In a culture as competitive and fast moving as Singapore, parents will give everything they have for every little advantage they can help their children eke out. It’s no wonder the tuition industry has boomed her.
However, among the myriad of superstar tutors and massive agencies here, what really stands out? Here, we aim to cover the most unique and effective tuition centres to help your child score that elusive A in his PSLE and O Level English exam.
#1 – The Learning Lab (Best fuss-free centre)
The Learning Lab is known as the most expensive tuition agency in Singapore, and it’s not without valid reason. With their massive funding and operational experience, Learning Lab has devoted all their energy towards creating the most effective curriculum.
Unlike superstar tutors, Learning Lab focuses on the strength of their curriculum, regardless of the teacher taking the class. Their curriculum is well researched and honed over the years to ensure your child gets the best learning even if the teacher changes mid-way through the programme.
Although teacher stability and chemistry between tutor and pupil is always a major plus, it’s inevitable that such things happen when joining big centres with hired tutors. If that much is expected, Learning Lab will be the best equipped to handle such situations.
Learning Lab review by Molly Coddle Her
“They have good customer service. I wanted to try different teachers before commiting to the class and they were very accommodative. There were some minor hiccups when the teacher we wanted to try was replaced by another teacher because she was sick but we brought it to their attention and we managed to try that teacher’s class as well. They teach slightly ahead of school syllabus so that when the child learns it in school, its easier for them to grasp. My daughter is more willing to participate in class. She feels smarter and willing to teach others students. Teaching others is one of the best ways to learn. So, their methods work. My girl’s grades are better.”
#2 – Phi Learning (Most effective results)
While we previously mentioned how Learning Lab focuses handling teacher turnover best, Phi Learning is a small setup that swears by teacher-student chemistry and sticking to the same tutor throughout.
Regarded as one of the most premium English tuition classes in the East, the centre goes the extra mile by preparing personalized material for every single child.
English lessons are conducted amid a series of fun activities to ensure students fully immerse in their studies and enjoy tuition. The scope of their English lesson also involves wider topics such as pop culture, geopolitical issues and scientific theories. The teachers make the lessons so fun that students have no problem discussing otherwise complex topics and rapidly enhance their English.
Their unique teaching style has attracted classes full of students from IP schools and top students. Places are limited so please contact them for more information.
Phi Learning review by Delvin tan
“Signed my nephew up for the beginner course. This is his first time attending tuition and to my pleasant surprise he is really enjoying it and does his homework on time! His results have improved tremendously too 🙂 thumbs up!”
#3 – British Council (For parents who might move overseas)
This is the grandfather of all English tuition in Singapore. The British Council has been teaching English to Singaporeans for over 80 years and is massively respected in the scene.
Unlike other English tuition centres that very much train you to ace the PSLE and O Levels, British Council take on a more holistic approach, suitable for international students.
Their goal is to not just help students do well in English exams, but to really learn and understand the language. While British Council might not be as direct at producing A-grade students in PSLE, the increased exposure to international context help your child build up their levels of global awareness.
This is also knowledge and experience that is applicable wherever you go in the world, and not limited to just English exams in Singapore. If your family plans to migrate or live overseas in future, going with the British Council might be a more appropriate option.
British Council review by J Lim
“It was here where I lost my Courtney accent and picked up an Appalachian one, yeehaw; it is very different if one is taught a GCSE or an AICE in a true British accent.. Either of which is a good preparation to a very difficult to most difficult US 2-yr or 4yr college as I have found which may be necessary to gain admission to a good graduate programme in future or a bachelors of medicine, granted you get a good MCAT or SAT to convince admission counsellors you are Gregory smith”