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CONTENTS
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Introduction English

Welcome Message Secondary 1 Curriculum

A Teaching and Learning Model Secondary 2 Curriculum
that Puts Your Child First
Secondary 3 Curriculum
Our Curriculum and
Secondary 4 Curriculum
Teaching Team
Our Promise
Our Three Learning Goals for
Your Child’s Success

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21 Pg.
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Mathematics Science

Secondary 1 Curriculum Secondary 1 and 2 Curriculum

Secondary 2 Curriculum Secondary 3 and 4 Curriculum
(Biology)
Secondary 3 and 4 Curriculum
(Mathematics) Secondary 3 and 4 Curriculum
(Chemistry)
Secondary 3 and 4 Curriculum
(Additional Mathematics) Secondary 3 and 4 Curriculum
(Physics)

To sign up for our Secondary Core Programmes:

Please email [email protected]
or contact our service hotline at 6733 8711
 Introduction 1

Dear Parent,
Over the past 20 years, our goal at The Learning Lab has
always been to not only nurture the love of learning, but to
also help your child achieve academic success in school
and beyond.

We are here to lend our support and guidance at every

stage of your child’s learning journey, helping him or her to
develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions needed to
tackle challenges faced both in school and in life.

With dedicated curriculum experts and highly trained

teachers, we help your child build a strong foundation in
reading, writing and communicating, in strategic thinking and
problem-solving, as well as essential techniques and skills to
achieve success at key examination milestones. We are also
committed to helping your child develop positive learning
attitudes and habits.

With the ever-evolving education landscape, we

continuously strive to make advancements to our
programmes to ensure that our lessons are engaging and
effective in meeting your child’s learning needs.

As you explore this programme booklet, discover the

breadth and depth of a curriculum that does not just
make learning engaging, but also enables your child to
demonstrate progress and growth while attaining academic
excellence.

We look forward to being part of your child’s

learning journey.

Welcome to The Learning Lab.

2 Introduction

A Teaching and
Learning Model that
Puts Your Child First
Your child’s rich and meaningful learning journey begins
with us. In our classrooms, we create learning experiences
that empower and motivate. We believe that academic
growth and success in school, and beyond, are built on a
strong foundation of knowledge, skills and dispositions.

Skills

Knowledge

Dispositions

Knowledge
To help your child achieve each milestone in his or her
learning journey, we equip your child with the concepts
and knowledge needed to tackle tasks and exams
in school with confidence. Besides building a strong
foundation in content mastery, we further stimulate your
child’s intellectual curiosity by drawing connections with
what is learnt in school to real-world phenomena.
 Introduction 3

Skills
With The Learning Lab’s teaching methodology and
curriculum, your child will develop the necessary skills
such as critical thinking, analytical and evaluative skills,
to help him or her successfully address all types of
academic challenges at school. A strong focus on task
and error analysis, problem-solving strategies as well as
communication skills means that your child will become a
more confident, engaged and articulate thinker —
a learner who is able to present what he or she knows
and strive for improvement.

Dispositions
Your child’s education at TLL is about nurturing his or her
whole person. Our programmes recognise the importance
of helping your child develop positive attitudes, habits
and mindsets towards learning as a journey, whether in
the classroom or beyond. He or she will develop self-
awareness and a growth mindset — understanding his
or her strengths and weaknesses, seeing mistakes or
setbacks as opportunities for progress, and planning the
next stage of success with an open mind.
4 Introduction

Our Curriculum and

Teaching Team
Our dedicated curriculum team of over 40 specialists and teachers
help forge meaningful learning journeys for your child through the
creation of bespoke lesson materials that are designed to motivate
and enthuse your child. We believe learning is optimal when
children are motivated and engaged. Our lesson materials excite
and inspire, and are designed to build the knowledge and skills
necessary for school success.

Our TLL teachers are also the best that your child can have. They
are caring and passionate individuals who always strive to give their
very best in class. As knowledgeable experts that focus on deep
subject knowledge and pedagogical know-how, TLL teachers guide
your child through the intricacies of the required exam syllabus
using our renowned in-house tailor-made curriculum.
 Introduction 5

Our Promise
Our materials are prepared with your child’s best interests in mind.
We provide your child with lessons that not only help your child become
invested in his or her learning journey, but also encourage him or her
to take charge of it.

