If there’s anything more high-anxiety than trying to get the perfect BTO in Singapore, it might very well be getting your little prince/princess into a primary school of your choice in Singapore. Getting your kid into any school is easy but getting them into your dream school can be a complex affair – especially if you’re doing it for the first time.

Here’s a complete guide to help you navigate through the maze that is Primary 1 registration, without any hair pulling and unwanted surprises.

When is Primary 1 registration 2024?

The 2024 P1 Registration Exercise will start on 2nd July. It is applicable for children born from 2nd January 2018 to 1st January 2019.

What parents need to know before applying for P1 registration

Nanhua Primary School.
Image credit: Xinran

You’ve probably heard of this by now, but in case anyone has been “living under a rock”,  it’s compulsory for all Singapore Citizens to enrol their child in primary school unless you’ve been granted an exemption or deferment.

P1 registration is also open to PRs and international students, but it isn’t mandatory for them.

More often than not, there are more applicants than slots for coveted schools. Just like applying for a BTO, the allocation isn’t first-come-first-served and things instead run on a balloting system – more details on this below.

When do I start registering my child for primary school?

Park View Primary.
Image credit: Gerard via Foursquare

Primary school education starts the year the child turns 7, but applications begin half a year before. You can start registering the year your child turns 6. If your child is born on 1st January you can also register them with the previous batch.

So, if your child was born in 2018 or on 1st January 2019, they can register this year to enter primary school in 2025.

Yes, calculating this requires some mental gymnastics. To be extra sure, key in the date of birth of your child into the eligibility checker on MOE’s website to know when to register.

Registration typically opens around the middle of the year – the exact date you start applying depends on which phase you qualify for.

How do I register my child for Primary 1?

In the “old days”, our parents had to queue up at their school of choice to register us kiddos. Fortunately, applications have become much easier since then.

After 2020, P1 registration became a fully online process. Now, all you need to do is pop out your laptop and log into the P1 registration portal with your Singpass account. Only one parent is required to register.

What are the phases for P1 registration?

The registration process is split into 5 main phases – 1, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2C Supplementary. At each phase, you can only apply for 1 school. The application window for each phase also lasts less than 2 days so don’t leave the decision making to the final hour.

If you are enrolling your first child and have no affiliation with any of the primary schools, you can wait to apply from Phase 2C onwards.  

Phase 1 – A child who has a sibling studying in the same school 

Phase 1 is extremely straightforward – if you have an older child who is already studying in the same school, your next child will be guaranteed a slot in Phase 1. 

2024 registration: 2nd July 2024, 9am – 4th July 2024, 4.30pm
Result: 10th July 2024

Phase 2A – Affiliated family members 

Phase 2 is where it gets slightly more complex. There have been some changes to Phase 2 in recent years, with Phases 2A(1) and 2A(2) merged into what’s now Phase 2A. If you check off the following, congratulations, you are eligible for Phase 2A.

• Are a former student of the school you’re applying to
• Are a member of the School Advisory or Management Committee
• Are an existing staff member of the school
• Have a child that’s in an MOE kindergarten under the purview of the primary school

2024 registration: 11th July 2024, 9am – 12h July 2024, 4.30pm
Result: 19th July 2024

Phase 2B – For a child with endorsed family members or parent volunteers 

To be or not to be? Phase 2B is to be if you are a:

• Community leader with a letter from People’s Association
• Church or clan member that has direct connections with the school
• Parent volunteer at the school

There are some things to note for Phase 2B – just because you’re eligible, doesn’t mean your child is guaranteed a spot. For one, each school will only have 20 spots available for Phase 2B. If there are more than 20 children applying under this phase, balloting will take place.

Community leaders must also ensure that they live within 2km from the school of their choice. The listed address must be tied to your NRIC, and you must have lived there for at least 30 months prior to the start of P1 registration. If this requirement isn’t met, MOE will transfer your application to a school with vacancies.

2024 registration: 22nd July 2024, 9am – 23rd July 2024, 4.30pm
Results: 29th July 2024

Phase 2C – For those without ties to the school

You’re a Phase 2C applicant if you’re applying for your first child and have no connections with the school. Some parents choose to volunteer with their preferred school to be eligible for the earlier phases. There are 40 spots available in Phase 2C.

2024 registration: 30th July 2024, 9am – 1st August 2024, 4.30pm
Results: 13th August 2024

Phase 2C Supplementary – Final round of application

For Singaporeans and PRs, Phase 2C is the final round of application, and your last shot at getting into your school of choice. Those who’ve been unsuccessful will automatically be posted to a suitable school with an available vacancy by MOE.

2024 registration: 15th August 2024, 9am – 16th August 2024, 4.30pm
Results: 27th August 2024

Phase 3 – Only for non-Singaporeans and non-PRs

Despite the name, Phase 3 doesn’t take place after the other application rounds and is for international students only. Interestingly enough, it starts earlier, with applications opening before Phase 1 begins.

You’ll need to submit an indication of interest on the MOE website during the registration dates listed. If you’re eligible, MOE will let you know by October on how to register with your designated school.

2024 registration: 28th May 2024, 9am – 3rd June 2024, 4.30pm (Closed)
Results: By October 2024

What is balloting & how does it work? 

Nanyang Primary School.
Image credit: Wise & New Life 

Not everyone can get their kid into a school of their choice. Popular schools typically have more applicants than vacancies but you can maximise your chances if you know how the balloting system works. Priority admission is allocated in the following order during the balloting process:

1. Singapore Citizens living <1km of the school
2. Singapore Citizens living between 1km-2km from the school
3. Singapore Citizens living >2km of the school
4. Permanent Residents living <1km of the school
5. Permanent Residents living between 1km-2km of the school
6. Permanent Residents living >2km of the school

You can find out which schools are within 2km of your address on the MOE website. 

How many vacancies are there in each application phase?

Image credit: HDB InfoWEB

Even if you don’t qualify for an earlier phase, you won’t be left on the lurch. There’s a system in place to ensure that the vacancies are fairly spread out across the various phases. No one likes maths but bear with me. After Phase 2A is over, the remaining slots are split up as such:

Phase 2B is guaranteed to have at least 20 slots + 1/3 of the remaining slots. Meanwhile Phase 2C is guaranteed 40 slots + 2/3 of the remaining seats. 

What documents to prepare for Primary 1 enrollment? 

To apply, you’ll need to have the following documents and details on hand:

• Child’s full name
• Child’s birth certificate number
• Child’s date of birth
• Address used for registration

Additional documents may be required if you’ve just moved into a new property, or are divorced or separated. You may also be asked to present extra paperwork if you’re applying under phase 2 to show proof of affiliation or connection to the school. Be sure to prepare these ahead of time to avoid having to fumble through your storeroom at the last minute.

What to consider when choosing a school for your child? 

Ukulele lessons.
Image credit: Valor Primary

Apart from travel time and school reputation, there are some other smaller but nevertheless important factors to consider before making your selection. 

Take a look at the list of the extracurricular activities offered by the school to see if it aligns with your child’s interests. Some schools offer unique CCAs like ceramics, cheerleading, and even game strategy. You can also view which schools offer your preferred mother tongue language classes on MOE’s school finder.

If your child has special education needs, you can consider enrolling them into an SPED school.

Receiving your results

Raffles Girls Primary School.
Image adapted from: SD Architects

You’ll be notified on whether you’ve gotten a placement via SMS and thereafter, it’s a matter of submitting miscellaneous forms like immunisation records and receiving emails about what to do to prepare for the first day of school. 

There’ll be an orientation day for each school, during which you can expect to settle everything from school bus arrangements to purchase of school supplies like uniforms and textbooks. The school year will start on the Monday of the first week of January.

P1 application tips from other parents

Doing something for the first time is always intimidating but we’ve got you covered with some tips from other Singaporean parents who have gone through the whole process:

1. Don’t forget to look at balloting data from previous years. Sometimes, it’s better to go for a school that your child has a better chance at entering, rather than the school that’s in the highest demand. You can see if a school has a history of being oversubscribed on MOE’s website.
2. The most important thing to do is get your first child through the door. Some parents volunteer at the school, while others choose to move houses to get priority admission to increase their chances – however, do remember that slots are never guaranteed. After your first child is through, your next child’s admission into the school is secured.
3. Go for a few primary school open houses to get a better sense of each school’s culture. Also speak to the students and parent volunteers during your visit as they may be able to share unofficial tips that can help with decision-making.

Everything about P1 registration in Singapore 

With lots of parents going the extra mile – or extra light years, in some cases – to secure the dream school for their child, you can best believe P1 registration is a competitive sport in its own right. Whether you choose to go ‘lax or all out on primary school application, it’s always best to go in well informed. 

Now that you’ve got everything you need to know, it’s time to start looking at the next to-dos including getting back-to-school supplies and deciding on how much pocket money your child needs. 

More brainy things for kids:

• Notorious primary school exam questions 
• More difficult PSLE exam questions 
• Online educational games & activities
• Best online tutors

Cover image adapted from: Wise & New Life, Xinran, Valor Primary, HDB InfoWEB
Originally published on 28th May 2023. Last updated by Raewyn Koh on 24th June 2024.

The post Step-By-Step Guide To P1 Registration In Singapore – Balloting FAQs, Important Dates & Tips From Parents appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

You’ve read all the university application tips, are prepping for interviews, and anxiously awaiting your acceptance into your dream school. If you’re gunning to be an official SMU student, here are some tried-and-tested SMU hacks shared by current students and recent alumni.

From affordable food alternatives to helpful Telegram groups, these tips will come in handy as you start your life as an SMU student. Read on to find out more:

1. Find nearby hidden hawkers for super affordable meals

There’s undeniably a variety of economical F&B options on campus, including the ever-affordable Koufu, with most of the establishments offering attractive discounts for SMU students. But if you want to save even more money, go for hawker centres instead. Save the campus stalls for when you don’t have the time to go out and dabao.

Albert Centre Market and Food Centre.
Image credit: Eatbook

For one, you can walk to the Waterloo Food Summons hawker centre for cheap cai fan – pricing is around $3.50 for 2 vegetables and 1 meat. Albert Centre Market and Food Centre in Bugis is also another option to consider. It’s a quick 10-minute walk from SMU and you have a slew of yummy hawker options including yong tau foo and fishball noodles.

