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English tuition for Yusof Ishak Secondary School students
Live online English tuition for Yusof Ishak 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.
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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.
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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 Yusof Ishak Secondary School
PSLE cut-off point for Yusof Ishak Secondary School
MOE publishes the PSLE score of the first and the last student posted into each school at each posting group. Below are Yusof Ishak 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 7–15 |
| 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 Yusof Ishak Secondary School
Yusof Ishak Secondary School (YISS) is a co-educational government secondary school located in Punggol, Singapore. The school is named after Yusof Ishak, the first President of Singapore.
School Overview
Yusof Ishak Secondary School (YISS) was originally established in 1965 under the name Jubilee Integrated Secondary School, offering instruction in both English and Malay. The following year, the school was renamed in honour of Singapore's inaugural President, Encik Yusof Ishak, and was officially opened by then-Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew on 29 July 1966 at its Jubilee Road campus. The school moved to a new campus in Punggol in 2018, marking a fresh chapter in its development.
YISS is a government co-educational secondary school that operates on a single-session schedule. The school's motto, "Pioneering as One," underpins its approach to education, which is built around the values of integrity, responsibility, respect, resilience, and care. YISS places strong emphasis on developing both learners and leaders, guided by the belief that every student has the capacity to grow.
Two signature programmes define the school's distinctive character. The Applied Learning Programme (ALP), known as S4TEM@YI, centres on STEM for Sustainability, preparing students to engage with challenges related to smart and sustainable urban living. The Learning for Life Programme (LLP), titled YI LEAD+, focuses on Community Youth Leadership, developing students' sense of civic responsibility through structured service opportunities and leadership activities.
Admission Process
Entry to YISS at Secondary 1 takes place through two main pathways: the PSLE posting exercise and the Direct School Admission (DSA) scheme.
Based on the 2025 intake, the indicative PSLE Achievement Level cut-off points for non-affiliated students were: Posting Group 3 (Express) 6 to 14, Posting Group 2 (Normal Academic) 21 to 22, and Posting Group 1 (Normal Technical) 25 to 26. These figures represent the score of the last student admitted in that cycle and may shift from year to year. YISS is not affiliated with any primary school, so there are no affiliation-based priority adjustments.
For DSA, the school accepts applications across seven talent areas: Basketball (Boys), Community Youth Leadership, Modern Dance, Robotics, STEM, Table Tennis, and Wushu. Most categories are open to both boys and girls. Applications are submitted through the MOE DSA-Sec portal, typically between May and June, for entry the following January. Selection criteria focus on demonstrated aptitude and genuine interest in the relevant area.
Once enrolled, students are placed under Full Subject-Based Banding (FSBB), which allows them to take individual subjects at different levels based on their strengths. This means students are not locked into a single stream and can pursue more demanding levels in subjects where they perform well. Families considering YISS may wish to attend the school's annual open house for a first-hand look at programmes and facilities.
Curriculum and Academic Programme
The academic programme at YISS follows the MOE national curriculum. Core subjects include English Language, Mathematics (Elementary and Additional), the Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), and Humanities (Social Studies, Geography, History). Elective subjects available include Art, Mother Tongue Languages (Chinese, Malay, Tamil, with Higher and Syllabus B options), Design and Technology, and Food and Consumer Education.
Under Full Subject-Based Banding, students can take subjects at Express, Normal Academic, or Normal Technical levels depending on individual aptitude, allowing for a more tailored learning experience. The school prepares students for the GCE O-Level and N-Level examinations.
YISS has a track record of strong value-added academic performance and was notably the first school in Singapore to top the national value-added rankings in 1992. The school received the Academic Value-Added Award (Bronze) across multiple years from 2000 to 2009 and earned the Community in Nature School Award in 2024. Students have also achieved recognition in national competitions such as the Australian Mathematics Competition.
