school

How to Handle DSA Interviews

Rebecca Samuel · April 6, 2023 · Leave a Comment

"The Direct School Admission scheme for secondary schools in Singapore allows students to apply to specific schools before taking the PSLE."

Has your DSA Interview been scheduled? Or are you still figuring out whether DSA is something your child should consider? Read on to understand more about the DSA process and for interview tips!

The Direct School Admission scheme for secondary schools in Singapore allows students to apply to specific schools before taking the PSLE.

Students apply based on their talent in sports, CCAs and specific academic areas. These areas include:

Sports and games
Visual, literary and performing arts
Debate and public speaking
Science, mathematics and engineering
Languages and humanities
Uniformed groups
Leadership (for example, prefects)

Preparing for the DSA Application Process:

1. Research

Research and read up about the school that you and your child are interested in. Focus also on the talent that your child plans to use to apply and most importantly, discuss everything with your child. If they are not truly interested or feeling forced/stressed out about this choice, it will show in the interview. Some parents also over-prepare and this can be unhealthy if it stresses your child out unnecessarily. Memorised answers and parrot-like responses don’t do well at interviews, while real interest and knowledge about a topic will always be evident.

2. Prepare for a Variety of Questions

Typical questions would include: 1. Why should the school pick you? 2. Describe some of your interests and passions. 3. What are some personal qualities that make you unique? 4. Why did you pick this school? 5. What do you hope to do with your talent in the future?

However, also prepare your child for more introspective questions like: 1. If you were playing opposite your best friend and they asked you to lose on purpose, what would you do? 2. If you made a huge mistake while performing on stage how would you handle it? 3. If you had to pick one scientist/mathematician/famous person to have dinner with, who would you pick? 4. If you are the captain of your team and you are losing the game, what strategy would you use to try and win?

3. Get Students to Discuss Topics with Other Adults

At the end of the day, the interviews are a 2 way conversation and not a speech. If your child can speak naturally with other adults in their lives – uncles, aunts, tutors, friends – get them to have conversations with them about their personality and interests to develop confidence, so that they get used to speaking about themselves candidly and sincerely.

At the end of the day, schools are looking for students who have and can display genuine interest in the talent that they are using for the application, as well as personable students who are genuinely interested in joining the school.

Is It Safe for Teenagers to Consume Caffeine?

Nadya Sharfina · April 6, 2023 · Leave a Comment

"Caffeine consumption in teenagers has been linked to sleep disruptions, impaired school performance and social issues."

Many teenagers consume coffee to get through the rigour of school, extra-curricular activities, tuition and revision, but they may want to reconsider. Coffee can be hazardous to a teenager’s health and development, especially when over consumed. Caffeine consumption in teenagers has been linked to sleep disruptions, impaired school performance and social issues. It can also increase stress levels and lead to physical health problems such as obesity and insulin resistance.

Sugar is a major reason why some beverages are unhealthy, but caffeine should not be missed. We have explored why it is not safe or healthy for teenagers to consume caffeine from coffee or energy drinks, and what parents could do instead.

The Hazards of Caffeine Consumption

Caffeine is a stimulant and can have a powerful effect on the body, making teenagers feel more alert and energetic. This may seem like a good thing, but it could lead to physical and mental health problems down the line.

The overconsumption of coffee can cause a wide range of physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms. These may include:

Headaches
Nausea
Vomiting
Irritability
Tremors or shakes

Difficulty concentrating and focusing
Increased heart rate and blood pressure

Convulsions or seizures
Mood swings
Impulsivity.
Dehydration due to frequent urination

Caffeine is known to reduce the quality of deep sleep during the night which could lead to chronic sleep deprivation. This disruption affects children’s cognitive functioning and emotional regulation in addition to their physical growth. Studies have linked the overconsumption of coffee in children to anxiety and depression due to its impact on sleep.