Nurturing the Love of Learning

These two elements run through all our lesson materials:
• Sparking interest even when the topics are abstract or
studying has elements of drill and practice
• Making connections with the real world so that our
students can see the relevance of what they
are learning

Attaining Academic Excellence

Our students achieve academic excellence through
our teaching methods and curriculum which focus on
nurturing:
• deep understanding of the topics
• strong analytical and problem-solving skills that help
students in answering any question in tests and exams

Achieving Student Progress and Growth

At The Learning Lab, every child’s growth and progress is
important to us:
• Our curriculum introduces topics and skills
progressively, revisiting and weaving deep threads of
learning.
• Our teachers check on your child’s progress throughout
the term through in-class activities, end-of-lesson exit
tickets as well as more rigorous mock tests.
• Personalised feedback is provided to parents about
their child, identifying key challenges and strengths.
6 Introduction

Our Three Learning Goals

for Your Child’s Success

Helping your child to find success in learning stems from

giving him or her the confidence to enjoy the learning journey
and to face challenges with the right skills and attitudes.

Grow What You Know

Developing Knowledge for the Classroom
and Beyond

Learning is not only about getting your child

school and exam-ready but it is also about
preparing for what lies beyond the classroom.

Our curriculum has the breadth and depth to help

your child achieve this — with comprehensive
lesson materials such as notes, practice papers
and interactive games that strengthen areas
requiring attention while exposing them to
real-world contexts.
 Introduction 7

Show What You Know

Applying the Knowledge and Skills Learnt

When your child is aware of their thought

processes, he or she is able to refine their
thinking and problem-solving skills to overcome
problems in class or in life.

By equipping your child with a wide range of

problem-solving strategies and techniques, he or
she learns how to analyse questions, understand
the success criteria and know which methods to
use to solve the different problems they will be
dealt with.

Present What You Know

Be Your Best Self

We teach our students how to master answering

techniques that allow them to address questions
accurately. Using the right phrasing and
terminology, they learn how to craft precise and
coherent answers.

Our teachers continually reinforce good

habits and techniques of answering questions
accurately and comprehensively so that your
child grows in confidence and realises his or her
personal best, again and again.
 English
Our Secondary English programmes prepare students to
achieve O-Level success, or the equivalent Secondary 4
examination in IP schools, with a strong emphasis on
structured approaches that help students become strong
writers, exemplary communicators and critical thinkers
with a global outlook.

Students will learn to read, think and write about a wide range
of topics while honing key analytical skills for exam excellence.
Classroom practices encourage reflection and help students
become introspective learners who are keenly aware of
their strengths and weaknesses. This helps students
develop problem-solving skills to rise above academic
and personal challenges.
 English 9

Secondary 1 Curriculum

At Secondary 1, we use structured, skills-based lessons to

introduce students to expectations of new components
that they would not have encountered in primary school
like summary writing and Literature. We also provide
step-by-step guidance to help students understand the
higher expectations of components they have already
encountered in primary school: continuous writing,
situational writing, comprehension and oral communication.

Writing

• Excel in writing skills through:

– scaffolded writing lessons – situational writing practices

that help students for real-life purposes (focus
understand the different on formal and informal
requirements of each text letters and emails)
type (e.g. descriptive
writing, narrative writing – critical analysis of sample
or personal recounts) essays (for continuous and
situational writing) to learn
– writing practices that allow from models of good
students to apply what writing, evaluating
they have learnt errors and making edits
for improvement
– introduction to expository
writing*

Note: * denotes IP components covered in the Integrated English programme

10 English

Reading

• Excel in critical thinking and • focus on

comprehension skills through: understanding and
analysing visual texts
– close reading lessons
(e.g. advertisements,
geared towards helping
posters)
students understand main
ideas in a text, pay – for Summary: question
attention to the language analysis, identifying
and techniques used relevant points,
and make inferences paraphrasing and using
based on contextual clues varied sentence structures
– scaffolded comprehension, – for Literature: introduction
summary, visual text to poetry and prose in
comprehension and a range of styles, focus
Literature lessons geared on characterisation,
towards exam excellence themes and literary
techniques
– for comprehension:
question types and
answering techniques, Oral Communication
tackling deeper inferential
• Develop public speaking
questions (e.g. use of
skills and experience through:
literary techniques)
– individual oral practice,
– for visual text
especially on the newly
comprehension:
introduced Planned
• focus on how to Response Question /
analyse two texts presentation lessons
(as according to the
revised exam syllabus) – step-by-step strategies
to see the inter- to respond to the visual
connections and to stimulus
answer questions in
relation to two texts – teacher and peer feedback
 English 11

Secondary 2 Curriculum

At Secondary 2, we continue to use structured, skills-

based lessons to deepen our students’ grasp of the various
examinable components. We ensure a progression of literary
skills and techniques, expose students to more complex
types of text and writing styles, and develop critical-thinking
skills in order for them to craft answers of greater depth for
both writing and oral communication.