2. Join SMU Telegram groups for free food

I’m sure many of us are already in many Telegram channels, so here are some more useful ones to join. For one, the SMU Buffet Clearers channel is the go-to when you’re hunting for some free food. At the same time, you’ll be playing a part in reducing food wastage. The group shares updates on where leftover buffets can be found across campus, so you can scurry on over with your takeaway containers to cop some food.

You can also post school surveys here and garner more responses.
Image credit: Isabel Lim

On the other hand, Ask.SMU is a channel you can join for lost and found items. Say you’ve lost your student card or laptop charger. Before you fall into blind panic, check the channel and see if anyone’s found your items. Or send an SOS and cross your fingers that someone locates your belongings.

3. Use free websites to choose profs that match your learning style

Bidding for your school modules is as tough as choosing your future career, no cap. Before you finalise your decision, be sure to make use of free websites such as AfterClass to evaluate each module.

The website is intuitive and easy to use. Select the module you’re interested in, then browse through the reviews left by previous students. You’ll be able to find out details including the amount of workload and each professor’s teaching style – so you can decide what works best for you. Of course, you could also check with your seniors and former SMU students.

Speaking of which, if you’re an SMU alumni, you’ll get to save up to $5,000 in postgraduate tuition or get a $10,000 discount on the EMBA programme.

4. Skip the stairs & take the underpass instead if you’re lazy

SMU’s a pretty huge campus, let’s be real. All buildings in SMU are connected, so if you’re getting from one end to the other, there are several routes you can take.

Image credit: The SMU Blog 

For example, opt for the air-conditioned underpass if you need refuge from the heat. The School of Computing and Information Systems 1 and 2, School of Accountancy, and Lee Kong Chian School of Business are connected via the underpass.

But if you’re rushing to class, walk through the ground level instead – it’s much faster. The School of Accountancy, School of Social Sciences/College of Integrative Studies, Yong Pung How School of Law, and Connexion are all linked at Level 3.

5. Park at Fort Canning Park to save money

Drivers, listen up. If you’re planning to park on campus for a full day of classes, you can purchase the Day Pass at Student Services Hub for $12.

Fort Canning Park is an alternative if you aren’t staying for the whole day. Parking rates go from $2.20/hour, and parking is FOC after 5pm and on weekends. Plus, it’s directly connected to the Yong Pung How School of Law. If the car park is full, NTUC Centre charges $3/entry from 5pm-11pm – so those with night classes or CCAs can consider parking here.

Nonetheless, parking in the area is limited, so you’re encouraged to take public transport. And being in the city, SMU is so accessible anyway, with 2 MRT stations – Bras Basah and Bencoolen – connected directly to campus. Dhoby Ghaut and City Hall stations are also just a short walk away.

6. Speak to trained “peer helpers” for free if you need a listening ear

Image credit: SMU

Everyone can benefit from speaking to a peer, whether it’s to share about the stress of school or personal life. SMU Peer Helpers are located at Cosy Haven, behind the Student Services Hub at the B1 Concourse of the Li Ka Shing Library, and you can speak to them for free.

They’re full-time students who have gone through thorough training by professionals, and are equipped to help fellow SMU students. But if you just need a quiet spot on campus, Cosy Haven has comfy beanbags and sofas for you to chill on. The place is open from weeks 3-7 and 9-13 during school sessions, and closed on weekends and PHs.

On that note, if you’re looking for guidance when it comes to work experience, you’ll be happy to know that all SMU students get a dedicated career counsellor. So, here’s our advice: fix an appointment in your first semester itself to get a headstart in thinking about your internships and industry attachments. This service is completely free and making use of it makes you a savvy student.

7. Sign up for CCA trial sessions before committing

Image credit: SMU 

CCAs are a great way to immerse yourself in the school spirit. And there are more than 150 clubs at SMU to choose from. So, if you don’t know where to start, sign up for CCA trial sessions first before committing to a club. There’s usually a small fee of $6-$8 for these trials, but these pay for your equipment rentals.

Some clubs, like diving, charge a higher fee, depending on the cost of equipment. Just remember to check before signing up. Trial sessions generally are for 1 day, and slots are mostly released on Sundays.

8. Chill at the pantry at SMU Connexion during peak lunch hours

Sometimes lunch hours can get pretty busy on the campus eateries. During times like these, make a beeline for the pantry at SMU Connexion (SMUC). It’s a (not-so-secret) hideout for students to hang out and have their meals together.

The Social Kitchen.
Image credit: SMU

There are some days when you’ll inevitably also have to stay back in school till late, whether it’s to mug for exams or train with your CCA mates for upcoming competitions. If you need to heat your leftover food, take advantage of the free microwaves and ovens at the pantry too.

Alternatively, the same provisions can be found at the Social Kitchen located at the YMCA building near SMU School of Economics. You can also save money and bring food from home – then heat it up with the microwaves. BTW, do be considerate and treat these machines with care. After all, they’re shared by the whole school.

Bookmark these tips & hacks for SMU

Excited to begin your journey at SMU? Take a page out of your seniors’ book and save these hacks for future use. Whether you’re taking an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, if you have decided that SMU is the school for you, it’s time to start applying.

Image credit: SMU

We’ll be the first to admit it – choosing your future school can be pretty daunting. So if you’re still yo-yo-ing between various options, let us tell you that there are plenty of reasons to consider SMU. These include higher average salaries for graduates, a wealth of overseas experience opportunities, and extra support for those pivoting towards entrepreneurship.

Getting to travel overseas with other students is a great way to make new friends.
Image credit: SMU

Speaking of global experience, it’s pretty much guaranteed that every SMU student will get to travel. Apart from student exchanges with more than 200 partner universities, one can do so via overseas internships and community service too.

Application deadlines

• Undergraduate programme: 19th March 2024
• Postgraduate programmes (full-time & part-time):
  August 2024 intake – 31st May 2024
  January 2025 intake – 31st October 2024

Apply for an undergrad or postgrad programme at SMU

This post was brought to you by SMU.
Cover image adapted from: SMU

The post 8 SMU Hacks To Help Students Live Their Best Uni Life From Freshie To Postgraduate appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

Exam period or not, Singaporean students are always on the search for the perfect study spot to get some revision done. Studying at home might not be the best when your bed’s constantly enticing you, and cafes probably aren’t a good idea if we broke students have to fork out $15 on a meal just to sit in. But not all is lost – there are other conducive places around for you to put your mugger mode into high-gear. Here’s a list of free study spots that you can study in FOC, without getting chased out.

1. Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre

Image credit: Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre

Tucked away in Yishun is Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre, filled with quaint cafes and a lesser-known study spot with large tables, free WiFi, and power points. Perfect for those sensitive to the cold, there are large fans instead of air conditioning here so you can mug without freezing.

Address: 30A Yishun Central 1, Singapore 768796
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily

2. Our Tampines Hub

Image credit: Our Tampines Hub

Easties have it great – there are plenty of malls in Tampines that have fast food joints and cafes if you want a place to study while grabbing a bite. But there’s also Our Tampines Hub, which not only has plenty of alternative options for study areas, they’re also free.

Image credit: Our Tampines Hub

The place is open 24/7, and there are study tables scattered across all 6 floors from B1 to L5 – perfect for those nights where you suddenly find yourself swamped with tight deadlines. You can also hold your group discussions freely thanks to the picnic-style configuration of the tables.

Image credit: Our Tampines Hub

Address: 1 Tampines Walk, Singapore 528523
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily

3. Community centres

Pasir Ris Elias CC’s study room has cubicles with partitions to prevent you from getting distracted.
Image credit: Pasir Ris Elias CC

We often think that Community Centres are mainly places for dancing or cooking classes, but not a lot of us are aware of the study rooms within these places. There’s air-conditioning, a quiet environment, and best of all, they can be found in multiple neighbourhoods around the island, making them convenient to get to.

CCs that have these free study rooms include Macpherson, Nee Soon East, Sengkang, and Pasir Ris Elias CC.

Some CCs like Sengkang Community Centre also offer their students an unlimited supply of food and beverages to fuel their way through an intense mugging session. Simply show up and register with your NRIC and you’re good to go.

Power socket under the tables at Sengkang CC.

Macpherson CC
Address: 400 Paya Lebar Way, Singapore 379131
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily

Nee Soon East CC
Address: 1 Yishun Ave 9, Singapore 768893
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily

Pasir Ris Elias CC
Address: 93 Pasir Ris Drive 3, Singapore 519498
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily

Sengkang CC
Address: 2 Sengkang Square, #01-01, Singapore 545025
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily

4. Smart Void Deck at Jurong

With its susceptibility to hot weather and noise, void decks are rarely the location of choice for a productive study session. Not with this one, though – this smart void deck at Block 224 Jurong East Street 21 is here to change that, as it gives you the ability to configure your own space, with lighting that changes according to the detected furniture layout.

For example, arranging the tables to resemble a study room will trigger the bluish light scheme that’ll help you stay alert.

Address: Block 224 Jurong East Street 21, Singapore 600224

5. MUG @ Blossom Youth Centre

Image credit: Blossom Youth Centre

MUG @ Blossom Youth Centre is a youth community area nestled in Bukit Timah. It has free Wi-Fi, study tables, as well as complimentary snacks, so students aged between 13-25 can spend the whole day there in comfort.

Image credit: Blossom Youth Centre

Your brain will need a break after all that revision, so swing by their recreation corners for a short break. There’s a piano and guitar, Xbox consoles, board games, and self-help books to keep you occupied during down time.

Reading corner.
Image credit: Blossom Youth Centre

Big groups searching for a place to hold their meetings can head over to the group discussion room. It’s equipped with a whiteboard and a TV that will come in handy for mock presentations – simply drop them an email to book the room beforehand, and you’re all set.

Music corner.
Image credit: Blossom Youth Centre

Facilities here are complimentary for use after a free registration under their Blossom Youth Development Programme, which helps impart qualities like compassion and leadership in youth – so you can be sure to learn a variety of valuable soft skills to supplement your stellar grades. 

