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Chemistry tuition for Yishun Town Secondary School students
Live online Chemistry tuition for Yishun Town Secondary School students in secondary 3–4. Bring recent schoolwork and teacher feedback so our tutors can see where your child needs help and plan the lessons.
Secondary 3–4
Courses and years
Pure Chemistry
Years 3–4
Combined Science (Chemistry)
Years 3–4
Bring recent schoolwork and the current topic list so we can choose a suitable class.
Study guide · 01
Particles, bonding and structure: explain properties precisely
Pure Chemistry questions can ask students to connect a structure with an observable property. Identify the type of particles, how they are arranged and the forces or bonds relevant to the property. A statement about melting needs a different explanation from one about electrical conductivity, even when both questions concern the same substance.
For a simple molecular substance, distinguish the forces between molecules from the covalent bonds within each molecule. For an ionic substance, distinguish the strength of the lattice interactions from the ability of ions to move. Those distinctions prevent a correct term from being used in an incorrect explanation.
Compare two substances using the same property. Explain how each structure affects it, then describe the difference. Try the explanation aloud without notes. If you are unsure which particles or forces matter, review those first.
Study guide · 02
Chemical calculations: make each step follow the equation
Plan the calculation: convert the given quantity to moles, use the balanced equation’s mole ratio and convert to the quantity asked for. Label each substance so you can check you are comparing the right pair.
Check the conditions in the question. A gas-volume calculation needs the stated conditions or molar volume. A solution calculation needs consistent volume units. If the question supplies information about excess or limiting quantities, use it before deciding how much product can form. Select the method from the evidence given.
The task
5.0 g of calcium carbonate reacts completely with excess hydrochloric acid. Given Mr(CaCO₃) = 100 and a gas molar volume of 24 dm³/mol at the stated conditions, calculate the carbon dioxide volume. Equation: CaCO₃ + 2HCl → CaCl₂ + H₂O + CO₂.
Worked response
Amount of CaCO₃ = 5.0 ÷ 100 = 0.050 mol. The CaCO₃:CO₂ mole ratio is 1:1, so 0.050 mol of CO₂ forms. Volume = 0.050 × 24 = 1.2 dm³.
Convert the calcium carbonate mass to moles, then use the 1:1 ratio to find the carbon dioxide amount. The acid is in excess, so the calcium carbonate determines how much gas forms. Finally convert the gas amount to volume.
Study guide · 03
Connect reactions across acids, redox, energetics and rates
Reaction topics become more useful when the student can explain the same change in several ways. An acid reaction can be represented by an equation, identified through observations and used in a calculation. A redox question can ask how oxidation states or electron transfer establish what was oxidised and reduced. Keep the definition connected to the species in the question.
For energetics, track where energy is transferred and distinguish bond breaking from bond formation. For rate questions, identify the changed condition and explain its effect on relevant collisions. If a graph is supplied, distinguish a faster reaction from a larger final amount of product; they describe different features of the results.
The Periodic Table, organic chemistry and air-quality topics also need explanation and application. Use the official outcomes to choose appropriate examples. A named topic is a starting point for revision; the verbs in its outcomes indicate whether the student should recall, explain, calculate or interpret information.
Study guide · 04
Practical Chemistry: observations, data and evaluation
Practical preparation includes choosing a method, making careful observations, processing results and evaluating the conclusion. For qualitative analysis, keep the test, observation and inference as separate steps. A colour change or precipitate is an observation; the identification of a substance is the conclusion supported by it.
When evaluating an experiment, identify the actual source of uncertainty and explain how the proposed change addresses it. Repeating measurements helps examine consistency, but it does not automatically remove a systematic problem in the method. A useful improvement needs a specific reason linked to the apparatus, measurement or procedure.
We use apparatus diagrams, results and experiment questions to practise planning and data interpretation online. Bring practical feedback as well as theory papers. Hands-on apparatus work takes place through the school’s laboratory programme.
Study guide · 05
A revision sequence for Pure Chemistry in Sec 3–4
Review particles, structure, formulae and equations, then practise the calculations and reactions that use them. Use the twelve-topic syllabus to check coverage and try questions without notes to see what still needs work.