Writing

• Excel in writing skills through:

– more exposure to a – situational writing practices

complex text type: for real-life purposes
expository writing (focus on formal proposals
(discussions and and speeches)
personal views)
– critical analysis of
– scaffolded writing lessons scaffolded responses (for
that help students continuous and situational
understand the writing) to learn from
requirements of more models of good writing,
complex text types (e.g. evaluating errors and
how to elaborate in making edits for
expository essays) improvement

– writing practices that allow

students to apply what
they have learnt
12 English

Reading
inter-connections and
• Excel in critical thinking and to answer questions in
comprehension skills through: relation to two texts
– close reading lessons • focus on
geared towards understanding and
helping students learn analysing visual texts
how to: understand main (e.g. web pages,
ideas in more complex advertisements,
texts, pay attention to posters, magazine
the language and covers*)
techniques used, make – for Literature: introduction
inferences based on to poetry and prose in
contextual clues a range of styles, focus
– scaffolded comprehension, on characterisation,
summary, visual text themes and literary
comprehension and techniques, how to
Literature lessons geared craft responses to
towards exam excellence essay questions
– for comprehension: – for Application Question:
question types and scaffolded lessons that
answering techniques, teach students how to
tackling deeper inferential identify and evaluate
questions (e.g. tone/ an author’s claims as well
perspective of author, use as applying those claims to
of complex literary the Singapore context*
techniques like irony)
* IP students will receive a Oral Communication
separate set of questions
based on IP school • Develop public speaking skills
requirements and experience through:
– for visual text
– individual oral practice,
comprehension:
especially on the newly
• focus on how to introduced Planned
analyse two texts Response Question /
(as according to presentation lessons
the revised exam
syllabus) to see the – teacher and peer feedback

Note: * denotes IP components covered in the Integrated English programme

 English 13

Secondary 3 Curriculum

At Secondary 3, we ensure that students are exposed

to all the components that will be tested in the O-Level
or equivalent IP examinations. Our programme builds on
what students have learnt in Secondary 1 and 2 to develop
more powerful language techniques, as well as to read and
write with more skill, accuracy, depth and speed in order
to tackle the questions that will be tested in the O-Level or
equivalent IP examinations.

Writing

• Excel in writing skills through:

– more exposure to complex – situational writing practices

text types: argumentative for real-life purposes
writing and hybrid essays (focus on speeches and
feature articles)
– guided practices that
help students understand – critical analysis of
the requirements of more scaffolded responses
complex text types (e.g. (for continuous and
how to draw from personal situational writing) to learn
experiences to add a layer from models of good
of introspection in writing, evaluating errors
their writing) and making edits for
improvement
14 English

Reading
• focus on more
• Excel in critical thinking and difficult language and
comprehension skills through: inferential questions
– critical reading lessons (e.g. analysing
geared towards helping effectiveness of
students understand main taglines, describing
ideas in a text, pay why certain images
attention to the language serve the purpose of
and techniques used, the visual text)
make inferences based on – for Summary: focus on
contextual clues and sourcing for valid points
evaluate the author’s and using varied
overall argument sentence structures
– scaffolded comprehension, – for Literature: focus on
summary, visual text crafting full essay
comprehension and responses to the poem
Literature lessons geared or prose piece
towards exam excellence
– for Application Question:
– for comprehension: focus on crafting full
focus on tackling higher- responses to the AQ
level inferential questions prompt*
(e.g. use of punctuation,
rhetorical question)
Oral Communication
* IP students will receive a
separate set of questions • Develop public speaking skills
based on IP school and experience through:
requirements
– individual oral practice /
– for visual text presentation lessons
comprehension:
– practice flash cards with a
• focus on how to variety of questions and
analyse two texts guided frameworks to
(as according to the study for the oral
revised exam syllabus) communication exams,
to see the inter- especially for the newly
connections and to introduced Planned
answer questions in Response Question
relation to two texts
– teacher and peer feedback

Note: * denotes IP components covered in the Integrated English programme

 English 15

Secondary 4 Curriculum

At Secondary 4, we ensure that students undertake

a thorough review and consolidation of skills that are
necessary for them to excel in their O-Level or the
equivalent IP examinations. We achieve this by using
passages and questions that closely follow prevailing
exam trends and establishing frequent correlations to tips
and strategies taught in previous years in order to ensure
exam excellence.

