1. Teaching Methodology pg 1 2. Award – SPBA pg 3. Academic Achievements pg

- PSLE, GCE ‘O” Level Results for 2007 - Interviews with outstanding students and parents

4. New Venture pg

- SmartLab Private School 5. Events and Seminars pg

- Teen Towkay Programme - Students & Parents’ Talk by Tony Tan

6. Company Events pg

2008 Newsletter Volume 2

Dear Students and Parents, In UK, there is an ongoing movement that focuses on assessment for learning driven by a research study conducted by Black and Wiliams. I would like to share 2 of the quotations from them:

“The ways in which assessment can affect the motivation and self-esteem of pupils and the benefits of engaging students in self-assessment both deserve careful attention.” (Black and Wiliam, 1998) “Marking is usually conscientious but often fails to offer guidance on how work can be improved.” (Black and Wiliam, 1998)

It was timely to reflect on what else we could have done to better manage and improve the confidence of learners in SmartLab. We had focus on developing and implementing our curriculum in the 3 stages: Exploration, Strengthening and Consolidation since inception, and found them beneficial in gearing and conditioning students to improve their assessment scores. The step-by-step programme planning focus on developing confidence of learners and cultivating their interests in learning.

In 2008, our teachers would be spending more time to analyse the assessments of learners to help learners develop competence in application of knowledge and resilience in managing challenges. The after assessment analysis would provide students, teachers and parents a better understanding on what went wrong or right during the assessment, and examine ways that can be adopted to better improve the learning outcome. Both the process and outcome of learning should be celebrated equally. A series of talks on “Believe in Yourself” would be conducted by myself to engage students and parents on our approach. I look forward to meeting all of you. Tony Founder

Formative Assessment

Term Test

Year-end Examination

Exploration stage, when teachers are introducing a new topic to learners

Consolidation stage, when teachers are preparing learners for summative assessment

Strengthening stage, when teachers are revising a learnt topic with learners

SmartLab® Pte Ltd is honoured to be awarded the Singapore Prestige Brand Award 2007. Jointly organised by the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises and Lianhe Zaobao, this Award recognises and honours Singapore brands that have developed and managed their brands effectively through various brand-related initiatives. We are thankful to members of SmartLab® who have put in their hearts and mind to allow us to gain credance and recognition, and grateful to the parents and students who have supported us since our inception.

GCE Ordinary Level

Year Subject Scoring Distinction* Improves by 2 grades or more** Average Grade Improved

2007

Elementary Maths 42.4% 82.8% 2.5

Additional Maths 63.0% 94.4% 3.5

Comb Phy 42.4% 84.4% 3.3

Comb Chem 43.4% 72.5% 3.4

Pure Chemistry 51.5% 83.6% 3.0

Pure Physics 54.5% 77.6% 2.6

Pure Biology 62.5% 100% 3.9

2006

Elementary Maths 55.3% 85.3% 3.3

Additional Maths 74.6% 87.7% 3.8

Comb Phy 35.7% 90% 3.2

Comb Chem 45.8% 87% 3.6

Pure Chemistry 51.4% 90.2% 2.6

Pure Physics 45.2% 76.2% 2.4

2005

Elementary Maths 43% 74% 2.4

Additional Maths 69% 90% 4.2

Comb Phy 60% 87% 3.5

Comb Chem 50% 100.0% 3.9

Pure Chemistry 46% 68% 2.7

Pure Physics 46% 85% 2.8 * Based on all students ** Based on students who scored B3 or below before joining SmartLab®. The reason is because it is not possible to improve by 2 grades or more for students who already scored A1/A2.

Singapore Primary School Leaving Examination

Year Subject A/A* Improved by 1 grade of more *

Improves by 2 grades or more** Remarks

2007 Math 43.5% 78.3% 46.3% -

Science 66.7% 71.0% 27.5% -

2006 Math 47.1% 78.0% 43.6% -

Science 71.2% 83.1% 34.0% -

2005 Math 58.3% 72.7% 38.9% -

Science 66.2% 65.6% 29% - * Based on students scoring A or below (not possible for A* to improve by 1 grade) ** Based on student scoring B or below (not possible for A/A* to improve by 2 grades)

GCE Advanced Level

Year Subject A A/B Improves by 2 grades or more* Average Grade Improved

2006

Maths C 50% 66.7% 87.5% 3.1

Physics 33.3% 54.2% 86.4% 2.8

Chemistry 38.5% 69.2% 93.8% 3.3

2005

Maths C 36% 57% 80% 3.4

Physics 32% 64% 92% 2.7

Chemistry 34% 72% 83% 2.9 * Based on students who scored C or below before joining SmartLab

