Secondary 4 Programmes
Achieve Academic Success with Confidence
Achieve Academic Success with Confidence
Secondary 4 is a crucial examination year for students on the O-Level track. Those from an IP school also have to prepare for the upcoming pre-tertiary curriculum. Our Secondary 4 programmes focus on systematic revision and refinement of essential exam skills to help your child master the necessary knowledge and techniques to achieve their full potential.
English
Lesson Duration: 2 hrs
Class Size: 13 students
At Secondary 4, students will encounter more complex texts to demonstrate their comprehension and more intricate writing requirements to articulate their opinions clearly and concisely. Our Secondary 4 English programme will work on polishing their linguistic skills, empowering them to analyse and respond to profound passages accurately, express their views confidently and write effectively with precision and clarity.
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Language Mastery
Students will undergo weekly practices that closely follow the rigour and standard of the national examinations, whether it is the revised O-Level Exam for English (starting 2023) or the revised A-Level Exam for General Paper (starting 2024) for IP students. These practices include comprehension, summary and critical thinking passages that cover a wide range of topics relating to current affairs, such as Society, Technology, Environment, Arts and Media, to help students develop a global perspective and build a knowledge repository for essay writing.
Students will also learn to enhance their writing expressions to fit the task requirements, in terms of Purpose, Audience, Context and Tone. They will go through grammar drills, editing and sentence reconstruction exercises to improve their grammar knowledge and usage.
Skills and Techniques
Students will refine their critical reading and writing skills through the weekly lessons.
Reasoning: They will apply critical reasoning skills to evaluate information and recommendations presented in written and visual texts.
Comprehension: They will improve their comprehension skills through error analysis and answer precision, and learn to construct clear, logical responses.
Writing: They will polish their writing by using signposting and hedging techniques.
Summary Writing: They will learn to paraphrase effectively and organise responses to match question requirements.
Revision and Reinforcement
Students will recap and review question analysis and answering techniques upon analysing the assessment requirements. They will use the appropriate tone and structure to present ideas and opinions clearly and confidently, whether in writing or during oral examinations. They will also reflect on errors and work on weaknesses. Furthermore, the regular practice tests in simulated exam conditions will help students hone their time management skills.
Additional Mathematics
Lesson Duration: 2 hrs
Class Size: 13 students
Our Secondary 4 Additional Mathematics programme is tailored to meet the rigorous demands of the Secondary 4 syllabus. We help students deepen their understanding of complex mathematical concepts and sharpen their problem-solving skills so they have the confidence to tackle challenging problems and excel in the subject.
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Content Mastery
Students will delve deeper into geometry and learn to apply different geometric theorems, such as the midpoint theorem. With the introduction of Calculus, students will try to model and describe the motion of an object moving in a straight line using concepts of Calculus in kinematics. They will also explore the real-world applications of Calculus, especially in Engineering and Sciences.
Skills and Techniques
Students will recognise question types, identify important markers and apply effective strategies to answer questions. They will also learn to perform error analysis such as working backwards and evaluating their answers logically to enhance their metacognitive abilities. By honing their analytical skills, students can make inferences, draw logical conclusions and evaluate solutions to real-world problems.
Revision and Reinforcement
Students will revise topics and focus on targeted practices on specific question types through concept maps and topical revision handouts. They will also hone key exam skills such as time management and answering techniques through regular practice tests.
O-Level Elementary Mathematics
Lesson Duration: 2 hrs
Class Size: 13 students
Our O-Level Elementary Mathematics programme is designed to solidify your fundamental mathematical skills and concepts, preparing you for higher-level maths challenges. Covering key topics such as algebra, geometry, statistics, and probability, we provide individualised support to ensure each student grasps the material thoroughly.
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Content Mastery
Students will learn different ways of solving word problems, either using set notation and Venn diagrams to represent a set of numbers or interpreting data in matrices and performing various operations to solve them. They can also solve probability questions with statistical diagrams like stem-and-leaf or dot diagrams and work out geometric problems with vectors by representing a vector as a directed line segment in a 2D plane and using specific operations to solve them.
Skills and Techniques
Students will familiarise themselves with question types, identify important markers and apply effective strategies to answer questions. They will acquire analytical skills to make inferences, draw logical conclusions and evaluate solutions in real-world contexts. They will also refine error analysis techniques such as working backwards and assessing their answers logically.
Revision and Reinforcement
Students will focus on revising and mastering all the topics through practice tests, concept maps and revision handouts, which will help to reinforce their foundational knowledge. Regular practice tests under exam conditions will also sharpen their time management skills and error analysis, especially with targeted practices on specific question types.
Biology
Lesson Duration: 2 hrs
Class Size: 13 students
Our Secondary 4 Biology programme will feature main topics like cell biology, genetics, organisms and ecology, as we guide students to examine the living world and the intricate processes sustaining life. With engaging teaching methods and hands-on experiments, we will bring biological concepts to life, so students are not just studying for the exams, but also developing a profound appreciation for the study of life.
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Content Mastery
Students will learn higher-level biological topics such as Molecular Genetics and Organisms and their Environment, gaining a deeper understanding of the intricate workings of life, from the microscopic level of genes to the complex interactions between organisms and their ecosystems.
Skills and Techniques
Students will work on foundation questions to cement their conceptual knowledge and challenging questions to develop higher-order thinking skills. They will be adept at identifying and effectively answering questions across interrelated topics as per exam trends. They will also master question analysis and answering techniques to avoid common mistakes and misconceptions.
