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Thursday, 17 January 2019

Natalia Lim JX Scored A* for IGCSE Physics 0625 in 2018 Oct /Nov Exams

Yeah, good news from Natalia's Mom!

Rachel just whatsapped me Natalia's IGCSE full results slip with the following words "...Mr Douglas - you are the best ... Your reputation as a great physics teacher is proven once again" - it's an A* for Natalia who never learn physics before and never from any one else but me - her sole physics tutor. In fact, Natalia scored at least an A for all the subjects she took!

Natalia and her siblings are all home-school students with a very capable and dedicated Mom. Dad is a very nice man - a corporate lawyer. Elder sisters are mostly in Canada - holding Master n PHD. It's an honour really to get to know this Christian family which was why I was impressed enough to buy her a farewell "Thank You" cake on my last lesson with her. Her mom was surprised n remarked that: "We should be the one thanking you!" n presented me with chocolates n tarts bought from, I think, Taiwan. The family has many lovely dogs - some of which were previously stray dogs - but you couldn't tell from their current loveliness! :)

So, you see; it is possible for a student who is bright - Natalia is bright, intelligent, conscientious n never over-ride me on my implementation of the tuition programme - and  has zero knowledge of physics initially to eventually score A* in IGCSE by spending 2 hours/week (for about 15 months) taking tuition from a physics tutor with proven record.

Proven record means the tutor must have produced many verifiable tuition students who scored A* or A in the subject before and he must have a systematic approach in conducting his tuition - covering every areas mentioned in the applicable syllabus using: firstly, an Examiner-approved (Cambridge) textbook n all the questions therein; secondly, has taken pain in extracting relevant past year questions for the student to do upon finishing each syllabus area or topic; and, finally, just 2 or 3 months before exams, going through all the preceding 3 or 4 years of past-year questions on paper-by-paper basis (not topic-by-topic as was earlier done)..

Natalia's mom has experience in giving tuition too. She sat in during the first few lessons. She was impressed and she paid me RM100 /hr (instead of the my normal RM90 /hr for IGCSE level) because she knew from her experience that I have spent a lot of time n effort in preparing my tuition programme including in extracting topical questions for my students.

Natalia's A* would not have been possible without her Mom concurrent monitoring of homework (mainly past-year questions) I gave Nat to do.

So, it's joint-happiness for Natalia's A*.

Heartiest congrats to Natalia and I'm really proud of you Nat! :) <3


Wednesday, 15 August 2018

Nicole Gan Scored A (88%) For Her CIE Chemistry AS 9701 In May/ June 2018 Exams

Yeah, good news! My CIE (A-level) Chemistry AS tuition student Ms. Nicole scored A (88%) - as per her text this afternoon.

Chemistry was the only A-level science subject she sought my help n it's an A :)

In IGCSE (O-level) previously she sought my help on 3 subjects n she scored:
* Chemistry 0620: A* (94%)
* Physics 0625: A* (93%)
* Add-Maths 0606 A (83%)

 
Congrats! Happy for her

Monday, 22 January 2018

Matthew Sia Scored A for IGCSE Chemistry 0620 in Oct /Nov 2017 Exams

Results for IGCSE Oct /Nov 2017 exams were released a few days ago.

Very happy to receive a texted message from mum of Matthew Sia (Beacon House) who scored A in IGCSE Chemistry 0620 - the only subject he took tuition from me. If he also took physics and add-maths from me, I'm confident it will be at least 3 A's.

Matthew started his first chemistry tuition class with me on 18th July 2016 at 5.30pm in BU7. Like most students, he was weak in the beginning. But every step of the way, he followed my tuition plan for him without any interruption or disobedience - such as by giving excuses that couldn't do the homework I emailed to him on time because of this and that (printer no ink, sch tests for other subjects, Grade 6 piano test, etc. coming up - as was regularly given by one Tenby's student in USJ).

