Secondary School English Tuition
How do we teach English lessons at illum.e?
At illum.e, we are committed to providing a transformative learning experience that equips students with essential skills to excel in the English language. As such, secondary school English tuition lessons at illum.e are carefully designed to provide students with key insights and strategies to quickly solve their language errors and build on their skills to immediately push them forward to improve to the next grade until they attain their deserved 'A'. Our approach focuses on critical thinking, vocabulary development, effective text analysis, and thorough exam preparation.
With our dedicated tutors and proven strategies, students gain the confidence and knowledge needed to achieve success in English. Expect multiple 'aha' moments of understanding in each lesson — all our students find a single weekly lesson at illum.e more impactful than months of English lessons and practice elsewhere.
We foster critical thinking skills by guiding students through the process of analysing challenging texts. Our tutors encourage students to think critically, make insightful connections, and comprehend complex ideas. This prepares them for college-level work and enhances their overall comprehension and interpretation abilities.
A robust vocabulary is essential for effective communication. During our English tuition lessons, we employ diverse strategies to help secondary school students expand their vocabulary. Engaging exercises and regular vocabulary tests keep students motivated and interested in learning new words, enabling them to express their ideas clearly and confidently.
Understanding and analysing complex texts can be challenging for students. Therefore, at our O Level English tuition centre, our experienced teachers provide practical guidance on how to navigate and comprehend such materials. By equipping students with effective strategies, we instil in them the confidence to approach and master the difficult subject matter.
What will a typical illum.e English tuition lesson look like?
As a MOE-approved tuition centre, our expert and friendly trained tutors (who are award-winning and published writers) begin lessons by introducing the specific skill and strategy of the lesson to the students, demonstrating to them how it works in enhancing various parts of their language skills. Next, students will engage in a series of curated tasks and receive immediate feedback from our tutors to ensure they meet the criteria for success. Students will then be exposed to similar tasks of higher difficulty as well as complementary skills to grow their English Mastery.
Why Choose Secondary English Tuition by illum.e
Here at illum.e, our curriculum is carefully designed based on years of award winning educational research. We know that English skills are not taught in a vacuum and thus lessons will always deliberately 'zoom in' to smaller, finer skills on a micro basis, and 'zoom out' to larger, macro picture skills to illuminate your child towards excellence. Our curriculum, as of 2020, has already adapted and prepared students for the new Examination Syllabus in 2023.
We believe that personalised feedback plays a crucial role in O Level English tuition as it allows tutors to identify areas for improvement and customise their teaching methods accordingly. Moreover, with personalised feedback from expert tutors, students can enhance their understanding and performance in their exams.
As such, we provide regular feedback to motivate students to take ownership of their learning while tutors offer in-depth analysis, helping them recognise weaknesses and empowering them to reach their desired level of proficiency. This fosters a positive tutor-student relationship and ensures progress towards achieving English language goals. Through our feedback, we also aim to boost students' confidence, helping them understand their mistakes and learn how to improve.
We are results proven, with 90% of our students achieving an A or a 3-4 grade improvement after joining our lessons. Any student who has been through the illum.e experience knows that English lessons here are the most impactful, insightful and illuminating compared to anywhere else. Not only that, lessons at illum.e enable your child's English to be understandable, scalable, and finally, fun again.
As students progress through secondary school, the National Examinations play a pivotal role in shaping their academic paths. As such, at illum.e, our tutors offer comprehensive exam preparation, covering key techniques and approaches. By doing so, we ensure that students are well-prepared to excel in their O Level English examinations, giving them a competitive edge.
At illum.e, we take pride in our in-house materials and practices, backed by our team of accomplished teachers who are published assessment book writers. Their expertise and insights are integrated into our curriculum, ensuring students receive top-notch resources and guidance. Our in-house materials are carefully crafted to provide comprehensive coverage of the subject matter, helping students develop a deep understanding of the topics and excel in their assessments. Additionally, we conduct in-house set mock examinations that closely simulate the actual exam conditions. These mock exams provide valuable practice and help students familiarise themselves with the exam format, allowing them to gain confidence and improve their performance.