Revision and Reinforcement
Students will focus on understanding question requirements and learning to answer them completely and to the point. They will also hone vital exam skills such as time management and answering techniques through regular topical practice tests that simulate exam conditions.
Chemistry
Lesson Duration: 2 hrs
Class Size: 13 students
Our Secondary 4 Chemistry programme provides a complete revision of chemistry topics learnt in the upper secondary, from chemical equilibrium and kinetics to new topics like organic chemistry and electrochemistry. Through a blend of interactive lessons and hands-on experiments, we equip students with a strong understanding of chemical principles, so they are ready for higher-level studies and exams.
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Content Mastery
Students will engage in new topics such as Electrochemistry and Organic Chemistry, while revising chemistry topics and principles taught in previous years. Our clear, structured teaching involves active learning strategies, which encourage practical applications through hands-on experiments and problem-solving sessions. Our regular assessments also provide students with personalised feedback to identify their strengths and areas for improvement so they can work towards achieving mastery in chemistry.
Skills and Techniques
Students will work on both foundation and challenging questions to cement their conceptual knowledge while developing higher-order thinking skills. They will also reinforce their theoretical knowledge and experimental skills through practical applications in hands-on experiments. They will continue to refine their question analysis and answering techniques to avoid common mistakes and misconceptions.
Revision and Reinforcement
Students will consolidate the chemistry knowledge acquired over the years and form connections between topics to help them tackle questions involving interrelated themes. They will also hone critical exam skills such as time management through rigorous practice of mock papers under the exam settings.
Physics
Lesson Duration: 2 hrs
Class Size: 13 students
Our Secondary 4 Physics programme will prepare students for advanced studies in physics topics such as electricity, electromagnetism and radioactivity. With a mix of engaging lessons, interactive demonstrations and hands-on experiments, we make complex physics concepts accessible and intriguing for students, stimulating their interest and motivating them to excel in physics.
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Content Mastery
With a combination of structured learning, practical application and continuous assessment, our students will strengthen their conceptual foundation in physics as they pick up new topics such as Static Electricity, Electromagnetism and Electromagnetic Induction. Our interactive demonstrations and hands-on experiments allow students to observe and apply physics principles in real-world scenarios, enhancing their understanding. Such a supportive learning environment encourages curiosity, critical thinking and active participation, empowering students to attain higher proficiency in physics.
Skills and Techniques
As students conduct hands-on experiments, such as forces and electrical circuit experiments, they will develop experimental skills like experiment planning, data collection and error analysis. Through our programme, they will hone critical thinking and question analysis skills, building their confidence in tackling data-based and application questions. Students will also refine their answering techniques by recognising and avoiding common pitfalls for various questions.
Revision and Reinforcement
Students will undergo a systematic, topical-based revision of physics topics covered in the upper secondary. They will practise multiple mock examination papers, including both common and challenging questions, to prepare for their final exam in secondary school.
Hear What They Say About TLL
Because the difference we make is why we do what we do.
Bradley Hang
"I started my journey with Learning Lab in 2022, when I was in Secondary 3. Before I joined, I was constantly getting “C”s for my English exams. Over time, through the guidance from my dedicated teacher, Ms Tay, I was able to see my English grades slowly improving from an initial C6 at the start of the year, to a B4 for my end of year assessment in Secondary 3. Eventually, after months of hard work and guidance from Ms Tay, I was able to obtain my first ever distinction, an A2, for my preliminary examination.
On the day of my English O-levels, I calmed my nerves and remembered everything Ms Tay had taught me, from proper answering techniques to identifying question types in my Paper 2 to answer questions precisely. In the end, I was finally able to achieve my desired result: an A1 for the 2023 O-levels. I was overjoyed with my results for sure, but I knew that I couldn’t have done it without my hard work and determination, and most importantly, the proper guidance from Ms Tay."
Gloria Chua
"Recalling the lessons I've had in Paris 1 or New York 5, the most valuable one I gained was the sense that the world is my oyster. It is not just the names of the classrooms or the impeccable decor that encourage this sense.
I took English from P4 to S4, and the fondest moments have been those where my teachers and I discussed the many happenings outside of the classroom. Be it my teacher's fondness for architectural marvels across the world as a window shedding light on the ebbs and flows of the global economy, or her entertaining stories of her childhood encouraging reflection on our own educations, I have learnt much more than just English itself.
I am privileged to feel like I can now feel the pulse of this vast world, becoming an active participant in it, and in large part I have because TLL encouraged me to find this world beyond the classroom."
Mdm. Mazlita
"The Learning Lab is a perfect embodiment of how great companies are built on great products. Throughout the 8 years that my three children have been taking lessons at The Learning Lab, the teachers and staff have consistently delivered an excellent educational experience for them.
My eldest son, Arif, always looked forward to attending his classes! As a GEP student, he thoroughly relished how lessons are enriched with current affairs, famous personalities and interesting case studies. In his own words, “The lessons come alive”. It also helped that his teachers displayed tremendous dedication and extramural excellence, which fuelled his passion for learning. His time at The Learning Lab definitely stretched him well beyond his years, which was well reflected when he emerged as the 2nd highest PSLE scorer nationwide in 2011.
I will continue to entrust their education to TLL, as it has continually equipped my children with the tools and motivation to go further in life and succeed in their future undertakings."