In 2023, Singapore families spent a whopping $1.8 billion on private tuition. The Straits Times spoke to four students—here’s the TL;DR:
1. Targeted Fixes, Not Overhaul
Huang Yi Qing (19)
- Maths tuition in Sec 3–4 and JC; loved one-on-one focus.
- Tutor zeroed in on specific weak spots and “pattern recognition.”
- Loss of motivation during pandemic — reminds us tuition isn’t magic.
“Tuition works best when it’s targeted at what each student needs.”
2. Grade Boost vs. Independence
Irfan Ali Haji Sikander (20)
- From age 7 through Sec 4, tuition lifted his marks.
- But relying on tuition made him “less independent” and cut into free time.
“If you need extra help, that’s fine. But if you listen to your teachers, you can also excel.”
3. Guide vs. Self-Study Skills
Leo Sajeevan (16)
- Maths, science & English tuition from P3 to Sec 4; strict tutors kept him on track.
- He practiced relentlessly (10-year series!) but “didn’t learn to study on my own.”
- Polytechnic now feels like “a second chance” to build self-discipline.
“I studied only when someone was there with me. I needed tuition so someone would guide and mentor me.”
4. Skipping the Culture
Zhang Yaowen (19)
- A-s for PSLE with minimal English tuition; later enrichment for Math Olympiad.
- Felt alienated by peers constantly “grinding” in tuition centres.
- By JC, realised self-study + teacher feedback worked just as well.
“Not everyone understands that you can go to our teachers for extra support. I didn’t need tuition.”
Non-Biased Take
Who benefits:
- Students with clear, persistent gaps and who thrive under guided, one-on-one coaching.
- Those needing structure to build foundational skills.
Who can skip:
- Self-motivated learners who actively engage in class and review on their own.
- Families mindful of cost, time trade-offs and potential burnout.
Bottom line: Tuition isn’t a cure-all. Used sparingly—targeting precise weaknesses—it can plug learning holes. Otherwise, quality teaching and disciplined self-study often do the trick.
