The Integrated Programme (IP) is a 6-year programme targeted at the top 10% of each graduating cohort from primary school. Students in this programme can bypass the O-Level for a direct route towards the A-Level, International Baccalaureate (IB), or NUS High School Diploma. Secondary students on the O-Level track can also apply to transfer to the Integrated Programme (IP) at secondary 3 if they perform well in their studies.

If your child falls into either category, congratulations! However, it is best to consider whether the IP is the best educational path for your child before committing to a decision. Let us peel back the layers of what you and your child can expect from the IP and its differences from the O-level curriculum to ensure that both of you can fully understand what the IP demands from and instills in students before making your choice.

Introducing the Integrated Programme

In Singapore, the conventional route students take after PSLE is to transition to secondary school and work towards achieving their O-Level in secondary 4 or 5 before progressing to a junior college, polytechnic, or the Institute of Technical Education (ITE).

The IP program changes that, allowing Secondary students to skip their O-Level examination. Instead, students undergo a 6-year programme (inclusive of JC1 and 2) that exposes them to a broader range of learning experiences in academic and non-academic areas.

However, not all secondary schools offer this programme. There are currently 17 schools in Singapore offering the IP program – 13 schools offer the IP program leading to the A-Level, while 3 schools offer the IP program leading to the IB Diploma, with the last offering a path leading to the NUS High School Diploma.

Here is the list of current IP schools in Singapore:

IP schools leading to the A-Level:

Catholic High School
Cedar Girl’s Secondary School
CHIJ St. Nicholas Girl’s School
Dunman High School
Hwa Chong Institution
Nanyang Girl’s High School
National Junior College
Raffle Girl’s School
Raffles Institution
Singapore Chinese Girl’s School
Temasek Junior College
Victoria School

IP schools leading to the IB Diploma:

Anglo-Chinese School
Methodist Girls’ School
Saint Joseph’s Institution
School of the Arts

Others:

NUS High School of Mathematics and Science

IP vs. O-Level: what are the differences?

Each IP school has its individual programmes and methods of execution. As such, the curriculum design and rigour of each school vary. Nevertheless, you and your child can still expect the programme to differ from the O-Level track in the following ways.

Difference #1: In-depth study and early introduction of A-Level concepts

Students undertaking the IP program are introduced to more advanced topics and study materials before they reach the JC level. The aim is to provide them with a robust foundation when they progress to tertiary education, giving them a head start over those on the O-Level track. As a result, it is unsurprising to find many students seeking additional help, like enrolling in IP Maths and IP Chemistry tuition, to ensure they do not fall behind in class.

Difference #2: IP exams are more aligned with the A-Level syllabus

Having taught IP Chemistry and IP Maths tuition classes for years, our tutors have observed that both IP and O-Levels examinations tend to feature many inference and critical thinking questions. These questions are designed to encourage students to think out of the box, test their inference and deduction skills, or require them to combine concepts across different topics to answer the questions correctly. However, IP exams are more closely aligned with the content taught in A levels. As a result, students in the IP program are better equipped to tackle the A-Level exams.

Difference #3: Less exam-focused learning

While textbook-based learning remains a pivotal aspect of the IP program, they do not comprise the entire curriculum. Instead, learning can involve various activities. For example, students may be asked to act out the scene of a play during their Language Arts class.

Project work also features significantly, with the format involving extended essays, oral presentations, or research projects for various subjects. These continuous assessments are all graded and count towards the student’s final aggregate score, which can impact their JC promotion.

This is in stark contrast to students taking the O-Level exams. O-Level students have to diligently prepare throughout their entire academic year to ensure they perform well for one final exam. Meanwhile, students in the IP program have to ensure that they perform well for every weighted assignment and test, as each grade counts towards their cumulative average points, which can impact their JC promotion.

Is the IP suitable for my child?

Just because your child is strong academically does not mean they are automatically suitable for the IP track. Notably, the curriculum’s relatively open-ended and exploratory nature may not suit students requiring more structure in their learning. Conversely, independent learners may find themselves excelling in the programme.

