Ng Yu Kai (Sri KL) Scored A (88%) in IGCSE Physics 0625 in Winter 2019 Exams.

18.01.2020 (PJ):

Two days ago , Ng Yu Kai of Sri KL Int'l School - who took IGCSE Physics 0625 tuition from me - texted to say that he scored 88% (A) for the subject in the Oct/Nov 2019 exams.

His 1st physics tuition lesson with me was on 30/06/2019 in which he told me he had not been doing well and had been struggling to pass physics all these while.

We started with 'Electricity, Electro-magnetism and Electronics" - the chapters he was dealing with in school then; then 'Atomic Physics'. His score for these chapters were near perfect in the mock/final exams - however, the scores for the chapters not yet covered by my tuition were quite a disaster. Overall, his score for physics in the mock/final exams were only 50% (pls see his texted msg below)

So, I need to do what I got to do as time was running out - to brush him up on the areas not yet covered. And, the final score in the formal exams in Oct/Nov 2019 was: A (88%).

Heartiest congrats to him!

Don't forget to work doubly hard in foundation/A-level because I have seen students who did well in IGCSE-level but not so well in CIE or IB Diploma level mainly because of over-confidence - 1 month holidays means 1 month break from study/tuition totally. 10-day break shd be enough - when the going gets tough, the tough must get going!

Haha, here are his texted messages to me on the result-day (16.01.2020) and I will post his result-slip here when I receive it. :)

General Formula to Find n-th Term of Any Diagonal/Oblique Series of Binomial Coefficients in the Pascal/Yang Hui Triangle

Hello Folks,

Permit me to make a post on math in this physics blog.

27.01.2020 (2nd update, PJ Selangor, Malaysia).

It is for math enthusiasts - not for students preparing to sit for IB math or IGCSE Math 0580, 0606, 0607 or CIE Math 9709 or Math 9231. Of course, students who would like to know more than what is specified in their exam syllabus are welcome!

It is about my general formula /equation,   N = (n...n+(p-1))!/p!, that can work-out:

1) the individual formula for the oblique/diagonal number series in Pascal /Yang Hui triangle
2) the value of any n-th term in the oblique/diagonal number series in the triangle.

The Pascal /Yang Hui triangle:

You see, currently, students of binomial theorem know that the horizontal series of numbers /binomial coefficients can be found by using binomial theorem or, to a limited extent, the Pascal /Yang Hui triangle.

What about the terms in the oblique/diagonal series of binomial coefficients?

As you can see from the triangle above, the binomial, say (x + y) or (a + b):

- to the power 1 yields an oblique number /binomial coefficient series called 'natural numbers': 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + ... + n, where the n-th term = n;

- to the power 2 yields an oblique number /BC series called triangular number series of: 1 + 3 + 6 + 10 + 15 + ... + n, where the n-th term =n ( n+1)/2;

- to the power 3 yields a diagonal number /BC series called tetrahedral number series of: 1 + 4 + 10 + 20 + ... + n, where the n-th term = n(n+1)(n+2)/6;

- to the power 4 yields a diagonal number /BC series called pentatope number series: 1 + 5 + 15 + 35 + ... + n, where the n-th term = n(n+1)(n+2)(n+3)/24;

- to the power 5 yields the 5-simplex number series: ....

The n-th term formula for each oblique/diagonal bc series is currently analysed]and work-out individually - but I saw a pattern that led me to a general formula that can be used:

1) to work-out the individual formula for the n-th term of any oblique/diagonal number /BC series; and hence 

2) to find the value of any n-th term in any oblique/diagonal BC series in the Pascal / Yang Hui triangle. 

I have googled /searched far and wide and it seems that no one had found it before!. ..

The General Formula

N = (n...n+(p-1))!/p!

where,

1) n refers to the n-th term of the diagonal bc series generated by the binomial to the power p;

2) (n...n+(p-1))! refers to an 'up factorial" idea introduced n developed by me, where,

- an up factorial that starts with n and ends with n is:
(n...n)! = n

- an up factorial that starts with n and ends with (n+1) is:
(n...n+1)! = n(n+1)

- an up factorial that starts with n and ends with (n+2) is:
(n...n+2)! = n(n+1)(n+2); and, so on.