Update: A donation of $2 is encouraged to fund operations.

Book a slot at MUG @ Blossom Centre.

Address: 9 Toh Yi Drive, #01-321, Singapore 590009
Opening hours: Tue-Fri 10am-6pm (Closed from Saturdays to Mondays)
Contact: 6464 5116 | Blossom Youth Centre website

6. Changi Airport

Large steps at T3’s amphitheatre you can relax at with a laptop or tablet.

Singaporeans are the only people that head down to Changi Airport to put in a good studying session. It’s not called the best airport in the world without a reason – it’s got literally everything you need from free Wi-Fi, to multiple food options, and numerous comfy sitting areas.

If you’re just reading up on your study materials and don’t need a table, there are plenty of chairs scattered, including at the viewing gallery. Just remember not to leave any of your belongings unattended – the last thing you need is for your essential study materials to be labelled as suspicious objects and confiscated!

Address: 70 Airport Boulevard, Singapore 819661
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily

7. Khoo Teck Puat Hospital

Image credit: @chienpingc via Instagram 

A hospital is probably one of the last places you’d think of when in need of a good study spot, but more and more students have been flocking to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital to cram for healthy grades – and for good reason. The place is surrounded by greenery and crisp air that helps to keep your mind fresh, and it’s generally peaceful all around.

Many of the seats even come with umbrellas for shade.
Image credit: @nara2sea via Instagram

If you’re feeling peckish, grab your stuff and move over to the tables in the NTUC FoodFare. If you’re the type to keep snacking during study sessions, you’ll be glad to know that this particular food court is full of healthy food options with calorie counts labelled, so you’ll be more aware of how much you’re eating.

Image credit: Wallflower Architecture

Image credit: @serijaes via Instagram

Address: 90 Yishun Central, Singapore 768828
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily

8. Public libraries

Those craving for the ultimate silent sanctuary know no place better than our public libraries. You know the drill: show up early to chope your spot, and you’ll be able to stay there the whole day should you choose. They’re hugely popular given their silence and ample tables, but to help you out, here are some of the most conducive ones.

Bishan Public Library

Image credits: @reedaboutmei via Instagram

Bishan Public Library gives its muggers little nooks where you can sit on the floor and have your study materials sprawled out. Of course, there are also chairs and tables for those who prefer that.

Image credit: @ela_glogowska via Instagram

The study pods are built with tinted glass, which helps reduce the glare of Singapore’s perpetual sunshine.

Address: 5 Bishan Place, #01-01, Singapore 579841
Opening hours: 10am-9pm, Daily

Yishun Public Library

Image credit: @ben10shoots via Instagram

Yishun Public Library has private cubicle seats in a sectioned-off room with dark walls for you to have a reading session free from visual disturbances.

Address: 930 Yishun Avenue 2 #04-01 North Wing Northpoint City, 769098
Opening hours: 11am-9pm, Daily

library@harbourfront

Image credit: @dawisunayooo via Instagram

Library@harbourfront has indoor deck chairs for you to recline on, with great views of Sentosa should you need an eye break.

Address: 1 HarbourFront Walk, #03-05 VivoCity, Singapore 098585
Opening hours: 11am-9pm, Daily

Punggol Regional Library 

Image credit: Capture Asia via Google Maps

The recently-opened Punggol Regional Library is perfect for those looking for a spot to hunker down and work on group projects with their teammates. The library has a coworking zone and soundproof meeting pods, plus rows of large tables lined with power sockets. 

Image credit: Chong KV

Address: 1 Punggol Drive One, #01-12, 828629
Opening hours: 10am-9pm, Daily

Find the full list of public libraries in Singapore.

National Library Building at Bugis

Image credit: National Library Board

Of course, the most popular one will always be the National Library Building at Bugis. It’s centrally located, and there are numerous study spots found throughout the building. 

While the Central Public Library in the basement is closed for renovations until January 2024, the rest of the facilities – such as the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library – are still open.

(Closed) Library@Esplanade 

Image credit: @yayaisha via Instagram

For one that’s less frequented, there’s Library@Esplanade. It’s located in town which is far from most schools, so you won’t have to worry about other students clamouring for seats right after school’s out.

(Closed) Study Area at JCube 

Image credits: churra

Some of us require some form of background noise to keep us in the zone, and if you fall into this category, check out the study area at JCube. It’s located right next to the escalators on the second and third levels, and there are vending machines around the area as well should you need some fuel from a bag of snacks or a hot meal.

Best free study spots to mug at in Singapore

Studying at home can be non-conducive if you’re constantly distracted by noisy neighbours, or have to share your room with your siblings. With these free study spots, you can squeeze in some last-minute revisions and hold group discussions without fear of getting chased out, and finally say hello to productivity!

For more useful work and study resources:

• 24/7 Mcdonald’s outlets
• Free university softwares
• Free work spaces 

Cover image adapted from: Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre, Capture Asia via Google Maps
Originally published on 11st August 2019. Last updated by Kezia Tan on 28th September 2023.

The post 8 Free Study Spots in Singapore You Can Mug At Without Getting Chased Out appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

Growing up, our lives centred around school. In between handling intense maths homework and puzzling over the social niceties of lunch table cliques – we’d overlook the one constant that has always been there: our teachers. Now that we’re supposedly adulting, let’s take some time to reminisce over what our teachers did for us.

1. They take extra time to give you encouragement

Quite frankly, a teacher’s main job is to teach. But remember how our teachers added stickers, stamps, and encouraging comments in our assignments? That’s them going beyond their job scope. Those who genuinely cared always went the extra mile for us.

Image credit: Ministry of Education

2. They have social lives outside the classroom

Don’t be surprised if you see your former teachers having fun on the weekends!

We often forget that teachers are people too – we only ever think of them within a classroom context. But hey, they’ve got their own families, friends, and social lives to juggle – you’ll never guess from the professional way they carry themselves.

Kudos to those who called us back for remedial classes after school: at that time, we might have rolled our eyes and thought they were holding us back just for fun.

3. They don’t love giving you homework

We’d whinge and grumble every time we were given homework, but what we didn’t think about was that the more homework we have, the more there is to mark. All those long-form essay questions we hated? Well, teachers are putting in as much, if not more effort, as we did.

4. They have multiple WhatsApp group conversations at any given time

Besides teaching, teachers also spend a whole lot of time on other areas like curriculum planning, CCAs, admin work, and remedial classes. That results in them having to juggle plenty of WhatsApp group conversations at any given time.

Granted, they didn’t have WhatsApp when we were in primary school, but that just made it all the more difficult to coordinate activities.

5. They’re a client manager of your parents

Developing their client management skills with the most demanding clients of all – our parents.

Now that we’re in the working world, we all know difficult clients can be a tad tricky to manage. But that’s what teachers are doing 24/7. Having to deal with kiasu parents is no easy feat – questions like “How is he doing in class?” and “Why is my kid lagging behind?” need to be answered tactfully.

6. They’re often on their feet

Always standing – but think of all the health benefits they’re reaping!
Image credit: Ministry of Education

No one ever thinks of teaching as a physically strenuous job, but it certainly is. From pacing around the classroom to jotting down notes on the board, teachers spend a serious amount of time on their feet. It can be hard for us regular folks to imagine since we already complain about the distance we have to walk for lunch.

7. They have excellent face-name recognition skills

Image credit: Ministry of Education

Remembering the names of all students? Not an easy task. When you’re standing at the front of a class with a list of 30 odd students, it’s near impossible to remember all their names. And that’s why teachers should be applauded for their excellent memories – they always know exactly whose name to call to answer a tricky question.

Being a teacher in Singapore

Teachers work hard behind the scenes. And with their constant belief in us, they play a huge role in encouraging our childhood dreams. From constantly offering words of motivation to juggling a multitude of group chats, there’s so much teachers do that we often look past.

With every mark and every grade as a recognition of effort, teachers always see the potential in us. As it goes: “every child can achieve when there’s a teacher who believes”.

Find out more about being a teacher in Singapore

This post was brought to you by the Ministry of Education.
Promotions in this listicle may no longer be valid.
Originally published on 31st January 2019. Last updated by Kezia Tan on 1st September 2022.

The post 7 Things About Teachers We Never Realised Until We Grew Up appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

The perfect excuse to sleep in and stay in PJs during school days, home-based learning a.k.a. HBL has also opened our eyes to how convenient learning can be. With nifty features like collaborative whiteboards and lesson recordings, not only will online tutors save you time shuttling between classes, but these lessons can also be more affordable than traditional classes.  

Whether you’re feeling the jitters of an upcoming major exam or you simply want to pick up a new skill or language in your free time, these 13 online tutors in Singapore will be sure to help maximise your time learning:

For more things to do online:

• Online Bollywood movies
• Online counselling Singapore
• Online games to play   

1. AGrader Learning Centre – Unlimited revision sessions anytime

Image adapted from: AGrader

Kids from primary 3-6 can now improve their English, maths, and science with online tuition classes from AGrader Learning Centre. As parents, if you’re worried about whether your children can fit extra revision time into their busy schedules, AGrader’s after-class support system will be a boon.

Even after their tuition session is over, kids can access the recordings at any time and re-watch lessons as many times as they need. There are also extra revision sessions that provide worksheets and explainer videos for questions that were answered incorrectly.

If you want to help your child with questions discussed during online lessons, simply reach out to the teachers on the WhatsApp support group for clarification. The best part is that all these resources come at no additional cost. 

If your kids have forgotten what they learned last year or years ago, they will get complimentary access to video lessons and worksheets for up to 3 previous levels. This will be extra useful when prepping for major exams such as PSLE. To keep up with how much your child is learning, look out for weekly updates from teachers who will provide personalised feedback.

As a bonus for signing up for online classes, your child will also get their hands on a Cheat-Sheets Pack. This covers must-know topics from the previous term, so they can catch up on their revision for upcoming exams.

Check out AGrader Learning Centre.