So, avoid making a hasty decision. We recommend considering your child’s interests, learning style, personality, and preferences when selecting their ideal educational path. For example, O-Level might be a better stepping stone if there is a vocation that your child wishes to pursue in a polytechnic.

The IP can be beneficial for your child, offering them a holistic education and better preparing them for the rigours of tertiary education. However, if your child is struggling with the curriculum, particularly in Maths or Chemistry, fret not! At Studious Minds, our IP Maths and IP Chemistry tuition classes are specially designed to support your child’s learning along the IP track, equipping them with the skills they need to thrive while managing the transition. Visit our website to sign up for our trial lessons today.

A-Level Chemistry can be challenging and demands a deep understanding of complex concepts. Therefore, it is unsurprising that many students require additional guidance to excel in the subject. If you are in a similar boat, know you are not alone. Turning to a reliable, experienced Chemistry tutor can often make a significant difference to your grades.

However, perform a quick Google search, and you will encounter numerous options online. So, how do you identify the ideal Chemistry tutor? After all, the tutor plays a pivotal role in making the concepts clear and concise so that students can understand the materials easily. Let us help simplify the selection process by sharing the three essential qualities to look for in an A-Level Chemistry tutor.

Quality #1: They should have the relevant qualification

To educate others on the subject, one should be a subject matter expert, right? As such, the least you should expect in an A-Level Chemistry tutor is for them to have the relevant qualifications to teach Chemistry. For A-Level Chemistry tuition, the tutor should at least possess a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry so that they are capable of explaining concepts with depth, which is a vital aspect of H2 Chemistry.

However, expertise is not just about academic qualifications. It is also about a profound understanding of the syllabus. The Chemistry tutor should be familiar with the latest curriculum and its intricacies so that they can simplify complex topics and make them more accessible to you.

Your ideal Chemistry tutor should also be knowledgeable in experimental skills, so they can help clarify any doubts you may have with your practical exams. Your tutor’s knowledge will prove especially valuable during the theoretical planning stage of your A-Level Chemistry Practical Exam, as this is often a significant stumbling block for many students taking the subject.

Quality #2: They should possess vast teaching experience

Do not underestimate the value of having an experienced Chemistry tutor. Having guided numerous students in the subject, they will have a deeper understanding of the typical challenges students face and can educate you on navigating these learning obstacles. Besides, you will want a tutor well-versed in the nuances of exam patterns. This way, they can provide valuable insights and strategies for tackling your A-Level Chemistry exams. That only comes with teaching experience!

Quality #3: They should be flexible with their teaching style

Every student learns at their own pace. Some pick up concepts instantly, while others require further explanation to grasp the learning material. A capable Chemistry tutor should understand this and be able to adapt their teaching methods to suit each student’s learning pace and preferences.

The tutor should also take the initiative to check with their students on a one-to-one basis to ensure they can keep pace with their peers. If a student is struggling, the tutor should be open to helping them by providing free consultation sessions and additional one-to-one private lessons if necessary.

However, flexibility is merely one aspect of being a well-rounded Chemistry tutor. They also need to be engaging to foster a positive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and participating in class discussions, as well as being able to break down a challenging topic into something easily digestible to their students. If they cannot do that, it defeats the primary purpose of tutoring.

Of course, this aspect is the most challenging to ascertain. So, see if your preferred Chemistry tutor offers trial lessons to let you experience the tutor’s teaching style and whether the class suits your learning needs. Beyond that, you can review references and testimonials from previous students to understand the tutor’s teaching methods and effectiveness. A tutor with a proven track record of guiding students to academic success is a solid indicator of their teaching competence.

With the ideal Chemistry tutor by your side, you can navigate the complexities of A-Level Chemistry with confidence and achieve your academic goals. So, now that you have a clear idea of what to look out for, it is time to begin your search. Alternatively, you can skip all the hassle and sign up for our JC Chemistry tuition classes at Studious Minds. You will find that our tutor, Mr Alex Toh, possesses all the necessary qualities you seek in a Chemistry tutor. Contact us today to learn more about our tuition programmes.

Month: November 2023

IP Vs. O-Level: Which Is A Better Option For Your Child?