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English tuition for Holy Innocents' High School students
Live online English tuition for Holy Innocents' High 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.
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$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 Holy Innocents' High School
PSLE cut-off point for Holy Innocents' High School
MOE publishes the PSLE score of the first and the last student posted into each school at each posting group. Below are Holy Innocents' High 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 | Non-affiliated | Affiliated |
|---|---|---|
| Posting Group 3 | AL 11–14 | AL 13–22 |
| Posting Group 2 | AL 21–24 | AL 23–25 |
| Posting Group 1 | AL 25–27 | AL 26–28 |
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 Holy Innocents' High School
Holy Innocents' High School (HIHS) (Simplified Chinese:圣婴中学, Traditional Chinese: 聖嬰中學, pinyin: Shèngyīng Zhōngxué) is a Catholic school in Hougang, Singapore.
Founded: 1892
School Overview
Holy Innocents' High School traces its origins to 1892, when it began as Tao Nan School — one of the earliest Chinese mission schools in Singapore. The institution transitioned into a Catholic boys' school in 1920 and became co-educational in 1985, welcoming both boys and girls. It operates as a government-aided school with a Christ-centred philosophy, guided by the motto "谦诚、和爱" (Sincerity and Compassion), which reflects its emphasis on humility, character formation, and care for others.
The school holds affiliations with Holy Innocents' Primary School, which provides priority admission to the secondary school, and with Catholic Junior College, offering a connected pathway to pre-university education. Distinctive programmes include the Good Samaritan Programme for community service and a Personalised Digital Learning Programme (PDLP) that equips every student with an iPad for classroom learning — a feature implemented since 2021.
Admission Process
Entry to Holy Innocents' High School follows the standard PSLE posting system, with indicative cut-off points varying by affiliation status and posting group. Based on the 2024 PSLE scores for the 2025 intake, the approximate ranges were:
Posting Group 1 (Express): Affiliated 26–29, Non-Affiliated 25–27
Posting Group 2 (Normal Academic): Affiliated 23–25, Non-Affiliated 21–22
Posting Group 3 (Normal Technical): Affiliated 13–22, Non-Affiliated 10–13
These figures are indicative and are finalised after each posting exercise concludes. Students from Holy Innocents' Primary School receive priority consideration during Phase 1.
Direct School Admission (DSA) is available for students with strengths in areas such as badminton, basketball, choir, modern dance, leadership, or academics. DSA applications are typically submitted between May and July through the MOE DSA portal, with no application fee required. Students who receive and accept a DSA offer are committed to attending the school and do not participate in the Secondary 1 posting exercise.
The school operates under Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB), which allows students to take individual subjects at different levels of difficulty based on their aptitudes, rather than being placed in a fixed stream. Parents can find further details at the school's annual open house, usually held around May or June, and through the school website for Secondary 1 registration information.
Curriculum and Academic Programme
Holy Innocents' High School follows the national secondary curriculum, with students preparing for the GCE O-Level examinations. Core subjects include English Language, Mathematics (Elementary and Additional Mathematics for the Express stream), Sciences (offered in combinations such as Physics-Chemistry or Chemistry-Biology), and Humanities (Social Studies paired with Geography or History). Elective subjects include Principles of Accounts, Nutrition and Food Science, Literature in English, and others. Mother Tongue Language options span Higher Chinese, Malay, and Basic Chinese, with Tamil available at designated centres.
The school's Applied Learning Programme (ALP) centres on Journalism and Broadcasting, developing students' communication skills and analytical thinking through practical media projects. Its Learning for Life Programme (LLP), known as the Good Samaritan Programme, cultivates youth leadership through structured community outreach and service learning. The PDLP integrates iPad-based learning into daily lessons, with particular emphasis on mathematics and science subjects.
Specialised elective pathways in STEM and bilingual studies are available to support students progressing toward either polytechnic or junior college routes after graduation.
Facilities and Co-Curricular Activities
The campus includes smart classrooms fitted with interactive technology, a well-stocked library, dedicated science and computing laboratories, and studios for art and creative work. Sports facilities include courts for badminton and basketball, as well as a field used for football. Digital infrastructure has been upgraded in recent years to support the school-wide iPad programme.
The school offers more than 20 Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) across four categories:
Sports: Badminton, Basketball (boys), Netball (girls), Football (boys), Wushu, Floorball (girls), and Bowling.
Uniformed Groups: National Police Cadet Corps (NPCC), St John Brigade, Scouts (boys), and National Cadet Corps (Land, boys).
Performing Arts: Chinese Orchestra, Choir, Modern Dance, and English Drama.
Clubs and Societies: Art and Crafts, Chinese Weiqi, Media and Journalism, Leadership, and Community Service.
CCA participation is an integral part of student development at the school, supporting character growth and leadership. Many of these activities also serve as talent areas for DSA applications.
Student Life and School Culture
Holy Innocents' High School operates as a single-session co-educational school, with the school day typically running from around 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM, followed by CCA sessions. Class sizes are approximately 40 students, supported by form teachers and school counsellors who provide pastoral care covering academic guidance and student well-being. The school also has Special Educational Needs (SEN) officers to assist students with specific learning requirements.