2. SmileTutor – Free tutor-matching service with 50,000 tutors to choose from

Chinese tutor Alfred stayed in China for seven years
Image adapted from: YouTube 

Looking for skilled and high-quality tutors can be a difficult task especially if you’re on a budget – not to mention having to find one that matches your personality and learning style, too. With a pool of over 50,000 tutors, Smile Tutor will help narrow down the perfect one for you by providing a personalised shortlist of profiles when you fill in a short online form. 

The centre specialises in one-to-one online lessons, and shortlisted tutor profiles will also cater to the frequency of lessons needed, as well as your monthly tuition budget.

Check out SmileTutor. 

3. Tenopy – 2 teachers in every class with personalised learning plan

Image adapted from: Youtube 

Tenopy uniquely boasts two teachers within a class with every lead teacher being supported by a guiding teacher, which helps to ensure no student gets left behind regardless of differences in pace of learning. This way, stronger students can hone their skills and knowledge while those who need more help can get individual attention from the assisting tutor.

Apart from its unique teacher-student ratio, Tenopy’s classes are also known for throwing a pop quiz every 15 minutes. This keeps things fun and engaging and allows students to take a short break from listening, while also taking stock of their grasp of concepts.

Check out Tenopy. 

4. ChampionTutor – Unique subjects like phonics & creative writing

In addition to regular classes that follow the MOE syllabus, ChampionTutor also offers unique subjects.
Image adapted from: ChampionTutor 

If you’ve ever wished someone taught you a class on writing a resume or using Photoshop, ChampionTutor has exactly what you need. They offer a myriad of niche courses with the likes of Phonics and Creative writing, alongside even Russian and Digital Marketing.

You can even use the “Search Tutors” function to read tutor bios as well as to filter your searches. Alternatively, you can also post a job listing where tutors can apply for your posting should the requirements suit them.

Check out ChampionTutor.

5. Tutopiya – International tuition agency teaching subjects like 3rd language

Image adapted from: YouTube 

Tutopiya’s tutees hail from over 22 countries worldwide – a testament to their international reach and recognition. Within Singapore, students from International Baccalaureate (IB) schools like ACS (Independent) and United World College have been known to enlist the help of this agency, but hobbyists and those doing GCE O- and A-Level third language programmes can benefit too.

Most language classes are conducted by native speakers, and you’ll be able to find help for most common languages like French and Spanish, along with classes to prep for international curriculums like the General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and SAT.

Check out Tutopiya. 

6. Tutor City – Tutors with local and international school experience 

Image adapted from: Tutor City 

From as little as $20 per hour, you can score a tutor from Tutor City for most subjects and levels. They even offer special needs tuition with highly-qualified tutors who are trained to teach tutees diagnosed with autism, dyslexia, or ADHD. Before making a decision, you can arrange for a phone call interview to get to know select tutors better.

Tutor City also provides a “Search Tutors” function where you can browse tutor profiles to see their qualifications and experiences at a glance, after which you can easily add suitable candidates to your shortlist with a tap.

Check out Tutor City.

7. Future Academy – Small class sizes with customised notes

Image adapted from: YouTube 

Especially when you’re unfamiliar with a subject, studying in small groups can do wonders for your learning. Future Academy’s 1:6 keeps things well-paced and opens up discussion and debates among students – letting them reinforce concepts they’ve just learnt and benefit from other students’ insights.

To keep things energised and lively, their virtual classroom is packed with features like an interactive whiteboard so all participants can visualise ideas together. For a quirky touch, they’ve also got a slot machine to pick lucky “volunteers” to answer questions and to inject some fun into lessons. You’ll also get customised sets of notes catered to your individual learning styles. 

Check out Future Academy. 

8. FamilyTutor – Widest range of subjects with quick matching within 24H 

Image adapted from: YouTube 

FamilyTutor offers nearly every subject offered by Singaporean schools from the Preschool level all the way up till University. In addition, those pursuing their further education abroad can also find lessons for the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) and the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) there.

Last-minute applicants will be matched with a suitable tutor within 24 hours so you can skip out on the waves of panic that comes with wondering if you can get a tutor in time for your next exam.

Check out FamilyTutor.

9. Smarter Me – Specialised weekly courses in coding and design

Image adapted from: Smarter Me 

For parents with kids who’re budding entrepreneurs, or who have shown interest in pursuing a discipline outside of the school curriculum, Smarter Me offers a host of weekly live online classes for unique courses like entrepreneurship and coding. Such classes can help broaden their experience and nurture unique interests beyond academics and CCAs.

Tutees will be equipped with problem-solving skills and idea generation chops, culminating in them completing a rewarding final project – like a game which they can truly call their own.

Check out Smarter Me. 

10. Ignite Tuition Centre – Full-time tutors trained by NIE with free consultations

Image adapted from: Ignite Tuition Centre 

Ignite Tuition Centre boasts an entire team chock-full of NIE-trained full-time tutors with an arsenal of stellar track records and proven results under their belts. A good number of them used to be the Head of Departments for the subjects they taught as well.

Offering subjects from the Kindergarten 1 up till the Secondary 4 level, parents are also kept in the loop with personalised reports churned out based on kids’ performance in internal assessments.

Check out Ignite Tuition Centre. 

11. Vnaya – Preparation for exams like SAT with free 30 min demo class

Image adapted from: YouTube 

When it comes to getting help for school subjects, there are a multitude of options available – ranging from friends and teachers, to tutors. But many may feel a little lost when it comes to international tests like the SAT and Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) – and that’s where Vnaya would be of great help with their specialised tuition classes.

You’ll be able to get a glimpse of their classes with a free 30-minute demo session for a subject of your choice before deciding on whether you would like to commit. As an international agency, Vnaya has tutors available round the clock so you can choose any time to conduct your lesson – even in the wee hours of the morning for night owls or early birds.

Check out Vnaya.

12. ACE-Learning – Get a tutor on demand for maths

Image adapted from: ACE-Learning 

Even for the most conscientious students, some concepts simply prove too tough to understand especially closer to the exams when pressure is mounting. For a quick crash course on demand, ACE-Learning has an Ask Tutor On Demand programme that lets you get much-needed assistance for particularly tough assignments and topics alike.

From $20 per half hour, you can request for a tutor for levels ranging from Primary 1 to Secondary 5, and only pay for the lessons that you’ve attended. All you have to do is purchase a time plan based on your required duration and level, choose your preferred date, upload your questions and you can get a tutor as fast as within two hours.

Check out ACE-Learning.

13. Chemistry Guru – Recognised A Level H2 Chemistry tutor

Image credit: Chemistry Guru 

Chemistry Guru hit its stride by becoming the go-to H2 Chemistry tuition centre that many students from top JCs like RI and HCI swear by. All classes are conducted by renowned tutor Maverick Puah, who doles out a huge resource of past year prelim questions so students can get sufficient practice for the A Levels.

He’s highly passionate and dedicated to his students, and has been known for providing consultation sessions via text so students can clarify queries whenever necessary.

Check out Chemistry Guru.

Online tutors in Singapore

With the slew of benefits that come with e-learning, such as the reduced travel time and increased convenience for classes, online tutors can do wonders for students by reducing stress and freeing up some time to unwind especially in times leading up to major exams. With this list, you don’t have to worry about keeping up with schoolwork and busting out your A material in exams.

For more student content: 

• EAE poly application tips
• Singapore university comparison
• A-Level exam resources

This article contains partial partnership content. However, all opinions are ours.
Original article published on 5th June 2021 by Megan Khoe. Last updated by Aditi Kashyap on 12th August 2022.

The post 13 Best Online Tutors In Singapore For E-Learning So That You Can Ace Exam Prep From Your Own Home appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

As someone who graduated from school not too long ago, I remember the university application process being pretty challenging. With multiple documents to prepare, essays to write and even interviews to attend, I barely managed to hit the deadline for the universities I was interested in.

But not everyone has to go through what I did. We got the lowdown on how to ace your university application from Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)’s Singapore Digital (SG:D) Scholarship recipients.

IMDA SG:D Scholarship recipients

Lee Zhen Hao and Jane Seah are recent graduates from Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) and Singapore Management University (SMU) respectively.

Both took up the IMDA SG:D Scholarship for their undergraduate studies. It covered school fees and provided benefits like networking events with industry leaders, support for students to pursue overseas internships, exchange programmes, and courses outside of school.

Zhen Hao is now a Cyber Security Engineer at Grab. He recently graduated from SIT with a Bachelors in Engineering in Information and Communications Technology, with a major in Information Security.

Jane now works as a Software Engineer at Goldman Sachs, after graduating from SMU last year. She obtained a Bachelors of Science in Information Systems with a second major in Analytics, specialising in Advanced Technology.

Although both Zhen Hao and Jane received their scholarships from IMDA, the SG:D Scholarship allows recipients to choose the organisation they would like to work at, including multinational companies, SMEs, start ups, and the public sector.

The only requirement is that they fulfil their bond in a tech- or media-related role in a company approved by IMDA.

Read on to find out more about the IMDA SG:D Scholarship.

1. Research the course’s career and employability prospects

Applying for university isn’t like picking out a secondary school or junior college, where ultimately everyone follows the same curriculum. Rather, your preferred course could set precedence for what you might do for a living after graduation.

But whether or not you’ve identified your chosen career, you can still always start by researching courses offered at various universities.

Zhen Hao, who always had an interest in the cybersecurity sector, didn’t just search for relevant courses, he looked at the modules they offered too. He didn’t want to waste time taking modules of little interest to him, and so sought out courses with modules related to what he wanted to pursue in the future.

Even if you don’t have a career in mind, consider other factors such as what you want out of your future job. For Jane, employability was of importance, so she Googled “top employable skills” to see what stood out to her.

At the top of the list was programming, coding and machine learning. She took it upon herself to try out programming on her own and realised that this was something she could foresee herself doing in the future.

This was despite the fact that she studied arts subjects in junior college (JC). From there, she explored related courses and settled on SMU’s Information Systems degree as her top choice for university.

2. Get interview and course insights from seniors during open house

Seniors aren’t just there to tekan (disturb) you during freshman orientation. They’ve gone through the same application process and sat through a couple of years of uni. If anything, they’re your best bet to get the inside scoop on how to nail that application.

