Why are students struggling in A Level H1 General Paper (GP)?

• Many students have the misconception that General Paper is just English. This is why many get a shock when they realise that mere language skills or memorising 'model' essays will not guarantee excellent performance in the subject. 

• Both the Essay (Paper 1) and Comprehension (Paper 2) components require higher level critical thinking as well as the ability to analyse, evaluate, and construct coherent arguments with effective language. 

• Furthermore, students must be able to possess the relevant knowledge on contemporary world issues and current affairs to substantiate their arguments.

Why are students struggling in A Level H2 History?

• History is an understandably difficult subject for many students due to the heavy content and memory work required to do well, especially at the JC level. 

• Many struggle with the jump from O-Level to A-Level History, as the latter requires much deeper analysis coupled with robust content knowledge. Such analytical thought processes are expected to be demonstrated in both the Source Based Case Study (SBC) and Essay sections. 

• Rote memorisation of content will not bring students far in examinations, as fundamental understanding of historical concepts is critical to ensure effective evaluation using historical events as substantiation.

Why are students struggling in A Level H2 Economics?

• The study of Economics allows students to develop a broad understanding of fundamental economic concepts, theories and principles, and of the tools and methods of analysis used by economists. Economics aim to introduce students to economic issues in the society at the national and international levels. 

• The H1/H2 syllabus requires students to be able to think critically and illustrate their ability in using evidences in making well-reasoned economic arguments to answer questions. 

• As Economics is a new subject to many, students often perceive Economics as a challenging and rigorous subject often difficult to master. 

Why are students struggling in A Level H2 China Studies in English (CSE)?

• CSE is a very niche subject where students struggle to find help outside of school. The dynamism and current affairs nature of the subject makes it all the more difficult to figure out what is important for the examinations amidst a constantly changing China. 

• Analytical thought processes are expected to be demonstrated in both the Source Based Case Study (SBC) and Essay sections, with the application of contextual knowledge about China gleaned from the past and present. 

• Rote memorisation of content will not bring students far in examinations, as fundamental understanding of concepts is critical to ensure effective evaluation using historical or current events as substantiation.

How The Humanities Clinic’s teaching methodologies help students:

• Through THC’s ECCE formula, our lessons break down complex concepts into bite-sized components that maximise students’ learning, while imparting techniques to tackle any exam question.

  • Effective skill sets and techniques: to analyse and answer various question types 

  • Curated notes and cheat sheets: to master the most important content required to excel in examinations 

  • Critical thinking skills: in-class discussions and deeper analysis to hone ability to answer any kinds of issues tested

  • Exposure to wide variety of questions: including complex higher order questions to hone answering techniques and boost confidence