The Dangers of Sugary Drinks

Any caffeinated beverages marketed to kids come loaded with sugar. This makes them even more hazardous than coffee alone because consuming too much sugar can lead to serious health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Parents should be aware of the sugar content in caffeinated drinks their children consume and try to limit their sugar intake as much as possible.

It is also crucial for parents to remember that energy drinks can be hazardous because they often contain more caffeine than coffee, plus large amounts of sugar. Not only does this combination provide an extra-strong boost of energy, it can also put kids at risk for serious health consequences if consumed in excess. For these reasons, parents should discourage their children from drinking energy drinks and give them options for healthier alternatives instead.

Alternatives to Coffee

If you want to give your kids a boost of energy without relying on caffeine, there are other alternatives you can explore. To keep your kids energised and healthy, you can offer them natural sources of caffeine such as:

Herbal teas. Peppermint and chamomile have calming effects, while green tea is packed with antioxidants that can help boost energy levels naturally.
Hot Chocolate: Hot chocolate made from cocoa powder is a delicious alternative to coffee. Cocoa beans have caffeine, and a large cup of hot cocoa has as much as 25mg of it.

Non-caffeinated beverages which you could try include:

Smoothies
Fruit juices

Kombucha
Coconut Water

Kefir
Lemon water

These contain many natural sugars that can provide energy without relying on caffeine, sugar-filled sodas, and energy drinks. Of course, it is still important to watch out for added sugars in these beverages and ensure they don’t exceed their daily recommended limit. Otherwise, these are healthier choices than caffeinated products.

Educating Your Kids About Healthy Choices

It is important to educate your children on the importance of making healthy choices when it comes to their diet. Parents should begin by teaching their kids the effects that caffeine can have on their bodies and the risks associated with consuming too much.

Monitoring how many times per week they consume coffee is a good way to make sure kids don’t suffer from any of the health risks. Talk to a nutritionist if you need help understanding the best diet for your kids. Read 6 Tips for Your Kids to Have a Healthy School Year and Smart Food Choices for Kids’ During Exams.

Parents can also model positive behaviour by avoiding sugary drinks and setting an example for their children to follow. By taking the time to educate our children and set a positive example, you will be helping to ensure that your kids lead healthy lives.

How to Get Your Kids Excited About the New School Year

Nadya Sharfina · April 6, 2023 · Leave a Comment

"The new school year is a great time for parents to help their children get off on the right foot."

The start of the school year brings mixed emotions for children and parents alike. For kids, it means saying goodbye to holidays spent playing with friends and embracing the structure that comes with returning to class. They are eager to return, but also concerned about their health and school safety and the outbreak’s impact on their academic progress. For parents, it is a time to prepare their children for success in the coming months, from organising study schedules to arranging for tuition and enrichment classes.

Parents want to give their children the best start possible in school. They want their children to be excited and ready to learn and grow. Here are some tips on ensuring your child has a positive outlook about starting their new school year and being motivated to succeed!

Get Your Child on a Sleep Schedule

Holiday season often means later bedtimes and unstructured days with plenty of opportunities to form unhealthy habits. All that has to change when school is starting. Sleep is important for concentration and memory, it can also help your child’s mood. Your child should get at least 7-9 hours of sleep if they are between 13 and 18 years old and 8-11 hours of sleep if they are younger. Begin their new sleep routine a week or two before school starts to adjust not only their sleep schedule mentally but physically as well. Their body’s internal clock needs to be reset so that they can wake up early for school feeling refreshed.

Create a Morning Routine

Establishing a routine takes time, but it can help your child adjust back to the school year. Help them set an alarm clock, practice getting dressed on their own, and make sure they eat breakfast. Doing this every day will eventually become second nature for your children and help them transition into their new school schedule.

Pack Necessary School Supplies

A few days before school starts, make a list of items your child will need to bring with them. Stock up on pencils and notebooks that they will use throughout the year. If there are any special items that their primary school or secondary school requires, make sure to add them to the list too. Items like calculators for older children, protractors, and rulers are essential for an efficient school year.