Within a topic, alternate explanation questions with calculations and data interpretation where the outcomes require them. Later, mix topics so that the student must choose the relevant idea. Review multiple-choice distractors by explaining why each alternative fails; for structured questions, check that each part of the task has been answered.
Before an assessment, practise timed sections and full papers. Note where you lose time and check the working remains clear. Tutors use those mistakes to plan lessons, followed by platform practice and spaced review. Share the subject code and examination year when arranging a trial.
Study guide · 01
Structured answers: separate an observation from an explanation
Check what the question asks for. An observation describes what is seen or measured. An explanation gives the chemical reason. A conclusion says what the results show. Answer that part directly.
Use precise language. “A gas is produced” identifies an observable change but does not name the gas. Naming a gas requires appropriate evidence or other information in the question. Where an equation is requested, confirm the substances and balance it before using its coefficients in later working.
The task
In a written experiment scenario, a gas is bubbled through limewater, which turns milky. State the observation and the conclusion supported by the test.
Worked response
Observation: The limewater turns milky. Conclusion: The gas contains carbon dioxide.
“Turns milky” is the observation. Carbon dioxide is the conclusion from that test. Keep the distinction when answering other qualitative-analysis questions.
Study guide · 02
Calculations and data questions: show a method that can be checked
Label the substance and quantity on every calculation line. Read any equation or data given before choosing a relationship. Convert units where required and show how the values connect to the unknown. Clear working makes it possible to identify whether an error began with chemistry, unit conversion or arithmetic.
For a graph or table, read the labels and units before interpreting the pattern. Describe a trend using the quantities involved, then use the relevant concept to explain it. A larger final value and a steeper initial gradient can mean different things. Give numerical evidence when the question asks for support from the results.
After checking a calculation, explain why you used those values. This helps you choose the information when another question gives it in a different order.
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 3–4
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.
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Class registration for the 2027 school year is open. Bring recent schoolwork to help us plan a useful first lesson.
About Yishun Town Secondary School
PSLE cut-off point for Yishun Town Secondary School
MOE publishes the PSLE score of the first and the last student posted into each school at each posting group. Below are Yishun Town 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 5–13 |
| Posting Group 2 | AL 21–22 |
| 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 Yishun Town Secondary School
Yishun Town Secondary School (YTSS) is a co-educational government autonomous secondary school in Yishun, Singapore.
School Overview
Yishun Town Secondary School (YTSS) opened its doors in January 1986 as a government school serving the Yishun residential estate. The school was formally inaugurated on 29 July 1988 by then-Acting Minister for Education Dr Tony Tan. It started with nine classes and a team of 13 founding teachers, initially operating from shared premises with a neighbouring school before relocating to its permanent campus. In 2010, the Ministry of Education conferred autonomous status on YTSS in recognition of its sustained academic performance and educational innovation. The school has now been in operation for over 38 years.
YTSS is a co-educational, single-session government autonomous school with an enrolment of approximately 1,400 students drawn from varied backgrounds. Guided by the motto "We Will Excel," the school operates on the belief that every student possesses the capacity to learn, grow, and succeed. Its vision statement — "A Community of Leaders, A Fraternity of Professionals, A School of Distinction" — is paired with the mission of "Transforming Hearts and Minds, Empowering Lives," reflecting a commitment to holistic education grounded in values such as resilience, integrity, and lifelong learning.
A distinctive feature of YTSS is its Language Elective Programme (LEP) in Tamil, placing it among a small number of secondary schools that provide this form of bilingual enrichment and cultural immersion. The school also runs focused programmes in science and technology, alongside support structures for students with diverse learning needs.
Admission Process
Entry to YTSS follows Singapore's standard secondary school posting process. As a non-affiliated school, admission is determined by PSLE Achievement Level (AL) scores. For the 2025 intake (based on 2024 PSLE results), the indicative cut-off points were: Posting Group 1 (Express) 25 to 27, Posting Group 2 (Normal Academic) 21 to 22, and Posting Group 3 (Normal Technical) 6 to 12. These figures represent the score of the last student offered a place in that cycle and may shift each year depending on demand.
