PROGRAMMES

Upper Sec O Level Singapore

Upper Sec O Level English – Copy

Our Upper Secondary ‘O’ Level Programme raises the bar for our students by moving towards a more targeted approach to the ‘O’ level examination. We break down the various papers into the more specific components, and tackle each one, providing our students with an ‘all-round’ curriculum coverage.

AWS strives to help our students be the best they can be. Whether it is achieving an A1 or B3, we believe making progress is the key to helping our students gain the confidence to be who they strive to be.

How is secondary school English different from PSLE English?

Less narrative writing and more personal recounts are required for essay writing
Introduction of expository and argumentative writing
Comprehension passages contain various text types
Content knowledge of some social and current affairs is needed

The AWS Curriculum provides

Frequent practice on editing (worth 10m) for Paper 1
Introduction to expository writing with structured paragraphs
Teaching of specific content and examples on frequently tested essay writing topics
Essay topical content notes and essay outlines
Regular mock tests to give students a gauge of their progress
Whatsapp class chat group for students to post their ‘urgent’ queries

WHAT AN UPPER SEC ‘O’ LEVEL STUDENT GETS EACH WEEK

What is included	How it works
A weekly two-hour lesson	Taught at the Winstedt Road centre. The week cycle starts on a Monday, across four terms of eleven lessons a year
Paper 1 essay work with topical content	Topical content ideas and sample essays for the questions set most often, so a student has material to argue with and not only a structure
Editing and grammar practice	Frequent practice on the editing component, which carries ten marks in Paper 1, with grammar rules taught in short focused blocks
Paper 2 comprehension frameworks	Guided frameworks for Comprehension A, B and C, plus summary practice aimed specifically at securing the content marks
Paper 4 oral preparation	Dedicated lessons on a component the centre describes as having changed dramatically — students are tested individually in a formal setting and need a view on current and social issues
Mock tests under timed conditions	Timely simulated examinations run to time, so a Secondary 4 student meets the pressure of the paper before the paper meets them
A WhatsApp class chat group	Students post urgent queries between lessons and reach their tutor directly, rather than waiting for the next class
Targeted workshops	Workshops on identified problem areas: common written errors, grammar and syntax, plus Literature workshops for students taking Literature

How does AWS prepare students for the ‘O’ level examination?

1. All-round curriculum coverage

Paper 1 (Essay): Topical content ideas given for essay writing & sample essays provided to give students a model to imitate. This helps to give them an idea of what is expected.

Paper 2 (Comprehension):

Specific, focussed teaching on Comprehension Text Types: We have guided frameworks to tackle Compre A, B and C.
Summary practice – specific ways to get more content marks

Paper 4 (Oral):

Dedicated lessons for the Oral component which has changed dramatically and is much more challenging today. Students are required to have some knowledge of current and social issues.
Individual testing of the oral component to give our students more practice in more formal settings when discussing these social issues.

2. Timely simulated exams

Regular mock tests to help students gauge their progress and cover the gaps to improve.

3. Consultation: always approachable & available

At AWS, we go by the belief that as tutors, we are here to serve the needs of our students who have entrusted their academic goals to us. Our tutors strive to be approachable and available because we recognise that not every concern can be addressed during the limited class time we have.

Our tutors are in close contact with the students, with a Whatsapp class chat group so that anyone can easily post a question or ask their tutors directly.

5. Targeted Workshops

AWS holds workshops to target ‘problem areas’ that students have, or Literature workshops to give students taking Literature at lower secondary an added advantage.

We conduct specific language workshops that help correct common language errors in writing and teach students the rudiments of grammar and syntax.

THE ‘O’ LEVEL ENGLISH PAPERS — AND WHAT HAPPENS IN CLASS

‘O’ Level English is examined across four papers, and a Secondary 4 student is marked on all of them — including a listening paper this page currently does not mention.