In this issue of our newsletter, we will be speaking to a few SmartLab students who have done well for their PSLE or O level examinations, including students who have done poorly in the past but made a great comeback. How did they do it? The students and their parents share with us their secrets of success…

Tan Zhiwei (PSLE) Results: Science – A* SmartLab: Congratulations on your achievements Zhiwei. Which school are you studying now? Z: I am now studying in Hwa Chong Institution. It is an IT and savy school. It is a totally different environment and I am trying to get used to the new syllabus and teaching style. SmartLab: Any good advice for SmartLab students sitting for their coming PSLE examination later this year? Z: It is important to sleep early and have enough rest. Also, you must remain calm when taking the exams. SmartLab: In what other areas do you believe has SmartLab helped you? Z: The topics covered a lot, not just the school syllabus. SmartLab exposed me to challenging questions and it helped me a lot. SmartLab: Zhiwei, thank you for your time and all the best to you! Z: Thank you.

Bryan Han

(PSLE) Results: Science – A SmartLab: How have you guided Bryan in his preparation for his PSLE examinations? Sister: Sometimes when our parents are not around, I will help out. I will read the textbook first, then use SmartLab notes to help him understand more difficult questions. SmartLab: Is there any other advice you’d like to offer to fellow parents? Sister: Family support and encouragement are very important. SmartLab: Thank you very much for your time. I would like to speak to Bryan. SmartLab: Congratulations on your achievements. Bryan, which school are you studying now? B: I am now studying in Whitley Secondary. SmartLab: How is it over there? B: I find it to be quite challenging because I have more subjects to learn and the teachers are stricter. SmartLab: I see. I’m sure it will turn out well. Any good advice for SmartLab students sitting for their coming PSLE examination later this year? B: Do revision of notes and have lots of practice by doing worksheets and past exam questions. Being calm when taking exams helps too. SmartLab: In what other areas do you believe has SmartLab helped you? B: SmartLab has helped me understand a lot of things. The notes they provided made studying easier. My teacher, Ms. Adele Ng, gave a lot of information and answered any questions that I have. SmartLab: Bryan, thank you for your time and all the best to you! B: Thank you SmartLab.

Darien The (PSLE) Results: Science – A* SmartLab: How have you guided Darien in his preparation for his PSLE examinations? Mr. The: I did not help out as I relied on SmartLab to prepare Darien for his PSLE. But the family was there for support and encouragement. SmartLab: Is there any other advice you’d like to offer to fellow parents? Mr. The: Just keep an eye on your child and keep updated on their progress. SmartLab: Thank you very much for your time. I would like to speak to Darien. SmartLab: Congratulations on your achievements. Darien, which school are you studying now? D: I am now studying in Hwa Chong Institution. SmartLab: Any good advice for SmartLab students sitting for their coming PSLE examination later this year? D: Use the SmartLab notes to make mindmaps. Highlight main words/ points in textbook. SmartLab: In what other areas do you believe has SmartLab helped you? D: Science is my favorite subject and things related to science. I would like to thank Miss Ng because she did not only cover the topics in syllabus, but also topics outside of syllabus. SmartLab: Darien, thank you for your time and all the best to you! D: Thank you.

Goh Min Ling (O Level)

Results: A1 – Chemistry A1 – Biology SmartLab: Congratulations on your achievements. Min ling, which school are you studying now? ML: I am now in Nanyang Junior College (NYJC). I am reading biology, chemistry, math, and literature. SmartLab: How is it over there? ML: I like it there because the facilities are nice. The teachers are good and friendly also. SmartLab: You got distinction for all of your subjects. Please describe your feelings as your received your O-level results. ML: I was so excited! I couldn’t believe the results that I got. At first, I felt insecure because I kept thinking about the mistakes that I did and how many points it would cost me. So, I was very happy it turned out well. Although, I’m a little disappointed I got A2 for Chinese. SmartLab: So, any celebrations over your success? ML: I went out with my friends to celebrate. Haha. My family was very happy for me. Even my relatives called to congratulate me. SmartLab: Did you panic and feel pressured while the O level was fast approaching? ML: Yeah, a little. I pressured myself to outshine my other classmates. I felt that I would really regret it if I did not do my best for the O level. SmartLab: Well, it’s good that things worked out for you. Please share your secrets of your success with us! ML: Umm, I find that it is not just memorizing content but also learning techniques on how to present your answer. Getting concept is more important than memorizing. I practiced constantly and did not get complacent. I did ten-year series books. I also finished other school papers provided by SmartLab. SmartLab: Any good advice for SmartLab students sitting for their coming O-Level examination later this year? ML: It is important to make effort to listen and interact more with your teachers. Don’t be afraid to admit your mistakes because it is through this that you learn more. It is best that you ask questions if you don’t understand that to figure it out yourself. This will save you time. SmartLab: In what other areas do you believe has SmartLab helped you? ML: SmartLab has good and inspiring teachers. I would like to thank Mr. Tony Tan and Ms Karen for teaching me techniques on how to present my answers. From Tony, I learned that it is not just about copying the answers from the book, but getting the main idea. From Karen, the interactive class made the lessons interesting so I got encouraged to learn more. SmartLab: Thank you for your time Min ling and all the best to you! ML: Thank you SmartLab.