Writing

• Excel in writing skills through:

– review of the whole range – situational writing practices

of text types, including for real-life purposes
those that were introduced
at Lower Secondary – critical analysis of
scaffolded responses
– guided practices that (for continuous and
help students draw from situational writing) to
these text types to learn from models of
incorporate into frequently good writing, evaluating
tested hybrid essays errors and making edits
for improvement
16 English

Reading

• Excel in critical thinking and • focus on more

comprehension skills through: difficult language and
inferential questions
– critical reading lessons (e.g. analysing
geared towards helping effectiveness of
students understand main taglines, describing
ideas in a text, pay why certain images
attention to the language serve the purpose of
and techniques used, the visual text)
make inferences based
on contextual clues and – for Summary: focus on
evaluate the author’s answer precision and
overall argument error analysis where
students are provided with
– scaffolded comprehension, common errors and must
summary, visual text correct them
comprehension and
Literature lessons geared * IP students are
towards exam excellence introduced to A-Level
question phrasing and
– for comprehension: focus marking requirements
on answer precision and
error analysis – for Literature: focus on
crafting full essay
* IP students are responses to poems and
introduced to A-Level prose pieces that are of
question phrasing and higher complexity
marking requirements
– for Application Question:
– for visual text focus on crafting full
comprehension: responses to more
• focus on how to complex AQ prompts
analyse two texts (e.g. AQ questions
(as according to the with multiple parts or
revised exam syllabus) whose applicability to
to see the inter- Singapore is not
connections and to immediately discernible)*
answer questions in
relation to two texts
 English 17

Oral Communication

• Develop public speaking skills

and experience through:

– individual oral practice /

presentation lessons

– step-by-step strategies
to respond to stimulus-
based conversation

– practice flash cards with a

variety of questions and
guided frameworks to
study for the oral
communication exams,
especially for the newly
introduced Planned
Response Question

– teacher and peer feedback

Note: * denotes IP components covered in the Integrated English programme

18 English

Key features of our Secondary English programme

Exposure: Grow What You Know

Specially Curated
Active Learning
Materials
• Discussion questions to
• Passages adapted help students explore
from credible international and engage in topics
publications such as
The New York Times, • Students are encouraged
TIME, The Economist and to ask questions, clarify
The Wall Street Journal doubts, hear others’
opinions and learn how
• Comprehensive guided to use logic and evidence
notes developed to support their points
in-house to help when sharing ideas
students excel in key with others
examinable components

Applied Learning

• Introduction of exciting • Engage in thought-provoking

and relevant topics, like discussions in class
advancements in technology,
cutting-edge medical • Exposure to a wide range of
research and questions, following National
sociopolitical issues Examination formats
 English 19

Analysis and Strategy:

Show What You Know

Question Analysis Answer Precision

• Methods to systematically • Easy-to-use checklists

analyse and annotate to evaluate work
question requirements for weaknesses

Problem-Solving Strategies

• Teaching of brainstorming • Posing of questions on

techniques to select and current topics to address
develop engaging real-world problems to better
writing content make links to Comprehension
and Summary passages as
• Teaching of organisational well as Oral topics
approaches to formulate
logical responses
20 English

Answering Technique:
Present What You Know

Answering Techniques Metacognition

• Detailed scaffolded, • Error analysis of answers

sample answers that are to reinforce expectations
analysed to help of good answers
students with precision
and clarity of answers for • Feedback and
different components discussion on common
mistakes so that similar
pitfalls can be identified
and avoided

• Inktrailing as a way to
analyse questions and
make learning more
effective

Exam Excellence

• Practice tests that

simulate exam
conditions to prepare
for examinations
 Mathematics
Our Secondary Mathematics programmes feature a
powerful curriculum specially designed to improve
students’ academic performance in Maths based on
examination trends. The programmes focus on developing
a strong understanding of crucial mathematical concepts
through deep learning and problem-solving techniques.
On top of that, students are exposed to real-world
problems that allow them to connect Maths with real-world
applications.

Our lessons are customised to cater to different students’

needs. Students will receive tutorials aligned with their
school syllabus to ensure a complete reinforcement of
concepts and ample practice. Our notes, tutorials and
practice papers are constantly updated with current
questions to ensure students are equipped with the
necessary skills and knowledge. Each set of notes and
tutorials help students develop fundamental techniques
to solve routine questions, apply complex concepts and
hone critical reasoning skills for tackling non-routine
problems that include real-world contexts.