3) p! refers to the conventional down factorial which starts with p and ends with 1. Thus,

p! = p(p-1)(p-2)x...x3x2x1

5! = 5x4x...x2x1

1! = 1

0! = 1

In the Pascal/Yang Hui triangle (please see above):

When the power p=1, a natural number series (1+2+3+4+5+...+n) is generated. And, using the general formula
N = (n...n+(p-1))!/p! = (n...n+(1-1))!/1! = (n...n)!/1! = n       i.e. N = n

When p=2, a triangular number series (1+3+6+10+15+21+...+n) is generated. And, using the general formula
N = (n...n+(p-1))!/p! = (n...n+1)!/2! = n(n+1)/(2x1) = n(n+1)/2    i.e. N = n(n+1)/2

When p=3, a tetrahedral number series (1+4+10+20+35+...+n) is generated. And, using the general formula
N = (n...n+(p-1))!/p! = (n...n+2)!/3! =n(n+1)(n+2)/6    i.e. N = n(n+1)(n+2)/6 

When p=4, a number series (1+5+15+35+70+...+n) is generated. And, using the general formula
N = (n...n+(p-1))!/p! = (n...n+3)!/4! = n(n+1)(n+2)(n+3)/24   i.e. N = n(n+1)(n+2)(n+3)/24

And, so on...for p = 5, p = 6,...

Hence, the General Formula, N = (n...n+(p-1))!/p!, is capable of finding out:

1) the individual n-th term formula for any oblique/diagonal number or binomial coefficient series s in the Pascal /Yang Hui triangle - by just substituting the p value into the general formula; and,

2) the value of any n-th term in any oblique/diagonal series of binomial coefficients in the Pascal /Yang Hui triangle - by substituting the n-th value into the individual formula obtained by substituting p!

You'll note that to generate the General Formula, I have to introduce the idea and notation of an 'up factorial'.

Hahaha, critical comments, anyone?

Will Ivy-League Universities Ever Accept An Average Student?

I chanced upon this question in Quora and the answer provided by someone who seemed to have experience working with 'average' student who got admitted into Ivy-league varsity. His answer may be of interests to any regular student-readers of my blog (this blog) who somehow failed to get the excellent results for Ivy-league entry that they were aiming for in the first place - say, due to being sick on exams day.

Hope this helps:

Eric Eng, Founder of IvyCollegeAdmit (www.ivycollegeadmit.com)

Updated Jan 7 · Upvoted by Woody Hancock, studied at Harvard University and Carla Mortensen, MTS Applied Theology, Harvard University (1979)

I’ve seen students with perfect 1600 (or 2400) SAT scores and 4.0 GPA’s get turned down by the Ivies. I’ve also helped and worked with lower achieving students with 1800 (out of 2400) SAT scores and 3.3 GPA get accepted into an Ivy League (Yes, 3.3 GPA - you heard that right - and he was Asian American too).

What it all comes down to is how you demonstrate your personal qualities, leadership, and commitment to your community through the application. This takes the form of personal statements, extracurricular activities, and recommendation letters that help the admissions officers determine whether to accept or reject you.

The biggest mistake that students make is not taking their application seriously enough. This tends to happen with overachievers, who believe that their grades, test scores, and even national academic awards are enough to get them in.

So yes, do pursue your passions and your interests, and work as hard as you can during your four years of high school. Just remember to capture and express all of your personal qualities in the college application itself, and write a genuine, palpable personal statement that helps the admissions officers understand the qualities that define you.

Because at the end of the day, the bitter truth is that admissions to Ivy League schools is highly dependent on how well you present yourself on paper and draft your personal statement.

Please read my blog on what the Ivy Leagues are looking for:

The Biggest Misconception About College Admissions - Ivy College Admit

The Personal Statement: The Holy Grail of College Admissions - Ivy College Admit 

Nicole Gan Scored A (87%) for CIE A2 Chemistry 9701 in May/June 2019 Exams

Nicole Gan scored a very respectable strong A (87%) - worthy of special mention in a dedicated blog post - for her CIE (A-level) Chemistry 9701 A2 (Yr 13) in May/June 2019 exams.

For CIE AS (Yr 12) May/June 2018 exams for the same subject - she scored 88% (strong A too).

A-level is certainly much tougher that O-level.

