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Are We All Chemists by Default?

People are often not aware that everything we do is chemistry. In fact, our bodies are made up of chemicals; when we breathe, eat or sit down studying, chemical reactions take place.  All matter is chemistry. Therefore, chemistry, though many students find it a boring and complicated subject, is important. Chemistry is a scientific discipline on the interactions of matter, involving elements and compounds which consist of atoms, molecules and ions.  When we study Chemistry, we will study the composition, structure and transformation of matter.  Chemistry plays such a crucial role in science that this subject is viewed by scientists as an essential bridge between Physics and Biology. Often termed as “central science”, Chemistry lays the foundation to the understanding of basic and applied scientific discipline, particularly at fundamental levels.

So, looking back, did you stress yourself over Chemistry at ‘O’ Level? Or perhaps, H2 Chemistry is torturing you right now and you start wondering why you need to do it?  Hold your thoughts there because when you are thinking of what is written here, you are applying Chemistry. Chemistry is around us everywhere; it exists as we speak since Chemistry is the study of everything related to matter, and matter is essentially anything that occupies space and has mass. Unaware to most of us, we apply Chemistry in our daily lives. In the morning, we use toothpaste (sodium fluoride, Aluminum hydroxide etc.) to brush our teeth. When we eat, digestion takes place, whereby the chemical reactions between food and enzymes (biological catalyst) help to break down molecule into nutrients which the body absorbs and uses. When we are ill, doctors may prescribe antibiotics which may either kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria. From chemical bonding, to acid-base reaction, to reaction kinetic, all these daily occurrences are in fact part of what we study. If we see all things happen around you as part of a giant science experiment, it will make studying Chemistry less daunting and much more interesting.

Chemistry at ‘O’ Level is optional, an elective subject but it is one of the most essential subjects to pursue in school.  When you are in JC, you have to face H2 Chemistry and you may start to panic, thinking whether whatever you learnt back then is obsolete now, and you have to restart.  What you are lacking right here is understanding. Without doubt, the content is heavier and it is one which can easily overwhelm you. Furthermore, memorization of content will not work anymore in H2 chemistry as it required a much deeper understanding of concept and application. Like any sciences, H2 Chemistry requires sound understanding of fundamental concepts. Without gaining understanding, resorting to mere memorisation of information in H2 Chemistry is defeatist.

Now you are probably wondering what the educators have done to help poor students who lack comprehension in H2 Chemistry.   Maybe your brain chemicals start to trigger you and you start wondering why the education system in school seems to do nothing about it when the problem is real to students who are struggling with H2 Chemistry. The problem lies not with the educators back in school but with the system that does not cater to all.  A set of syllabuses is set out to ensure that everyone is on the same level as they progress but the tool to achieve it does not exist. That is why you see students who struggle start sourcing for a means to level up. Getting a tutor is one of the solutions.

Fret no more.  At New Dawn, the H2 Chemistry tutor who understands the subject inside out and has mastered the art of teaching H2 Chemistry, is there to help students tackle the intricacies of the subject matter effectively. Find the right H2 Chemistry Tuition, you are definitely going to see yourself release the inner chemist in you and the obstacles you face in understanding H2 Chemistry are not insurmountable and good grades are possibly achievable.

Have you ever felt you had not prepared adequately and so, were never confidently ready for a test like H2 Chemistry or H2 Physics or H2 Math test even though you had been working very hard, burning the midnight oil and even attending extra A Level Chemistry tuition or A Level Physics or A-Level Math classes that in the first place you thought you never really needed?  Have you ever dragged yourself to a tuition class like A Level Chemistry or A Level Physics or  A Level Math Tuition class, thinking that no matter how many revision papers you’ had done, you would never be fully prepared?   If it’s a “Yes” to any of the above questions, then you are experiencing stress.

Interestingly, where does stress come from?

Education requirements have become more demanding due to technological advancement which drastically affects the way we live and work, and technologies will undoubtedly continue to morph further at a greater pace.  So will our lifestyles and work processes. Consequently, education has to keep up with these new changes in order to help us cope and adapt to societal expectation.  It is inevitable that we have to ride the waves of challenges in education whether we profess we are ready or not.

Parents indubitably want the best for their children, especially in education, whereupon they demand the best from educators to deliver well.  On the other hand, educators expect no less than satisfactory input from students to produce an acceptable outcome in terms of grades as they associate learning outcomes to their professional performance.  In turn, students themselves want to do their best in their education to meet both the expectation of their parents and schools.