Facilities and Co-Curricular Activities
The Punggol campus features modern facilities designed to support both academic learning and co-curricular engagement. These include smart classrooms equipped with digital learning tools, well-resourced science and computer laboratories, a library, dedicated arts studios, and a multipurpose sports complex. The campus also incorporates spaces for STEM exploration, including areas for robotics and urban farming projects, and is barrier-free accessible.
Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) are an integral part of student life at YISS. The school offers a wide range of options across four categories:
Uniformed Groups: Boys' Brigade, Girls' Brigade, National Police Cadet Corps (NPCC), and National Cadet Corps (NCC Land), which develop discipline, teamwork, and a sense of service.
Performing Arts: Concert Band, Chinese Orchestra, Modern Dance, Choir, and Art Club, providing outlets for creative expression and performance.
Sports: Badminton, Basketball (Boys), Fencing, Floorball (Boys), Netball, Sepak Takraw (Boys), Softball (Girls), Table Tennis, and Wushu, fostering physical fitness and sportsmanship.
Clubs and Societies: English Language Drama and Debating Society (ELDDS), Robotics Club, STEM Club, Infocomm Technology, Environmental Science, and Community Youth Leadership, encouraging inquiry and innovation.
Several CCAs correspond directly to DSA talent areas, offering a natural pathway for students admitted through that route.
Student Life and School Culture
School culture at YISS is shaped by its founding motto, "Pioneering as One," and by its core values of integrity, responsibility, respect, resilience, and care. The school fosters an inclusive environment where students from diverse backgrounds learn and grow together.
Class sizes typically range from 30 to 40 students. Pastoral care is delivered through form teachers and a dedicated counselling team, with structured programmes addressing well-being, anti-bullying, and resilience. Special Educational Needs Officers are available on campus to support students who require additional assistance.
Parent engagement is encouraged through the Parent Support Group (PSG), meet-the-parents sessions, and orientation programmes for incoming Secondary 1 families. The school also conducts registration webinars and provides guidance on subject choices to help students and parents navigate the transition from primary to secondary education.
The Learning for Life Programme (YI LEAD+) is woven into school life, with community service and leadership development forming a regular part of the student experience. Values-in-action projects give students structured opportunities to contribute to the wider community, reinforcing the school's emphasis on responsible citizenship.
Frequently Asked Questions about Yusof Ishak Secondary School
Is Yusof Ishak Secondary School a good school?
YISS is a government secondary school with a strong value-added academic track record, signature programmes in STEM for Sustainability and Community Youth Leadership, and a broad range of CCAs. It was the first Singapore school to top the national value-added rankings and continues to emphasise holistic student development. Whether a school is the right fit depends on each family's priorities, so visiting during the open house is recommended.
Is Yusof Ishak Secondary School co-educational?
Yes. YISS is a co-educational government secondary school that admits both boys and girls under a single-session timetable.
Does Singapore officially rank secondary schools?
The Ministry of Education does not publish official rankings for secondary schools in Singapore. Schools are assessed on a range of measures including value-added performance, holistic development, and student outcomes rather than a single league table.
What are the PSLE cut-off points for Yusof Ishak Secondary School?
Based on the 2025 intake, the indicative cut-off points for non-affiliated students were: Posting Group 3 (Express) 6 to 14, Posting Group 2 (Normal Academic) 21 to 22, and Posting Group 1 (Normal Technical) 25 to 26. These figures represent the last admitted student's score and may vary each year. Check MOE SchoolFinder for the most current data.
What O-Level and N-Level subjects does YISS offer?
Subjects include English Language, Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Art, Chinese Language, Higher Chinese Language, Malay Language, Tamil Language, Design and Technology, Food and Consumer Education, Geography, History, Literature in English, Humanities (Social Studies with Geography or History), and Science (Physics, Chemistry). Availability may differ across cohorts; refer to the school's curriculum page for updates.
How can students apply to YISS through DSA?