Beyond developing a good grasp of concepts, students

also focus on developing strong exam performance
techniques. Students will learn to avoid and correct
common mistakes through error analysis practices.
22 Mathematics

Secondary 1 Curriculum
In Secondary 1, students will learn new topics such as
Solving Linear Equations, Functions and Graphs and
Statistics. The topics taught in primary school will be
covered in greater depth while students master new
and more complex concepts.

Comprehensive notes and tutorials will be provided to

strengthen students’ conceptual knowledge in ensuring
competency and mastery. Students will solidify their
examination skills through our error analysis exercises
and practice tests.

Numbers Geometry
• Integers, Rational Numbers • Basic Geometrical Concepts
and Real Numbers and Properties
• Primes, Factors and Multiples • Angle Properties of Polygons
• Estimation and Approximation • Pythagoras’ Theorem*
• Ratio and Rate • Mensuration
• Percentages – Area and Perimeter
– Volume and Surface Area of
Cube, Cuboid and Cylinder
Algebra
– Volume and Surface Area of
• Algebraic Expansion, Cone, Pyramid and Sphere*
Factorisation and Manipulation
• Linear Equations Statistics
• Linear Inequalities* • Statistical Diagrams
• Functions and Graphs • Measures of Central Tendency
• Number Patterns – Mean, Mode and Median*
• Data Analysis

Note: *denotes IP components covered in the Integrated Mathematics programme

 Mathematics 23

Secondary 2 Curriculum
In Secondary 2, students will learn new topics such as Expansion
and Factorisation of Quadratic Expressions, Quadratic Equations
and Graphs, Algebraic Fractions, Linear Simultaneous Equations,
Direct and Inverse Proportions, Scales and Maps, Congruency and
Similarity, Probability and Trigonometric Ratios. Additionally, the
topics taught previously in Secondary 1 will be expanded on.
For example, the topic on Volume and Surface Area will include
new content such as cones, pyramids and spheres.

Comprehensive notes and tutorials will be provided to strengthen

students’ conceptual knowledge in ensuring competency and
mastery. Students will solidify their examination skills through our
error analysis exercises and practice tests.

Numbers Geometry & Trigonometry

• Direct and Inverse Proportions • Pythagoras’ Theorem
• Scales and Maps • Congruency and Similarity
• Indices* • Proof of Congruency and
• Standard Form* Similarity*
• Area and Volume of
Algebra Similar Figures and Solids*
• Algebraic Expansion, • Trigonometric Ratios*
Factorisation and Manipulation
• Further Trigonometry
• Algebraic Fractions and – Sine Rule
Subject of Formulae – Cosine Rule
• Quadratic Equations – Area of Triangle
• Quadratic Graphs and its
Statistics
Applications
• Statistical diagrams
• Linear Simultaneous Equations
– Dot Diagram
– Stem-and-Leaf Diagram
Probability – Histogram
• Probability of Single Events • Measures of Central Tendency
– Mean, Mode and Median
• Data Analysis
24 Mathematics

Secondary 3 and 4 Curriculum

The Upper Secondary Mathematics programmes develop

students’ mathematical knowledge and understanding using
comprehensive curriculum materials of differing difficulty.
Comprehensive notes and tutorials will be provided to
strengthen students’ conceptual knowledge in ensuring
competency and mastery.

To prepare students for O-Level success, they will be

exposed to topical revision through comprehensive concept
maps and noteworthy past examination questions. Students
will further solidify their examination skills through our error
analysis exercises and practice tests.

Numbers Graphs
• Indices • Sketching of Quadratic Graphs
• Standard Form • Graphs of Power Functions
• Set Notation • Graphs of Exponential
– Use of Set Language Functions
and Notation • Estimation of the Gradient
– Union and Intersection of of a Curve
Two Sets
– Venn Diagram • Graphs Applied to Kinematics

Algebra Geometry
• Solutions to Quadratic • Congruent and Similar
Equations Triangles
• Linear Inequalities • Area and Volume of Similar
Figures and Solids
• Geometrical Properties
of Circles
 Mathematics 25