So folks, while preparing for your O-level, do acquire strong analytical skill to carry into your A-level. Nicole has it - that's why she could score a strong A. If you are too easy-going (like 1-month holidays means 1 month off from study totally) or over-confident due to excellent O-level results, you may end up finding A-level tough and the results will show. What more when you enter university?! Put in more effort as you go higher.

With that, my heartiest congrats to Nicole n I wish Nicole the very best in her next chapter in life. May she get into the British university of her choice to do a course of her liking. Once again, congrats!

Sincerely,
Douglas.

P/s:

In IGCSE (O-Level) , Nicole (Nobel Int'l Sch) took tuition in 3 subjects from me and her scores in the 2016 Oct/Nov exams:

1) Chemistry 0620: A* (94%)
2) Physics 0625: A* (93%)
3) Add-Maths 0606: A (83%) - I actually expected her to score A* for Add-Maths based on her usual performance during tuition with me - but she told me she was panicky for the 1st paper. When she wasn't panicky for her AS-level Maths (CIE), she scored A* (94%) with no tuition from others! :)

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The best time to get tuition slot(s) from me is in June/July and Nov/Dec - just after the Summer and the Winter exams - when students who just finish their exams vacate their tuition slots.

My WA # 011-2120 1608

My email: tutortan1@gmail.com

Natalia Lim Scored A (88%) for IGCSE Add-Maths 0606 in June 2019 Exams

Natalia was a home-schooled student - she was either taught by her mum or a tutor like me (for subject like IGCSE Physics 0625).

This year (May /June 2019): She sat for 2 more subjects - IGCSE Add-Maths 0606 n Economics (taught, I think, by her capable mum) and she scored A for both (88% for Add-Maths) - results slip above.

Last year (Oct /Nov 2018): Natalia sat for 4 subjects - all of which she obtained A or A*. The subject that she took tuition from me was IGCSE Physics 0625 and she scored A* (90%) - please see an earlier congratulatory blog-post on this.

Heartiest congrats to Rachel n Natalia - it's A* or A for all subjects! :)

P/s:

1) Natalia's Mum has since recommended NC (of Gdn Int'l Sch, daughter of her medical-doctor friends) to take tuition from me for the IGCSE subjects of Physics 0625 and Add-Maths 0606 at the same hourly fees as Natalia's (RM100/hr + RM30 per to-and-return Ampang trip).

2) Available tuition slots: If you need tuition slot(s), the best time to get them from me will be immediately after Summer or Winter exams in June/July and November/December respectively.

WhatsApp me at: 011-2120 1608.

IGCSE Physics 0625: Douglas Tan's Tuition Students Who Scored A or A*

Douglas Tan's tuition students who scored A* or A in IGCSE Physics 0625 (or, Edexcel Int'l GCSE Physics (4PMO)):

1) Oct /Nov 2019 exams: A (88%) - Ng Yu Kai (Sri KL Int'l School)

2) Oct /Nov 2018 exams: A* (92%) - May Lee May Chin (Beacon Hse Sri Inai)

3) Oct /Nov 2018 exams: A* (90%) - Natalia Lim (Home School))

4) May /June 2017 exams: A (88%) - Nazeera Shafleena (Sri Cempaka)

5) Oct /Nov 2016 exams: A* (93%) - Nicole Gan (Nobel Int'l Sch.)

6) May /June 2016 exams: A* (90+%) - Lim Jin Quan (Sri Cempaka)

7) Before 2016: A or A* - Karina Hamzah (Garden Int'l Sch), Alistair Yong (Honsbridge), Angela Loo (Honsbridge) and more ... (drop me a note if I inadvertently miss you out)

8) May /June 2017 Edexcel GCSE exams Physics (4PHO): A* - Caroline McLean 

You may refer to the dedicated blog posts in this blog for their 'thank you' notes, result slips n /or WhatsApp messages to me on their results. :)

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Available tuition slots: The best time to get tuition slot(s) from Douglas is in June/July and Nov/Dec - just after Summer or Winter exams - when students who just finish their exams vacate their slots.

