Class size
Maximum 4 students
Students are grouped by learning pace, not just by level — if no existing session matches your child’s pace, we open a new one.
English tuition for Dunman Secondary School students
Live online English tuition for Dunman Secondary School students in secondary 1–4. Bring recent schoolwork and teacher feedback so our tutors can see where your child needs help and plan the lessons.
Secondary 1–4
Courses and years
National secondary English
Years 1–4
Bring recent schoolwork and the current topic list so we can choose a suitable class.
Study guide · 01
English tuition in Sec 1–2 and Sec 3–4: what changes?
In Secondary 1 and 2, students meet longer texts, unfamiliar vocabulary and ideas spread across several paragraphs. We help them follow the passage and use details to support an answer. Writing lessons focus on developing a paragraph and keeping a composition on track.
Short tasks help us see where a student needs help. Can they point to the words that support an answer? Explain why a paragraph is there? Rewrite an unclear sentence? Their answers show us whether to work on understanding, organisation or expression.
In Secondary 3 and 4, students practise complete responses and timed sections. We look for mistakes that keep appearing: an inference without evidence, a missing point in situational writing, or an oral answer that needs more explanation. The next task gives the student practice with that specific problem.
Study guide · 02
How to improve English comprehension: explain the evidence
A comprehension answer starts with the question. “What happened?” calls for information; “Why?” asks for a cause or reason; an inference requires an explanation supported by the text. Before writing, identify the relevant lines and decide what those lines establish. The evidence should fit the exact question, including any part that asks for the effect on a character or reader.
Vocabulary practice works best in context. Keep the sentence in which the word appears, write a meaning that fits that sentence and check how a replacement changes its tone. A word can have several meanings, and a memorised synonym can be unsuitable for the passage. For an own-words response, preserve the original relationship between ideas while changing the expression.
The task
Practice passage: “Maya read the acceptance letter twice, then placed it carefully beside her unfinished application forms.” What suggests that this letter matters to Maya?
Worked response
A supported answer: Reading it twice and setting it aside carefully suggest that Maya values the acceptance and gives it special attention.
The answer uses Maya’s two actions to explain why the letter matters. It stays within the information in the extract. With a longer passage, students should also check the surrounding sentences.
Study guide · 03
How to improve composition and situational writing
Composition practice needs a purpose beyond finishing the word count. For a narrative, decide what changes for the central character and which events cause that change. Give important moments enough space; a long introduction can leave the turning point rushed. For an argument, state a position that answers the question and build paragraphs around reasons that can be explained and tested.
Situational writing starts with audience, purpose and required information. A proposal to a school leader needs a clear recommendation and practical justification. An email to a friend may use a different tone. Plan the content requirements before drafting, then check that each one has been developed in a way that helps the reader act or understand.
Revise the ideas first: does the answer address the question, follow a clear order and explain its points? Then check sentence boundaries, tense, agreement, vocabulary and punctuation. Keep a short note of mistakes to watch for in the next piece of writing.
Study guide · 04
A practical weekly English revision routine
Spread practice across reading, writing and speaking. One short reading task can focus on explaining an inference; a writing task can develop one paragraph; a spoken response can practise giving a reason and a concrete example. These tasks are small enough to review closely. Occasional full papers or complete compositions then show whether the skills work together.
Practice between classes helps our tutors plan the next lesson. Students get instant marking on platform exercises and revisit earlier questions through spaced review. Tutors discuss writing and spoken responses with the student, including how they chose and explained their ideas.
Compare similar tasks your child has completed without help. Look for an inference they can explain, a paragraph with a well-supported point, or an oral answer that handles a follow-up question. Keep the school feedback alongside these attempts to see what still needs work.
Your class
Lessons and practice, every week
Class registration for the 2027 school year is open.
Trial
$30 subsidised trial rate
A dedicated trial session at a different timeslot is offered at a subsidised rate of $30. We’ll help you explore the available options.
Class format
Live online
Weekly duration
1.5 hours
Levels
Secondary 1–4
Between lessons
Subject practice on the DeepThink platform
Practice is included as part of the classes.
Registration
2027 school year
Open now. Request a trial class and we will message you to confirm the level and schedule.
Meet your tutor
Try a English class
Class registration for the 2027 school year is open. Bring recent schoolwork to help us plan a useful first lesson.
About Dunman Secondary School
PSLE cut-off point for Dunman Secondary School
MOE publishes the PSLE score of the first and the last student posted into each school at each posting group. Below are Dunman Secondary School's figures for the 2026 Secondary 1 intake — the 2025 PSLE cohort. The last student's score is what is usually meant by the school's cut-off point.
| Posting group | PSLE score range |
|---|---|
| Posting Group 3 | AL 6–14 |
| Posting Group 2 | AL 21–23 |
| Posting Group 1 | AL 25–27 |
Cut-off points move by a few points from year to year, and not every student who met the cut-off was posted here — some are tie-broken out. Read these as a guide to where a school sits, not as a threshold to clear.