Bryan Tiong Jun Hao

(O Level) Results: A1 – A. Maths B3 – Physics SmartLab: Congratulations on your achievements. Bryan, which school are you studying now? B: I am now in Anderson Junior College, science stream. SmartLab: How is it over there? B: It is quite different. I find it to be quite challenging as the syllabus is much tougher. Also, the subject content is more in-depth compared to secondary level. SmartLab: Please describe your feelings as your received your O-level results, which were excellent by the way. B: I was quite elated with my results. SmartLab: So, any celebrations over your success? B: Not really. SmartLab: Please share your secrets of your success with us! B: I guess I could say constant practice is very important especially when doing math problems. SmartLab: Any good advice for SmartLab students sitting for their coming O-Level examination later this year? B: Even if you don’t do well in Prelim, don’t give up! You need to persevere and in the end, you won’t be disappointed with the results. SmartLab: Bryan, thank you for your time and all the best to you! B: Welcome. Bye.

Debbie Tan Siping

(O Level) Results: A1 – Physics A1 – A. Maths  SmartLab: Congratulations on your achievements Debbie. Which school are you studying now? D: I am now studying in Hwa Chong JC taking science stream. SmartLab: How is it over there? D: It is a totally different environment from my secondary school but, I am looking forward to it as it is fun and challenging. SmartLab: Please describe your feelings as you received your O-level results, which were excellent by the way. D: I was quite shocked! Previously, I did not get such good results from my exams. I failed my end of year exam during sec 2. But, this spurred me to strive for better results. So, I’m happy that my hard work paved off. SmartLab: So, any celebrations over your success? D: There was no celebration but all of my family was happy. SmartLab: Well, it’s good that things worked out for you. Please share your secrets of your success with us! D: Try to understand the topics and ask the teacher for any doubts. A lot of practice is essential also. The worksheets provided by SmartLab and exam papers were tougher so I got a lot of good practice. I’m also lucky that SmartLab has given me good teachers. Thank you Mr. Yew Cheong See Thou and Mr. Chiew Ho Wee for your dedication and support. SmartLab: Any good advice for SmartLab students sitting for their coming O-Level examination later this year? D: A lot of students feel stressed and pressured as the exam is fast approaching. It is essential that you don’t stress yourself too much or you will end up crumbling. SmartLab: Debbie, thank you for your time and all the best to you! D: Thank you!

Daniel Tan (O Level)

Results: A1 – Chemistry A1 – A. Maths A2 – Physics SmartLab: Congratulations on your achievements. Daniel, which school are you studying now? D: A lot were wondering why I did not go to JC since I got good grades. But, I wanted to go to Poly so I am now waiting for enrolment into Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP). For the meantime, I am getting some experience from part-time jobs. SmartLab: Oh, I see. Well I’m sure you will be accepted. Anyway, please describe your feelings as you received your O-level results, which were excellent by the way. D: I was quite happy with the overall result since I got distinction for my subjects. But, I was a little disappointed that I did not get A1 for physics. SmartLab: So, any celebrations over your success? D: Nothing much but my family congratulated me. SmartLab: Well, it’s good that things worked out for you. Please share your secrets of your success with us! D: Hmm, I’m not too sure. I guess one factor is liking the subjects. I did not like Math that much so I put in effort to like the subject. I also found the questions kept on repeating in the ten-year series books that I did. So, doing other school exam papers provided by SmartLab helped me a lot in being exposed to more questions. SmartLab: Any good advice for SmartLab students sitting for their coming O-Level examination later this year? D: Try to remember as much as possible. Also, focus on all subjects, especially the ones you are weak in. SmartLab: In what other areas do you believe has SmartLab helped you? D: SmartLab has helped me in a lot of ways! The notes provided was presented in an organized manner and in a way that the topic was easy to understand. It also covered topics in detailed which my textbook wasn’t able to do. I got to do very little lab in school so I was grateful for SmartLab’s laboratory sessions which gave me a lot of practice. The teachers in SmartLab are great too! They taught me more than what is being taught in school. They taught me techniques and methods in solving problems. I found this to be unique and something different. I would like to thank my teachers Ms. Hazel Poa, Mr. Thin Long Soh, and Mr. Chiew Ho Wee for guiding and helping me with my questions. SmartLab: Thank you for your time Daniel and all the best to you! D: You’re welcome.