The Catholic ethos of the school is reflected in its values-driven programmes, including anti-bullying initiatives and resilience-building workshops. Orientation camps and peer mentoring help incoming Secondary 1 students adjust to secondary school life. The school community is often described by parents as warm and supportive, with a culture that encourages students to develop both personal responsibility and compassion for others.
Frequently Asked Questions about Holy Innocents' High School
Is Holy Innocents' High School a good school?
Holy Innocents' High School is a government-aided Catholic secondary school with a heritage dating back to 1892. It provides a holistic education through programmes such as the Good Samaritan Programme and its Applied Learning Programme in Journalism and Broadcasting. The school offers a wide range of CCAs and academic subjects, and its Christ-centred values emphasise character development, compassion, and leadership. Parents are encouraged to attend the school's open house to assess whether it suits their child's needs.
Is Holy Innocents' High School a co-educational school?
Yes, the school has been co-educational since 1985, admitting both boys and girls.
Does Singapore officially rank secondary schools?
The Ministry of Education does not publish official rankings for secondary schools in Singapore. This policy encourages families to evaluate schools based on factors such as programmes, co-curricular offerings, and school culture rather than a single ranking metric.
What are the PSLE cut-off points for Holy Innocents' High School?
Under the Full Subject-Based Banding system, the indicative PSLE score ranges for the 2025 intake were: Posting Group 3 — non-affiliated 10–13, affiliated 13–22; Posting Group 2 — non-affiliated 21–22, affiliated 23–25; Posting Group 1 — non-affiliated 25–27, affiliated 26–29. These figures are based on the preceding year's posting exercise and may change annually.
How does admission to Holy Innocents' High School work?
Students are admitted primarily through the Secondary 1 Posting Exercise based on their PSLE results. Affiliated students from Holy Innocents' Primary School receive priority consideration. Alternatively, students can apply via Direct School Admission (DSA) for demonstrated talent in sports, performing arts, leadership, or academics. Applications are submitted through the MOE DSA portal, typically in May, at no cost.
How do I apply via DSA to Holy Innocents' High School?
Applications are made through the MOE DSA-Sec Portal during the application window, which usually opens in May. Students can apply based on talent areas such as sports, performing arts, or leadership. There is no application fee. Successful DSA applicants are committed to attending Holy Innocents' High School and will not participate in the S1 posting exercise. The school's website lists the specific talent categories available each year.
Is Holy Innocents' High School affiliated with a primary school?
Yes, the school is affiliated with Holy Innocents' Primary School. Students from the affiliated primary school benefit from priority admission and more favourable indicative PSLE score ranges during the posting exercise.
What O-Level subjects are offered at Holy Innocents' High School?
The school offers a range of O-Level subjects including English Language, Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Science combination subjects, Social Studies with Geography or History, Literature in English, Chinese Language, Higher Chinese Language, Malay Language, Art, Computing, Design and Technology, Nutrition and Food Science, Principles of Accounts, Music, and Physical Education. The exact subject offerings may vary from year to year.
What is Full Subject-Based Banding at Holy Innocents' High School?
Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB) allows students to study individual subjects at varying levels of difficulty according to their strengths. Implemented from 2024, this system replaces rigid streaming with mixed form classes and flexible subject combinations, helping students build on their abilities across different disciplines.
What CCAs does Holy Innocents' High School offer?
The school provides more than 20 CCAs in four categories. Sports include Badminton, Basketball, Netball, Football, Wushu, Floorball, and Bowling. Uniformed Groups include NPCC, St John Brigade, Scouts, and NCC (Land). Performing Arts groups include Chinese Orchestra, Choir, Modern Dance, and English Drama. Clubs and Societies include Art and Crafts, Chinese Weiqi, Media and Journalism, Community Service, and Leadership.
What is the Applied Learning Programme at Holy Innocents' High School?
The Applied Learning Programme (ALP) focuses on Journalism and Broadcasting. Through a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on media projects, students develop critical thinking and communication skills. The programme also includes opportunities to participate in related competitions.
What is the Good Samaritan Programme?
The Good Samaritan Programme is the school's Learning for Life Programme (LLP). It centres on community youth leadership through service learning, where students design and carry out projects that address the needs of specific beneficiary groups, fostering a sense of compassion and social responsibility.
What are the school fees for Holy Innocents' High School?
Fees depend on citizenship status — Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents, and International Students each have different fee structures. Singapore Citizens and PRs benefit from government subsidies. Detailed monthly fee information is available on the MOE website or by contacting the school directly.
What is the history of Holy Innocents' High School?
The school was established in 1892 as Tao Nan School, one of Singapore's first Chinese mission schools. It was subsequently renamed and reorganised as a Catholic institution. The primary section was separated in 1985, and the school underwent facility upgrades during the 1990s. Throughout its history, it has maintained a focus on holistic, values-based Catholic education.
Is Holy Innocents' High School affiliated with a junior college?
Yes, the school is affiliated with Catholic Junior College, which provides a connected post-secondary pathway for students who wish to pursue the A-Level route after completing their O-Levels.
Does Holy Innocents' High School provide support for students with special educational needs?
Yes, the school has dedicated Special Educational Needs (SEN) officers who provide support for students with specific learning requirements.
What are the contact details for Holy Innocents' High School?
The school is situated at 1191 Upper Serangoon Road, Singapore 534786. It can be reached by phone at 6283 3381 or by email at [email protected].
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