The paper	What happens in the AWS lesson
Paper 1 — Writing Editing, worth ten marks, then a choice of continuous writing tasks including expository and argumentative essays	Frequent editing practice with grammar taught in short focused blocks, alongside topical content ideas and sample essays for the questions set most often
Paper 2 — Comprehension Sections A, B and C, with summary writing carrying content and language marks	Guided frameworks for each of Comprehension A, B and C, plus summary practice aimed specifically at securing the content marks
Paper 3 — Listening Comprehension A separately examined paper carrying its own marks toward the final grade	Not described anywhere on this page today. Either the component is covered in class and the page fails to say so, or it is not covered and the page should say that too — see the flag below
Paper 4 — Oral Communication Individual testing in a formal setting, on a component the centre describes as having changed dramatically, expecting a view on current and social issues	Dedicated oral lessons, with current and social affairs folded into ordinary lessons so students have something to say when the stimulus appears

PROGRAMME DETAILS

Regular English Lessons

Lesson Duration: 2 hours

A focus on helping your child to build confidence in reading, writing and speaking helps your child enjoy all aspects of learning with a safe space to ask questions and explore interests.

View Timetable
View Fees

Interested in our Secondary classes? Contact us.

Meet The Teachers

MR AIMAN FADHIL

MS ANGELA CHAN

MS EVELYN SEE

MS JOEY CHIEW

MS JUSTINE CHIN

MS MELISSA EU

testimonials

Chloe Ooi

parent of P5 SCGS (bootcamp attendee)

Short and concise introduction to composition writing with important tips given along the way. Many humourous moments which reinvorce learning unwittingly. A thoroughly enjoyable sessions with kids begging for more thereafter!

Lee Wen Kym

Nanyang Girls' High School & HCI (College)

Ms Lala is an excellent LA & GP teacher. Prior to joining AWS, I struggled to achieve an A2 in Language Arts. However, since I have had the privilege of being taught by Ms Lala I have achieved A1 comfortably and consistently throughout my 4IP year. What is most remarkable about Ms Lala is that she goes a step further, to help students who need to clarify any doubts they may have and is able to provide clear explanations. Ms Lala is a caring and compassionate teacher who is enthusiastic during lessons and constantly adapts her lessons to fit students’ needs. I am extremely appreciative of the support that AWS has provided, and more grateful still to have a teacher as experienced, professional and nurturing as Ms Lala.

Nicole Tham

Parent

For me, language has always been something very hard to teach. Ms Eu however is able to turn this subject that is boring to many children into lessons that are both interesting and challenging (in particular for my son who is both weak and disinterested in languages). What impresses me most about AWS’ teachers is their passion and love for the students, frequently spending extra hours beyond the usual lessons to ensure that the kids understand their topics and to help them develop holistically. This is admirable because not many schools go beyond the books and lessons to mentor the children. My children are very blessed to have such teachers and I am very thankful.

Alison Wong

HCI cohort 2018

Ms See is a teacher who not only made GP much less daunting, but also made learning about current affairs and the world around us interesting and exciting. She is a very caring teacher as well. She was always willing to take time out to go through any content that we were unclear about and to help us to improve on our different skills. I looked forward to her lessons every week as I knew that I would learn a lot, while having a very good time! Ms See is someone who became not just a tutor but also a friend .

Harisankar Nambi

2023 A level Cohort; Joined in 2022 'B' Grade for GP 2023

Ms See is a great and approachable teacher whom I’m very comfortable to confide in when I have questions. She provides vivid examples whilst answering the question to enhance my ability to comprehend. Even when it is time consuming, Ms See takes the time to ensure that my question is answered properly. She also takes the initiative to keep us all up to date with the recent developments around the world which is very insightful and helpful as they are all very useful GP examples. There is someone to explain world politics to me! Her lessons are highly enriching and very informative for everyone. I’m glad to have picked Ms See to help me with my GP for A levels.

Jareath Tan

2023 A level Cohort; joined in 2022 'A' Grade for GP 2023

The GP lessons at AWS were structured in a helpful way because we are taught how to answer specific questions and understand the different question types. There are content notes and skill based tutorials to help me practise the application of ideas. I understood how to approach GP, which often tends to be difficult because there is no one textbook or set of notes to rely on. Finally, I personally feel that the tuition has improved my ability to answer the essay questions properly.