I coached him - using the same approach that I used with other students who did well - based closely on every specification in the IGCSE Chemistry 0620 syllabus and relevant past-year n textbook questions. And, he diligently followed my programme - his results again confirm the method was the correct n effective method! Those who liked to super-impose their own programme on mine so far never did well. There was a student who suddenly decided to do summary of the textbook and the formulae therein for my marking instead of focusing on the syllabus specification n the past year questions that I wanted her to complete in time - much to my bewilderment n surprise! Once I conclude that it's a situation or behaviour that I can't change, I have a thousand n one way to say 'bye2' or to make them say 'goodbye' to me - it has happened! So, remember: if you want to do or learn something with me, give me your 100%, or, it's "bye2" from me to you or from you to me in due course. Only if you seriously want to do well, then take tuition from me. Otherwise, get lost - I really have no time nor patience for nonsense!

Coming back: Another aspect I remember fondly of my tuition experience with Matthew was: his mum's more than punctual payments of tuition fees - never ever been late and always a few days in advance before the first lesson of the month. From my point of view, this is respect n satisfaction for my tuition service! When appreciated, human reciprocated accordingly -seeing the results is believing! Agree? :) Respect is another red-line that must not be repeatedly crossed!

On the results day, his mum's texted message reads: "... got an A for chem. Thank you so much for your help. Thumb up, thumb up." Very nice lady - thanks for treating me well, madam! Yeah, another successful assignment!

My heartiest congratulation to Matthew Sia of Beacon House!

P/s:

Currently, 3 of my tuition students who did very well in their IGCSE - meaning getting A* (>90%) or near to A* (88%) - are taking A-level tuition in chemistry from me - one each doing IBDP, Edexcel and CIE. Believe, I'll have good A-level results news to gloat about in due course. Just kidding - actually a lot of serious n organized work in the meantime. Excellence is the objective right from Day 1. :) We can make it!

Friday, 25 August 2017

Caroline W. McLean Scored A* for Both Chemistry (4CHO) n Physics (4PHO) in 2017 Edexcel Int'l GCSE May /June Exams

Yesterday (24.08.2017, Thurs) at 1020 pm:

Caroline W. McLean (Alice Smith Int'l Sch) texted happy news to inform that in the recent 2017 Edexcel Int'l GCSE May /June exams, she: "... passed Chemistry and Physics with 2 A*'s ...". She used the humble word "passed" when in fact it was "excelled" in the 2 subjects with A* - that's typical of interesting Caroline!

Caroline took tuition from me in 3 Edexcel O-level subjects: Chemistry (4CHO), Physics (4PHO) and Math (4MAO). She started with Chemistry - then she requested tuition too for Physics n Math nearer to her formal exams.

My heartiest congratulations to this gymnast-looking sweet girl, Caroline W. McLean!

Nice of you indeed to inform me of your results!

Best wishes for your next phase, Caroline! :)

Sincerely,
Douglas Tan

WhatsApp No.: 011 2120 1608

Sunday, 13 August 2017

Nazeera Shafleena (Sri Cempaka) Scored A's for Both Chemistry and Physics in 2017 IGCSE May/June Exams

On 10 Aug 2017, it was the Results Day for 2017 IGCSE May/June Exams.

At 3.33 pm that day, Nazeera Shafleena (of Sri Cempaka) texted me the good news: She scored A's for both IGCSE Chemistry 0620 and Physics 0625 - the 2 subjects she took tuition from me since Jan 11th 2017. Nazeera also whatsapped me her results slip n a long 'thank you' note.

Fantastic really!



Sincerely,
Douglas

Sunday, 18 June 2017

Vacant Tuition Slots Up For Grab


(13/08/2017): The post below are no longer valid - all slots filled. If you really need a slot, just try!

