Math Tuition for Presbyterian High School Students

School Overview

Presbyterian High School (PHS) was established in 1965, growing from a small rural Chinese school in post-war Singapore into a co-educational government-aided secondary school under the Presbyterian Synod. Located in Ang Mo Kio, PHS operates as a single-session school grounded in Christian principles while remaining open to students of all backgrounds and beliefs. The school's motto, "Aflame for Truth," reflects its commitment to nurturing a love of learning, personal integrity, and a spirit of service.

The school's mission centres on developing students as "Promise-Keepers, Hope-Builders, and Servant-Leaders." PHS is affiliated with St. Andrew's Junior College, providing a streamlined post-secondary pathway for eligible students. Two signature programmes define the school's educational focus: the Applied Learning Programme (ALP) in STEM, with a particular emphasis on Health and Food Science, and the Learning for Life Programme (LLP) in Community Youth Leadership. Both programmes aim to equip students with practical skills and a sense of social responsibility.

Admission Process

Entry to PHS at Secondary 1 is primarily through the PSLE posting exercise. Based on the 2024 intake, the indicative cut-off scores were: Posting Group 3 (7-12 for affiliated students, 12 for non-affiliated), Posting Group 2 (21-24), and Posting Group 1 (25-28). These figures represent the scores of the last admitted students in that cycle and may vary from year to year.

Students from affiliated primary schools receive priority consideration during the posting process. PHS also participates in the Direct School Admission (DSA) scheme, accepting applications in areas such as STEM, Leadership, and Sports. DSA applications are submitted through the MOE portal, typically opening mid-year for entry the following January.

The school offers O-Level tracks and participates in MOE's Full Subject-Based Banding (SBB) initiative, which allows students to study individual subjects at different levels according to their strengths. PHS does not offer an Integrated Programme (IP). Parents considering PHS are encouraged to attend the school's Open House events, usually held between May and June, for campus tours and information sessions.

Curriculum and Academic Programme

PHS follows the MOE curriculum, covering core subjects including English Language, Mathematics (Elementary and Additional), the Sciences, and Humanities (Social Studies, Geography, History). Students can also choose from elective subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Chinese Language, Malay Language, Art, Design and Technology, Nutrition and Food Science, and Principles of Accounts. Subject-Based Banding enables students to take subjects at levels that match their individual abilities.

The school has maintained strong O-Level pass rates, with notable results in Mathematics and the Sciences. PHS's Applied Learning Programme integrates hands-on projects in health and food science, giving students opportunities to apply classroom knowledge to practical contexts. The Community Youth Leadership programme develops critical thinking and leadership capabilities through structured service initiatives.

For students who would benefit from additional support in Mathematics alongside their school curriculum, DeepThink is a math tuition centre offering structured programmes aligned to the O-Level Mathematics and Additional Mathematics syllabuses. Some PHS families have found this helpful for building confidence and strengthening exam preparation.

Facilities and Co-Curricular Activities

The PHS campus includes smart classrooms with interactive technology, science and computer laboratories, a library with digital resources, and a sports complex with courts for basketball and volleyball. The school also has arts studios for creative and performing arts activities.

Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) are a key part of student life at PHS, with more than 20 options available across four categories:

Sports: Basketball (Boys and Girls), Volleyball (Boys and Girls), Table Tennis (Girls), and Badminton (Boys).

Uniformed Groups: Boys' Brigade (Boys), Girls' Brigade (Girls), National Police Cadet Corps (Boys and Girls), and National Cadet Corps Sea (Boys).

Performing Arts: Choir, Guzheng Ensemble, Modern Dance, English Drama, and Concert Band, all open to both boys and girls.

Clubs and Societies: STEM Club, Infocomm Technology (Media Production), Leadership Club, and Audio Visual Aid Club.

CCA participation supports character development, teamwork, and discipline, and can also strengthen DSA applications for students looking ahead to post-secondary options.

Student Life and School Culture

School culture at PHS is shaped by Christian values of compassion and integrity, while remaining welcoming to students from all backgrounds. The school provides pastoral care through a structured support system, and class sizes of around 40 students allow teachers to maintain regular engagement with each student.

Well-being programmes aligned with MOE guidelines address areas such as resilience building and peer support. Anti-bullying initiatives are in place, and teachers take on mentoring roles beyond academic instruction. Morning assemblies and after-school activities contribute to a sense of community and school spirit.

For students entering Secondary 1, the school supports the primary-to-secondary transition through orientation activities and peer buddy systems. Parents are encouraged to help their children establish consistent study routines early on and to explore CCA options that align with their interests and strengths.