You’ll want to ask about things like the interview process and questions that might come up, so you can prep for similar ones during yours. Or, sit them down to discuss what the modules and courses are really like, so you’ll know what to write for your application essays.

Zhen Hao brought up a point on module exemptions made available for polytechnic graduates in university, which he likens to a double-edged sword. “While you can save time and money from an exemption, taking a module you have a strong foundation in can help pull up your GPA,” he shared.

Zhen Hao therefore advises prospective students to speak with their tertiary school seniors attending the university courses they’re interested in. They will be best able to advise whether making such similar decisions during your university education would be a good choice.

If you don’t know any seniors, open houses are a great way to network with them. Jane attended a number of open houses not just to ask about coursework, but to suss out student culture as well.

She felt that she vibed most with other SMU students, and liked how students were assessed on projects and assignments rather than rote memorisation for exams. 

3. Provide a reference guide for your referees

These days, it’s not uncommon for universities to ask for a reference letter to be provided during your application. While the content is important, knowing who to choose to write your letter holds equal weightage.

Referees don’t always have to be of high positions, but more importantly, it should be someone who is close enough to vouch for your character and justify your suitability for the applied course. 

Jane asked her music teacher in JC to write her recommendation letter. She was close to her, as she had invested a significant part of her time in JC taking part in competitions and co-curricular activities (CCAs) related to music. Jane, therefore, felt that her music teacher would be able to provide a strong referral which would be personalised to her.

You can also be specific as to what you want your referees to highlight. Zhen Hao listed down the achievements and characteristics he wanted to focus on for a recommendation from his polytechnic lecturer.

He further highlighted for his referee to include his aptitude for IT security, as this was the course he was keen on attending. That way, he saved them the trouble and time of having to comb through records to get the details.

Zhen Hao and Jane recommend a timeframe of two months for the application process and setting internal deadlines for yourself to follow through with each step. Give your referees at least a month to write your letter because they will have plenty of other students’ letters to write as well.

And if your previous schools weren’t local, you should factor in the time needed to mail over your physical transcript. We recommend giving at least two weeks for this

Pro tip: Write your own referral letter – be honest, of course – and get an endorsement from busy referees who may not have the time to write one for you.

4. Avoid fluffy and “PC” answers in essays and interviews

With many others competing to enter the same course, it’s important you don’t lose yourself in a crowd of political correctness. When crafting your essays, save the headache of coming up with a catchy introduction and go straight to the point – state who you are and why you wish to be accepted into the course. 

You’ll want to avoid generic statements such as “this course is interesting”. If you’re able to be specific about what interests you about the course, you’ll be able to show that you’ve done sufficient research on what you’re applying for.

The same can be said during interviews. Although Jane did not sit through interviews when applying for university admissions, she went through a similar process for the IMDA SG:D Scholarship.

Both scholarship recipients felt that the interviews were a chance for the panel to pick out who really had a passion for the areas they were studying. They peppered in relevant life experiences that linked them back to their courses.

With Zhen Hao, he was well-versed in some areas of cybersecurity. But when asked by an interviewer if he could speak on another area of IT instead, he admitted to the panel that this wasn’t something he was familiar nor interested in.

He stood his ground on his passion instead of trying to come up with an answer he thought the interviewers were looking for. He felt that they would have been able to see through the smoke if he had given a safe answer, and believes they were more impressed with his honesty overall. 

5. Include extracurricular achievements for scholarship applications

Scholarships don’t just ease financial burden when pursuing further education, but they also provide a wealth of opportunities not commonly available to other university students.

Don’t be put off by the age-old stereotype that scholarships are only for those with good grades. Zhen Hao initially didn’t bother looking into them, while Jane didn’t apply for any for her first three years of her undergraduate studies because both felt they weren’t up to par with their typecast view on scholarships.

But they both believe applying for scholarships are still worth a go, as there are many that look beyond academic performance. Industry scholarships do take into account your portfolio and extracurricular activities you have outside of school as a boost to your overall application.

Jane had personal projects where she worked on various coding languages, as well as her participation in numerous programming hackathons in her portfolio. Zhen Hao also included the IT security competitions he took part in when he was in polytechnic to show how he had applied his learned skills outside of school.

In the end, both of them managed to land the IMDA SG:D Scholarship. 

Level up with an IMDA SG:D Scholarship

It might be unnerving thinking about university life, let alone scholarships. Afterall, you’re playing in the big league now. To ace university and make the most out of it, consider checking out the IMDA SG:D Scholarship. 

While many scholarships come with pre-assigned workplaces to serve bonds at, the IMDA Scholarship allows you to choose the organisation you’d like to fulfil your bond at in a tech or media-related role. So long as the company has been approved by IMDA, you’re free to go wherever you desire. 

But the scholarship doesn’t just mean covering school fees and a bond to serve. The programme also arranges opportunities for its scholarship recipients, like providing financial support for students to pursue overseas internships, exchange programmes and even courses outside of school.

They also hold networking events for scholarship recipients to meet with industry leaders, for their professional development. Jane got to meet with chief technology officers from tech companies she was interested in working at.

Zhen Hao, on the other hand, got to go on a sponsored trip to China, where he connected with other like minded scholarship recipients also interested in tech. They’re now part of his support system for work-related matters back home. 

The scholarship caters to a number of applicants, which include JC and polytechnic graduates starting their undergrad studies in a tech or media related course, as well as postgraduates who are looking to further their studies with a Masters or PhD.

With the array of benefits, it’s worth giving the IMDA SG:D Scholarship a go if your passions lie in tech or media. And with the university application tips we’ve shared above, you’re well set, not just for a spot in your desired university, but you could also be the next recipient of a boast-worthy scholarship.

Learn more about the IMDA SG:D Scholarship here

This post was brought to you by IMDA.
Photography by Li Hai Yang. 

The post 5 Hacks & Tips For Students to Nail Their University Applications, As Shared By Scholarship Recipients appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

We’ve all used stickers to cover the unglam foetus pic on our EZ-Link cards, but other than having to cringe on our old selves, we can’t deny that our student card is truly an asset, with all the discounted perks it offers. So, we’ve compiled a list of student card discounts ranging from value meal sets to movie tickets that you can use for the next outing with the homies without worrying about breaking the bank. 

– Food & Beverage –

1. Rocku Yakiniku – $13.90 BBQ buffet lunch in Bugis

Image credit: @javierkoh

Buffets are no doubt a ticket to the hearts of foodies and big-eaters, but the abundance that comes with it means that there’s usually quite a price attached to it too. 

At Rocku Yakiniku, though, you’ll get to satiate your carnivorous fancies without having to make a huge dent in your wallet. Flashing your student card will get you the student buffet lunch from 12pm-3pm on weekdays at $13.90++, which has free flow or meat and seafood.

This is one place you’ll want to jio at least 3 more friends for lunch, as groups of 4 get bottomless soft drinks at no extra charge.

Image adapted from: @rocku.sg, @rocku.sg

To add to the vibe, Rocku Yakiniku also has street graffiti paintings and anime wallpapers to please any weebs out there. 

Address: 201 Victoria Street, #04-06 Bugis+, Singapore 188067
Opening hours: 11.30AM-10.30PM, Daily
Telephone: 6634 3313

Rocku Yakiniku website

2. Kintan Buffet – Japanese BBQ from $9.80

Image credit: @ashleyoms

Apart from pocket money and month-long holidays, another thing to be cherished in our youth is our lightning speed metabolism, where we can consume plates of food with almost zero consequences. Take advantage of your youth while you can with Kintan Buffet, which has student offers from $9.80 (U.P. $24.80).

Valid from Mondays to Thursdays, 11.30am-4pm, this is the perfect deal for those fresh out of CCA training and eager to fill their tummies. Student diners will get two plates of meat for the grill, and all-you-can-eat from the buffet bar. You’ll also get free-flow soft drinks. 

Address: 50 Jurong Gateway Road, #03-11/12 JEM, Singapore 608549
Opening hours: 11.30am-10pm, Daily
Telephone: 6262 4329

Kintan Buffet website

3. Gong Cha – Pearl milk tea for $1.90

Image credit: @zaralyn.inc

It’s no secret that Singaporeans are known for their bubble tea addiction, and here to satisfy those cravings is Gong Cha. $3 a cup might be a bit much for students to indulge in on the reg. 

But Gong Cha is not going to leave any student behind. Their signature Pearl Milk Tea goes for an affordable $1.90 for students, so you can drink up and still have leftover pocket money for snacks.

Gong Cha website

4. 4Fingers – $2 off combo meals

Image credit: @gimme4fingers

When deciding on an after school meal to have with your friends before heading home, you can’t really go wrong with fast food. And if you’re craving for fingerlicking goodness without having to spend a bomb, there’s always 4Fingers to turn to. With your student card, you can get $2 off select combo meals on weekdays from 2pm-6pm. 

4Fingers website

– Entertainment – 

5. EagleWings Cinematics – Boutique cinema with $7 movies

Image credit: EagleWings Cinematics

Movie first dates are a rite of passage for young couples new to dating. Luckily for students, movie theatres often offer discounted prices so long as you flash your student card.

For those attending schools within the Bukit Timah area, there’s no need to make a trip all the way to town to catch the latest flick. EagleWings Cinematics at King Albert Park has tickets for students at $7 (U.P. $9.50) on weekdays before 6pm.

Address: 9 King Albert Park, #01-58 KAP Residences, Singapore 598332
Opening hours: By appointment only
Telephone: 9848 7777

EagleWings Cinematics website

6. The Projector – Vintage cinema with $2 off tickets

Image adapted from: @theprojectorsg, @thriftysolivagant, @chowjiahui

If your date prefers non-mainstream screenings, impress them with a date to The Projector instead. This is the theatre to head to if you’re into arthouse films and other cinematographic works. And for students, you get $2 off tickets at $11.50 (U.P. $13.50).

Image adapted from: @thriftysolivagant, @lydiacrj

Plus, the place has a ton of photo opps, like the coloured spiral staircase that will surely add that artsy edge to your IG feeds. Make memories with your date too at the Fotoautomat photo booth for instant snapshots to keep in your wallets.