This never-ending intertwined cycle has resulted in the build-up of unnecessary pressure for the whole society.   Nonetheless, many people question the need for tuition. Whilst some feel that tuition is unnecessary and also induces more stress on students, the other camp feels that without the much-needed advantage of extra help for students, the ideal grades will remain elusive and exclusive to a few intellectually endowed.

Does resorting to tuition reflects the inadequacy of the education system?  It is fatuous to argue in such a dichotomy. Opting for tuition like H2 Chemistry or H2 Physics or H2 Math Tuition should be viewed as a complement to the schools rather than a substitute for the lack of competency on the part of the teachers on the whole or the shortcomings of the education system.  As discussed above, the multi-fold demands placed on students to perform and excel academically is inevitable due to new technologies, particularly in the context of a small nation as Singapore whose sole resource rests on the shoulders of each generation. As most parents understand the competition we face arises not simply amongst the students but also with other countries in this globalised world, education must apparently be top priority in the search for a bright future for their children.

Needless to say, as students are born with different learning capabilities and personality traits toward academic pursuits, all parents would want to do their best for their children.  The most effective route to take is to enrol their children for tuition, in subjects like H2 Chemistry Tuition or H2 Physics Tuition or H2 Math Tuition. A good tutor in the right educational centre will definitely make a world of difference to a weak student struggling in his or her studies as much needed assistance can be within reach. Even for better students who feel that they can cope with their studies, a good tutor will be able to give the crucial final push for a distinction in subjects like H2 Chemistry or H2 Physics or H2 Math.  It is with this understanding that tuition must be viewed as playing a critical complementary role for students and put all students on a level playing field with their peers in their pursuit of academic excellence.

Stress can come from another source: peer pressure. Peer pressure induces stress as students tend to compete with their peers and compare their academic achievements obsessively in order to keep up with the standard demanded of each cohort at each level of studies. The fear of losing out to their peers is too conscionable to ignore. There is simply too much at stake.

The stakeholders, in this case, their parents and teachers, and in the long run, their future employers, expect excellent results as proof as well as a measure of their knowledge acquisition and potential in job performance. With their future progressively carved out from academic achievements, students naturally feel the heavy burden to do well in their studies. By taking the responsibility seriously, subsequently, pressure builds up which leads to stress.   Since stress is unavoidable, it is pertinent that students learn to manage stress, unless one chooses to opt out of the academic race completely which is never advisable.

Stress could be a push for one to persevere and even excel.  At times, stress can force one to strive under adverse conditions and leads one to go beyond a seemingly unreachable goal, like a distinction in H2 Chemistry or H2 Physics or H2 Math.  Equally, it could be a contributing factor that reduces productivity, immobilising one to blank out or give up and call out, “I quit!”.  In fact, stress has been shown to lead to depression and untreated depression could have devastating effects on one’s wellbeing. Under such circumstances, one must seek timely help from professional counsellors and doctors.

So, how can we manage stress?

When was the last time you took a break to do what you like most? It could be heading out with friends for a satisfying meal or a lighthearted movie or staying at home watching your favourite show on Netflix or reading a book you have been wanting to lay hands on.  When was the last time you’ve sat down meditatively, thought long and hard and dawned on you that there are more to life than just studying and preparing for your next exams? If you have not created a balance in your life, stress might weigh you down. Drop your book and walk out of your studies once in a while, especially when you feel overwhelmed or cornered.

Spend some time with your family to understand more about what is going on in their lives and plan an activity with them for the next weekend. Do not let your parents remind you to study. Instead, remind them that you need a break for a day and you would like to spend some time with them or your friends. You may also carve out quiet time for yourself. You can go jogging in the neighbourhood park or stroll along the beach. Even sitting down under a shady tree by the sea doing practically nothing but listening to the rhythmic splashing of the waves is rejuvenating. Hit the gym or do some sports as exercising has the twinning effect of relaxing the body as well as the mind, thanks to the release of endorphins.

Listening to some instrumental music is rather relaxing. Inexplicably, some youth today enjoy loud punk rock music and claim it is their means of de-stressing.   Whatever it takes to de-stress, just do it. You owe yourself a much-needed respite from the bombardment of school work. But most importantly, learn to manage your time efficiently. Prioritise your school work and do not feel embarrassed or even ashamed of seeking help.

