Why we started this blog

Back in May this year, Lester, Adeline and I were in the planning process of starting this tuition agency (we actually still are!). We were discussing the who, what, why and how's of getting the tuition agency up and running. When I proposed the idea of incorporating a blog in our website, they looked at me like I was crazy. And in the same way that I explained to them, here are the reasons why I feel incorporating a blog with our existing website is a good idea.

A website is not enough

We want to connect with our audience. We don't just want to operate behind the wall of an official website. It is just too stagnant. We want to interact with customers (parents, students and tutors alike) and blogging is the way to go. It is easier to constantly update fresh content on a blog than on a website. Furthermore, a blog can sometimes provide you with raw, unfiltered peronal opinions that official websites do not.

Another source of opinion

We may not be educational experts or PHD holders, but in our experiences as students and part-time tutors, we hope that our published thoughts and entries may serve as an extra voice of opinion to students, tutors and parents alike.

A notice board for assignments

As content can be easily updated, a blog can serve as a useful tool for listing currently available assignments. Tutors in search of assignments can have at their disposal, a view of all latest available assignments. I know that we don't have, at the moment, any assignments listed yet! But believe me, they will come.

In summary, this blog was created for the interest of students, tutors and parents alike. We hope that with the content we bring, it should allow for useful, or at least enjoyable reading. 

On finding the perfect secondary school

It's the time of the year again, when PSLE results are out, and parents and children get involved in choosing a secondary school for the next 4 or 5 years of academic life.

I came across this article "There is no perfect school for a child" published on The Electric New Paper, Singapore, on 24 Nov where columnist Santokh Singh offers some advice on factors worth considering, in choosing your first-choice secondary school.

Results

No doubt the first factor that comes to your mind. The child and school must be intellectually compatible.

Personalities

Nothing concrete to describe this but the closest I can go is going with your feelings. How does it feel like stepping into the school compound? What is the ambience? Talk to the teachers and principal. Check out the canteen.

Background information

Santokh Singh described this factor as "the 'relatives' who tell you things that the 'prospective in-law' may not". For me, I came from a JC with a reputation youngsters described as "the JC with the highest pregnancy rate!" Yet every time I step into a taxi, many taxi uncles describe it as "hao xue xiao! (Very good school)".

CCAs

What is 4 years of secondary life without CCA. Does the school provide the CCAs which the student enjoys?

Distance

Where I'm studying right now, the train ride to school every day is a "journey to the west!". Even after alighting at boon lay, students from my school have to take a certain 179, to go west some more! So it's as west as it can be. Anymore west and we'd be in the SAF live firing area. Take it from me that, long distance travelling is tiring. Especially when the stop that you board your bus/train only allows for standing room.