Douglas' WA # 011-2120 1608

Douglas' email: tutortan1@gmail.com

IGCSE Chemistry 0620: Douglas Tan's Tuition Students Who Scored A or A*

Douglas' tuition students who scored A* or A in IGCSE Chemistry 0620 (or, Edexcel Int'l GCSE Chemistry (4CHO)):

1) Oct /Nov 2018 exams: A* (94%) - May Lee May Chin (Beacon Hse Sri Inai) 

2) Oct /Nov 2017 exams: A (80+%) - Matthew Sia (Beacon Hse Sri Inai) 

3) May /June 2017 exams: A (88%) - Nazeera Shafleena (Sri Cempaka) 

4) Oct /Nov 2016 exams: A* (94%) - Nicole Gan (Nobel Int'l Sch.) 

5) May /June 2016 exams: A* (90+%) - Lim Jin Quan (Sri Cempaka) 

6) Before year 2016: A or A* - Karina Hamzah (Garden Int'l Sch), Shannon Khoo (Honsbridge), Angela Loo (Honsbridge), Kimberly (home-school) and more...(if I inadvertently miss out anyone, kindly let me know.)

7) May/June 2017 Edexcel GCSE exams: Chemistry (4CHO), A*- Caroline McLean

You may refer to the dedicated blog posts in this blog for their 'thank you' notes, result slips n /or WhatsApp messages to me on their results. :)

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Available tuition slots: The best time to get tuition slot(s) from me is in June/July or Nov/Dec - just after the Summer and the Winter exams - when students who just finish their exams vacate their tuition slots.

Douglas' WA # 011-2120 1608

Douglas' email: tutortan1@gmail.com

Douglas Tan's Teaching Profile

This Teaching Profile summarizes my teaching and private tutoring experience and achievements up to Year 2016. Thereafter (2017 - 2019), students' achievements are recorded through individual dedicated posts in this blog:

The best time to get tuition slot(s) from me is in June/July or Nov/Dec - just after the Summer and the Winter exams - when students who just finish their exams vacate their tuition slots.

My WA # 011-2120 1608

My email: tutortan1@gmail.com

May Lee Scored A* for Both Physics (92%) and Chemistry (94%) in IGCSE Oct /Nov 2018 Exams

(Updated on 05/01/2019)

Yeah, more great news!

A moment ago, May Lee whatsapped: "I get 94 for chemistry and 92 for physics" followed by a 'thank you note' - please see the photoshot. And, I thank her for her kind words.

May Lee took tuition on Physics 0625 and Chemistry 0620 from me for about 16 months - 1.5 hours for each subject. The 2 subjects were done one after another - totaling 3 hours in 1 session firstly on Saturday, then changed to Sunday. You will note later that her tuition hours for Physics were increased by 1.5 hours about 3 months before her exams because she obtained only 70+ for Physics in her mock exams.

And, her parents - upon noticing her non-A score for Physics - on their own without my request, increased her tuition hours by 1.5 hrs / week about 3 months before the exams - the additional 1.5-hr gave me more time to help her. Students usually take 2-hr tuition for subjects like Physics, Add-Math n Chemistry for at least 15 months to excel in the subjects.

So, finally she scored A* for both Chemistry (94%) n Physics (92%).

Warmest congrats n best wishes to May Lee! :)

Sincerely,
Douglas Tan

WA: 011-2120 1608

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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!

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! :) 

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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2013 Oct/Nov IGCSE Cambridge (Physics 0625) Results Are Out Today!

24.1.2014: Alistair Yong called an hour ago to convey gratitude and good news: he obtained A (85 marks) for his IGCSE Cambridge Physics 0625 (Oct/Nov 2013 exams). His Mum sms too. His Mum was happy so was I. Alistair is a bright kid who has been consistent and diligent in his study...Even on the eve of his Paper 1, we spent an hour or so at TTDI Starbucks reinforcing him...the 1-to-1 hours together paid off...It's a great news for my birthday tomorrow... :)

Danial who took over Alistair's mobile informed that his score is slightly below Alistair's (he told me the details). Danial might be asking for re-marking. And, I support that because from July 2012 until his recent exams, his scores for all the exercises I gave have been consistently higher than his current score...Let's see the final outcome.

More results are pouring in ... Absalom W.  who did his IGCSE Cambridge Maths 0580 with me - meaning, I tutored him - told me that he hasn't obtained his results yet - he is from different international school. All indications are: he would do well: Fyi, he was and I think still is the 10th fastest in Malaysia for the "Rubick Cube" challenge. At Starbucks, he did it under 30 seconds (the Rubick Cube was personally 'messed-up' by me)...haha...I think to impress either cute Angela or Ayiesha rather than me, right? Well, why not? For the 10th position he did it in 20 seconds...