• Further Trigonometry Vectors

– Sine Rule • Representing Vector as a
– Cosine Rule Directed Line Segment
– Area of Triangle
– Bearings • Translation of a Vector
• Coordinate Geometry • Position of a Vector
– Gradient, Length and • Magnitude of a Vector
Equation of a Straight Line
• Addition, Subtraction and
• Mensuration Multiplication of a Vector
– Radian Measure
– Arc Length
– Sector Area

Statistics
• Cumulative Frequency Diagram
• Box-and-Whisker Plot
• Data Analysis
• Measures of Spread of Data
– Range, Interquartile Range
and Standard Deviation

Probability
• Probability of Combined Events
– Tree Diagrams
– Possibility Diagrams
• Probability of Mutually
Exclusive and Independent
Events

Matrices
• Addition, Subtraction and
Multiplication of Matrices
• Applications of Matrices

Note: *denotes IP components covered in the Integrated Mathematics programme

26 Mathematics

Secondary 3 and 4 Curriculum

(Additional Mathematics)

The Upper Secondary Additional Mathematics programmes

develop students’ mathematical knowledge and
understanding using comprehensive curriculum materials of
differing difficulty.

To prepare students for O-Level success, they will be

exposed to topical revision through comprehensive concept
maps and noteworthy past examination questions. Students
will further solidify their examination skills through our error
analysis exercises and practice tests.

Algebra and Functions

• Non-Linear Simultaneous
Equations • Quadratic Inequalities
• Indices* • Binomial Theorem
• Surds • Graphs of Logarithmic and
Exponential Functions
• Logarithms
• Modulus*
• Polynomials
• Transformation of Graphs*
• Factor and Remainder
Theorem • Functions*
• Partial Fractions
• Quadratic Equations
and Functions
 Mathematics 27

Geometry & Trigonometry Calculus

• Coordinate Geometry • Differentiation
• Circles • Applications of Differentiation
• Linear Law – Equations of Tangent
and Normal
• Trigonometric Functions – Maxima and Minima
• Trigonometric Identities – Rate of Change
and Equations • Derivatives of Exponential and
• Proof in Plane Geometry Logarithmic Functions
• Derivatives of Trigonometric
Functions
• Integration
• Area of a Region
• Kinematics

Note: *denotes IP components covered in the Integrated Mathematics programme

28 Mathematics

Key features of our Secondary Maths programme

Exposure: Grow What You Know

Specially
Curated Materials Active Learning

• Developed in-house, • Interactive games

our weekly worksheets and activities that
contain essential notes help students apply
and examples to explain mathematical concepts
key concepts and show in real-world contexts to
how to solve different consolidate learning and
question types check on understanding

• Tutorials provide
exposure to a wide
range of questions from
basic application skills
to questions that require
critical thinking

Applied Learning

• Exposure to questions in real-world contexts to equip

students with the skills to handle higher-order thinking /
non-routine questions in the examinations and develop
an understanding of how mathematical concepts
are applied
 Mathematics 29

Analysis and Strategy:

Show What You Know

Question Analysis Answer Precision

• Methods to analyse • Learn to recognise

questions systematically question types, identify
– Study and highlight important markers and
keywords in the apply effective strategies
question to answer questions
– Draw visual diagrams
to represent the
problems
– Identify topics and
concepts tested

Problem-Solving Strategies

• Questions that highlight

concepts in real-life
scenarios to build
flexibility in applying
concepts to
unfamiliar situations
30 Mathematics

Answering Technique:
Present What You Know

Answering Techniques Metacognition

• Emphasis on presentation • Error analysis handouts

skills, especially in introduce common
practice tests, to ensure mistakes so that similar
proper presentation pitfalls can be identified
of mathematical and avoided
concepts to eliminate
any misunderstanding and • Inktrailing as a way to
hence, loss of marks analyse questions and
make learning more
effective

Exam Excellence

• Formative assessment • Regular practice tests

through low-stakes testing are conducted to simulate
using topical quizzes to exam conditions such as
provide ongoing feedback time management
 Science
The transition from Primary Science to Secondary
Science requires students to acquire more in-depth
conceptual knowledge and analytical ability in Biology,
Chemistry and Physics.

Our Secondary School Science programmes will fully

equip students with comprehensive scientific knowledge
and skills, and train them in higher-order thinking skills
such as critical reasoning, logical deduction, and question
analysis. These skills will allow students to apply deep
insights into specific scientific inquiries and hone their
ability for data analysis, as well as allow students to
appreciate the relevance of science in their daily lives.