Augustine Chia

HCI Cohort 2016

Ms See is a very humourous teacher who never fails to lift the spirits of her students up with her witty remarks. Her lessons are extremely insightful and enjoyable where she always brings up the latest news from around the world to discuss with us. It is through her effective lessons that i am able to beef up my content knowledge and broaden my perspectives towards many world issues. I am extremely thankful to Ms See for so approachable and willing to sacrifice her spare time in order to answer my queries and guide me through my mistakes in my exam papers. I always look forward to attend her lessons and will highly recommend anyone who is struggling with GP to sign up for her classes.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How does The Academic Workshop prepare a Secondary 4 student for ‘O’ Level English?

Across the papers, not across a topic list. Paper 1 is prepared through editing practice worth ten marks and through topical content ideas and sample essays for the questions set most often. Paper 2 is prepared through guided frameworks for Comprehension A, B and C and summary practice aimed at the content marks. Paper 4, the oral, gets dedicated lessons because the component has changed dramatically and now tests students individually in a formal setting, expecting a view on current and social issues. Timely simulated examinations run under exam conditions, and targeted workshops address identified problem areas.

What is covered in an Upper Sec ‘O’ Level English lesson at The Academic Workshop?

The weekly two-hour lesson at 10 Winstedt Road moves between the papers rather than treating them separately. A typical cycle combines editing and grammar work, essay planning against a topical content bank, comprehension taught question type by question type, and summary practice for content marks. Oral preparation runs alongside, with current and social affairs folded into ordinary lessons so students build the general knowledge the conversation depends on. Language workshops on common written errors, grammar and syntax run in addition, as do Literature workshops for students taking Literature.

How much does Upper Sec ‘O’ Level English tuition cost in Singapore at The Academic Workshop?

Secondary 4 ‘O’ Level lessons are $85 each, excluding GST, billed across four terms of eleven lessons a year; Secondary 1 to Secondary 3 is $75 a lesson. AWS is GST registered and GST is charged at 9% as required by state law; the GST portion of any fee is not refundable because it has already been paid to the State. New students also pay a refundable $50 deposit, a $50 registration fee ($54.50 with GST) which also applies to students rejoining after more than three months, and a $150 material fee ($163.50 with GST), pro-rated according to the term a student joins. The trial lesson is free.

How long is an Upper Sec ‘O’ Level English lesson, and what happens if my child misses one?

Each lesson runs two hours, once a week, and the week cycle starts on a Monday. In 2026 Term 1 runs 29 December 2025 to 29 March 2026, Term 2 from 23 March to 7 June, Term 3 from 15 June to 6 September and Term 4 from 7 September to 29 November, with the December break to 27 December and classes resuming on 28 December. A student who cannot attend their usual slot may attend another physical class in the same week, provided the Admin or teacher is told first so the class is not over-filled, or sign up for a workshop held during the school holidays. There is also an online Replacement Class at the end of each term cycle. No refund is given for a missed lesson, but the notes and materials covered are supplied.

Is it too late to start English tuition in Secondary 4?

No, and the shape of the programme is built for students who arrive late. Editing, summary and comprehension frameworks are mark-bearing techniques that can be taught quickly and applied immediately, which is why they are worked on every term rather than saved for revision. The oral is the component most often left until the final months, and it is the one this programme gives dedicated lessons to throughout the year. Timely simulated examinations identify where a student is actually losing marks, andn targeted workshops then address those specific problem areas rather than repeating the whole syllabus.

How do I start Upper Sec ‘O’ Level English tuition at The Academic Workshop?

With a free trial lesson, booked here. The trial lets a student experience the teaching style, the class structure and the learning environment first-hand before any commitment, at no charge and with no obligation to enrol. Lessons are held at 10 Winstedt Road, #01-01, Singapore 227977, and the centre can be reached on 6733 5447 or on WhatsApp at 9725 2494. Bring the most recent marked English paper if there is one, so the teacher can say which paper the marks are going on before the first lesson rather than after it.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What happens if I am unable to make it for a lesson during the week?