Our O Level English Tuition Curriculum
At illum.e, our secondary English tuition is designed to provide students with a comprehensive learning experience that aligns with the latest O Level syllabus and examination requirements. Our curriculum integrates targeted step-by-step scaffolded strategies, covering all EL paper types, to equip students with the necessary skills for success. From crucial comprehension and writing strategies to intensive grammar lessons and vocabulary development, our classes offer a well-rounded approach to English language mastery. Additionally, our curriculum includes key drills and examination-styled oral practices, ensuring students are well-prepared to excel in their O Level English examination.
Paper 1: Situational & Continuous Writing
In preparation for Paper 1, we aim to equip students with the necessary language skills and written communication abilities to ace components like Editing, Situational Writing and Continuous Writing. Our curriculum teaches them to identify and correct grammatical errors in a given text, write a text based on a given situation, adapt their writing to suit the purpose, audience, and context and showcase their writing skills in various text types.
- Key skills lectures and unique strategies on essential skills for writing well, such as how to describe vividly using 'Show not Tell' for specific writing scenarios within the literary genre inclusive of Situational Writing.
- In-depth analysis of expositions and how to craft key foundational skills for discursive and argumentative writing to score and be ready for the demands of their English O Level paper.
- Insightful coverage of all essay genres to enable students to tackle all approaches necessary, together with impactful highly-apt vocabulary words to ensure precision in connotation and increased language marks.
- Unique and scaffolded strategies for different formats and aspects of situational writing to ensure authentic and well-thought-out essays which fit the demands of Purpose, Audience, Context and Culture.
- Carefully curated sample model essays and paragraphs to allow students to capture learning points and apply them to writing.
- Intensive application practices which reveal and enable students to connect the gaps between Reading and Writing different genres of writing.
- Key and foundational grammar skills inclusive of resolutions of common grammar mistakes inculcated to master editing and to enhance writing skills, not taught anywhere else.
Paper 2: Comprehension
In preparation for Paper 2, we aim to equip our secondary school English tuition students with reading comprehension skills and boost their ability to analyse and interpret texts. Our comprehensive curriculum will test their comprehension and understanding of visual elements and language techniques and teach them how to answer questions on comprehension, vocabulary, and the use of language for effect.
- Specific step-by-step techniques with the most in-depth materials in the industry, with practices for varying question types to master how to answer comprehension questions, particularly more complex ones, successfully to write the most precise answers that attain full marks and to truly understand the passage.
- The most comprehensive formulaic scaffolds for various language techniques seen in question types, inclusive of thinking frames and impactful writing application practices to cement understanding.
We go through the 8 types of Quote and Explain (Provide details and explain) Questions, 16 Writers' Craft Techniques and 6 Unusual and Effective Questions, for example.
- Thematised Reading Analysis in conjunction with Paper 1 practices (based on content themes and genres) to understand the reading-writing connection.
- Key skills on how to read and annotate passages of varying genres succinctly and effectively to aid in the answering of comprehension questions and text-comprehension.
- Inculcation of contextual clues and analysis of texts for flowcharts and complex vocabulary questions.
Paper 3: Listening Comprehension
In preparation for Paper 3, we help our students improve their listening skills and their ability to comprehend and respond to audio texts.
- Targeted analysis of national examination papers and listening practices to ensure success in an increasingly difficult examination component.
- In-House curated Transcripts of National Examination papers, with key practices and applications.
- Scaffolds and key strategies to eliminate and select the best answers.
- Listening tips and frameworks to score for the most difficult listening comprehension questions.
Paper 4: Oral Communication
In preparation for Paper 4, we teach students how to fluently and effectively present their ideas and opinions, engaging the listener. We ensure that our secondary school English tuition students have the ability to communicate orally, express their thoughts clearly, and engage in meaningful discussions.
- Intensively researched content notes on every topic for interesting and well-thought-out answers in oral examinations as well as writing.
We have 10 sets of specially curated and researched notes for students to provide insightful answers for all Oral Examination and Writing Topics in the O Levels.
- Key and specific pronunciation, enunciation, word stress, fluency and pitch tips and strategies to perfect your Reading
- Scaffolded thinking frames for well-thought analysis for spoken interaction, together with brainstorming tools and answering techniques.
- Rigorous multiple 1-1 practice and drills, including free consultations before examinations to make sure your child is ready to face the examiners and overcome any oral examination challenges.
Join Our Secondary English Tuition Classes
The jump from primary to secondary school English, and even across levels can be rather steep and very daunting. Give your child the best chance of navigating this jump by joining illum.e today!