Talk About Exciting Aspects of School

With the right attitude, a school can be an exciting place to learn and grow. Help your child focus on the positive aspects of going back to school such as seeing their friends, making new ones, and learning new things. You can also talk about expectations for the upcoming year, like academic goals or extra-curricular activities they would like to join.

Discuss What Your Child Will Be Learning

Talking about exciting topics and activities that can be explored in school can get your child excited about the new school year. Make sure they know their upcoming syllabus, what is being taught in each subject, and how it relates to the real world. Even discussing the career paths associated with specific subjects can get your child interested and motivated to learn.

Set Goals Together for the Upcoming Year

Goals can be a great motivation for your child, so sit down and talk about what they would like to accomplish in the upcoming school year. These could include academic goals such as improving their grades, joining clubs, and volunteering. You can also set goals with them that have nothing to do with school, such as spending more quality time together.

Find Time to Bond with Your Child

School can be a stressful and busy time, so make sure you find the time to bond with your child even if it is just 20 minutes after school. Talk about their day and what they learned, ask them how they are feeling, or engage in fun activities with them. This is a great way to keep your child engaged and motivated to learn new things.

Celebrate Their Successes Throughout the Year

Make sure to celebrate your child’s successes throughout the school year. Whether it is getting 100% on a spelling test or acing their science project, praise your child and let them know they are doing great. A positive attitude will go a long way in helping your child stay motivated and excited about learning.

Check-in with Your Kids Regularly

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Keep in touch with your child’s teacher to ensure that your child is on track and making progress. This also helps you to stay updated on any changes or updates involving their classes and/or school life. Check-in with your children regularly and ask them how they are doing, what they are learning, and if there is anything you can do to help.

Encourage Healthy Habits

Healthy habits such as getting regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep will help your child focus in school. Encourage them to stay organised and take study breaks when needed. Helping them learn good time management skills can also be beneficial, especially in high school where they may have multiple assignments due on the same day.

By following these tips, you can make sure your child is set up for success in the upcoming school year. With a positive attitude and plenty of support from parents, children can get excited and motivated to start their school year!

How to Find Your Motivation: The What and the How

Rebecca Samuel · April 5, 2023 · Leave a Comment

"Everyone is used to hearing maxims like “Stay Motivated!” or “Persevere! You can do it!” but no one tells us HOW."

Whether you have had to live through trying to motivate yourself through the ups and downs of the school year in 2020 or whether you struggle with motivation anyway, this article is for you. Everyone is used to hearing maxims like “Stay Motivated!” or “Persevere! You can do it!” but no one tells us HOW. So, we stumble along, try this and that. Truth is, there is a method to motivation, and the key to getting there is understanding the WHAT. What is Motivation?

The What

Educational psychologists espouse two main types of motivation, namely intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation. Ever become so engrossed in learning or doing something that you forgot to eat and didn’t even notice several hours slip by? Intrinsic motivation shows up when we have such an intense, genuine interest in the topic or subject that learning itself becomes a pleasure, and an all absorbing activity. Extrinsic motivation is when we have an external reward at the outcome of our learning. Good grades or a reward from parents for doing well are classic examples of extrinsic motivation.

Intrinsic motivation is of course, highly desired by us all, and it has been linked clearly with higher levels of academic achievement and better mental health. It’s impossible for us however, to conjure up intrinsic motivation whenever we feel like it. Calculus can’t always be done in a burst of inspiration, and neither can that history essay on World War II.

Some people use a mixture of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation to push themselves. Enjoying the study of Shakespeare will be so much better with an A1 to show for it. Using a mixture of the two types of motivation is probably the best way for most students to push themselves and move forward.