YTSS also participates in Direct School Admission (DSA). For the 2025 intake, the school accepted DSA applications in Basketball for both boys and girls. DSA applications are submitted through the MOE portal, typically between May and June, with selection trials and interviews conducted in the following weeks.
Once enrolled, students are placed under Full Subject-Based Banding (SBB), which allows them to take individual subjects at different levels based on their strengths rather than being locked into a single stream. YTSS does not offer the Integrated Programme (IP); students follow O-Level pathways through the Express, Normal (Academic), or Normal (Technical) tracks.
Curriculum and Academic Programme
The academic programme at YTSS covers a comprehensive range of O-Level subjects, supplemented by school-specific enrichment. Core subjects include English Language, Mathematics (Elementary and Additional), Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), and Humanities (Social Studies, Geography, History). Students can also take electives such as Principles of Accounts, Higher Art, Literature in Tamil, Higher Chinese, and Malay Language. The Full Subject-Based Banding framework gives students the flexibility to study different subjects at varying proficiency levels.
Academic results at YTSS have been consistently strong. In the 2024 O-Level examinations, 87.7% of students obtained at least five passes, while 97.3% achieved three or more passes. The school has received the Sustained Achievement Award for Academics and earned value-added recognition in its Normal stream results. Notable alumni include Tan Hui Ting, who was the 2007 O-Level National Top Scorer, and more recent awardees Julia Stoelwinder and Ng Ruo Xi, who received 2024 MOE Special Awards. YTSS students have also been recipients of the Lee Kuan Yew Award for Outstanding Normal Course Students.
Facilities and Co-Curricular Activities
The YTSS campus features air-conditioned smart classrooms equipped with interactive technology, well-resourced science and computer laboratories, a library, and dedicated spaces for the arts and environmental science. The school has also added an indoor sports hall, a multipurpose hall, and two lecture theatres in recent years.
Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) are compulsory for all students and form a core part of the school's holistic education approach. YTSS offers more than 20 CCAs across four categories:
Sports and Games: Basketball, Bowling, Shooting, Table Tennis, and Volleyball.
Uniformed Groups: Boys' Brigade, Girl Guides, National Police Cadet Corps (NPCC), and National Cadet Corps (NCC).
Performing Arts: Chinese Dance, English Drama, Choir, and Concert Band.
Clubs and Societies: Art and Crafts, International Chess, Photography, Infocomm Technology (Computing), and Environmental Science.
CCA participation contributes to character development and can also strengthen a student's profile for future DSA applications.
Student Life and School Culture
School culture at YTSS centres on empathy, mutual respect, and personal growth. The school operates a single-session timetable with structured lessons and designated breaks. Class sizes are approximately 40 students, and pastoral care is provided through counselling services, anti-bullying programmes, and inclusivity initiatives aligned with MOE guidelines on student well-being.
Students at YTSS — sometimes referred to as "YTzens" — participate in resilience-building assemblies, peer mentoring programmes, and house activities that foster a sense of belonging. Parents and current students frequently highlight the supportive teacher-student relationships as a defining characteristic of the school.
The school's Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) programme develops social-emotional competencies through values lessons, process drama, and service learning projects. The Internationalisation Programme further broadens students' perspectives through cross-cultural learning experiences and overseas trips.
Frequently Asked Questions about Yishun Town Secondary School
Is Yishun Town Secondary School a good school?
YTSS is an autonomous government school that has maintained strong academic results and a well-rounded co-curricular programme. It received autonomous status from MOE in 2010 and has been recognised with awards including the Sustained Achievement Award for Academics. The school places emphasis on character development, leadership, and active citizenship alongside academic achievement.
Is Yishun Town Secondary School a co-educational school?
Yes. Yishun Town Secondary School is a co-educational, single-session government autonomous school that enrols both boys and girls.
Does Singapore officially rank secondary schools?
No. The Ministry of Education does not publish official rankings of secondary schools. YTSS is recognised as an autonomous school, which reflects its sustained high standards in teaching and student outcomes.