Our dedicated team of tutors is committed to helping your child develop the necessary skills for academic success. We provide rigorous and up-to-date content by thoroughly analysing school papers and National Examinations. Our specialised English tuition classes also cater to both IP and O/N Level programmes, focusing on comprehension skills, situational and continuous writing techniques, and oral presentation skills.
Hear what our secondary school students have to say and join our O Level English tuition classes in Singapore at illum.e today!
A list of the MOE syllabus can also be found on the MOE website, with downloadable 2020 syllabus located here. Alternatively, you may contact us for more details.
How Much Does Secondary English Tuition Cost?
At illum.e, we understand the importance of providing accessible and affordable education. That's why we offer comprehensive secondary English tuition classes for both lower secondary and upper secondary students. Here are the rates for our secondary English tuition classes:
Lower secondary: $70 per 2-hour session
Upper secondary: $80 per 2-hour session
With our competitive rates, students can receive high-quality tuition tailored to their specific needs. To view our English tuition classes for secondary school students, including IP English tuition class schedules, and to learn more about our other programmes, visit our programme page.
Meet Our Qualified English Tutors
TIMOTHY JOSHUA CHIA-LEE
Curriculum Lead and Head Tutor
Timothy is an experienced educator and curriculum innovator with expertise in English and General Paper. He has received multiple awards for his outstanding contributions to education, including the MOE AST's Innovator Award for English Language and Literature. Timothy has also conducted research on English Language Writing and has been published in the ELIS Research Digest. He is certified by Research for Better Teaching and is a strong advocate of Differentiated Instruction. Moreover, as the curriculum director at Edimpact, Timothy develops workshops and modules to coach educators and improve pedagogy. Additionally, he has authored assessment books and serves as an educational consultant for Marshall Cavendish.
ROGER-ETIENNE
English Language Lead
Roger is a former MOE English teacher with extensive teaching experience since 2000. He is known for his ability to simplify the complexities of the English language and make it accessible to all students. He employs scaffolding and visible thinking strategies to help students understand and gain confidence in English. He strongly believes in the potential of every child to succeed, given the right opportunities and encouragement. Former students have praised him as their best teacher and have seen significant improvements in their grades. In addition to his teaching expertise, he is a skilled performer and applies his knowledge of oral communication to guide students in public speaking and articulation. He is also a published author of English assessment books with Marshall Cavendish.
ANDRE YEO
English Language Lead
Andre is a former MOE English Subject Head with eight years of teaching experience. He has played a crucial role in developing English syllabi and curriculum, particularly in preparing students for national examinations. He believes in the power of effective pedagogy and support to help students excel. As such, he tailors his lessons to match students' abilities and needs, fostering both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. With his mentorship, students gain confidence and achieve success in English. Having graduated from NUS with a background in Sociology, he incorporates diverse cultural perspectives into his teaching, fostering awareness of global issues.
DAVID LEE
IP and Humanities Lead
Introducing Dvid, an experienced MOE-trained teacher and former subject coordinator who believes in unlocking every child's potential for excellence. With a decade of experience, he has crafted engaging curricula that cater to diverse learning styles. David's teaching approach simplifies complex subjects, enabling all students to grasp the material and excel. Under his guidance, students gain confidence, often transforming from struggling to achieving distinctions.
KP CHUAH
Language and General Paper Specialist
Meet KP, an exceptional English teacher, trained at NIE. With over a decade of experience, KP has honed expertise in teaching English. Holding a Masters of Education from NIE and a prestigious CELTA Teaching Certificate from Cambridge, KP's dedication to students' growth is unwavering. Passionate about unleashing students' full potential, KP creates a nurturing learning environment where students thrive and achieve remarkable results.
YEO JIA QI
Language and GP Specialist, JC1 Lead
Meet Jia Qi, a dynamic educator with a unique blend of expertise in secondary school English. As an NTU graduate with a second major in Public Policy and Global Affairs, Jia Qi brings a comprehensive understanding of language and its connections to the world. With a Prime Minister's Book Prize for Bilingualism under his belt, Jia Qi excels in both English and Mandarin, enabling him to empower students to communicate effectively and appreciate the intricacies of language.