Hannah Ee (O Level)

Results: A1 – Physics A2 – Chemistry SmartLab: Congratulations on your achievements Hannah. Which school are you studying now? H: I am now in Nanyang JC. I am taking physics, chemistry, maths, and economics. SmartLab: How is it over there? H: I like it over there. The environment is very good. I’m having fun as the students and teachers are good and friendly. SmartLab: I’ve heard you were ranked one of the highest in your school. Please describe your feelings as your received your O-level results. H: Laugh. I was quite happy and satisfied with my result. I got seven points overall. I was however slightly disappointed that I did not score an A1 for my chemistry because I worked very hard for it. Still, I’m pretty happy with my results. SmartLab: So, any celebrations over your success? H: My parents were quite happy with my results. My family went out for dinner at a restaurant to celebrate my good results. SmartLab: Did you panic and feel pressured as the O level was approaching? H: Yes, a little bit. I was nervous as to what results will I get. SmartLab: Well, it’s good that things worked out for you. Please share your secrets of your success with us! H: It is all about studying and preparing for Prelim and O level. Time management is important. I minimized my time spent on playing computer games and watching television. I also did a lot of practice. I did ten-year series books for all subjects and Prelim exam papers provided by SmartLab. SmartLab: Any good advice for SmartLab students sitting for their coming O-Level examination later this year? H: It is important to pay attention in class especially as the exam is fast approaching. Listen to what the teacher is saying and ask questions when you don’t understand. Practice is important so do worksheets and homework given in class. Doing ten-year series books and other Prelim exam papers helps too. SmartLab: In what other areas do you believe has SmartLab helped you? H: SmartLab has good teachers that showed me lessons could be fun and interesting too. I would like to thank Mr. Vincent Lee and Ms. Karen who have offered me countless support and help. Thank you for the guidance and time spent in trying to improve our grade. Smile. SmartLab: Hannah, thank you for your time and all the best to you! H: Thank you too.

Nor Farleeni Binte Abdul Razak (Private School) Results: From D7 to B3 – CSC Chemistry From D7 to B3 – Biology SmartLab: Farleeni is retaking her O level examinations this year. How have you guided her in her preparation this year? Mother: I was physically there for her to give her support and words of encouragement. I have always reminded her of what she wants in life and the career she wants to have. By doing this, she remained focused on her goal of doing better in the exams this year. SmartLab: So what did you feel when Farleeni got her O level results this year? Mother: I was quite happy and satisfied. Great improvement for Combined Science and Biology. SmartLab: Is there any other advice you’d like to offer to fellow parents? Mother: Never give up on your child, even if she did not do well for the exams. Believe that your child can do better, so they will believe in their self too! Be there to give moral support as the exams put a lot of pressure in them. SmartLab: Thank you for your time. I would now like to speak to Farleeni. Congratulations on your achievements Farleeni. Which school are you studying now? F: I applied in Nanyang Poly (NYP). The results will be out next week. SmartLab: You got four-grade improvement in combined science and biology. Please describe your feelings as your received your O-level results. F: It was okay (not too excited in saying it). Laugh. I was quite happy and satisfied with my result for the two subjects. SmartLab: So, any celebrations over your success? F: No. Not really. My parents congratulated me on my great improvement. SmartLab: I’m happy for you. Please share your secrets of your improvement with us! F: Try to understand the subject and practice, practice, practice. SmartLab gave me a lot of opportunities to practice so I’m grateful to them. SmartLab: Any good advice for SmartLab students sitting for their coming O-Level examination later this year, especially those retaking? F: No advice. Haha. It is better to do revision earlier because last minute work won’t help you. SmartLab: In what other areas do you believe has SmartLab helped you? F: SmartLab helped me believe in myself that I can do better! They helped me increase my self-confidence. The environment (teachers and classmates) improved my communication and social skills as well. I was a very quiet person but I got encouraged in talking more. Smile. SmartLab: Thank you for your time Farleeni and all the best to you! ML: Thank you SmartLab. All the best!

