Parents Must-Read｜What Do Kangaroo’s Term 1 S1 Classes Cover?

袋鼠姐姐

Parents Must-Read｜What Do Kangaroo’s Term 1 S1 Classes Cover?

After the very first lesson, I noticed that the teachers of Secondary 1 were sharing feedback from parents and students in the teaching group chat.

5-Star Reviews From Parents

The positive reviews were overwhelming, and there are even more comments at the end of this article!

Where do these glowing reviews come from?

Follow my lens as we take a closer look at the classrooms of Teachers Wenlong and Jeremiah. Let’s find out what your children are learning in their first Secondary 1 class!

A Peek Into the First Lesson: What’s the Course Design?

Before the lesson began, Teacher Wenlong asked, “Why do we need to study S1 mathematics at Kangaroo?” This instantly captured the students’ attention.

Some students replied, “Because the content is more challenging!” Others guessed, “To prepare for WA1?”

Teacher Wenlong explained that the key lies in early preparation and advanced learning:

“Many topics in secondary school are entirely new to students, and they will face a variety of unfamiliar problems. Kangaroo’s course is designed to stay ahead of the school curriculum, both in terms of pace and difficulty.

Through early learning, teachers and students can identify and solve potential issues in advance, leaving plenty of time for thorough preparation. By establishing a strong foundation early on, we create opportunities to extend their knowledge further.

Different schools have varying levels of exam difficulty, but ultimately, students aim to excel in their O-Level or A-Level exams. Advanced learning now will help lay the groundwork for these exams.

Moreover, secondary school knowledge is more tool-based. While the concepts may not seem complicated, mastering them requires consistent practice to achieve proficiency, which is exactly what we focus on during Term 1.”

Next, the teachers introduced the syllabus and topics for the new Secondary 1 classes. Term 1 consists of 16 lessons covering 15 key concepts. These include questions from WA1 and WA2 exams from top schools, as well as different levels of SMO questions depending on the class type. The goal is to learn early, identify and resolve issues promptly, and leave ample time for revision. This approach ensures students perform well in exams and build the skills needed to tackle more complex problems, with continuous revision and end-of-term tests consolidating their knowledge.

Q: What’s the Key Focus of This Term’s Curriculum? How Does It Help With School Learning?

A:Teacher Wenlong:

Since WA1 for Secondary 1 students at most schools happens at the end of February, our first four lessons cover the entire Term 1 school curriculum, extending each concept to ensure outstanding exam performance.

In the remaining lessons, we focus on Term 2 content, particularly algebra, including linear equations, inequalities, functions, and coordinate systems.

Algebra is a core topic in secondary school exams. Our Term 1 lessons delve deeply into its foundational concepts and expand on them extensively to prepare students for future success in A Math.

How Does the Lesson Proceed?

In the first class, teachers used real questions from top schools and SMO past papers to explore advanced concepts in factors and multiples.

The lesson started with a simple review, where the teacher introduced and revisited key concepts, helping students adjust to the increased difficulty level. After each concept, students practiced with a real exam question to understand its application. This method of introducing concepts through examples and practical problems ensures students grasp every key point thoroughly.

One moment stood out during the lesson: the teacher presented a challenging SMO question.

The classroom fell silent as the students began to think. After a brief pause, they started working on the problem. The teacher then provided detailed guidance and explanations, unpacking the question and its underlying concepts step by step.

Why introduce SMO questions in the very first lesson? Isn’t it too hard for new Secondary 1 students?

Teacher Wenlong shared his reasoning:

“The focus of our Term 1 lessons is to expand students’ horizons. That’s why we include real questions from top schools, O-Levels, and even SMO in our materials. While some questions may seem difficult, the knowledge points they cover are essential for students throughout secondary school. These questions are more challenging in terms of their approach and depth, but such challenges are what help students improve. That’s why our lesson materials include many thought-provoking questions.”

How Do We Ensure Students Learn Effectively?

Given the breadth and difficulty of the content, how can students navigate Term 1 successfully?

This brings us to Kangaroo’s three teaching philosophies:

        1.         Guiding, not pushing

Teacher Wenlong emphasized that they never give students the answers directly. Instead, they guide them to think independently, gradually derive solutions, and uncover the logic behind each question.

        2.         No understanding, no leaving

Students are not allowed to leave the classroom until they fully understand the concepts or problems. Teachers patiently explain until everything is clear. This includes any corrections as well as homework from the previous lesson.

        3.         Sense of achievement

Students are encouraged to ask questions without hesitation. Teachers never blame students for not understanding; instead, they foster interest in math through encouragement and problem-solving.

Additionally, post-class consolidation is vital.

Every lesson includes pre-class and post-class tests. Pre-class tests review concepts from the previous lesson, while post-class tests assess understanding of the current lesson (and students cannot leave until they get all answers correct!).

Teachers also assign targeted exercises to help students master concepts and develop effective study habits.

Q: What Study Habits Are Most Important for New Secondary 1 Students?

A: Teacher Wenlong:

First and foremost, the habit of regular revision is critical.

Mastering knowledge doesn’t happen overnight. Secondary school topics require repeated review. The best way to revise is by revisiting mistakes, making a proper correction book. However, creating an correction book isn’t just about copying questions and solutions.

When redoing an error, students should first attempt it independently. Then, they must think about why the mistake occurred and summarize the reason. Only then is the correction book complete.

A well-organized correction book should be revisited regularly. Over time, as students master the material, the number of errors should decrease

Note-taking is equally important. Notes should be organized by topic, grouping related concepts together for more efficient revision.

Lastly, students should develop the habit of asking “why.” Don’t just copy summaries or solutions—think about why a concept works and why certain steps are necessary. Our courses aim to cultivate this mindset by guiding students to identify the key points in every problem themselves.

After the First Lesson

With new knowledge and confidence, students left the classroom happy and fulfilled.

Seizing a rare moment of free time for Teachers Wenlong and Jeremiah, I asked what students should achieve by the end of Term 1.

Teacher Wenlong: Firstly, in terms of grades, students should be able to score high marks in school exams.

Additionally, they should master all the concepts covered and be capable of tackling advanced problems related to these concepts.

“Our courses help develop solid mathematical thinking. For simple questions, students should identify the underlying concepts. For challenging ones, they should grasp the logic behind the problems.”

In terms of habits, students should develop a robust approach to organizing notes and error logs, as well as a clear, systematic way of answering questions.

Lastly, I asked for advice on the role parents should play in their children’s learning.

Teacher Wenlong:Parents should act as supporters and guides, not providers of answers. Encourage children to think independently or consult their teachers when facing challenges. Focus on encouragement rather than criticism, helping them build confidence with a positive attitude. Be a learning partner rather than an “answer provider” and grow together with your child.

Conclusion—Looking Forward to a Great Semester!

The first lesson for new Secondary 1 students was a great success. From initial nerves to gradually adapting and even enjoying the process of solving problems, how has your child benefited? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!

For current availability and scheduling, contact Tr.Jeremiah and Tr. Wenlong!