Address: 6001 Beach Road, #05-00 Golden Mile Tower, Singapore 199589
Opening hours: By appointment only 

The Projector website

7. Golden Village & Cathay Cineplexes – $6 & $7 movie tickets

Cathay Cineplexes at AMK Hub.
Image credit: @indah_beauty 

For as long as we can remember, Golden Village and Cathay Cineplexes have had student discounts on tickets. This means that whenever a new Marvel or DC movie drops in theatres, you can bet on students will be joining the queues with their discounted tickets.

Golden Village at Junction 8.
Image credit: CapitaLand

Head to Golden Village for $7 tickets for movies from Monday to Friday, before 6pm (U.P. from $10). At Cathay Cineplexes, it’s $7 on weekdays except Tuesday, before 6pm. But, on Tuesdays, there’s a further $1 off for students at $6 (U.P. from $10.50).

Golden Village website

Cathay Cineplexes website

8. MyActiveGym – Unlimited access for $18/month

Image adapted from: ActiveSG, ActiveSG

Class Pass gyms have definitely become a hit amongst youngsters – take a look at the spin classes your friends post on their IG stories and you’ll get it. But your free trials will run out one day, and you’ll need to find other ways to keep up the routine, lest all those gainz get fizzled away.

At MyActiveGym, students will get to enjoy a membership that grants unlimited access for $18/month (U.P. $30/month). It’s meant for off-peak periods on weekdays before 4pm, ideal for those looking to squeeze in a quick session before or after school. 

MyActiveGym website

– Retail – 

9. Challenger – Free 12-month membership

Image credit: @challenger.sg

With HBL being part of the new norm, it’s practically essential for students to have their own laptops and smartphones to get through school. But such gadgets don’t come cheap, and can come with a price tag far beyond the limits of any student’s pocket money.

But here’s how students can get offers on their tech necessities. They can sign up for a free 12-month membership at Challenger for up to 30% off storewide. To sweeten the deal, there are regular in-store promotions like rebates and extra discounts for members only throughout the year.

Challenger website

10. Razer – 15% off all gaming gear

Image adapted from: @pokimoonx, @sabersheart

Twitch streamers like supercatkei have such chio desktop setups adorned with neon lights and mechanical keyboards that sometimes we’re too busy checking out her gear than her content.

Getting a desk upgrade like hers doesn’t have to cost a bomb when you’ve got a student card. Razer offers 15% off on all gaming gear, like microphones and fan controllers. You’ll even get a 5% discount on all laptops and smartphones.

Razer website

11. Microsoft – Office 365 for free

Students, there are a hella lot of perks you can get if you’ve got an email address ending with .edu. One of which is for free access to Office 365. It’s the cloud version of the Microsoft software you probably use on a daily basis to write essays and create presentations.

Besides software, Microsoft also offers various discounts on their other products and accessories for students, like 10% off on Microsoft Surface.

Microsoft website

12. ASOS – 10% off total order

Image credit: Carousell

Most of us are guilty with our procrastination habits, where we can be seen scrolling through our phones indefinitely in between studying. Still, it’s okay to treat ourselves to some new loot once in a while. With ASOS, students can enjoy 10% off their total order when shopping for a wardrobe upgrade.

ASOS website

Save money with student card discounts

As adults like to say, the young ones can’t wait to grow up and conquer the world, but once they’ve reached there, all they want is to turn back time and go back to school again. So, before go about with the #toocool4school attitude, remember that you can only flex these student card discounts right now. 

Other student-related articles:

• Healthcare scholarships for JC, poly and university students
• Financial habits for students to adopt
• Free softwares for uni students

Cover image adapted from: @ashleyoms, @pokimoonx, MustShareNews

The post 12 Student Card Discounts In Singapore That’ll Help You Save Pocket Money On Food & Shopping appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

“No need to study for GP lah. You’re either good at it or you’re not.” You might have heard or said this many times before, or even said it yourself. But according to students who have just finished their A levels and General Paper tutors themselves, there are definitely ways to up your GP game.

To get the deets on how to do well for GP, we talked to some students who’ve just finished their A levels, as well as a couple of GP tutors to get the best essay tips for you to ace your A level General Paper Exams:

The A Level General Paper

The General Paper exam is divided into Paper 1 – the Essay section – and Paper 2 – the Comprehension section. Both carry the same mark weightage and have the same duration, so they are both equally important. To do well for GP, you’ll need to think critically, read and understand, and communicate your ideas clearly and effectively. 

Image adapted from: Singapore Examinations and Assessments Board

According to the Singapore Examinations and Assessments Board, suggested topics that will be covered are: 

• Historical, social, cultural, economic, political and philosophical topics 
• Science including its history, philosophy, general principles, current developments and applications
• Mathematical and geographical topics 
• Literature and language 
• Arts and crafts 
• Topics of local interest and global concern

1. Don’t be kiasu and study everything

There are a total of 12 questions for Paper 1 of the General Paper exam, from which you’ll choose only 1 to answer.

But you won’t have time to study everything. JC students we spoke to said their teachers advised them to specialise broadly in 3 to 4 of these topics, especially those that they are interested in or feel passionately about. 

However, you’ll need to be well-prepared for a wide range of approaches by reading widely, doing research and thinking through subtopics within your chosen three to four topics.

2. Let your social media work for you

While you’re keeping up with the Kardashians on social media, also follow IG news channels like @washingtonpost and @newyorktimes so that you see these on your feed while you’re scrolling on the MRT. There are also General Paper-specific IG accounts such as @generalpaper.

Image adapted from: @washingtonpost, @verbaldarrell, MS News

If TikTok is more your jam, @verbaldarrell is a tutor who frequently shares videos about exam tips and how to approach common GP topics. @guardian, @cnn and @time are some of the credible sources you can follow to keep you well informed about current affairs.

3. Revise on the go by taking notes on apps like Evernote

When you come across good articles online, clip them on your device or browser to a note-taking app such as Evernote, Notion or other free software. Later, you can compile GP notes on multi-device apps like Google Docs so that you can revise on the go.

4. Follow news from both ends of the political spectrum

Read news from sites that represent both sides of the political spectrum – that way, you can provide balanced points of view when you’re tackling your General Paper essay questions. 

Follow international sites like CNN, BBC, and AP News for international news. But since a lot of GP questions will ask about a topic in the context of “your country”, make sure you also follow local news sites like MS News, Straits Times, CNA for a Singapore perspective.

A GP tutor we spoke to said that you should not just read the news, but also think about the news – e.g. the reasons why the article is in the news, whose stand the article is representing, and what the possible consequences of the news platform taking such a stand might be.

5. Join Telegram groups for the latest free online resources

Image adapted from: ZA Ascension 

There are Telegram groups with GP resources that you can subscribe to. ZA Ascension has a GP FAQ or tip of the day. The Indigo Oracle features examples of possible essay questions with accompanying articles or videos.

Free model essays are available online from many websites such as The Knowledge Loft, GP Model Essays and Tick. 

Most JCs will give out booklets with model essays. Pro tip: KS Bull from RI is highly regarded, so get from your friends from there if you can.

6. Look for Google Drives like “The Holy Grail”

The Holy Grail is a publicly-accessible online collection of past-year exam papers from different schools. You can take a look at the GP papers there for a good selection of common topics and the ways questions can be asked about them.

The Drive doesn’t just contain past-year papers for all the A level subjects. It also has mini grails for O level and PSLE papers – although they are not as updated – so you can share this resource with your younger siblings and friends.

7. Make lists of good vocabulary

Make lists of good vocabulary – with synonyms and antonyms – and phrases such as idioms and metaphors. 

However, remember that big words are not necessarily good words if you don’t know how to use them properly – clear, concise sentences that convey your meaning accurately are far more important.

8. Do 20-min essay dry runs to hone your evaluation skills

Image credit: Enya 

Now that you’ve done your reading, research and thinking, it’s time to amass a content bank of essay outlines across different topics, with some points supporting your argument and others refuting it. It’ll take you around 20 minutes for each outline – 5 minutes to analyse the question, and another 15 minutes to come up with a thesis statement, introduction and 4 topic sentences.

“Everyone can memorise model essays. Writing outlines is also a good practice for your evaluation and nuancing skills, which is what sets your essay apart from everyone else’s,” says Steph.

While making GP notes can be a pain, doing it will be more useful in the long run as you can remember them better, says Gladys. It’ll be much more useful than memorising other people’s notes or model essays and then regurgitating them during your General Paper exams. 

9. Avoid practising essay-writing on devices

We love our devices and can type at 80 words per minute. Enya recommends not just typing, but physically writing out your essays with pen and paper to train yourself to plan and write an essay legibly and quickly within the time limit.

Image credit: Pexels

Even if your essay is brilliant, you need to have handwriting that your examiner can actually read to ace your General Paper exam.

10. Don’t be paiseh to book your GP tutor for consults

“Take the initiative to consult your General Paper tutor on how you can improve on your writing. You can consult them with your friends in a group so it’s less scary. You can also ask other GP tutors – not just your own,” suggests Krista.

Grab some friends and form study groups to discuss GP topics together. That way, you can get a wider understanding of possible topics and consider other points of view. You can include friends from other JCs as their schools might teach GP in ways different from how your school does it. 

For those who go for tuition, our GP tutor advises that if what your tuition teacher says conflicts with what you’ve been taught in JC, you should check back with your teacher in school to clarify your doubts.

11. Spend 5-10 minutes planning before writing

Don’t rush into writing – spend some time planning your Paper 1 essay first, so that you don’t blank out while writing your essay.

Write down all your ideas for your chosen topic, then organise them in order of the framework of the essay you’re intending to write, e.g. Plus Minus Interesting (PMI); Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat (SWOT); short term/long term; or other brainstorming techniques that you might be familiar with.

12. Vary your sentence structures and lengths 

Writing advice from Gary Provost.
Image adapted from: College Writing Handbook

Make sure you vary your sentence structures and lengths to engage the reader. Big words and complex sentences don’t necessarily make for a good essay – it’s better to have grammatical, meaningful sentences that help your argument be organised and easy to follow.

If you’re not sure what the word means, or how to use a certain kind of punctuation – hello, semicolon, I’m looking at you – don’t use it.

