The Normal (Academic) stream is a 4-year or 5-year course that culminates with the GCE N Levels at Secondary 4. The N levels are an important milestone in a student’s life, as the results dictate the choices a student for further education. After the N levels, students can choose from the Polytechnic Foundation Programme, Direct-Entry-Scheme, Private Education Institutions, or International Schools.
Some students might go on to take the O levels in Secondary 5 and move on to junior college, or Polytechnic, or choose technical education like in an ITE. For those in the Normal stream, the N levels are mandatory for progression to O levels, and scoring well is essential for future academic success. That’s when N level private tuition can help!
Overview of Our N Level Tutoring Services
N Level English
N Level English builds on the fundamentals already acquired in primary school. There are four components that make up the English exam. Writing tests the student’s ability to write narrative and descriptive essays, as well as a specific writing task like a formal letter. Reading comprehension assesses the student’s ability to understand text, listening comprehension requires students to listen and respond to audio recordings, and oral communication tests the ability to speak fluently and confidently.
At Private Tutor SG, we understand the importance of the English language, not just in school but also throughout life. Our tutors will focus on building a solid foundation in language skills on which more complex study and analysis can be performed.
N Level Mother Tongue
Whether students take Mandarin, Malay, or Tamil, the Mother Tongue subject is a compulsory one. It will teach skills in reading, writing, listening comprehension, and oral communication in the respective language to ensure students can effectively communicate in another language, drawing them closer to their cultural roots and being effectively bilingual. Whichever their native language is, a passing grade in English and Mother Tongue is needed before progressing forward.
Our tutors will administer comprehension exercises, help students practice essay writing, and practice speaking to enable students to feel more at ease speaking, reading, and writing their mother tongue to boost fluency and competence, especially if their mother tongue isn’t their native language.
N Level Mathematics
The mathematics paper focuses on assessing the student’s understanding of core mathematical topics such as geometry, algebra, trigonometry, and statistics. There are two papers; one multiple-choice paper and one with short-answer and open questions. One of the biggest challenges is time management in math papers, as students often find it challenging to solve numerous complex problems in a short amount of time.
Our tutors will frequently administer practice tests to assess the student’s ability and identify any mistakes or knowledge gaps. In addition, regular practice will also increase the student’s ability to complete the exam in the required amount of time.
N Level Science
N Level Science comprises the core subjects of physics, biology, and chemistry, or any combination of the three depending on the student’s chosen subjects. Topics can include mechanics, heat, acids, chemical reactions, the periodic table, and natural ecosystems. Students must demonstrate their ability to interpret data, solve problems, and explain scientific phenomena.
Our tutors will focus on building a solid foundation in the core concepts of each subject, conducting experiments if necessary for more hands-on learning to help students better apply theoretical knowledge to real-world examples. In addition, they will administer extensive practice on past-year exam papers to familiarise students with question formats and common types of questions.
N Level Humanities
N Level Humanities subjects can include history, English literature, and geography, or a combination of all three. Humanities subjects require a profound understanding of the world in which we live, as well as relatively intense memorisation of key facts, figures, and dates. Students often struggle with learning by rote, especially if they don’t have a significant interest in the subject or topics.
Tutors will train students on techniques such as chunking and mnemonics to help them memorise and retain facts that they are likely to use in their N level exams. In addition, tutors also help explain complex topics and illustrate how they apply to the real world to pique the student’s interest and encourage their love for learning.
N Level Exam Preparation
Preparing for the N levels is a stressful time. It requires a well-structured approach, discipline, and intense study and practice, especially if the student is weak in specific subjects. Consistency is key, and instead of cramming at the last minute, regular, frequent revisions should be made to ensure students build a solid foundation.
Tutors will help students review notes, textbooks, and any supplementary materials to ensure a thorough understanding, especially of the core topics. In addition, tutors will also administer frequent practice tests and exams to familiarise students with the exam format and to them comfortable with answering tough questions in an examination setting.
Our Private N Level Tutors
At Private Tutor SG, our team of tutors is made up of specialists in their chosen fields, with a deep, thorough understanding of the subjects that they choose to teach. In addition, many of them are MOE and ex-MOE teachers, which means they are extremely well-versed with the exam format and can help familiarise their students with what is required and how to score well.
In addition, we painstakingly select and evaluate our tutors based on other personality traits such as kindness, patience, empathy, and versatility. Many have a strong proven track record in helping their students throughout PSLE, N, O, and A level years.
Educational Philosophy and Approach
Our Educational Philosophy and Approach for N Level Tutoring
We pride ourselves in providing all our students with an engaging and supportive environment for them to be their best.
At Private Tutor SG, we believe that each student has unique strengths, weaknesses, learning needs, and styles, and no two students are identical. That’s why our lesson plans are tailored specifically to each student, unlike the one-size-fits-all, lecture-style of a typical secondary school. By giving students dedicated, personalized attention, the learning curve can be optimised for the best performance come the N levels.
Tutors will first thoroughly assess a student’s strengths and weaknesses, and identify any knowledge gaps. Then, a personalised lesson plan will be developed to meet those needs, with a strong focus on building a solid foundation of fundamentals that will pave the way for more complex topics in the future. In addition, tutors will give regular feedback and constructive assessments to help students identify their areas of weaknesses so they can focus on them more to ultimately, enjoy greater academic success.
Why Have Private N Level Tuition
Common Challenges When Taking The N Levels
Students taking the N levels often have a lack of motivation as they are a year behind their primary school peers in taking the O levels. After all, once you’ve fallen behind, you can lose interest in school and lack the motivation to keep up with the rest of the pack.
As they lose motivation, they may stop trying hard in school, unlike the top students who continuously strive for academic excellence. Without motivation or interest, students might enjoy and attend school for many other reasons aside from actually getting an education. This is SO not good!
Students on the 5-year Normal stream are a year behind their peers who complete secondary school in four years. This can lead to a loss of self-confidence in their academic abilities as they can see themselves as slower or less talented. Students who lack self-confidence often refuse to ask questions for fear of looking stupid or keep their doubts to themselves to hide their lack of knowledge.
Students should acquire a healthy curiosity in school and be encouraged to clarify doubts or ask plenty of questions to ensure that there are no knowledge gaps, but this can be extremely challenging for students who have self-esteem problems.
In many subjects such as math and science, students who lack certain skills will find it extremely difficult to keep up with the rest of the class, especially if they do not receive outside instruction to fill those gaps. Without a proper foundation, moving ahead to the more complex topics that are taught in school classes can be extremely challenging, if not impossible.
With regular assessments, a student’s strengths and weaknesses can be identified and dealt with promptly before the knowledge gap widens so much that catching up is difficult.
Many students lack the discipline to keep up with the rigorous curriculum of secondary school. Trying to balance the numerous aspects of school like homework, study time, and classes can be a big juggle, and a firm schedule should be set and stuck to.
Without discipline, many students are easily distracted by various other aspects of life including time with friends and family, games, and other activities.