Should you need the extra push, ask your parents to  “invest” in your academic pursuits by enrolling you in a reputable good tuition centre for your H2 Chemistry Tuition or H2 Physics Tuition or H2 Math Tuition.  By seeking help from professional tutors, you apparently help yourself to reduce stress as understanding key concepts and supporting points helps you to manage your studies better, thereby leading to more productive use of your time. In addition, the time freed can be used to bond with your family members or friends, or indulge in your hobbies.

In conclusion, do not be drowned in the black hole en route to higher education and future career. Plan your own schedule, know what your limit is, and do not let stress affect your performance and relationships. Education is more than just grades after all.  The road to success may be arduous but it needs not be lonely and desperate.

Ever suffer from body uneasiness and fatigue while sitting down for long hours mugging away? Ever stood up in the middle of a class for a break but dizzy spell hits? These are common problems that many students faced all over the world. In fact, one of the major distractions many people faced is having constant back and neck aches from long hours of sitting and studying. As much as your brain is suffering from exhaustion, so is your body. No amount of caffeine is going to relieve the fatigue that has built up over the week. Let’s highlight some of the simple things you can do while your mugging to keep your body active.

Make your location convenient and give yourself sufficient space to stretch. Always be aware of your surroundings, make sure you do not disrupt other people while you’re at it. The 8 Simple exercises introduce in this article aims to loosen the fatigue built up in your body and should be carried out as and when needed.

1. Breathe In/ Out

Breathe In and hold your breath for 5 – 10 seconds and then breathe out. Introduce a fresh flow of oxygen into your body and allow blood to flow.  Repeat the cycle for 3 times.

2. Neck Rotation

Always attempt the stretch with your body straight up, preferably with a chair that provide back support. Have your feet planted firmly on the ground while still seated. Tilt your head to the left and using your left hand pushed your head down gently. You should feel a compression and a stretch on the right side of the neck. Compress it and hold it for 30 – 45seconds as much as you need and then do the same for the other side.

3. Shoulder Shrug and Rotation

Using the “I Don’t Know” motion on your shoulder, shrug as high as you can and hold it there for 10 seconds. Repeat it for at least 10 times. Take caution never to rotate your shoulder while doing it to prevent injury. When your done with the shrug exercise. Go back to the seated relax state and rotate your shoulder forward for 10 seconds and then do the same backwards.

4. Arm Bend

This stretch is done while seated. Raise your left hand as high as you can over your head and bend your body to the right. You should be feeling the stretch on your left side. Repeat this stretch 3 – 4 times at 30 – 45 seconds interval. After you are done with the left side, do the same for the right.

5. Torso Stretch

Now stand up straight with your feet flat on the ground. Raise your hand up and try to reach as high as you can. This stretch should be conducted with your feet flat at all times. Do this stretch 3 – 4 times at 30 – 45 seconds interval.

6. Hamstring

You should be seated with your feet flat on the ground for the start state. Raise your left leg forward 45 degrees off the ground. Use your left arm and stretch outwards to try to reach your left toes. You should be feeling the stretch on your thigh and knee area. Hold that position for 30 – 45 seconds. After you are done, repeat for the other side.

7. Quad Stretch

While standing, hold on to the back of the chair for support. Raise your left leg towards your back area. Hold your left ankle with your left hand for 30 – 45 seconds. After you are done, repeat for the other side.

8. Sumo Calf Stretch

As the name suggests, assume the position of a sumo wrestler. Go down in a sitting motion and try to go as low as you can. Try not to have your knee protrude out over your feet. The motion is similar to squats and aims to give maximum stretch for your calf. Hold that position for 30 – 45 seconds and you are completed with your full body exercises.

The rule of thumb is that for every 50 minutes, a simple 10 minutes break should be given to increase productivity and efficiency. If your location does not allow you to do a stretch, you can always opt for a 10 minutes stroll outdoor for a breather. Remember that as much as H2 Chemistry or H2 Math is important. Your body is more important than you think. Remember the 8 exercises and keep your life active. You only study for the moment, but you live with your body your whole life. Stay Active! Stay Happy!

Is the need to study to survive in such a competitive environment, especially today, a Fact or a Myth? This question has been posed for centuries and a satisfactory explanation was never found, the main reason being that there have been both success stories of those who arduously pursue the academic path and equally true of those who courageously or unwittingly do not.

