very own. Yes, to OWN Chemistry (and all Sciences which you choose to explore) for YOURSELF. Meaning, you recognize a scientific phenomenon to be true, not because someone else told you so (i.e. dogma), but because you understand within yourself the underlying scientific principles that results in the manifestation of such phenomena as a logical, natural and beautiful consequence. A consequence of the wonderful Universe, that you belong to, as well as that belongs to you.

I’ve always felt (for the purpose of the greater good for mankind, for the Universe) the importance of going beyond convention, dogma, orthodoxy, conformity; if any significant breakthrough towards higher ground and higher gain is hoped to be made.

Specifically in the education context, being keenly aware (being an ex-MOE teacher) of the limitations of the education system, specifically that in their forced entry into the rat race of paper chase qualifications, students in Singapore don’t get to enjoy what they study (particularly tragic for those students who actually would like to be able to deepen their understanding and appreciation of their chosen subjects). And part of this is because (and while I do not fault this or claim to offer any feasible alternatives, because such is necessary based on practical considerations; I certainly would want to do my part to work beyond such limitations, for the sake of students) the MOE/SEAB ‘A’ level and ‘O’ level curriculum does not allow (primarily due to time constraints, as well as a so-called ‘results oriented’ culture; the irony of it) students to truly understand, truly appreciate, truly enjoy their subjects.

I think it not necessary to specifically name names, publications, online resources, etc. Suffice to mention that I obtain a variety of materials I deem to be useful and helpful for my (tuition) students, both from excellent sources on the internet, as well as publications both local and overseas. The local sources, may be obtained from Bras Basar (Popular and other bookstores). The overseas sources, include (multiple copies of) University level (Chemistry and Biology) textbooks (by multiple authors) that were obtained from Amazon.com, Kinokuniya, Clementi Book Store, NUS bookshops, NTU bookshops, etc. I use metal filing cabinets (the ones used by Mindef and MOE) to house my own private academic library of materials, textbooks and resources, which my (tuition) students may freely use and borrow. Approximate cost of resources (over the years, in total): Sg$7,000 to Sg$8,000.

Mr Heng

>>> H1 student: Teacher, why is it that ?

trollteacher: This is in H2 syllabus. You dont need to know.

H1 student: But teacher, i want to gain more knowledge.

trollteacher: You cant even do well in simple h1 syllabus. Wake up your idea and stop asking so many irrelevant questions.

H1 student drops out. <<<

 
That’s a very accurate picture of what happens in every JC. Which is why a supportive tutor who is willing to encourage the student to truly understand and appreciate the science for what it really is (regardless of silly syllabus limitations) can be tremendously helpful to the student’s enjoyment.

Of course, not everyone has the time or money or opportunity for tuition. But how it goes on in schools, both secondary schools and JCs, doesn’t look like it’s going to ever be changing for several reasons:

1) MOE teachers are severely overworked (but again, ‘tong ren bu tong ming’, just like in the SAF, for instance, some people slack, some people overwork all the way. So it’s fair to say that *many*, not all, MOE teachers are severely overworked). So they won’t have the time or energy to give every student full support, like a private tutor can.

2) The syllabus, curriculum and system, is superficially results oriented, rather than true results oriented. True results, includes the student truly understanding and enjoying the process, so that he/she may have the motivation to contribute to humanity with his/her own unique insights, research and exploration. But being superficially results oriented, the JC teachers feel their priority is just to get students to blindly memorize to get marks. A good tutor has the time and opportunity to help students to understand and enjoy at the same time as also memorizing to get full marks. 

3) There are many teachers out there (both Sec sch and JCs), who do not themselves have a healthy mindset or attitude towards teaching and the students’ learning. Every teacher, like every human being on this planet, is unique. There are all kinds of teachers (just as they’re all kinds of doctors, psychologists, philosophers, religious people, etc), it’s erroneous to overgeneralize to say most MOE teachers are ‘horrible’, or most MOE teachers are ‘wonderful’. They are individuals, with all individual kinds possible.) 

My Dad, (also Mr Heng), a retired MOE-teacher who taught Mathematics for over 40 years at various Secondary Schools and Junior Colleges, holds a NUS degree in Mathematics. He has authored and co-authored a number of Mathematics books (assessment books, guide books, and a textbook) at the Secondary and JC levels. (He’s the one offering ‘A’ level / ‘O’ level Mathematics Tuition, while I’m offering ‘A’ level / ‘O’ level Chemistry & Biology Tuition.)

The Tuition sessions are held at my place of residence, at Blk 5000M #11-56 Lagoon View, located between Bedok (Temasek JC) and Marine Parade (Victoria JC). Group Tuition is significantly less costly but certainly no less effective (note : Individual Tuition is still possible if desired, but will have be more expensive, see my rates below), and there are also advantages to small-group tuition and is thus recommended. As a new Tuition student, you may prefer form your own new group (ie. with your own friends, 3-4 per group), otherwise you can join an existing Tuition group of students (if available).

All of my tuition students have done very well for their tuition subjects at their local Secondary School Exams, their Sec 4 Prelim Exams, their actual ‘O’ Level Exams, their JC Exams, JC2 Prelim Exams, and at their final ‘A’ Level Exams; with all my students enjoying noticeable grade point average improvements in their tuition subjects; and for many, actual ‘A’ grade distinctions for these subjects.

There is only one objective over here at True Tuition: Deliver quality guidance and support to help students to excel in their grades and truly appreciate, understand and learn the subjects, within affordable prices.

Holidays are ending, and school is reopening very soon. Some of you may be going to start your secondary school life next year, some may go sec. 3, or may even be taking your “O” Levels/”A” Levels next year. Some of you may be having poor results or enjoying good grades for the past semesters. No matter what level you’re going next year, or how bad or good your results are, it is never too early or too late to truly learn, understand and excel.

Please spread this blog link around and let your friends/relatives or whoever it is who wants to truly learn, understand and excel in their subjects.

*Please refer to the respective pages for information regarding our profiles, fees, location and contact details!*