Comprehensive notes and tutorials over a wide range of

topics equip students with firm scientific knowledge, while
engaging hands-on experiments allow students to acquire
experimental skills to develop a vibrant and dynamic
relationship with the sciences.
32 Science

Secondary 1 and 2 Curriculum

Secondary 1 Curriculum

In Secondary 1, students will acquire knowledge of

new topics such as Laboratory Skills, Cell Structure and
Organisation, Exploring Diversity of Matter by Its Chemical
Composition and Exploring Diversity of Matter by Its Physical
Properties, and learn to apply their insights in the disciplines
of General Science, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Students will be exposed to foundational questions

to cement their conceptual understanding, as well as
challenging questions to develop higher-order thinking skills.

Secondary 2 Curriculum

In Secondary 2, students will continue to develop their

scientific knowledge and understanding, as well as skills
and dispositions, through topics such as Human Sexual
Reproductive System, Chemical Changes and
Thermal Processes.

Students will continue to be trained in question analysis,

answering techniques and higher-order thinking skills in the
disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
 Science 33

General Science Chemistry

• Experimental Skills • Exploring Diversity of Matter
• Laboratory Skills by Its Chemical Composition

• Experimental Design • Exploring Diversity of Matter

using Separation Techniques
• Kinetic Particle Theory
Biology
• Atoms and Molecules
• Cell Structure and Organisation
• Chemical Changes
• Movement of Substances
• Acids and Bases
• Biological Molecules
– Nutrition and Food Tests • Periodic Table*
• Biological Molecules • Formulae and Equation Writing*
– Enzymes • Chemical Bonding
• Human Digestive System and Structure*
• Transport System in Living
Things – Plants Physics
• Transport System in Living • Exploring Diversity of Matter
Things – Humans by Its Physical Properties
• Human Sexual • Forces and Pressure
Reproductive System • Turning Effects of Forces*
• Interactions within Ecosystems • Energy
• Diversity of Living Things* • Kinematics*
• Nutrition in Flowering Plants* • Thermal Processes
• Respiration* • Effects of Heat
• Molecular Genetics* • Light — Reflection
• Microorganisms* • Light — Refraction
• Antibiotics* • Light — Thin Lenses*
• Hydroponics* • Current of Electricity
• D.C. Circuits
• Practical Electricity
• Sound*

Note: * denotes topics covered only by some schools

34 Science

Secondary 3 and 4
Curriculum (Biology)

The Upper Secondary Biology programmes develop

students’ scientific knowledge and understanding through
the use of comprehensive curriculum materials, which
focus intensively on answering techniques through a
systematic thought process. The programmes cater to
students taking both the O-Level and IP curricula.

Comprehensive notes, topical and thematic tests will

cement students’ conceptual knowledge after each topic
to ensure competency and mastery. Additionally, mock
practice tests that mirror examination settings will provide
students with the rigorous revision that can help them
confidently ace their O-Level or end of year examinations.

Lessons are enriched with hands-on experiments, videos,

simulations or games, allowing students to acquire
experimental skills while developing a keen interest in
taking their Biology education further.

Cells and The Chemistry of Life The Human Body –

• Cell Structure and Organisation Maintaining Life

• Movement of Substances • Nutrition in Humans

• Biological Molecules • Transport in Humans

• Enzymes • Respiration in Humans

• Excretion in Humans
• Homeostasis and Hormones
• The Nervous System
• The Human Eye
• Infectious Diseases in Humans
 Science 35

Living Together – Plants, Animals,

and Ecosystems
• Nutrition in Flowering Plants
• Transport in Flowering Plants
• Organisms and their
Environment

Continuity of Life
• Molecular Genetics
• Modes of Reproduction
• Sexual Reproduction in
Flowering Plants
• Sexual Reproduction
in Humans
• Inheritance
36 Science

Secondary 3 and 4
Curriculum (Chemistry)

The Upper Secondary Chemistry programmes develop

students’ scientific knowledge and understanding through
the use of comprehensive curriculum materials, which
focus on fundamental concepts and answering techniques
before challenging students with higher-level application
questions. The programmes cater to students taking both
the O-Level and IP curricula.

Comprehensive notes, topical and thematic tests are

provided to build competency and mastery in every
topic. On top of that, mock practice tests provide rigorous
revision for students under examination settings.

Lessons are enriched with hands-on experiments, videos,

simulations and games, allowing students to acquire
experimental skills while developing a strong appreciation
in the discipline of Chemistry.