We studied hard and we also have fun together - interesting and memorable times. Absalom also holds a diploma in piano and teaches piano during free time...

Next, may be I should write about Angela Loo (Absalom's classmate) ....stay connected for more...

25.1.2014 (12.35 pm):
1) Angela Loo - my student for IGCSE Cambridge Physics 0625 and IGCSE Cambridge O-Maths 0580 - called to share the good news: She obtained A+ for Physics and A for her O-Maths. Fantastic! My heartiest congrats!! I also learnt that she was the top student - scoring straight/full As: 4 A+ and 2 As - her HM actually posted a congrats note in her international school's blog.

2) Birthday wishes in cutest wordings from a former student: here (doesn't show - plug-in needed)

26.1.2014:
10:46pm - received this sms from Absalom (my 2013 IGCSE Cambridge O-Maths 0580 student) : "Mr. Douglas! I failed you! :(     I got only an A." (See, scoring an A means failing me - that's the kind of attitude we want our students to have!! The target was A+)

10:57pm - replied to him: "Hey, don't be upset - you probably miss by a whisker juz like... - may be not careful in your working - still a great improvement from d day I first (met) u - ..., Congrats!!! ...Gdnite :)"

11:01pm - Absalom replied: "Hahaha! Sure! :)) (big grin) Thanks for everything! I hope you"ll never forget me! Because I will never forget a great teacher (sic: tutor) like you! Good nights."

7.2.2014 - Found out yesterday from Zach and Brandon (Angela's juniors) during their IGCSE Cambridge Maths 0580 lesson with me: that Angela not only scored A+ and A for my physics (0625) and O-maths (0580) respectively but also A+s and As for all other subjects she took - Happy go lucky Angela was the top student with 4A+s and 2As. Starbucks meal on me when we meet!!! By the way, she was the only one who won a Starbucks drink from me for successfully solving a physics challenge-question thrown at her group of 5 - that was an early sign of good things to come. I'm really happy for you, Angela!

26.4.2014
Today is the day US President Obama visited Malaysia. Air Force One touched down at Subang RMAF air base at 4.50 pm and so it was reported. Welcome to Malaysia, Mr. President! The people in this region surely have not forgotten the sacrifice and the constructive role the Americans played during World War II to end the war! Life and history would have been very different if not because of the Americans. So, a warm welcome to US President Obama!

On this historic day, at around 6 pm, Angela, Absalom and I were catching up at TTDI Starbucks.

Angela who scored FULL A's - 4 A+ (incl my physics) and 2 A's (incl. my O-maths) - may be leaving to US to further her study soon - can be as early as Sept; I may be spending some time with her over maths (trigo) and chemistry (organic compounds, etc) in the next few weeks.

Absalom looked fitter, now doing double degrees - music (piano) and vocal; and will be competing at ASEAN level music competitions held in Singapore and Thailand soon. He promises to give his best shot and if emerges winners, will email video of his performance for display in this blog.

I encouraged both to be passionate in what they are pursuing: Go all out and leave their marks on world stage! The two are potential world-beaters. Give them a bit of time - I'm sure they have a lot to offer wherever they go!

It was a nice Sat evening...and, I hope they both liked their Starbucks meals (Fusilli chicken, beef lasagna, green tea latte, caramel crm frappucino...)

Best wishes, folks!
-----------------------------------

29.04.14

Danial's sis (Karina, IGCSE Year 10) will be joining me for physics commencing this coming Sat...Karina is from Garden Int'l School. She gave me the impression of being sharp and a quick learner in our first meeting. Expect her to do very well. Btw, she's very good-looking too :)

(Notes:
* Karina sat for IGCSE May /June 2015 exams. When the results were announced on 11th Aug 2015, true to my expectation, she scored A's for physics and chemistry - the 2 subjects she took tuition from me. In fact,  she scored 7As and 2Bs. 

* On 1st Sept 2015, she (and her family) flew to UK for her to attend a boarding school there. In the morning, I sent her my "Best Wishes". Great! 

* On 26th Oct 2015 (Mon), she was back for 2-week 1st-semester break. We went through Chemistry the next day and 4 other days and she flew back to UK on Nov 7th (Sat). Best wishes, Karina!