Hello,

Summer May/June 2017 IGCSE O-level and Edexcel O-level exams were just over. As such, some tuition slots are available for grabs on '1st-come-1st-serve" (3 slots have been taken). A few more slots are available for the following subjects:

* IGCSE: Math 0580 (Angela Loo, Absalom Wong, ... scored A's)
                Math 0606 (Nicole Gan scored A (83%), Kai Xun scored B* (79%) ...)
                International Maths 0607 (Zi Zhun waiting results - Switzerland-bound)
                Physics 0625 (Nicole Gan scored A* (93%), Lim Jin Quan A* (mark NA),...)
                Chemistry 0620; (Nicole Gan scored A* (94%), Lim Jin Quan A* (mark NA),...)

* Edexcel: Maths 4MAO / 4MBO / 4PMO (Previously taught 4MBO / 4PMO at Int'l Sch)
                 Chemistry 4CHO (Just tutored Ms. McLean Maths 4MAO, Chem n Physics)
                 Physics 4PHO (Ms. McLean waiting for results)

(CIE AS/A2: Chemistry 9701 / Physics 9702 can be considered if approached early)

Sms or whatsapp me Douglas at: 011-2120 1608; or,
Email: tutortan1@gmail.com

Thank you.

Douglas

Wednesday, 18 January 2017

Nicole Gan (Nobel Int'l Sch) Scored A* for Physics (93%) n Chemistry (94%) n A for Add-Math (83%)s in IGCSE Nov/Dec 2016 Exams

17.01.2017 (Mont Kiara):

At about 4.28 pm today, while at Mont Kiara, received good news from Ms. Nicole Gan from Sierramas. She scored 2A* n 1A for the 3 subjects she took tuition from me, namely: IGCSE Physics 0625 (93%), Chemistry 0620 (94%) n Add-Maths 0606 (83%) respectively.

Great job, Nicole!

She loves ballet n has very nice posture n poise. She plays piano n was learning guitar at that time regardless of the fast-approaching exams then. And, she has a very cute younger sis who always smiled to me! :)

Nicole never cancelled any class for any reason; never kept me waiting for even a minute for the class to start - very punctual. The book that I lent to her she duly returned on completion of her last lesson. This girl has many positive qualities.

My heartiest congrats to Nicole n best wishes for your next phase in life!

Cheers!

Douglas.

 WhatsApp No.: 011-2120 1608

Sunday, 4 September 2016

Karina and Danial left for UK last night - Goodbye n Best Wishes!

Last night, Karina flew back to London (B.... Royal Boarding Sch) after was back here for about a month's for her yr-end break.
We met 10 x 2 hrs over her A-level AQA chemistry.
She'll be back in Oct for d 6th or 7th times in slightly over a yr because MAS has promotions for KL-London flights...
I gave tuition to Karina in IGCSE Physics 0625 n Chemistry 0620 from her yr 10 in Gdn Int'l Sch (Mont Kiara) and she scored A's for both subjects (plus other subjects too) before going over to the London Boarding School. 
Best wishes to Karina!
Danial too flew to Aberdeen the same night - on different flight though. Danial is doing a degree there.
Danial was my tuition student in IGCSE Physics (since yr 10) n CIE Chemistry 9701thereafter - he never scored below B for both subjects.Thereafter, he picked up golfing and manage to win some prizes for that. Btw, Danial is brother of Karina. 
Best wishes to Dan too!

Thursday, 11 August 2016

Lim Jin Quan (Sri Cempaka) Scored A* for both Physics 0625 n Chemistry 0620 in May/June 2016 Exams!

This is great!

Jin Quan whatsapped a moment ago that he scored A-Star (A*) in the two subjects he took tuition from me since Dec 2015 (at RM90/hr/subject) - Physics 0625 and Chemistry 0620.

What better way to record my "heartiest congrats" and appreciation to Jin Quan than to do it through a dedicated post!

Jin Quan was a conscientious, diligent and good student with very caring Mom and Dad and a cute little sister. Tuition was held at either Publika or Valencia.

When he came to me, he wasn't sure if he could score A's for both subjects: school marks were around 60-70% - Physics was slightly better than Chemistry. So he took more hours per week of tuition for Chemistry than Physics.

