FAQ – General
What are the benefits of learning online? Won’t the student be missing out from face to face interaction?
- Learning online allows for a degree of convenience both from being able to access class material and ask questions anytime, from anywhere.
- Follow up can be done online instead of having to wait a whole week.
- All assignments will be done in Google Classroom, allowing for more accurate marking and feedback, and students will be instructed on how to scan their school notes or tests for the tutor to view where necessary.
- As a parent, a lot of time is freed up from not having to transport your child back and forth from a tuition centre.
- There is also peace of mind from not needing to worry about interaction with other sick children in the tuition centre.
How is Curio different from other tuition centres?
- Curio wants students to leave as soon as possible.
- We teach students to be independent learners and thinkers, showing them that they don’t always need external help in order to perform.
- Learning how to study independently and still perform without using tuition as a crutch will free up students’ time to focus on family and other pursuits.
FAQ – Classes
Can I do a trial lesson?
- Yes we offer paid trial lessons at a discount.
- As we are highly trained professionals, we are 100% confident about providing value to our students in every lesson.
- We recommend that you stick around for at least a month in order to get used to the coach, lessons and flow of the Sapience method.
Can I just ask a teacher questions and not do the video calls?
- Yes! Our ‘Independent’ package (fees: $389 per month) allows for students to just whatsapp a Curio Coach, practice and hand in assignments, which will be marked and returned to them with comprehensive feedback.
- These packages are geared towards the self-motivated learners who are already doing well or who do not have time for classes, and who will benefit greatly from just a little extra practice!
Do you do 1 to 1 coaching? What are the benefits of group coaching?
- At the moment, Curio does not do 1 to 1 coaching.
- Group coaching allows for students to learn from each others’ strengths and weaknesses, and the interaction is particularly healthy when an expert Curio coach directs a discussion.
How soon can a Curio coach answer a question? What if it’s urgent?
- Questions will be addressed within 24 hours after they are posed.
Can I do video-calls from anywhere? What software will you be using?
- You can do video-calls from anywhere, but you need to ensure that background noise is at a minimum, and that you can learn uninterrupted.
- Your study room or desk at home would be ideal.
- We will be using Google Classroom, Google Meet and Zoom with appropriate password protected security protocols in place.
What happens during the complimentary initial consultation?
- A Curio Coach will arrange for a video call with the student, or both parent and student.
- During this call parents can view the coach’s credentials as well as ask any questions they might have about classes.
- Students can scan in their latest exam or test paper and email it to the coach, who will then provide analysis and ask questions to determine how to personalise study notes for the student, and design his/her learning journey for success with Curio.
- This session might take anywhere between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on the number of questions both parties might have.
Can I join a Curio coaching group with only students from my school?
- Yes of course, we have a ‘same school’ option for students who want this.
- This is beneficial if your assignments are project based or unique to your school.
- Curio coaches are trained to adapt lessons based on the learning requirements of each group and will be able to coach exclusively for a project or unique, school specific weighted assessment if necessary.
FAQ – Curio Coaches
How do I know if my Curio coach is legitimate?
- Curio was started and is run by a fully trained Singapore NIE teacher with over 20 years of experience in education.
- Only close contacts or highly recommended teachers (both ex and present) will be teaching at Curio, fully screened and trained to teach effectively online.
- All education certificates will be presented upon request during the first video consultation after sign up.
What qualifications do your teachers have?
- PGDE from the National Institute of Education, Singapore
- Ex-MOE teachers from top schools
- Bachelors or Masters Degrees.
What teaching methods do you use to help students learn better?
- We use adaptive learning, problem based learning, collaborative learning, gamification, inquiry based learning and direct instruction, to name a few.
- Our highly qualified teachers will adjust their instructional methods based on the students’ strengths and their rapport.
FAQ – Fees
What are Curio’s Fees per term?
- P5 and P6 Creative Writing: $495 per term
- Sec 1 to Sec 4 G3/Express English Essay Writing: $540 per term
- Sec 1 to Sec 4 G3/Express English: $600 per term
- IP Year 1 to Year 4 English (mix of schools): $720 per term
- IP Year 1 to Year 4 English/LA (same school): $1305 per term
- JC1 and JC2 General Paper: $1305 per term
- JC1 and JC2 Literature (same books): $1305 per term
How many lessons are there per term?
- There are 12 lessons in a term.
- The term schedule can be viewed here
Are there any additional fees?
- No, we do not charge registration fees, material fees or GST
What are the methods to make course fee payment?
- You can choose to pay via bank transfer. Please use the details below:
- PAYNOW via QR Code is the easiest and our preferred method. Use the QR Code below and indicate the student’s name or invoice number in the reference section.
Are there any discounts?
- Yes. 4 lessons are free for each student if you sign up with a sibling/friend.