* On 18th Dec 2015 (Fri), Karina was back for 2-week end-of-semester break. On 21st Dec (Mon), went thru AQA chemistry with her; will do so for six 2-hr lessons with her before she goes back to UK on 3rd. Jan 2016.)

27.6.2014 (Fri)

Received a nice sms from Zach - a former tuition student who just sat for his 'Summer IGCSE Cambridge Exams'. Zach (a Singaporean) expressed gratitude for teaching him maths and asked if I have time slots for his 2 friends who will be sitting for the coming winter exams (Oct/Nov). Told him K. Xun's Monday slot had been taken up by a Korean student but Friday is available.

28.6.2014: The next day, his friends Sarah (and Shannon Khoo) followed up: After some exchanges, they decided to take up a 2-hr lesson on Fri and another 2-hr lesson on Sunday. Will keep my Saturday free. As always, I will do my best for them.

29.6.2014: Zach is very much into muzic and guitar and was very happy with his progress in maths during his months with me. Even his classmates like Kai Xun (who paid RM3200/mth) noticed his tremendous progress (Note: Zach sms his results on 12/08/2014 night - full transcript of his sms below). That's really wonderful because what we coached worked! Zach's sms mentioned that there might be more of his friends joining...When time slots are limited, may be those with attitude problems (homework given not done, email instructions not read, low on PR skills, etc...) will be dropped to make way...Folks, buck up before it's too late because this Sir may be kind but never indecisive...Get it?!.

Looking forward to my 1st lesson with Sarah and Shannon...

11.7.2014: Today was supposed to be the 1st lesson with Shannon and Sarah. However, due to the semester break, Shannon's family decided to go to Penang for a few days of family outing. Hence, 1st lesson rescheduled to 18.7.2014...this was a blessing in disguise, it gave me slightly more time to complete my preparation for them: compiling the relevant past-year questions into the 37 syllabus areas. Preparation completed in time!

18.7.2014 (Fri): 1st lesson with Sarah and Shannon - both gave me very good impression: Diligent, have complete support facilities at home (functional printers, computer with relevant soft-wares all available), can be contacted by hand-phones all the times. Good people-relation skills. Both are good-looking. Shannon goes for advanced ballet classes 4 times a week. Sarah's maternal side is VIP.

1.8.2014 (Fri): Shannon and Sarah decided to increase the lessons from 2x a week to 3x a week - 2 hours each. To allow that to happen, some adjustments and rescheduling may have to be made.

2014 May/June Results Are Out Today!

12.8.2014 (Tues) Night, 10.38 pm: Zach sms: "Sorry to bother you this late Mr. Douglas, I just got my maths results today and I scored 79 (B)...I just want to thank you for helping me achieve that from E :) " This is really wonderful. I am expecting more good news...Stay connected to this post...

13.8.2014 (Wed) Night, 8.08 pm: K. Xun sms: "...I got my Physics and Add Maths results. Both also B...I can't imagine it...They were so surprised...Thanks for teaching me. If not, don't even think I could pass..." K. Xun came to me (through Zach's recommendation) when everyone has given up hope on him. He related to me some hurtful remarks made to him in his class. My initial assessment was: He's a bright kid with very good learning attitude - very keen to learn. I knew he could be 'rescued'. So I took it as a challenge and did the best that I could for him, particularly when the parents are such a good pay-master - always paid punctually on the 1st lesson of every month (RM3200/mth). From single-digit marks (6 or 7 marks), he now obtains B for both Physics and Add Maths! His parents are happy, so am I!. Never give up on yourself even when others have given up on you!! Best wishes, K. Xun!

A Special Day to Remember!

22.8.2014 (Fri): 3 years ago, on this day in the evening, my Mum passed away at the age of 83. Mum is a great lady - very patient, kind and loving. Imagine in those days without washing machine, she would hand-wash all our clothing - 10 kids (incl. me). Hand-wash your own clothes and you will know what she must have gone through - not just for 1 day but all the years that we grew up! A great sacrifice that will never be forgotten...forever!

Whenever we returned to visit her, she would never fail to cook the dish that we individually liked!