Studying has now become a crucial phase of most people’s lives, particularly in their formative years, whether one deems it important or a hassle to be done with when one leaves school for the working world. When you’re still young, you do not get to make the decision to attend preschool or not. Decisions made by your parents in good faith creates mandatory education to get you started before your primary school. In fact, in Singapore, compulsory education is enforced by law (CE Act) which if not strictly adhered to, leads to a fine and imprisonment for the child’s parents as the responsibility to ensure their child goes to school lies with them.  The aim of CE Act is to create a strong core knowledge and common educational experience for all Singaporeans, thereby laying the foundation for an effective workforce which has contributed to the enviable success story of the nation. As you get older into your teens and young adult life, education becomes progressively tougher, and research has shown an increase in the percentage of students opting for tuition to keep up with the pace of academic pursuit for excellence. Take, for example, a typical Math class or Chemistry or Physics class becomes tougher as you progress and eventually you see yourself hiring a tutor for H2 Math Tuition or H2 Chemistry Tuition or H2 Physics Tuition to cope with your studies

Is engaging a tutor really necessary or is it just a case of being “Kiasu” (afraid of losing out)?  It is imperative that you honestly ask yourself what you want to be when you graduate. Will you be a professional as you continuously progress through the academic ladder, aiming to accumulate more paper qualifications at a certain stage of life so you can bask in the glory of achievement or do you want to pursue your interest and be someone a conservative family would tell you not to be—an artist, a musician, a dancer or maybe an entrepreneur? Are you ready to embark on the first step to taking  “risk”, the uncommon route that most people would comfortably not opt for, for a stable life or would you be practical and settle down. With an 8 to 5 office work where pay is regular but the elusive sense of accomplishment may not be within reach?

Give serious thought to your options before arriving at your decision when you’re young and work your way to success. Nothing comes easy and striving conscientiously for something you desire will definitely lead to a higher sense of fulfilment. Whichever line of work you choose, just be sure you have a passion for it and be the best you can be.

It is indisputable that basic education is necessary for it builds the foundation for personal growth and higher pursuits, be it along the academic path or in creative arts or even in technical fields. Therefore, one must not abort prematurely this educational experience out of despair. Should one need assistance, going for tuition class like H2 Math Tuition or H2 Chemistry Tuition or H2 Physics Tuition is not a cop-out as some might argue against, but one wise way to overcome the struggles one typically confronts in school.  Most importantly, the key to success and happiness lies in the passion one has for whatever one opts to do for the future, and the perseverance to chase one’s dreams to witness the rainbow one day.

When to Study?

Discipline is the key where studies are concerned, whether you are a morning lion or a night owl. Always abide by the timetable one draws up to revise certain topics or do certain assignments. Time may not be on one’s side particularly considering how the academic year flies by with CCAs, workshops, assignment, tests and regular lessons to attend to. Hence, it is advisable to come up with a long-term plan and several shorter-term plans for working out various academic subjects and their respective grades to attain. For weaker subjects, one must give first priority, and allocate more time for them. However, very often and ironically, one usually realises that one’s weakest subject consumes the most time with the least satisfactory outcome in terms of grades.  Then, why not enrol for tuition, for example, H2 Math Tuition or H2 Chemistry Tuition or H2 Physics Tuition, to resolve this problem? Tuition centres that provide effective coaching not only can help one to overcome barriers to understanding key concepts but also points to more effective ways of tacking problems and questions in the subject. Consequently, the time spent on the subject can be used productively with far greater results than before.

How to Study?

An effective way to study is to pay attention in class and try to follow the teacher’s explanation. Ask on areas that you know you somehow cannot grasp fully. However, most times, in a typical big class, teachers may not be able to pay attention to each individual as there is a timeline for delivery of each lesson and the pace of delivery have to be maintained. So, the next best step is to go through your notes if there are any given ( or if not, try to jot down your own notes during lecture) and see if the notes make sense to you. Whenever you do not understand any key concepts or even some supporting points, ask someone. The most appropriate person to approach is your subject teacher. Sometimes, a good student can help much. If you still cannot get the crucial assistance you need, this is where a caring and efficient tutor comes into the picture.  Engaging a good tutor in the right tuition centre for help is a wise move, be it for H2 Math Tuition or H2 Chemistry Tuition or H2 Physics Tuition. Very often, the right tutor in a conducive study centre is the antidote to your studies woes. How true we get to hear of tutors turning the poor grades of weak students around, almost miraculously!

