KiasuParents - Parenting in Singapore

Hi, so I'm planning to retake my O levels as a private candidate next year. Any suggestions for places to go to? I know of pencil tutor but are there any others other than that? A tuition centre or a private one that has good reputation and can help me to defer my ns?
Thanks

I doubt enrolling in a private tuition centre will allow you to defer NS.

Why do u need to defer NS? I thot NS enlistment is after A levels n Poly?

You can't defer NS through a private tuition. You can't even defer it if you are a private candidate.

zbear wrote:Why do u need to defer NS? I thot NS enlistment is after A levels n Poly?

Rejoin wrote:You can't defer NS through a private tuition. You can't even defer it if you are a private candidate.

This is all incorrect information. Any male who reaches 16 years of age will be enlisted, regardless of their educational level. The threshold age is 16. Meaning, every male in JC/Poly/ITE is technically on a deferment.

You can get deferment as long as the educational level that you are pursuing is NOT at degree level or higher. Meaning you can defer if you are pursuing O level, A level, Diploma, Nitec, Higher Nitec.

You can defer as a private candidate but only if you attend a private institution as a full-time student. Penciltutor students do get deferment. MDIS students taking O level and A levels as well. If you are a private candidate taking private tuition only, you will not be granted deferment.

Retaking during NS is quite tough, unless lucky to get a Stay Out vocation.

Personally I tutored a NS student retaking A Level, he was really tired after booking out every week, could see that he is struggling to even stay awake.

Need to have extremely strong motivation and mental and physical strength to be able to pull it off, in my opinion.

How many subjects are you planning to retake?

For those retaking O Levels or A Levels, they may wish to study on their own with the help of tutors. Especially for non-laboratory subjects like maths, it is highly possible.
Most tutors will be available in the morning to early afternoon on weekdays, since that is their off-peak period.

Hi,

I am thinking of retaking my O levels this year because i dont think i can go to the course i want in poly….
any idea how to start off with the journey?
must i join a tuition? or can i just do i on my own? but i dont know if i can be motivated enough to study myself this whole year...

anyone can advice?

Hi, here's my two cents' worth. I think you have to balance the pros and cons. Is it a must to retake (did you flunk a crucial subject?) or do you have other course options in poly? Retaking the exams and doing better is no guarantee that you will be able to get the course. Other factors play a part as well, especially for courses that require interviews.

If your mind is set on retaking, you will then need to consider which subjects you need to retake. You can also consider taking subjects that you have never taken before. For example, if you are strong in either science or humanities, you may consider taking a new subject from either category to lower your L1R4.

As for revision, you can either sign up with a tuition centre or engage private tutors if your budget allows for it. The rest of your time can be used for self-revision and even working part-time. My private candidate students in past years have done this successfully.

Many school teachers and tutors will advise against self-studying without guidance. It's better to sign up for a class or engage tutors. First, there's the issue of motivation. Secondly, if there's nobody to clarify your doubts or point out the areas that you need to work on, it's unlikely that you will be able to improve your grades. If you are concerned that you may not be able to find tutors who can help you, you can approach your former school teachers. Many teachers give a little tuition in their spare time. If they do not personally give tuition, your school teachers may also be able to recommend some good tutors to you.

Best of luck.