LIEW SHAN HAO
Language and GP Specialist, JC2 Lead
With a wealth of teaching experience spanning 8 years in MOE Secondary Schools and Junior Colleges, Shan Hao stands out as an exemplary educator. His academic achievements, including a double major in Political Science and Southeast Asian Studies from NUS, have made him a curriculum expert at illum.e. Shan Hao's profound understanding of secondary school English language makes him an invaluable asset to students seeking comprehensive knowledge and guidance in the subjects.
ELIZABETH LIN
English and Humanities Teaching and Curriculum Specialist
Elizabeth is an accomplished English and Humanities tuition teacher with a Masters' in Teaching and eight years of teaching experience in renowned Singaporean schools. She has received various awards, including the Most Caring Teacher Award, for her dedication to her students' learning and well-being. She believes in making learning enjoyable and employs student-centred approaches, incorporating engaging tools such as interesting facts, tasks, and extension materials. She embraces constructivist teaching, fostering an environment that encourages exploration, co-construction, and personal meaning-making.
DAEMON LEONG
Language and General Paper Specialist
Daemon, a recent NTU graduate with a B.A. (Honours, Highest Distinction) in English and now pursuing a Master of Arts by Research, brings a unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm to tutoring. With extensive experience in guiding students, she fosters a strong language comprehension foundation. Her true passion lies in nurturing students to articulate authentic opinions, enabling them to deliver insightful and well-crafted responses, not just in the classroom but also in real-life situations.
TEO YIN XUAN
English Language Specialist
Yin Xuan is a linguistics and multilingual studies major from NTU with a strong interest in the impact of languages on the brain. She has extensive experience mentoring students from various educational levels, including Primary, Secondary, and Junior College. Yin Xuan believes in creating a supportive and empowering classroom environment by building strong relationships with her students. She incorporates Ivan Hannel's 'A Pedagogy of Questioning' into her teaching to encourage effective questioning and develop students' understanding of broad patterns and strategies. She also designs dynamic and participatory lessons to engage learners of all types and foster an enjoyable learning experience.
FARIS RIDZUAN
Language and General Paper Specialist, Curriculum Innovation and Strategy Lead
Faris, a distinguished First Class Honours graduate in sociology with a minor in European Studies, is currently pursuing his Masters of Arts at the National University of Singapore. His academic prowess is matched by his role as an esteemed academic Tutor for Asian Studies in the College of Humanities and Sciences. The recipient of multiple prestigious scholarships and awards, including the Tan Ean Kiam Postgraduate Scholarship and the Malay Studies Postgraduate Scholarship, Faris is a true testament to academic excellence and dedication.
ALLAN
IP English and General Paper Specialist
Meet Allan, a dedicated and compassionate law graduate from the UK. During his pursuit of legal knowledge, he selflessly dedicated his free time to teaching refugees for two years, aiding them in passing English exams to integrate into the UK workforce. This noble endeavour not only enriched their lives but also ignited his passion for teaching and making a positive impact on the world. Beyond this, Allan boasts prior experience in a government school and extends his care further by providing free voluntary tuition to children during his spare moments. With his remarkable commitment to education and humanity, Mr. Allan is sure to inspire and empower students to achieve greatness and contribute to a brighter future.
ASK US ANYTHING
Have questions on our tuition services? Drop us an enquiry and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
The illum.e-minated minds
illum.e lessons were always very useful as the teachers would explain the notes in great detail, and makes us do many timed practices. My tutor is a super understanding teacher, and responds to all my questions by even going above and beyond to mark extra assignments and giving consultations. Illum.e’s notes are informative, well-explained and the lessons enable me to get immediate feedback to improve my answering techniques. I’m super grateful that teachers at illum.e are really of the best teachers out there!
illum.e's notes provided were extremely helpful in helping me master the the basics of the English language, allowing me to try out even more advance skills to strive for even greater results. Furthermore, Mr Chia's unique views has inspired me greatly, allowing me to generate more content for my compositions, and his effective drills has allow me to experience a drastic improvement in my comprehensions. These two years have been a great experience. Thank you!
Thanks to illum.e, I managed to score A1 for my language arts at IP Year 4. I would like to thank my teacher for being a very patient teacher and believing in us – my teacher’s guidance has really helped us to improve our English abilities and boost our confidence!
Lessons at illum.e have helped to boost my confidence and interest with regards to learning English. Before coming for lessons here, English was originally my worse subject and I struggled to score well all the time.