Really regret that couldn't visit her with my kids as often as I should in her sunset years. She has many grand daughters and 3 grandsons of whom 2 grandsons (including 1st grandson) and 1 granddaughter were 'contributed' by me. Among her grown granddaughters are: an Auckland-trained doctor (now in Melbourne) and a lawyer (now working for a world-class international law firm with regional HQ in S'pore) - soon, there will be a dentist, another doctor, more lawyers and ...

Mum is very thrifty by nature: in her sunset years, although kids can afford to let her have regular hairdos, she would rather keep her simple and humble look so that the kids need not spend on her! If you ever see an old lady with a simple and humble look in the street, don't look down on her: because this old lady may just be thrifty...for her kids.

Went to a religious place to spend some time (about 30 minutes) praying for Mum and her soul. I also asked for forgiveness for failure to visit her as often as I should in her sunset years with my kids. That I regret forever... May my Mum rest in peace...On 31/3/2014 (during the Cheng Ming festival), I and my kids visited Mum's grave in Ipoh with flowers...We'll miss Mum forever...Whenever we drop by Ipoh, we would and will visit her grave...(On 16/11/2014, after spending 4-day break at Pangkor (please see below), on the way back to Klang Valley, decided to drive north to visit Mum's grave - we brought along flowers which we think Mum likes and spent some time at Mum's grave before heading back)

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12.11.2014 (Wed):

In the morning: Spent an hour or so with Shannon on IGCSE Chemistry 0620. Shannon will be sitting for Chem Papers 13 and 33 and a Biz paper as well tomorrow. Thereafter, it's a well-deserved 1.5 months break-cum-holidays for her. Happy Holidays, Shannon. By the way, you looked real great after horse-riding the other morning! Have fun!!

In the afternoon, have 2 hours of Add-Maths with my Korean student Ms Kim SH @ S. Recipe Plaza Mont Kiara. She would be visiting Universal Studio Singapore this weekend...

Karina of Gdn International School was away in UK for an entrance exams since the beginning of this month. Should be back any time now. Hope she did well. On 22nd, we will resume our physics lessons...

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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 (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

-----------------------------------------------------------

13.11.2014 (Thurs) - 16.11.2014 (Sun)

Early in the morning, off I went to an island resort for a 4-day break. Manage to send a "Best Wishes" sms to Shannon for her Chem papers. Shannon informed around noon that the Chem papers were okay. This bright and charming girl will do well or very well. Hope for the best and Happy Holidays, Shannon. (When the results were out in Jan 2015, Shannon scored A (83) for her Chem, all her other subjects (biology, etc.) she scored As too - great girl!. Congrats!)

Nice seafood and highly-oxygenated air are the 2 things I liked most on my first day in the resort with Amanda and Alfred. We loved the seafood lunch and dinner - oyster omelet, oak-fried prawns and other prawn dishes, sliced fish with ginger and spring onion, seaweed soup, kai lan vegie with assortment of seafood and meat, ...- and of course the refreshing sea breeze...!

14.11.2014 (Fri): After light western breakfasts, off we went islands hopping and snorkelling. The weather was perfect: Sea was calm, sky was overcast (so no sunburn), many international tourist were joining the fun just before we left to a pristine beach for an hour of picnic. Back to the resort by noon. When back, will certainly share photos (including beautiful sun-set and the beautiful people watching it...hehe)

15.11.2014 (Sat): Both Amanda and Alfred agreed that lunch of the day was really good and worth the price...In the evening, we saw complete 'double rainbows' for the first time...really beautiful...The colours of the inside rainbow are laterally inverted from those of the outside rainbow and physics students should be able to explain that natural phenomenon...(will show photos)....to be continued...

11.8.2015 (IGCSE May/June 2015 Results Day): 

IGCSE May/June 2015 exams results are known today!, Yeah, my student Karina (Gdn Int'l School) scored 7As. The 7As include the 2 subjects (physics and chemistry) she took tuition from me. She had earlier on gone to UK to attend a qualifying test for admission into a boarding school there. And, on Sept 1st 2015, she flew off to UK with her Mom and Dad, to prepare for her new education phase at the UK - ringgit's severe depreciation is NO problem to Karina's family. Best wishes!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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

(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 - hourly rates: min. RM80/hr 1-to-1 or RM50/hr/student for group of 2 to 4)

* CIE AS/A2: Chemistry 9701 (min RM110/hr 1-to-1)

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

Thank you.

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