The How: Intrinsic Motivation

Find a place where you study best, be it a cafe, your kitchen table or the school library, and stick to the few places where you feel both comfortable and undistracted.
Decide an order in which you will tackle your homework or study plan, whether it’s starting with the hardest bits first or the other way around, but have a plan.
Adults, nag less and praise more. praise creates intrinsic motivation when it’s heartfelt and celebrates effort (e.g. “you worked really hard,” vs. “you’re so clever”) and communicates encouragement, not pressure (e.g. “you’re doing really well, keep it up” vs. “you’re doing really well, just like I asked you to”)

The How: Extrinsic Motivation

They can be really really small rewards, but very useful. 45 minutes of studying followed by say, a bubble tea or 10 minutes of TikTok or a 15 minute power nap. Even ticking off a to-do list can provide a sense of accomplishment. Make sure it’s at least somewhat healthy or enjoyable without destroying your rhythm and focus, then get right back to studying.
Study in intervals and figure out the best combination for you. It can be 25 minutes of study followed by a 5 minute break or 75 minutes study followed by a 15 minute break. You do you.
Adults, talk to kids about their extrinsic motivations and then give them a little boost along the way, whether it’s hugs or Hawaiian pizza.

There are incredibly creative ways to keep your motivation going, and they do indeed carry on into adulthood and work life. Try different ways until you figure out what works best for you. Importantly, don’t kick yourself when you’re down. Everyone has bad days when they feel like they can’t get anything done. Move on to the next day, and try, try, try again.

How Should I Choose My Subject Combination?

Rebecca Samuel · April 5, 2023 · Leave a Comment

"Success and Happiness are choices, not destinations, and the subject combination you pick will not ultimately decide your fate."

We should play a game here. Two Lies One Truth, figure out which statement is true.

Statement 1: The subject combination I pick will determine the course of the rest of my life.

Statement 2: Following my interests will be my best bet.

Statement 3: The ‘triple science’ combination is the safest, and I can’t go wrong with it.

I will not be surprised to hear that most of you can’t figure out the truth because you have been told over and over again, that there is a set way of doing things, a ‘safe’ way, a way to ‘not make a mistake’.

Newsflash: Statement 1 and 3 are false, and anyone who tells you, a 14 year old, that it’s possible to not ‘go wrong’ in life, is the biggest liar of all. Let’s get one fact out of the way, and the gentle truth is, you are going to make mistakes. Big ones and small ones. Some of you will make more mistakes than others, and some of you (like me) will trace a bit of the confusion in your life back to the point where you picked your subject combination at the end of Secondary Two. What is important to understand, is that life can get both weird and wonderful, promising and perplexing all at once, and that learning how to deal with it all is the real secret to success, and certainly not determined by the ‘perfect’ subject combination.

Let’s take a look at Statement 1 for instance. “The subject combination I pick will determine the course of the rest of my life.” It is possible that not taking all the sciences might lead to you not obtaining a compulsory course, a requirement or prerequisite for Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmaceutical or Forensic Science and so on. The first question to ask yourself here then, is whether your heart already knows where it’s going. Not your mom’s or dad’s or grandma’s heart, but yours. Have you been dreaming about a career in medicine since you were in diapers? Are you genuinely interested in branches of medicine? Will the ability to heal others give you a sense of fulfillment? Do your grades also reflect this interest? Grades aren’t everything but let’s face it, if you’ve spent many nights losing hair and struggling to bond with the elements, you don’t really see yourself getting to know them even better over the next two years do you. The fact of the matter is, if you already know beyond the shadow of a doubt where you’re headed, one bad grade or nay saying teacher will not stop you, you will find a way to meet your destiny come hell or high water.

Let’s take a look at the vast majority of students however. You don’t know what you want, and you have no idea who or what you’re going to be when you grow up. Heck you barely know who you are right now. You should not then allow this decision to plague your life. Go with the subjects that you find more interesting, or at the very least, that you find easier to score in. Don’t refer to just your final grade, but your entire journey with the subject so far. Did you really enjoy that Shakespeare group presentation you had to do way back in Term 1? Did the transfer of sound energy through vibrations cause a reverberation in your mind? Are quadratic equations actually – secretly – kind of… fun?

