Is tuition absolutely needed from Sec 1?

[zbear]

my DD doesn't have tuition until this year P6 for Science. I want to ask for IP curriculum next year, may I know what subjects are tuition'able since I understand IP doesn't follow a fixed set of syllabus like O level stream? I am still going to go tuitionless but would like to explore alternatives if she cannot keep up.

I know Aspen offer tuition for IP Maths and Science.

If I am not wrong, I think Aspen caters to RGS n DHS students only.

[janet88]

echo zbear's comments...

Secondary 1 is a different syllabus from primary school. can't wait for the child to hit rock bottom before getting a tutor because there are 7-8 subjects.

[Yngmng]

Mavis ( Kovan branch ) also offer tuition for ip Maths and science.

[LanglitEnglish]

My dd requested for tuition in maths and science. Only agreed to maths.

Hi. I think that if your child requested for tuition for both maths and science, it means that she feels she needs help in both. If this is the starting point, then getting her a tutor for both subjects may help her. It is when the child is against tuition that I'd advise against getting him/her a tutor. (I'm presuming this is not a case of an A student wanting a tutor to help her maintain her A's. If it is, then I agree with your decision to get a tutor for only one subject.)

[LanglitEnglish]

I've never believed it is needed. To pressurize someone at such a young age is stifling. A little guidance is ok but if its real tuition at least wait until they are doing exams.

If you wait until exams, it's too late.

Tuition is a long term process so if you want to see results, it's best to start early. Success doesn't come over nite.

I agree that you shouldn't wait until exams, but you don't have to put your child through tuition from Day 1 of Sec 1 either. That would place unnecessary stress on your child. You can monitor your child's progress in the first term, and if he / she is really struggling to cope after the first test(s), especially with key subjects like Mathematics, English or Science, then you can consider getting a tutor.

[kaitlynangelica]

I've never believed it is needed. To pressurize someone at such a young age is stifling. A little guidance is ok but if its real tuition at least wait until they are doing exams.

Then what if the child is failing or below average?
To be unable to keep up, isn't that a form of pressure to the child?
I notice that often, people say that tuition is pressurizing.
Tuition can be helpful if the tutor can motivate and interest the child in the subject.

Anyway, how to start tuition during exams? To wait till then will be to the point of no return.

[janet88]

having a tutor may not always be pressurising.
in fact, the child may communicate his/her fears to the tutor, who is in a better position to ease those fears.
a parent is still a parent. but the tutor can be the child's friend.

getting a reliable tutor is difficult. to get a tutor near exams is really too late. how is the tutor going to help?

[Yngmng]

having a tutor may not always be pressurising.
in fact, the child may communicate his/her fears to the tutor, who is in a better position to ease those fears.
a parent is still a parent. but the tutor can be the child's friend.

getting a reliable tutor is difficult. to get a tutor near exams is really too late. how is the tutor going to help?

Whether tuition is required depends on the expectation. If one is only aiming to pass the subject, then tuition is only required if the child has difficulties achieving the passing grade.

Agree that getting a tutor near exam is too late. Tutor cannot perform miracles.
If the child express difficulties and is not adverse to tuition, then can consider tuition. If not, it is a waste of time and money.

At secondary, they should be mature enough to approach teachers or friends if they encounter difficulties. This also encourage independent learning.

[janet88]

At secondary, they should be mature enough to approach teachers or friends if they encounter difficulties. This also encourage independent learning.

secondary school teachers are more available...in fact, there are supplementary lessons several times a week. it's impossible to have tuition for many subjects at secondary level given the limited time and money.

[bestwishes]

My friend's boy failed his sec 1 Mid year Math this year. After having tuition for less than 3 months, he has improved greatly. I guess for this case, tuition is absolutely needed.