Actual 2026 Secondary 1 intake, from MOE School Finder — last verified on 12 August 2026. MOE School Finder ↗
About Dunman Secondary School
Dunman Secondary School (DMN) is a co-educational government autonomous secondary school in Tampines, Singapore. It was founded in 1963.
Founded: 1963
School Overview
Dunman Secondary School was established in 1963 under the name Dunman Integrated Secondary School, making it one of Singapore's earliest institutions designed to bring together students of different ethnic backgrounds. The school takes its name from Thomas Dunman, who served as Singapore's first Commissioner of Police. It operates today as a co-educational government autonomous school running a single-session timetable, serving the East Zone.
The school's motto, "Pengetahuan Suloh Hidup" (Knowledge is the Torch of Life), underpins its educational philosophy of pursuing excellence through learning, innovation, and ethical conduct. Dunman's stated vision is to develop self-directed and curious students who contribute positively to their communities. Five core values — Discipline, Determination, Discernment, Duty, and Daring — guide student development across all programmes.
Dunman holds the designation of Apple Distinguished School, reflecting its integration of technology into teaching and learning. The school also participates in the Google AI Accelerator 2025 initiative, which provides students with exposure to artificial intelligence and innovation projects. It has no formal affiliation with any primary school.
Admission Process
Entry to Dunman Secondary School is primarily through the PSLE posting exercise. As a non-affiliated school, all applicants are assessed on their PSLE Achievement Level scores without affiliation bonuses. Based on the 2024 PSLE intake, indicative cut-off points were approximately 25 to 27 for Posting Group 1, 21 to 23 for Posting Group 2, and 11 to 13 for Posting Group 3. These figures represent the score range of the last admitted student and may vary from year to year.
Dunman also participates in the Direct School Admission (DSA) scheme under the theme "From Passion to Purpose." Primary 6 students with strengths in sports, aesthetics, leadership, or STEM may apply for early admission, typically during the middle of the year for entry the following January. Successful DSA applicants commit to the school for the duration of the programme.
The school implements Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB), which allows students to take individual subjects at different levels (G1, G2, or G3) according to their abilities. This replaces the former streaming system from the 2024 cohort onward and enables mixed-form class arrangements. Dunman does not offer the Integrated Programme; students follow the standard O-Level track with the option to proceed to junior college, polytechnic, or ITE after graduation.
Families considering Dunman are encouraged to attend the school's open house events, typically held between May and June, for a first-hand look at the learning environment.
Curriculum and Academic Programme
Dunman Secondary School follows the national curriculum with enhancements afforded by its autonomous status. Core subjects at the lower secondary level include English Language, Mathematics, Sciences, and Humanities, along with Mother Tongue Languages (Chinese, Malay, or Tamil) offered at standard and higher levels. Upper secondary students can choose from subject combinations that include Additional Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, combined Science options, Geography, History, Literature, Exercise and Sports Science, and other electives. Lower secondary students participate in STEMviaDT, a programme that integrates technology and design thinking from an early stage.
The school has received the School Distinction Award and the Sustained Achievement Award for Academic Excellence. It also houses the East Zone Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Science, which partners with tertiary institutions on research and applied science projects. Bilingual education tracks and leadership development modules are woven into the broader curriculum.
Facilities and Co-Curricular Activities
Dunman's campus underwent PRIME upgrading works between 2007 and 2009, which added air-conditioned study areas for graduating cohorts and dedicated examination halls. The school's facilities include technology-equipped classrooms supporting the Apple Distinguished School programme, a resource-rich library, and 15 specialised laboratories for science, computing, and animation. The multi-purpose Tan Ean Kiam Hall is used for assemblies, performances, and indoor sports. Recent additions related to the Google AI Accelerator partnership have introduced spaces designed for AI and innovation work.
Co-curricular activities (CCAs) are compulsory and span more than 20 options across four categories:
Sports: Badminton (Boys), Basketball (Boys and Girls), Football (Girls), Netball (Girls), Volleyball (Boys).
Uniformed Groups: National Police Cadet Corps (Boys and Girls), Red Cross Youth (Boys and Girls), Scouts (Boys and Girls), National Cadet Corps — Air (Boys).
Performing Arts: Choir, Guitar Ensemble, Modern Dance, English Drama, Concert Band.
Clubs and Societies: Leadership, STEM, Infocomm Technology (Computing), Environmental Science, Infocomm Technology (Media Production).
CCA involvement supports character development, builds teamwork and leadership skills, and can contribute to DSA applications for incoming students. Several Dunman CCA groups have achieved recognition at the national level.
Student Life and School Culture
Dunman operates on a single-session schedule, with the school day typically running from around 7.30 a.m. to approximately 2.00 p.m., followed by CCA sessions and enrichment activities in the afternoon. Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) lessons are part of the regular timetable and are grounded in the school's five core values.