Remember that life is a continuous journey of growth and exploration. Know that whatever decision you make right now is not the end of the world. You are going to go on to graduate secondary school, further your education in whichever field you see fit, go out into the working world and then see that there are even more possibilities out there for you, and that ultimately, you determine your own path.

Steve Jobs told the world to “have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become.” I will leave that here for you.

How to Cope with Exam Anxiety and Perform at Your Best

Rebecca Samuel · April 5, 2023 · Leave a Comment

"As a student, you can take several steps yourself to prevent a build-up of stress. Stress is like an invisible load that gets heavier if you ignore it or choose not to deal with it."

Read the statements below. Does one or more of them apply to you?

“I often worry that it will be difficult for me to take a test.”
“I worry I will get poor grades at school.”
“I feel very anxious even if I am well prepared for a test.”
“I get very tense when I study for a test.”
“I get nervous when I do not know how to solve a task at school!”

These were the questions posed to 5,825 Singaporean students in a study conducted by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in 2017. The response was disturbing: 76% of students reported feeling extremely anxious for a test, even if they were well prepared for it, and the results overall revealed high levels of stress and distress when it comes to academic performance.

This isn’t news to any of us. Students in Singapore have been exhibiting and complaining about stress for many years. The Ministry of Education takes a serious view of it and has taken and continues to take measures to combat this issue on many levels, especially before it takes a turn for the worse.

One reason for this level of stress probably just goes back to our culture. Our predominantly Asian population retains an intense focus on the value and importance of education. Images of our grand and great grandparents spanking our ancestors and forcing them to study with candlelight over many hours comes to mind. Culturally, being only the very best at one’s educational pursuits has often been viewed as the only path to success.

Some steps you can take are:

Pay attention to your sleep. Having regular hours of sleep is more important to your performance than studying late into the night, and being exhausted throughout the school day.
Drink plenty of water. Water is brain juice, it helps to clear your mind and refresh your body.
Eat your fruits and vegetables! Bubble tea and fried snacks are yummy, but don’t forget to eat your fruits and vegetables regularly, as they are crucial for your well-being and overall health.
Communicate with a loved one about your problems, be it a family member or a good friend. Talking it out will help ease your mind and heart.
Set realistic goals. Don’t stuff your timetable with so much work that your mind becomes too exhausted to continue.
Have a plan! Planning out your revision will help you focus on your weaker subjects without neglecting your stronger ones.
Believe in yourself! Write out goals and notes of encouragement to yourself and stick it up on your laptop or even your bedroom walls! (You can get friends and family to write them too, the more the merrier!)

5 Ways to Take Better Notes in Class

Rebecca Samuel · April 4, 2023 · Leave a Comment

"Note-taking could happen on plain, boring pieces of foolscap paper too, with pages and pages of scribbled ballpoint pen inked notes, sometimes organized, sometimes wildly illegible to anyone except yourself."

Note-taking for students generally conjures up cute little notebooks, pages inked with a rainbow of colours – and more. Notes are also covered with doodles because that’s the time when you have to make it seem like you’re listening to the teacher and writing things down, when in reality, you’re kind of bored or tired and have lost track of your teacher’s voice already, forcing you to take a doodle break before getting back into the mix.

Note-taking could happen on plain, boring pieces of foolscap paper too, with pages and pages of scribbled ballpoint pen inked notes, sometimes organized, sometimes wildly illegible to anyone except yourself. For me, this form of note-taking often occurs when I am truly in the zone, capturing the essence of almost everything the teacher is saying. No doodles adorn these pages – there isn’t time – and these notes are often handed around to lazier, sleepier fellow classmates, to copy or digest as they see fit.

Few students know it at the time, but note-taking is actually therapeutic. You are producing your understanding of what your teacher is imparting, creating a little bit of art out of it and using colours to create something aesthetically pleasing. Research into colour therapy has even resulted in recommended colours for note-taking. Try using yellow when you know you’re taking down something that needs to be remembered and memorized, and use blue to draw your focus to something.