What are the PSLE cut-off points for Yishun Town Secondary School?
Based on the 2024 PSLE results for the 2025 intake, the indicative cut-off points were: Posting Group 1 (Express) 25 to 27, Posting Group 2 (Normal Academic) 21 to 22, and Posting Group 3 (Normal Technical) 6 to 12. These figures represent the score of the last admitted student and may vary annually. Parents should check the MOE website for the latest figures after the S1 posting exercise.
What is the history of Yishun Town Secondary School?
YTSS was founded in January 1986 with nine classes and 13 pioneer teachers. The school initially shared premises with Yishun Secondary School before moving to its own campus at Yishun Street 21, where it was officially opened on 29 July 1988. The school achieved autonomous status in 2010 and has continued to develop its facilities and programmes over the years.
What O-Level subjects does Yishun Town Secondary School offer?
The school offers O-Level subjects including English Language, Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, History, Literature in English, Chinese Language, Higher Chinese Language, Malay Language, Principles of Accounts, Higher Art, and Humanities combinations (Social Studies with Geography or History). YTSS also runs the Language Elective Programme in Tamil. Subject offerings may change between intake years.
What CCAs are available at Yishun Town Secondary School?
YTSS offers more than 20 CCAs. Sports options include Basketball, Bowling, Shooting, Table Tennis, and Volleyball. Uniformed Groups include the Boys' Brigade, Girl Guides, NPCC, and NCC. Performing Arts groups include Choir, Chinese Dance, English Drama, and Concert Band. Clubs and Societies cover Art and Crafts, International Chess, Photography, Infocomm Technology, and Environmental Science.
How does subject-based banding work at Yishun Town Secondary School?
YTSS implements Full Subject-Based Banding (SBB), which allows students to take subjects at different levels (G1, G2, G3) according to their individual strengths and interests. Rather than being placed in a fixed stream, students study in mixed form classes and can adjust their subject levels over time, providing more flexibility in their academic pathway.
How does Yishun Town Secondary School support the transition from primary to secondary school?
The school runs orientation programmes and leadership training to help incoming students settle in. Mixed form classes under Full SBB provide a supportive peer environment, and the Character and Citizenship Education programme builds social-emotional skills through structured lessons and service learning projects.
What are the school fees at Yishun Town Secondary School?
As a government school, YTSS charges the standard monthly fees set by MOE for Singapore citizens. Financial support is available through the MOE Financial Assistance Scheme for eligible families. Parents should refer to the MOE website or contact the school directly for current fee details.
What facilities does Yishun Town Secondary School have?
The campus includes air-conditioned smart classrooms, science and computer laboratories, a library, an indoor sports hall, a multipurpose hall, two lecture theatres, arts studios, and a dedicated environmental science space. The school also has access to a shared artificial football field with a neighbouring primary school.
What achievements has Yishun Town Secondary School received?
YTSS has been awarded autonomous status (2010), the Sustained Achievement Award for Academics, and the Best Practices Award for Teaching and Learning. Students have received honours including the Lee Kuan Yew Award for Outstanding Normal Course Students and MOE Special Awards.
Does Yishun Town Secondary School offer Direct School Admission (DSA)?
Yes. For the 2025 intake, YTSS offered DSA places in Basketball for both boys and girls. Applications are made through the MOE DSA portal, typically between May and June, with selection trials and interviews following. Parents should check the MOE portal each year for the latest available categories.
What are the vision, mission, and values of Yishun Town Secondary School?
The school's vision is "A Community of Leaders, A Fraternity of Professionals, A School of Distinction." Its mission is "Transforming Hearts and Minds, Empowering Lives." Core values include integrity, respect, gratitude, and resilience, which are woven into the school's programmes aimed at developing confident leaders and responsible citizens.
What does the Character and Citizenship Education programme involve?
The CCE programme at YTSS develops students' knowledge, skills, and values through structured lessons, process drama, and service learning projects. It aims to nurture critical thinking, social responsibility, and global awareness alongside personal character.
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