Make up the lesson during the week.
Students who are unable to make the lesson during that week, but are able to attend another lesson time slot may do so for that week. Students should inform the Admin or teacher to ensure there is sufficient vacancy in the class. Students should not turn up without informing the Admin or Teacher as the class could be full.

End of Term Replacement Class (RC) — Online

Students could also sign up for the regular replacement class held online at the end of the term cycle. This is meant for students who missed their regular lessons, and would like to make up the lesson hours.

The RC is not a direct replacement for the weekly lesson but would be a stand-alone lesson on its own. Students should approach their tutor to obtain the necessary notes or material for the lesson they missed.

How to attend the RC?

You can either call the centre to find out the next RC dates and inform the Admin, or wait for the announcement by your tutor or the Admin for the RC sign up. Sign up to indicate you would be attending and a Zoom Link and the necessary handouts would be sent to you.

Does AWS charge GST?

AWS is GST registered. GST is charged as required by state law at 9%.
Any refunds given for fees for any purpose is based on fee charges only. As GST is paid upon fee payment and payable to the State, AWS is not able to refund the GST portion.

What are the course fees?

AWS FEES 2026

Secondary and JC Level

Level	Fees per Lesson
Sec 1 O Levels – Sec 3 O Levels	$75 (not inclusive of GST)
Sec 4 O Levels	$85 (not inclusive of GST)
Sec 1 – 3 IP	$80 (not inclusive of GST)
Sec 4 IP	$85 (not inclusive of GST)
JC 1	$80 (not inclusive of GST)
JC 2	$85 (not inclusive of GST)

Additional Fees

Deposit: A refundable deposit of $50 (without GST) is
payable for each new student. This deposit is refundable upon withdrawal.
A withdrawal is not allowed during the term as no refunds will be given for
lessons paid at the start of the term.
Registration Fee: A non-refundable registration fee of $50
($54.50 w/ GST) is payable for new registrations or students who are
rejoining the centre after more than a 3–month hiatus.
Material Fee: A non-refundable material fee of $150
($163.50 w/ GST) is payable at the start of the year. This fee is
non-refundable
should students withdraw at any time of the year. The fee will be pro-rated
according to the terms when students join the centre.

Are there term breaks during the academic year?

Are there term breaks during the academic year?
There are scheduled term breaks at AWS. However, this may be subject to some changes for some levels, due to the
different exam schedules.

AWS Term Break 2026
Secondary School

TERM SCHEDULE 2026	BREAK WEEKS
Term 1: 29 Dec 2025 – 29 March 2026 (11 lessons)	16 Feb 2026 – 22 Feb 2026
Term 2: 23 March 2026 – 7 June 2026 (11 lessons)	8 June 2026 – 14 June 2026
Term 3: 15 June 2026 – 6 Sept 2026 (11 lessons)	3 August 2026 – 9 August 2026
Term 4: 7 Sept 2026 – 29 Nov2026 (11 lessons)	3 August 2026 – 9 August 2026
Dec Break 30 Nov – 27 Dec 2026	Classes to resume Dec 28 2026

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long is each lesson?

2 Hours

What will you cover in each lesson?

We cover components of paper 1 and paper 2, such as grammar MCQ, vocab MCQ, synthesis and transformation and comprehension open-ended.

When does the week cycle start?

Monday

How do I do replacement classes?

The student may attend another physical class in the same week or attend a workshop that will be held during the school holidays.

Do I get refunds if I miss classes?

No refunds will be provided for classes missed but notes or materials covered will be supplied. Students are encouraged to make up within the week or in our holiday workshops.

Will mock exams be conducted for students?

Yes, we will conduct mock exams to simulate exam conditions for the students. We typically conduct mock exams once a term for Terms 1-3.

How often will the oral component be covered?

We cover the oral component every 3 weeks.

JOIN US FOR A TRIAL LESSON

We believe that a trial lesson will let students experience our teaching style, class structure, and learning environment firsthand. It helps students see if the approach suits their needs and learning preferences. More importantly, the trial lesson is free of charge, so both students and parents can make an informed decision with confidence.