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Frequently Asked Questions
General
I recommend either a teacher who tutors privately or one who works at a centre with not more than 10 teachers in total so that you can be better assured of quality control. Tuition / enrichment is a significant investment not just in terms of cost but also in terms of time so it is wise to choose prudently.
You may want to ask a prospective teacher the following questions:
• How many years have you been teaching this subject full-time?
• How many students have you taught in total?
• Why did you choose to teach?
• What is your teaching style?
• Do you personally keep parents updated on their child’s progress?
• Can I contact you directly if I have questions?
• [If a teacher is fairly new – less than 3 years teaching the subject on a full-time basis] How many hours of training have you undergone in total? What are your trainers’ qualifications?
If it is an enrichment centre, you may want to check the following:
• Can you guarantee that my child will have the same teacher for at least 1 year? (This is vital for exam years, e.g. if your child is taking the O-Level exams.)
• Is your teacher attrition rate high?
• What is the maximum number of students allowed in a class (inclusive of replacement students)?
• Can I speak with the teacher who will be taking care of my child before deciding whether or not to register?
If you are not able to get satisfactory answers, you might want to invest in your child’s future elsewhere. You deserve to work with a teacher who imbues confidence in you and your child.
I do not foresee Owl Academy moving to a physical space in the near future.
Why online lessons?
• Convenience, Convenience, Convenience
• With online lessons, students and parents do not waste time on travel which means more time to spend with the family and to rest, especially after evening lessons.
• Hybrid lessons are really not ideal. Teachers wind up teaching 2 separate groups simultaneously.
• Online lessons are effective.
My experiences teaching online for an extended length of time have convinced me that online lessons work to not just benefit students academically, but non-academically as well. With higher student engagement, students are more focused during lessons and realise their inputs are cherished by their teachers and peers. This leads to better academic and social-emotional outcomes. The virtual platform is a powerful tool teachers can wield to reach out to students of diverse dispositions and ability levels. I believe that online lessons are the way forward for learners in many areas of learning.
How do online lessons impact teacher-student relationships? Read this article (https://www.owlacademy.com.sg/post/how-do-online-lessons-impact-teacher-student-relationships)to find out.
* For online lessons, I recommend a max class size of 8 students.
* The caveat is that students with learning differences (e.g. ADHD) in the moderate to severe range work better in a physical classroom setting unless closely supervised by someone who is physically present with them.
In a dedicated virtual classroom, I am able to integrate all the students and they can truly interact, such that when one student speaks, everyone else listens. To create the best experience, I use quality video and audio equipment. I deliver lessons with a high level of energy and adjust the pace to suit my students to keep them engaged. I call on students often and ask for oral responses to ensure that they stay focused.
I have specially designed the curriculum to encourage a significant amount of reflection in students. I want them to share their ideas and opinions with their classmates and me. Through discussions centred on oral exchanges, I groom my students to be confident and persuasive speakers.
* Students who do not have access to a microphone are still expected to participate actively in discussions via the chat function. I might also ask that they email me a phone recording of their oral responses.
• Zoom – Download it for free here.(https://zoom.us/download)
• Worksheets – The .pdf format will be e-mailed to students (at least 1 day before).
• Stationery – 2 pens (different colours), 2 highlighters (different colours), foolscap
Highly recommended but not compulsory:
• Print the worksheets – much easier for your child to take notes.
• Have a webcam turned on for the duration of the lesson – easier for me to monitor your child’s progress.
• Have a functional microphone – increases interaction and engagement.
* Students should prepare stationery beforehand and put away any distractions.
* It is highly recommended that students fully utilise their webcams and microphones to keep sessions interactive.
Owl Academy's lessons are designed for students who take English at the G3 level. However, exceptions may be made for those taking English at the G2 level based on my assessment of suitability (in terms of both learning aptitude and attitude), with the view of guiding them in their progress to take English at the G3 level.
If you would like to find out more, please reach out to me at owl.acad@gmail.com.(owl.acad@gmail.com)
Students may arrange for 2 replacement lessons each term (subject to availability).
If a replacement lesson is unavailable, students can watch a recording of the lesson(s) missed.
Fees will not be refunded in such a circumstance, but my students are always free to reach out to me to clarify any questions they might have after watching the recording. My students' progress matters a lot to me, so I am happy to help them!
2026 ACADEMIC YEAR (Sec 1 - 4)
• TERM 1 | 31 Dec 2025 (Wed) to 24 Mar 2026 (Tue) — 12 weeks (Sec 2 to 4)
• TERM 1 | 7 Jan 2026 (Wed) to 24 Mar 2026 (Tue) — 11 weeks (Sec 1 )
• TERM 2 | 25 Mar 2026 (Wed) to 16 Jun 2026 (Tue) — 12 weeks
<<< 1-week break from 17 to 23 Jun 2026 >>>
• TERM 3 | 24 Jun 2026 (Wed) to 22 Sep 2026 (Tue) — 13 weeks
• TERM 4 | 23 Sep 2026 (Wed) to 15 Dec 2026 (Tue) — 12 weeks
<<< 2-week break from 16 Dec to 29 Dec 2026 >>>
* IMPORTANT * The cut-off date for Sec 4 enrolments is 30 Jun every year.
* The 2027 academic year will begin on 30 Dec 2026.
Each weekly lesson is $120 for 2 hours.
The class size is kept small (max = 8 students) so each student is more closely guided on their journey to success!
Fees are paid termly.
* Students who join in the middle of a term will be charged a prorated amount.
Payment modes: PayNow / bank transfer
You may register your child for a class here.(https://form.jotform.com/211442873146454)
IMPORTANT:
There are no mid-term withdrawals. Withdrawals only take effect at the end of the term and unattended lessons will not be refunded.
STUDENT REFERRAL BONUS
If you or your child refers a student who goes on to enrol for at least 1 full term, your child is entitled to a one-off rebate for the next term's fees.
Each student referred = $50 rebate
For example, if you refer 5 students, you are entitled to a $250 rebate for your child's next term's fees.
FAMILY BONUS
If you enrol more than 1 child, your 2nd child onwards is entitled to a one-off rebate for the next term's fees.
2nd child = $50 rebate
3rd child onwards = $100 rebate
No, not at the moment but I may consider opening IP classes if there is sufficient demand. Please drop me an email (mailto:owl.acad@gmail.com)if you are keen and I’ll add your child to the waitlist.
Do you have experience teaching IP students?
Yes, I began teaching IP students in 2004 when the programme was first introduced by the Ministry of Education (MOE).
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