Direct School Admission applications are submitted via the MOE DSA-Sec portal, generally between May and June each year, for entry the following January. YISS offers DSA in Basketball (Boys), Community Youth Leadership, Modern Dance, Robotics, STEM, Table Tennis, and Wushu. Successful applicants receive a confirmed place before PSLE results are released.
What CCAs are available at Yusof Ishak Secondary School?
CCAs span four categories. Sports include Badminton, Basketball (Boys), Fencing, Floorball (Boys), Netball, Sepak Takraw (Boys), Softball (Girls), Table Tennis, and Wushu. Uniformed groups include Boys' Brigade, Girls' Brigade, NPCC, and NCC (Land). Performing arts options are Concert Band, Chinese Orchestra, Choir, Modern Dance, and Art Club. Clubs and societies include ELDDS, Robotics, STEM, Environmental Science, Infocomm Technology, and Community Youth Leadership.
Is Yusof Ishak Secondary School affiliated with any primary school?
No. YISS does not have an affiliation with any primary school, meaning there are no affiliation-based priority adjustments during the PSLE posting exercise. Admission is determined by PSLE Achievement Level scores or through the DSA scheme.
What is the Applied Learning Programme at YISS?
The ALP is titled S4TEM@YI and focuses on STEM for Sustainability. It integrates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with real-world applications such as urban farming, environmental monitoring, and smart city design to develop students' problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
What is the Learning for Life Programme at YISS?
The LLP, called YI LEAD+, centres on Community Youth Leadership. Through structured service projects, leadership training, and community engagement activities, the programme develops students' character, civic awareness, and sense of responsibility.
What are the school fees at Yusof Ishak Secondary School?
As a government school, monthly fees for Singapore citizens are typically $5 for school fees plus approximately $20 in miscellaneous fees. Permanent Residents pay around $440 plus miscellaneous fees, while international students pay between $840 and $2,000 plus miscellaneous fees depending on ASEAN or non-ASEAN status. Exact amounts may vary; use the MOE fees calculator for current figures.
What is the history of Yusof Ishak Secondary School?
The school was founded in 1965 as Jubilee Integrated Secondary School, offering both English and Malay stream instruction. It was renamed Yusof Ishak Secondary School in 1966 in honour of Singapore's first President. The school later moved to Bukit Batok in 1998 and then to its current Punggol campus. It was recognised as a Centre for Teaching and Learning Excellence in 2015.
What facilities does the Punggol campus have?
The campus includes smart classrooms, science and computer laboratories, a library, arts studios, a multipurpose sports complex, STEM exploration spaces, urban farming plots, interactive learning centres, and covered outdoor areas. The campus is barrier-free accessible.
How does YISS support post-secondary planning?
The school provides Education and Career Guidance (ECG) counselling, O-Level and N-Level preparation across a range of subjects, and experiential learning through the ALP and LLP. These support students in planning pathways to junior colleges, polytechnics, or the Institute of Technical Education. Appointments with the ECG counsellor can be arranged through the school website.
What is Full Subject-Based Banding at YISS?
Under FSBB, students can take individual subjects at more demanding levels based on their strengths, rather than being placed in a single fixed stream. This allows for personalised learning pathways leading to O-Level or N-Level qualifications.
How does the school engage parents and support the primary-to-secondary transition?
Parents are welcome to join the Parent Support Group, attend meet-the-parents sessions, and access information through the school website. For incoming Secondary 1 students, the school runs orientation programmes, registration webinars, and provides guidance on subject selection and streaming options after PSLE.
Does YISS provide support for students with special educational needs?
Yes. The school has Special Educational Needs Officers on staff and offers barrier-free campus facilities. Families can contact the school directly for information on available support programmes and allied educator services.
What is the contact information for Yusof Ishak Secondary School?
The school is located at 8 Sumang Walk, Singapore 828676. The phone number is 6500 9800 and the email address is [email protected].
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