Matter – Structures and

Properties
• Experimental Design • Atomic Structure
• Methods of Purification • Qualitative Analysis
and Analysis • Chemical Bonding
• Kinetic Particle Theory and Structure
 Science 37

Chemical Reactions
• Formulae and Equation Writing
• Mole Concept and
Stoichiometry
• Acids and Bases
• Salts
• Ammonia
• Qualitative Analysis
• Oxidation and Reduction
• Electrochemistry
• Periodic Table
• Reactivity Series
• Chemical Energetics
• Rate of Reactions

Chemistry in a Sustainable World

• Fuels and Crude Oil
• Introduction to Organic
Chemistry
• Hydrocarbons
• Alcohols, Carboxylic Acids
and Esters
• Polymers
• Maintaining Air Quality
38 Science

Secondary 3 and 4
Curriculum (Physics)

The Upper Secondary Physics programmes develop

students’ scientific knowledge and understanding through
the use of comprehensive curriculum materials. Emphasis
is placed on grasping fundamental concepts before
students are challenged with higher-level application
questions. The programmes cater to students taking both
the O-Level and IP curricula.

Mock practice papers that mirror actual examination

conditions help give students the practice and confidence
needed to ace their examinations. Revision packages are
provided to help students consolidate their knowledge,
review the typical questions for each topic and gain
awareness of the common pitfalls encountered when
answering questions.

Experimental skills, such as tabulation, drawing graphs,

identifying experimental errors and experimental design,
are also taught to prepare students for
practical examinations.

Measurements Newtonian Mechanics

• Physical Quantities, • Kinematics
Units and Measurements • Dynamics
• Turning Effects of Forces
• Pressure
• Energy
 Science 39

Thermal Physics
• Kinetic Particle Model of Matter
• Thermal Processes
• Thermal Properties of Matter

Waves
• General Wave Properties
• Electromagnetic Spectrum
• Light

Electricity and Magnetism

• Static Electricity
• Current of Electricity
• D.C. Circuits
• Practical Electricity
• Magnetism
• Electromagnetism
• Electromagnetic Induction

Radioactivity
• Radioactivity
40 Science

Key features of our Secondary Science programme

Exposure: Grow What You Know

Specially Active Learning

Curated Materials
• Comprehensive notes • Hands-on experiments,
cover learning outcomes experiment videos and
required in the Secondary simulations allow students
syllabus and concept maps to hone their experimental
to consolidate key skills and master key
concepts for quick revision techniques for practical
before exams examinations
• Tutorials provide exposure • Interactive games and
to a wide range of videos aid in visualisation of
questions, including abstract concepts and instil
commonly tested a passion for Science
question types such as
data analysis and
application questions

Applied Learning

• Application questions and how they relate to

provide exposure to concepts learnt in school
real-world contexts and
• A spiral approach to learning
help students develop
helps students build on
an understanding of how
the basics they have learnt
scientific concepts are
through application and
applied
cross-topic questions that
• Handouts which go beyond are progressively
the curriculum introduce more complex
cutting-edge scientific news
 Science 41

Analysis and Strategy:

Show What You Know

Question Analysis
Experimental Skills
• Introduction to • Experiment-focused
techniques to analyse handouts and activities
questions in a to equip students with a
methodical manner: wide range of
experimental skills:
– Highlight keywords or
key phrases provided – Experimental design

– Observe diagrams, – Practical techniques

analyse data and
compare experiment – Data tabulation and
set-ups provided graph drawing

– Identify topics and – Experimental analysis

concepts tested by and evaluation
the questions

– Jot down relevant

keywords or key
phrases needed to
answer the questions

Problem-Solving Strategies

• Exposure to questions
based on real-life
scenarios to strengthen
students’ proficiency
and inculcate flexibility
in applying concepts to
unfamiliar situations
42 Science

Answering Technique:
Present What You Know

Answering Techniques Metacognition

• Introduction to various • Question analysis and

techniques helps experiment analysis
students craft complete refine thinking processes
but succinct answers in and analytics skills
a structured manner
• Error analysis to identify
common misconceptions
and common mistakes
so that similar pitfalls can
be avoided

• Inktrailing as a way
to analyse questions
and make learning
more effective

Exam Excellence

• Formative assessment • Rigorous practice tests

through topical/thematic tests simulate exam conditions to
provides ongoing feedback prepare students for actual
for students, allowing them assessments in school
to identify their strengths and
weaknesses and target areas
of improvement
43

To sign up for our Secondary Core Programmes:

Please email [email protected]
or contact our service hotline at 6733 8711

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