As the therapeutic nature of note-taking intertwines with technological advancements, students can now enhance their academic pursuits by utilizing a variety of innovative apps designed to optimize their note-taking experience. Technology has made headway into the world of note-taking, and some tools are just absolute must-haves for the trendy student. Here are 5 great apps that will help you to ace note-taking.

Goodnotes

Goodnotes is great for writing as smoothly and colouring as quickly as you would on paper, but the truly fantastic bit to me, is the search function, which allows you to hunt down a handwritten note! Also, you no longer have to print out notes uploaded into SLS by your teacher. Import it into Goodnotes and go ahead and annotate virtually right on the document itself! Get rid of your bulky files and random loose notes from who knows when, Goodnotes folders keeps them all organized.

Ginger Labs

As a serial doodler, Notability is a ton of fun for me. Being able to add in photos is a cute function as well. Try using it for group projects as a collaboration tool, and if you’re lazy to type in comments, you can use the audio tool to verbally convey your thoughts and ideas.

Inspiration Maps

This one is for the mind mappers. Some people think and work better with maps and Inspiration Maps’ beautiful interface is the perfect app for them. Concept maps, cause and effect diagrams, process flows, family trees and just about any kind of mind map is possible. What I find enticing is that unlike paper, where a mistake involves scribbling out or starting over, with Inspiration Maps I can simply drag and drop to organize and categorize concepts and ideas as many times as I want.

OneNote

OneNote is a great note taking tool that allows for easy revision with highlighting and ink notations. Organization is made straightforward across notebooks, sections and pages while coloured tags are available for reminders or for categorizing your notes. You can also record voice notes and upload videos. Sharing notes with desperate friends the night before the exam is made easy with this app.

LiquidText

LiquidText is a phenomenal app that has already created waves in the medical, legal and business worlds. While it has all the usual features which allow you to take notes, annotate and organize, it also draws relationships between notes and ideas, so that you will not forget, say, a foundational concept while learning a new one. A little pinch on the screen shows up connections with everything else the idea could possibly be connected to. It almost – I daresay – works like (some of) our brains!

Technology is here to help, but for many of us, a hybrid of note-taking on paper and on an app might be the solution. While keeping our notes organized is an invaluable function of note-taking apps, there is a deep sense of satisfaction to be derived from handwritten notes as well. Check out hand-written note-taking instagrammers like @studyfel, @studyrella and @studyscript for inspiration! Meanwhile, you do you.

O-Level Triumph: 6 Essential Tips for Early Preparation

Nadya Sharfina · April 4, 2023 · Leave a Comment

"Passing the O-Levels is not just an achievement, it's a key that unlocks many doors of opportunity. It can pave the way for a successful academic career and set the foundation for a brighter future."

The O-Levels are an important milestone for students as it can open many doors of opportunity for their futures. The O-Levels can be a gateway to a successful academic career. Whether it involves juggling difficult subjects, CCAs, your social life, tuition or family affairs, it’s important to get your head in the game and make sure you’re ready to tackle these high-stakes exams. Here are 6 essential tips that will help students prepare effectively for the O-Levels!

1. Creating an O-Level Exam Timetable

Creating an O-Level exam timetable will help you keep track of what topics you need to cover and when to be fully prepared for the O-Level exams. Prioritize subjects that will need more of your attention and plan accordingly. Make sure to factor in sufficient breaks between study sessions to rest and re-energize before jumping back into studying again. 6 hours without a break will only break you. Regular pauses will help you stay focused and motivated to keep studying. Create a realistic study timetable that takes into account other commitments such as tuition and extracurricular activities. Being able to manage your time well is essential for O-Level preparation.