In a conducive learning environment, students are encouraged to learn well. The physical facilities play an important complementary role because with the right lighting, seats and ambience, most students tend to ignite their mood and passion for studying.  Once settled, try to put in practice on topics that you have recently been taught as they are still fresh in your mind. Take the bull by its horns and tackle those weak areas. Try to figure out the concepts, with the help of your tutor.  Even after arriving at clear understanding of concepts, you have to do some exercises to reinforce your learning and also to tease the parts that you have yet to completely comprehend. Then, it’s back to revision again.

To enhance your memories, you have to study, study and study!. This means putting whatever knowledge you have acquired into your brain so that the key concepts will be at your fingertips and you can apply them confidently when the examinations come round!

‘Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.’ -Mark Twain 

We all want to be better, but we have to be responsible for the work it takes to get there. Be it to make our parents proud, to please our favorite teachers or even just to prove to ourselves that we are capable, we all want to excel in our examinations.

But how do we go about doing it? For some of us, how come we cannot seem to attain better grades despite trying our best? Solutions can be found at New Dawn Learning Studio where we have concise materials and concept maps to accelerate your learning process.

We also provide a myriad of studying methods for each student, tailored to their learning speed and their style of thinking. We do not believe in moulding each student to be the same but rather for each student to excel in their own unique ways under our careful guidance and curated content.

Hear from our students who performed well in the O’ level examinations and overcame obstacles in their academics.

Ang Yuze:
New Dawn has been my one and only tuition for maths and science, ever since the O levels all the way to the A’s. And for someone like me to rely on a single tuition centre means a lot, as I have a tendency to jump through tuition centres, as long as my results don’t show.  Not only did my results show, from F9 for my A Maths and sciences in the prelims, to straight As for the O levels, the interactive teachers there made each lesson very enjoyable and interesting. This prompts me to be motivated to focus during lesson time while having fun at the same time. New Dawn also laid down a strong foundation for my maths, which was then carried on to my college life, and made maths there so much easier.

Even though this phrase might sound cliche: “Practice makes perfect” indeed.  I was a terrible student who only did last minute revision for my exams in the past. However, I have come to realise that maths, unlike other subjects like humanities, requires constant practice and understanding the concepts of the topics. Be consistent throughout, and don’t get distracted while studying; change your phone into airplane mode, pop a headphone and listen to some soothing music while you study. It will make you feel very accomplished after a long and productive study session. Go through each topic one by one, then identify those weaker ones, and focus more on them during revision.

Lauren Koh:

Undeniably, without attending tuition at New Dawn, I would not have even dreamt of passing A Math in secondary school at all. It was truly with the help of Mr Daniel that I managed to eventually clinch an A2 during O’ levels for A Math, and an A1 for E Math.

I struggled very much with Math in secondary school personally because I was not fond of the subject and I enjoyed the Humanities much more, but it was through New Dawn that I started feeling less resentment towards Math. I remembered not paying attention during school lessons and feeling extremely lost when doing my assignments for A Math, and I even got an F9 for the subject in secondary three.

Honestly, I had other tutors before going to New Dawn, but evidently, my attempts to improve my grades prior to being taught by Mr Daniel were futile. Hence, I believe that tuition can definitely improve one’s grades in secondary school, but this is only if you have found the right tutor to help you along, and I am extremely glad to have found New Dawn to help me along in the subject I disliked very much at first but grew to slowly enjoy it a little more.

One study tip which I found very helpful was to make notes even for a subject like Math. Many people say that Math is just about practice, but it’s also about understanding and making notes which helps a lot.

You don’t have to write every single definition or concept down in full sentences, but it’s very helpful to use A4 blank paper to write down important concepts or formula. Moreover, you should keep track of your common mistakes and make a list of them too, and that helps you improve by avoiding similar mistakes.

New Dawn is committed to your pursuit of excellence in your chosen Math subject, no matter at which level of competency you come to us at.  We understand your anxiety, your confusion and your difficulties and your ambition. It is because of these concerns that New Dawn is set up today just for you. With our expertise and encouragement, at New Dawn, no goal of yours is beyond your reach!

Find out more about secondary Math tuition in Singapore at New Dawn.