13. Use your own words

For the summary writing question in Paper 2 of your General Paper exam, make sure you put the information concisely and in your own words. To avoid repetition, our GP tutor advises rewording, using synonyms, recasting of points by flipping sentence structures so that the adverbial phrase is in front, or the substitution of key words without losing meaning.

Don’t spend too much time on this section, as it’s only 8 marks – spend perhaps 20 minutes on it, and definitely not more than 30 minutes. You’ll want to have enough time to tackle the rest of the questions as well.

Ace your General Paper at A levels

While all this might sound a little intimidating for H1 paper, remember that every little bit counts when it comes to getting a good overall A level score. There’s no magic pill to doing well for exams – it’s all about hard work and consistency.

If you follow these tips for acing your General Paper at A levels, by the time your prelims roll around, you’d have amassed a sizeable bank of notes and information you can refer to while studying, and be well-versed in thinking about and writing on the possible topics that will eventually come out.

While you’re busy acing your exams, check out our other study-related posts:

• Free study spots in Singapore
• Quiet cafes to study at 
• Best table lamps for to study with
• Unofficial guide to NUS

The post 13 Best Essay Tips For JC Kids To Ace Their A Level General Paper Exams appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

From attending orientation camps and choosing modules to arranging your schedule, there are tons of pre-admission things to think about before starting uni life. Despite numerous NUS tips and tricks scattered on the internet, it can still be daunting for students to enter a new school.

Here’s a list of essential things that all prospective NUS freshies should know before stepping foot into the next stage of their life:

Disclaimer: This article is written by a current Year 3 student. There have since been many changes to the new batches including a merger of faculties and changes in graduation requirements.

– Classes and modules –

Bidding for modules

One of the most confusing things about being a freshie would have to be module registration. Besides worrying about how to register in the first place, you’ll also have to think about what modules to take and how the classes would fit into your timetable.

Though students still use the term “bidding” for modules, the process has actually changed into a registration-based system called ModReg, where seniors are given priority.

Before the 2019/2020 academic year, seniors were given a certain number of points that they could use to pick the courses they wanted to take each semester. Almost like an actual auction, module bidding back in the day required some brain power as students would have to carefully allocate their points to maximise their chances of securing it.

Timetable planning on NUSMods
Image adapted from: NUSMods

Thankfully today, registering for classes is much simpler. All you’ll need to do is to select your module of choice on ModReg and it’ll be allocated based on availability and priority.

Thanks to how self-directed university is compared to typical school life as kids, you get the liberty of preparing your own schedules. And while it may seem daunting, NUSmods is a great platform to help you get started.

Other than being able to see what modules are available and subject reviews from previous students, the site also makes it easy for you to plan your lecture and tutorial time slots.

Module Registration

What the module selection page will look like
Image adapted from: MyEduRec

For freshies, modreg will include three rounds of registration for you to fill up your schedule with the necessary workload for your semester. This is all done over MyEduRec, the official NUS platform where administrative and finance matters are handled.

The rounds include:

• Round 0 – This is only open for seniors for them to bid for their grad requirements
• Round 1 – This is where you start bidding for the modules that you want and you are required to rank them by order of priority.
• Round 2 – In Round 2, you can try to pick up the modules that you may not have been given.
• Round 3 – This is where you can select extra modules that may not have been available before. Most useful for those trying to overload – a.k.a. take more than what’s required – during the semester.

Kanchiong spiders should know that ModReg doesn’t rely on the fastest fingers first – allocation is largely based on senior priority, which means that freshies get it based on the “luck” of the draw. This is fairer for everyone as it isn’t just based on speed.

How to choose your modules

If you’re in a faculty that has limited pre-allocated modules, you may be racking your brain wondering what classes to take. But don’t worry – you can use LumiNUS for tips to help you decide, based on information provided by lecturers on syllabus and workload.

LumiNUS also gives students a preview of the assignments they might have to take. This way, you can prepare yourself for group work or heavy exam weightage. Those lucky enough to have a senior in the same major can ask them to recommend good lecturers, such as those who are more lenient with assignments or are clearer when teaching.

If you’re still at a loss, you can always visit the NUS subreddit for various module reviews.

– Transport –

Getting around campus

As more classes start to move offline next year, new freshies – and even some current year students – may need a refresher on how to get around campus. 

1. Shuttle buses

Image credit: NUS

Despite being located in the ulu West, NUS is lucky enough to have quite a few free shuttle buses that go around campus. Those unfamiliar with the system can download the NUSNextBus app (iOS | Android), which gives you info about bus routes and waiting times. 

Here’s a list of the buses you’ll definitely need to know to get around:

Buses that loop around the main NUS campus:

• A1 – Starts from PGP and heads towards the Central Library
• A2 – Goes in the opposite direction of A1

Buses that head to UTown – a separate campus located just north of NUS

• D1 – Starts and ends at Business School
• D2 – Goes to Kent Ridge MRT

2. Public buses 

Image credit: Land Transport Guru

If you’re looking to head out of NUS, there are several public buses that travel around and out of the school.

• 95 – Goes to Kent Ridge MRT and Buona Vista MRT
• 96 – Takes you to Clementi Mall
• 151 – Heads towards Bukit Timah

– Campus life –

Living on campus

For those planning to stay on campus but aren’t really sure which hall to choose or what the heck Residential Colleges (RC) are, here’s a quick breakdown of what to know about living on campus.

Residential Colleges

Image credit: Tembusu

Unlike halls, Residential Colleges offer you a guaranteed two-year stay if you manage to get through the application process. However, this does come with additional modules specific to the Residential College – usually unrelated to your course of study – that you will need to take on top of your regular schedule. 

This differs across the RCs as they each have their own specialisation under their college programme. One perk of these modules is that you will be able to clear some compulsory General Education (GE) modules that are necessary for every student. This means you’ll be fighting with fewer students for the necessary GEs needed to graduate.

Just like halls, year one or two students can apply for a stay in a residential college, though it is worth noting that the semester fees are usually more expensive than halls.

RCs on campus:

University Scholars Programme

• Cinnamon College

University Town College Programme

• Tembusu College
• RC4
• College of Alice and Peter Tan

Ridge View Residential College Programme

• Ridge View Residential College – the only RC located in the NUS campus

Halls

Image adapted from: YouTube

Halls, on the other hand, require more participation for you to guarantee yourself a spot in the following semester. They’re definitely more suited for those looking for the typical ra ra college experience – I mean, there is the stereotype that hall kids are more rabs. 

You can also expect to join several CCAs in order to earn enough “points” – which determine if you’ve contributed enough for a continued stay in the next semester.

For those who are certain about which hall to join, there is an online platform for you to apply on that also lists the application dates. Getting into halls can sometimes be a roll of the dice so the best tip you can get to increase your chances is to join the hall engagement camps before the start of the academic year. These camps aim to introduce freshies to the hall lifestyle.

Halls on campus:

Near FASS:

• Temasek
• Eusoff

Near Business School:

• Kent Ridge
• Sheares

Near Kent Ridge MRT

• Prince George’s Park House
• King Edward VII 

Opposite Yusof Ishak House

• Raffles

Bonus: Prince George’s Park Residence

A residence located near Kent Ridge MRT that is usually occupied by scholars. This residence is more suited for those who simply need a room to stay as there are little to no activities that are required for students to participate in.

How to increase chances of getting into hall

Unlike other universities like NTU or SUTD, NUS does not give freshmen a guaranteed first-year stay. That being said, there are ways to increase your chances of getting into hall.

One of the easiest ways is to have a senior pull you into the hall of your choice. This involves having connections with a senior who is in the hall committee who can guarantee you a spot in the hall. Having had a sports CCA in your pre-university institute will also usually help your chances as most halls seem to prefer students who can contribute during inter-hall games.

Another way is for you to participate in the hall orientation camp that takes place before the start of the semester. It’s one of the ways for seniors to see if you’ll fit into the culture later on. 

Staying in hall for future years

It’s no secret that hall life is crazy, often ending up with you being sleep-deprived and probably weighing a lil’ heavier from the endless amount of suppers. That said, many pronounce hall life as an experience like no other.

While every hall does it differently, the general tip is for you to participate in as many CCAs or committees as possible. Some folk even participate in organising night cycling events while having six CCAs on top of it. 

Places to eat near campus

In case you haven’t heard, freshies are in danger of Freshman 15, a well-known phenomenon where freshmen are said to gain weight due to the copious amounts of stress – and suppers – that they’ll experience in their first year. 

Here are some senior recommendations for you to make the most of your Freshman 15:

Disclaimer: This list is based on students who studied in FASS, and there are plenty of other options available.

1. Supper Stretch

Image credit: World Orgs

Known as Supper Stretch, this row of eateries is located next to Kent Ridge Terminal and Eusoff Hall, and is often occupied by sleepless and hungry university students. Though the stretch has an array of options such as a Chinese restaurant, Western grill and a 7/11, most students head there for The Cheese Prata Shop or Al Amaans.

Quintessential NUS supper food, the Maggi Goreng Special ($8) and Cheese Fries ($4.50) from Al Amaans are dishes you can’t go through four years without trying.

Address: 16 Clementi Road, Singapore 129745

2. Yusof Ishak House Food Court

Image credit: Wikipedia

Located in the heart of NUS, Yusok Ishak House is a convenient location for students to grab dinner. The food court is often populated by Ridge View Residential College students as the RC is situated right next door. According to some of their students, some of the best options include either the ban mian or Thai food.

Address: 31 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119078

3. The Deck

Image credit: The Ridge Magazine

The Deck is known for having one of the best Mala on campus. But if you’re not a fan of spice, you can opt for the famous Yong Tau Foo or Chicken Rice (from $2.50) – which is one of the cheapest on campus.

Another affordable but delicious option is Pasta Express which can be found in the Science canteen – Frontier. This choose-your-own-ingredient concept store can serve one serving of pasta for as cheap as just $4.80.

Address: Computing Drive (Located in Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences)

4. UTown

Image credit: NUS

UTown is a must visit for every NUS student. It’s often the site of the Student Life Fair – where student organisations showcase their talents and recruit new members – and the place where you can collect welfare packs – like exam pick-me-ups full of snacks and other freebies. 