2. Dealing With Pre-exam Stress and Anxiety

O-Levels can be a nerve-wracking experience, and it is normal to feel some anxiety before taking them. It is important to take steps to manage your emotions so that they don’t interfere with your performance. Some options are:

Talk with friends and family about how you are feeling to reduce the sense of isolation that often accompanies pre-exam stress.
Meditate or practice deep breathing exercises to clear your mind of stressful thoughts and feelings.
Start early and pace yourself.
Find a relaxing hobby that does not take too much time – or become too addictive – and absorb yourself in it whenever you feel too much pressure

O-Levels are not a sprint, they are more like a marathon. Start preparing for your O-Levels months before the actual exams. This will give you enough time to thoroughly review the material and deepen your understanding of the topics.

3. Taking Care of Your Physical Health During O-Level Preparations

O-Levels can be mentally and physically taxing, and it is important to take care of yourself while you prepare. Getting enough sleep each night is essential for staying sharp during study or tuition sessions and consolidating newly acquired knowledge and improving memory retention.

Make sure to eat well-balanced meals throughout the day to fuel your body with all the necessary nutrients. Eating a balanced diet full of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will provide you with the energy you need to power through your studying sessions. Additionally, don’t forget to stay hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day, and remember that exercising regularly will help keep your energy levels up and boost your mood, enabling you to stay focused on O-Level preparations.

4. Utilizing Online Tutorials and Resources

There are a variety of O-Level-related tutorials and online resources available which can be incredibly helpful for O-Level preparation. Take time to browse through the internet, books, or educational magazines available in libraries for additional tips and methods on tackling O-Level exams.

Consider attending O-Level preparatory classes or tuition sessions if necessary. These classes usually cover topics students may have missed during school lessons, so they are an extremely valuable resource for O-Level candidates.

These sources also provide details on subjects that students might find challenging or when they are in need of more instruction. Resources such as test practices can help assess knowledge and identify areas where more revision is needed.

Here are some resources which you can access for free online:

Khan Academy: The best and most popular instructional channel on YouTube is Khan Academy, which has a ton of videos for a variety of subjects that cover both complex and basic topics.

Tyler DeWitt: This channel focuses on chemistry. There are so many videos on practically every chemistry topic, and more are being added all the time. It uses analogies to aid recall and provides explanations with amazing graphical illustrations.

HegartyMaths: With a mathematics concentration, this channel helps you practice past paper questions to help you become familiar with exam-style questions. If you want to learn anything, whether it’s fundamental trigonometry or something more difficult, this channel is highly recommended.

Mr. Salles Teaches English: Mr. Salles’ videos can assist you with language. They dissect texts, explain illustrative student responses, and assist you in identifying patterns in your essay or core text.

Free Science Lessons: One of the most popular YouTube channels for revision, the videos on this channel organize and cover every GCE scientific topic in great detail.

5. Revision is Key

When it comes to preparing for O-Levels, revision is key. Without proper revision and practice, students may struggle to recall important information, make mistakes in their answers, and score lower marks than they can achieve. Revision allows students to deepen their understanding of the topics and increase their confidence in the exam hall.

Make sure to revisit all the topics you have learned throughout the year and go over past exam papers to get a better feel of what types of questions may be asked. This will help you identify areas where you need to focus more and thoroughly prepare for the O-Levels.

6. Stay Focused

O-Levels are a long process, so stay focused until the day of the exam. Make sure that you are not procrastinating and leaving everything to the last minute. Try not to get overwhelmed by difficult topics as this can cause your O-Level preparation efforts to be derailed. Instead, plan how you will tackle each subject and stick with it until the day of the O-Levels.

When studying for the O-levels, you should focus on understanding concepts rather than memorizing facts. Use mnemonics and other memory aids to help you remember key facts, and make sure to practice solving O-Level type questions as this will give you a better idea of what to expect on exam day.

Remind yourself that O-Levels are an important milestone in your educational journey. The O-Levels can be an intimidating experience but do not forget that if you have followed all these tips and done your best with preparation, the most important things are to have faith in yourself and believe you can achieve your goals.