SmartLab Private School, a subsidiary of SmartLab Pte Ltd was set up with the aim of providing high quality education services to both local and foreign students. Armed with years of experience in providing private tutoring to secondary and post secondary students and consistently providing good results, SmartLab earned the opportunity to collaborate with the renowned Cambridge International Centre in offering Diploma for teachers and trainer, Diploma in Business. The private school will also be offering full time GCE ‘O’ Level and GCE ‘A’ Level to students. Details of the course can be found in website http://www.smartlab.com.sg/PS

Farrer Park Centre Civil Service Club (3rd Level) @ 60 Tessensohn Road Singapore 217664 Tel : +6562960233 farrerpark@smartlab.com.sg

Facilities in Civil Service Club

Facilities in Civil Service Club Bowling, Gym, Badminton Court,

Swimming Pool etc...

Details at http://www.csc.gov.sg/HTML/tessensohn.htm

In 2007, SmartLab conducted its first Teen Towkay programme aimed at helping students understand the basics and foundations of developing a successful business, and developing and implementing business ideas. The modules would provide platforms for development of creative ideas, conducting research to develop ideas and experimentation to implement new ideas. The programme consists of 2 parts: an initial 2-day full time programme to expose them to the basics and foundations of developing a successful business, followed by a 3-day presentation and brainstorming session to develop a business plan. Using Problem-based and Practice-based learning approaches, the entrepreneurship programme is conducted through (1) real-life scenario-based discussion (2) business strategy games (3) starting and operating a functional company selling services or products or providing consultancies. The programme is structured in accordance to the Business Start-up module in Cambridge International Diploma in Business, where students will be exposed to modules on business organisation and environment, effective business communication, marketing, business finance and human resource management.

Part 1 The first part of the TeenTowkay programme fully exposed its participants to the importance of leadership and how effective team management and communications can get people to work together. TEAM = Together Everyone Achieves More. Through the lectures conducted on the first day of the programme, the participants were introduced various leadership styles, and the basics of teamwork and effective project management.

Speeches were required to be made by would-be team leaders, where an election was conducted to select the team leaders. The participants were then separated into small groups when they were required to work as a team to brainstorm on their mission: to sell handmade gifts and items from SPCA and SPD.

The leader and their members were given a taste of the need to manage uncertainties by conducting online bidding for their stall locations and the selling rights of a long list of products provided by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and the Society for the Physically Disabled (SPD). Unexpected outcomes from the bidding results allow trainers to observe and comment on how the leader reacted and rallied the team to move forward. Project management skills are utilized when the members plan and organize for the selling of the products. In conjunction with the Christmas fair organized by the Civil Service Club, the participants of the TeenTowkay programme set up their stalls and started operations to work together as a team in accordance to the project management plan. With the generosity and support of the visitors at the fair, all the groups did exceedingly well and helped to raise funds on behalf of SPCA and SPD.

Part 2

The second part of the TeenTowkay programme focused more on the development of the participants’ business idea, and how an idea can be developed to become a business plan. Participants learned that detailed market research and good teamwork were required to support the planning and development of their business ideas. The participants were required to conduct discussions, presentations and online research. They were also taught about the process involved in setting up a local company in Singapore, and the fundamentals of a business plan.

The participants were also introduced to the financial management of a business and how to construct profit and cashflow forecast during the development of their business plan. The programme ended with the participants pitching their business plans and making a presentation to a group of trainers, including NYP business lecturer, Mr Ong acting as mock investors.

Location: Farrer Park Branch, The Civil Service Club (3rd Level), 60 Tessensohn Road, S(217664)

Title of Talk: Believe in Yourself

“Pupils who encounter difficulties and poor results are led to believe that they lack ability, and this belief leads them to attribute their difficulties to a defect in themselves about which they cannot do a great deal. So they “retire hurt”, avoid investing effort in learning which could only lead to disappointment and try to build up their self-esteem in other ways.” Page 9, Inside the black Box, raising standards through classroom assessment by Paul Black & Dylan William, Department of Education & Professional Studies, King’s College London. The talk focuses on the importance of developing the confidence of students as part of their education. A brief outline of the areas being covered during the talk includes the following:

• Assessment for Learning or Learning for Assessment? • Effective Curriculum Development and Implementation • Can learner-profiling make a difference? • Student profiling to be done for participants.

Timing of Talks

Sat, 1 Mar 2008, 11:30am Sat, 15 Mar 2008, 11:30am

Sat, 22 Mar 2008, 11:30am Sat, 5 Apr 2008, 11:30am

Call 62960233 at Farrer Park to register or email to course@smartlab.com.sg. First come first serve basis. Confirmation of seat would be via email. Timings and dates of the talks can be subjected to change.

The End Thank You!!