Thanks to the constant buzz of activity, UTown is sometimes seen as the central hub for NUS, and you’ll definitely find yourself here at some point.

There are two different food courts to choose from here: Food Fare and Fine Foods, which are outdoors and indoors respectively. Other than that, you can also get wagyu bowls (from $15) from Waa Cow! or grab some snacks like nuggets (from $3) and quesadillas (from $5.40) from SuperSnacks which opens till 2AM for the hardcore muggers.

Waa Cow!
Address: 2 College Avenue West, #01-06, Stephen Riady Centre, 138607
Opening hours: Mon – Fri 11.30AM-8.30PM | Sun 12PM-8.30PM | Closed on Saturdays

SuperSnacks
Address: 2 College Avenue West, #01-07, Stephen Riady Centre, 138607
Opening hours: 6PM-2AM, Daily

– Campus facilities –

As a uni student, you’re going to want to make full use of the facilities available for you. Even if you’re not staying on campus, there are non-residential meeting rooms, sports facilities and performing arts rooms in UTown for you to book on the NUS website. 

1. Meeting rooms

For those looking for a more conducive space to have project discussions, you can book the various meeting rooms in the Mac commons and PC commons at UTown Level 1. Located nearby is also a Starbucks for those who need a cuppa while studying.

2. Performing arts rooms

Image credit: NUS

The Stephen Riady Centre in UTown also has a variety of dance and drama studios for those in performing arts CCAs – or anyone, really – to utilise. These can be booked through the same facilities booking platform for meeting rooms.

If you don’t manage to book a space in time, the building does have plenty of open space where a few dance crews practice occasionally.

2. Sports facilities

NUS also has an array of squash and badminton courts available for students and staff alike. All you need to do is book the facilities on the REBOKS portal. Other than personal recreational activities, student organisations can also book these facilities for Office of Student Affairs (OSA) approved events like orientation camps.

Image credit: Wikimedia

And if you feel that Freshman 15 is catching up with you a little too quickly, you can take advantage of some of the school’s free fitness facilities. Most convenient and common is the track located opposite University Hall.

Alternatively, most students like to run around the whole campus, which adds up to about 3KM. For those who prefer a more scenic route, NUS is also located nearby West Coast Park – located just a 15-min walk from the FASS campus – which offers beautiful seaside views.

A guide to help you through your first year at NUS

The transition from pre-university to university can be a huge jump, especially with the numerous abbreviations and various information on halls that you will encounter when enrolling. 

This article should be enough to equip you with the basics, but that said, there are still many fun things about NUS left to discover, and even tips and tricks that seniors don’t know. So freshies, just keep an open mind, ask lots of questions and take advantage of opportunities that pop up your way – you’re in for a wild ride.

Check out more of our university-related articles here:

• NTU hacks
• NUS vs NTU vs SMU
• University application FAQs
• University application tips for Poly students

Cover image adapted from:  World Orgs, NUS, The Cinnamon Roll

The post The Official Unofficial Guide To NUS For Freshies & Hopeful Students Who Wanna Apply Next Year appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

As kids, we may have believed that adults were much wiser than us. Now that we’re all grown up, it’s time to put that theory to the test and see if we’re indeed much smarter than we were back then…by testing ourselves with some primary school exam questions. 

Without triggering any childhood trauma, here are nine of the most notorious exam questions from the bygone years of our primary school days that will put even Helen and Ivan to shame:

English

1. 2012 – Special expressions

Image credit: P6 English SA1 2012 – Nan Hua

Answer:

(3) cleared

Explanation:

Don’t be ashamed if you chose “clear” as the answer initially, as you might think that the present tense is correct here since Tina technically hasn’t cleaned her room yet. However, when we use the expression “it’s time”, the verb form that follows the subject must be in the past tense.

Here’s a clearer explanation from Cambridge Dictionary:

Image adapted from: Cambridge Dictionary

2. 2013 – Auxiliary verbs

Image credit: P6 English Prelims 2013 – CHIJ

Answer:

(3) each

Explanation:

While this question may not be the most difficult, those who jumped the gun and immediately assumed the answer was “both” after seeing “two stories” would’ve been wrong. The correct answer should be “each”, since the auxiliary verb “was” is singular. 

Science

3. 2018 – Expansion and contraction

Image credit: Kiasu Parents

Answer:

(2) B and C only

Explanation:

Many would have no problem identifying that set-up B is the most plausible set-up, since it’s literally in each of the multiple choice answers. 

Next, we gotta remember that air expands when heated and contracts when cooled. Since the bottle in set-up C is surrounded by ice, the air in the bottle will contract, creating space in the bottle. This pressure difference between the air outside and inside would cause air from outside to enter the balloon, thus increasing the balloon’s mass and volume.

4. 2009 – Centre of gravity

Image credit: PSLE Examination Questions, pg 91, Hillview

Answer:

a) The higher the centre of gravity/mass, the lower the tilt angle required to topple.
b) When a person stands on the upper deck of a double-decker bus, their centre of gravity is higher, and thus increases the risk of the double-decker falling when turning.

Explanation:

The first portion comes from textbook knowledge, and shouldn’t be too difficult to infer from the question. Essentially, when an object is top-heavy, it will have a higher centre of gravity. This means that less tilt is needed to topple the entire block, as it’s easier to destabilise the higher centre of gravity object compared to an object with a lower centre of gravity.

The second portion, however, requires real-world knowledge and application, which is where many students may falter. A low centre of gravity is essential for stability, but having standing passengers on the upper deck increases the centre of gravity and destabilises the bus. This would cause the bus to be more prone to toppling. 

5. 2019 – Magnetic induction

Image credit: P6 Science 2019 SA1 ACS Junior

Answer:

(2) B and C

Explanation:

When you stroke an iron bar anti-clockwise with the north pole of a magnet, the iron bar will be magnetised with the “north” side on the left and the “south” side on the right. This is because the north pole of the magnet will always induce a north pole at the first point of contact.

Image credit: The Free Dictionary

Therefore, we know the “X” is the south pole, which will attract the black part of the needle which is “north”. The same goes for the north pole of the iron bar, which attracts the “south” side of the compass needle.

Maths

6. 2021 – Geometry

Image credit: Practicle

The perimeter of the shaded part is 4CM more than that of the unshaded part. What is the length of AB?

Answer: 11CM

Explanation:

This question comes from the same paper as the infamous Helen and Ivan question, and is just as challenging in its own right.

Image adapted from: Practicle Math

If you’re able to extrapolate the perimeter of the shaded area into a rectangular figure, you’ll notice that the diagonal corner and the length of the rectangle (8CM + 4CM + 2CM) of the shaded and unshaded figure cancel each other out.

Image adapted from: Practicle Math

This leaves us with the green lines in the image above, which makes up the 4CM difference between the shaded and unshaded part. Divide it by 2 and we will solve for the length of one of the green lines. 

Therefore, the length of AB = 3 + 3 + 7 – 2 = 11CM

7. 2016 – Fractions

Suyin baked some pies. She gave 1/5 of them to her relatives and 30 of them to her friends. She was left with 2/3 of the pies. Then she packed these into 18 boxes. Some boxes contained 6 pies while the rest contained 12.

a) How many pies were packed into the 18 boxes?
b) How many boxes contained 6 pies?

Answer:

a) 150 pies
b) 11 boxes

Explanation:

a) Everyone loves pie, but not when it’s in our maths questions. The first portion should be quite straightforward, as it just involves converting the fractions into their common denominator and realising that 30 = 2/15 of the pies. This means the total pies Suyin baked at the start is 225.

2/3 x 225 = 150

b) The second part is where it gets tricky. Since there are 18 boxes in total, let’s assume that each box has 6 pies instead.  

6 x 18 = 108 pies, but since we have 150 pies in total and not 108, there are 42 pies that could’ve been packed into boxes of 12. 

Since each box requires just 6 more pies to make a box of 12, 42 ÷ 6 = 7, meaning there are 7 boxes that could hold 12 pies each. Take 18 – 7 = 11 and we’ll have the answer.

8. 2020 – Fractions part 2

John had 1/3 as many erasers as pens. He went to a class and gave each student 4 erasers and 3 pens. Subsequently, he discovered that he had 6 erasers and 180 pens left.

a) How many students were there in the class?
b) How many erasers did John have at first?

Answer:

a) 18
b) 78

Explanation:

This question requires you to draw out a bar model in order to visualise the solution. 

Image adapted from: Singapore Math Guru

a) Since 9 units + 18 = 180, each unit equals to 18. The number of pens given out is 3 x 18 = 54. As each student was given 3 pens each, the number of students there = 54 ÷ 3 = 18.

b) With the number of each unit identified, solving for part (b) should be a cakewalk. The number of erasers John has at the start is 18 x 4 + 6 = 78.

9. 2000 – Number sequences

Image credit: Singapore PSLE Mathematics Extreme Drill Questions

Answer: 

(C) 3

Explanation:

We’re only concerned with the digit in the ones place of the final number, so all we have to do is add up the digits in the ones place from 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5….+ 94 + 95 + 96 + 97. 

(1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 8 + 9 + 0) x 9 + (1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7) = 433

Since 3 is the digit in the ones place when we add up all the ones digits, it will also be the digit in the ones place for the final number. Therefore, the answer is 3.

Difficult primary school exam questions in Singapore

If you clicked on this article thinking that it would be a breeze going through these questions meant for 12-year-olds only to end up pulling out half your hair, that’s exactly what we went through as well. 

Between homework, supplementary classes, tuition, and exams, being a child is not entirely stress-free in Singapore. And yes, although having a magical pill that allows us to experience our youth again would be nice, thinking about going through school one more time just makes it that much harder to swallow. 

For the sadistic, check out more exam-related articles:

• Iconic PSLE maths questions
• Hardest PSLE exam questions
• Free A-Levels resources

Cover image adapted from: Singapore Math Guru
Illustrated by Charlotte Lee.

The post 9 Most Notorious Primary School Exam Questions That Are Worse Than Helen & Ivan’s Coins appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.