After a few lessons with him, I never have any doubt that I could assist him to score at least A's for both.

And, the eventual results: A* for both! Really happy for him!

Best wishes, Jin Quan!

Sincerely,
Douglas

P/s:

Warm regards n heartiest congrats to your Mom n Dad too! :) 

Thursday, 20 March 2014

SPM 2013 Results Out Today (20/03/2014, Thurs)

470,395 students sat for SPM 2013 last year.

11,892 scored FULL A's --- 244 more than SPM 2012

405 scores ALL A+s --- of which 366 were from national schools (sekolah kebangsaan).

This is the best results in 5 years. For press report, read here.

Personal notes:

My dearest disciple scored ALL A's but B+ for the controversial "Moral" paper: It's 8As and 1B+ for Mei. Congrats on the 8As and sympathy for the B+ . In PMR, she scored FULL A's!

(18.4.2014) Another student - also from Mei's school - who took Physics and Chemistry tuition from me a few months before SPM scored A's for both subjects. In fact, he scored FULL 9A's!! Congrats to Manoj! Come to think of it, the number of my tuition students who scored full A's in SPM and IGCSE exams are fast becoming uncountable...really wonderful! (Manoj has left a comment below - click 'comment' to read more!)

Mei and about 20 to 30 others (including Manoj) received their "Anugerah Cermelang Academik 2014 SPM" (SPM 2014 Academic Excellence Award) for scoring 8A's and above at their school this morning.

Mei was also the President of her school's Netball Club; Secretary of 1 of the 4 sport houses; represented school at some levels of netball competition - all these kept her quite busy actually...but it sharpens her multi-tasking skill too...

30.6.2014: Today Manoj posted a comment (please click "comment" below) to happily say that he actually scored A+ for both the subjects he took tuition from me i.e. Physics and Chemistry (not just A's)! Absolutely wonderful! Do send my regards to your parents - not forgetting your Mom's Deepavali's cookies - truly delicious! Thks Ma'am!!

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Need Help In Physics, Chemistry and Maths in or around Petaling Jaya?

Good News: Vacant tuition slots are now up for grab!

(June 18th, 2017):

Hello,

Summer May/June 2017 IGCSE O-level and Edexcel O-level exams were just over. As such, some tuition slots are available for grabs on '1st-come-1st-serve" (3 slots have been taken). A few more slots are available for the following subjects:

* IGCSE: Math 0580 (Angela Loo, Absalom Wong, ... scored A's)
                Math 0606 (Nicole Gan scored A (83%), Kai Xun scored B* (79%) ...)
                International Maths 0607 (Switzerland-bound Zi Zhun scored B)
                Physics 0625 (Nicole Gan scored A* (93%), Lim Jin Quan A* (mark NA),...)
                Chemistry 0620; (Nicole Gan scored A* (94%), Lim Jin Quan A* (mark NA),...)

* Edexcel: Maths 4MAO / 4MBO / 4PMO (Previously taught 4MBO / 4PMO at Int'l Sch)
                 Chemistry 4CHO (Ms. McLean scored A*)
                 Physics 4PHO (Ms. McLean scored A*)

(CIE AS/A2: Chemistry 9701 / Physics 9702 can be considered if approached early)

Sms or whatsapp me Douglas at: 011-2120 1608; or,
Email: tutortan1@gmail.com

Thank you.

Douglas

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(May 30th, 2016): Summer May/June 2016 IGCSE O-level and CIE AS/A2 exams are ending. As such, some tuition slots are available for grabs on '1st-come-1st-serve". The tuition slots are for:

* IGCSE: Math 0580
                Math 0606
                Physics 0625
                Chemistry 0620

(Edexcel Maths and Physics; SPM Maths, Physics and Chemistry can be considered.

* CIE AS/A2: Chemistry 9701

WhatsApp me Douglas at: 011-2120 1608 or, 
email: tutortan1@gmail.com

Thank you.
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