Class sizes generally range from 30 to 40 students. The school employs Special Educational Needs Officers to support students who require additional assistance, and pastoral care structures emphasise resilience, well-being, and responsible decision-making. Values-in-Action (VIA) initiatives give students the opportunity to contribute to community causes through hands-on projects.
Parent reviews frequently note the approachable and supportive teaching staff as a positive aspect of the school environment, particularly for students making the transition from primary to secondary school.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dunman Secondary School
Is Dunman Secondary School a good school?
Dunman Secondary School is a government autonomous school with a strong emphasis on values-driven education and technology-integrated learning. It holds Apple Distinguished School status and participates in the Google AI Accelerator programme. The school offers a broad range of academic subjects and co-curricular activities, and parents are encouraged to visit during open house events to assess whether it suits their child's needs.
Is Dunman Secondary School co-educational?
Yes, Dunman Secondary School admits both boys and girls and operates on a single-session timetable.
Does Singapore rank secondary schools officially?
The Ministry of Education does not publish official rankings of secondary schools in Singapore. Dunman Secondary School's autonomous status reflects recognition of its programme quality, but no formal school-by-school ranking system exists.
What are the PSLE cut-off points for Dunman Secondary School?
Based on the 2024 PSLE intake, the indicative cut-off score ranges were: Posting Group 3 — 11 to 13, Posting Group 2 — 21 to 23, and Posting Group 1 — 25 to 27. These represent the score of the last admitted student and may change each year. The MOE website publishes updated figures after each posting exercise.
What are the school hours at Dunman Secondary School?
The school's general operating hours are Monday to Friday, 7.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Student hours typically run from around 7.30 a.m. to about 2.30 p.m., with co-curricular activities extending into the afternoon. Families should contact the school directly for the most current timetable.
How can students apply for DSA to Dunman Secondary School?
Primary 6 students may apply through the MOE DSA-Sec Portal based on demonstrated ability in sports, arts, leadership, or STEM. There are no application fees. Students who are offered and accept a DSA place commit to the school and are not included in the standard Secondary 1 posting exercise. The school's website lists the specific talent areas and application timelines for each intake year.
What CCAs does Dunman Secondary School offer?
The school provides more than 20 CCAs across four categories: sports (badminton, basketball, football, netball, volleyball), uniformed groups (NPCC, Red Cross Youth, Scouts, NCC Air), performing arts (choir, guitar ensemble, modern dance, English drama, concert band), and clubs (infocomm technology, environmental science, media production, leadership, STEM). These activities contribute to character development and leadership growth.
What O-Level subjects are available at Dunman Secondary School?
Subjects offered include English Language, Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, combined Science options, Social Studies, Geography, History, Literature, Chinese, Malay, Tamil (standard and higher levels), Art, Design and Technology, Nutrition and Food Science, Principles of Accounts, Exercise and Sports Science, and Music. Under Full Subject-Based Banding, students can take different subjects at varying levels based on their strengths.
Is Dunman Secondary School affiliated with any primary school?
No. Dunman Secondary School has no affiliation with any primary school. All applicants are assessed on PSLE scores or through the DSA scheme without affiliation bonuses.
What is subject-based banding at Dunman Secondary School?
Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB) allows students to study individual subjects at G1, G2, or G3 level depending on their aptitude, rather than being placed in a fixed stream. Dunman implements Full SBB from the 2024 cohort onward in line with MOE policy, enabling mixed-form classes where students of different subject levels learn together.
What special programmes does Dunman Secondary School offer?
Key programmes include the Apple Distinguished School initiative for technology-enhanced learning, the iSTEM (Maker) programme focused on innovation and hands-on STEM projects, and participation in the Google AI Accelerator. The school also operates the East Zone Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Science in collaboration with tertiary institutions.
What is the history of Dunman Secondary School?
The school was founded in 1963 as Dunman Integrated Secondary School on Haig Road, named after Sir Thomas Dunman, Singapore's first Commissioner of Police. It was among the earliest integrated schools in the country, bringing together students from diverse ethnic backgrounds. The school later relocated to its current Tampines campus and marked its 60th anniversary in 2023.
Does Dunman Secondary School offer the Integrated Programme?
No. Dunman Secondary School follows the standard four-year secondary curriculum leading to the GCE O-Level examinations. Students benefit from Full Subject-Based Banding, which provides flexibility in subject levels, but there is no six-year Integrated Programme track.
What post-secondary pathways are available after Dunman Secondary School?
After completing O-Levels, Dunman students may progress to junior colleges, polytechnics, or the Institute of Technical Education depending on their results and interests. The school provides career guidance and counselling to support students in making informed decisions about their next steps.
Ready to start?
Try a trial class and see how DeepThink works
Experience our teaching approach and find a class that suits your child’s learning needs.
Class registration for the 2027 school year is open.