Travel Through Time to the Pyramids of Egypt

Nadya Sharfina · February 23, 2023 · Leave a Comment

"From Khufu’s Great Pyramid at Giza to Pepy II’s pyramid at Saqqara, these structures remain some of the most impressive feats of engineering ever accomplished by human hands."

For centuries, the majestic pyramid structures of ancient Egypt have captivated the imaginations of people around the world. These monumental tombs were constructed as monuments to honour pharaohs and their families, while also serving as symbols of power and stability in Egyptian society.

For thousands of years after their construction, these massive monuments were unrivalled in height and fascinated us with their astounding mass and unachievable perfection. From Khufu’s Great Pyramid at Giza to Pepy II’s pyramid at Saqqara, these structures remain some of the most impressive feats of engineering ever accomplished by human hands.

Join us on an incredible journey through time as we explore the history and mystery surrounding Egypt’s iconic pyramids.

Overview of Ancient Egyptian Pyramids

The pyramid structures of ancient Egypt were built by the great pharaohs of the Old Kingdom period. These monuments served as burial tombs for the pharaoh and their families and represented immense power and stability within pyramid-building societies.

The three pyramids of Giza – Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure – are perhaps one of the most iconic pyramid complexes in ancient Egypt. Built during a span from roughly 2550 to 2490 B.C., these pyramids are believed to have been constructed by thousands of labourers who quarried, cut, transported, and assembled an estimated approximately 2.3 million blocks (weighing an average of 2.5 to 15 tons) of limestone and granite.

Ancient Egyptians’ Beliefs and Religion

The pyramid structures of ancient Egypt have long been associated with beliefs surrounding death, rebirth, and the afterlife – beliefs that were deeply rooted in ancient Egyptian religion. In this society, where life on Earth was often seen as a brief passage between the eternal realms of life and death, pyramid-shaped tombs were believed to be vehicles by which the deceased could ascend into the afterlife.

It is thought that pyramid structures served both religious and political purposes, offering protection for pharaohs in their journey through the afterlife while also functioning as impressive reminders of their power during their lifetime.

Pyramid Construction & Technology

The pyramid construction began in earnest during the Fourth Dynasty when King Sneferu (2575-2465 BC) first introduced a pyramid shape for royal tombs—a dramatic shift from earlier tomb designs.

Through experience gained from building pyramids at Dahshur and Meidum, pyramid builders developed better techniques to construct these massive structures, including accurately levelling the pyramid’s base, lining up its sides with true north, and creating smooth slopes that rise to meet at a single point.

While some scholars believe that the ancient Egyptians used pulleys and levers to move the stones into place, others suggest they may have employed more creative methods, such as water basins, sleds, and earthen ramps to construct the pyramid.

Mystery and Allure Surrounding the Pyramids

Although pyramid construction ended with the death of King Pepi II, the Second King of the Sixth Dynasty, these monuments remain shrouded in mystery. Some have suggested that pyramid structures were built by advanced aliens or had supernatural powers, while others believe they served some sort of religious purpose.

What secrets do they hold about ancient Egyptian society? Are they evidence of a lost civilisation or are they simply impressive architectural reminders of a great and powerful culture that rose, flourished, and ultimately declined along the banks of the Nile River? Only time will tell as we continue to unravel their mysteries.

Exploring Egypt’s Iconic Pyramids Today

Today, pyramid structures are still a major tourist attraction in Egypt, attracting millions of visitors each year. From guided tours and private excursions to camel rides and hot-air balloon trips, modern travellers have no shortage of ways to explore these iconic monuments. Additionally, many ancient Egyptian religious practices and beliefs continue to influence modern-day spirituality and culture in Egypt and worldwide.

Although tomb robbers and vandals have stripped most of these monuments of their original limestone coverings and plundered many of the interiors, they remain potent reminders of Egypt’s impressive history and engineering feats. The pyramids still stand today as a testament to a great civilization that once ruled over this part of the world, a civilization whose mysteries continue to fascinate people centuries after its golden age had passed into history.