What Average Science Tuition Centres Get Wrong—and How the Best Succeed

For many students, science becomes one of the most difficult subjects in secondary school. Complex ideas, unfamiliar vocabulary, and abstract diagrams can make the subject feel intimidating, especially without the right support. This is where the best secondary science tuition centre in Singapore stands apart. While some tuition providers fall into patterns that leave students even more confused, top centres like Twig Learning Center, Axiom Education, and The Chemistry Practice avoid these mistakes with proven teaching strategies designed for clarity and confidence.

Below are five missteps common in average tuition centres, and how the best avoid them to help students thrive.

1. Using One-Size-Fits-All Teaching

A common mistake in science tuition is assuming all students absorb information in the same way. In reality, students vary widely in how they process lessons. Some centres stick to traditional lecturing, which leaves behind visual or hands-on learners. Twig Learning Center avoids this entirely. Known for its strong use of visual aids and detailed demonstrations, Twig adapts its materials and teaching delivery to suit different learning styles. Whether it’s through digital models or hands-on tools, their classes help abstract concepts become understandable, especially for students who’ve struggled in school-based science lessons.

2. Relying Too Heavily on Memorisation

Another common issue is the emphasis on memorising textbook content without building conceptual foundations. Many tuition centres default to drilling past-year questions without helping students understand the “why” behind the answers. Axiom Education takes a different route. Lessons begin with core scientific ideas, ensuring students grasp the principles before applying them to exam-style problems. This method encourages curiosity and problem-solving, both of which are critical for long-term academic success and real-world thinking.

3. Ignoring Individual Needs in Large Classrooms

Tuition centres with large class sizes can inadvertently overlook students who need extra support. In such settings, shy or struggling learners are unlikely to ask questions. The Chemistry Practice addresses this with purposefully small class sizes, allowing tutors to offer individualised feedback and monitor each student’s progress. Tutors can immediately catch errors, clarify confusion, and reinforce key points before misconceptions take root. This attention builds trust and encourages even reluctant students to actively participate.

4. Making Science Feel Detached from Real Life

When science is taught purely from textbooks, students disconnect from it. Without real-world relevance, topics like osmosis or electricity can feel meaningless. Many tuition providers miss the chance to ground lessons in everyday examples. Axiom Education integrates real-life scenarios and case studies into lessons to bring concepts to life. Whether through hands-on experiments or multimedia resources, students are reminded that science explains the world around them, making it more engaging and easier to remember.

5. Skipping Exam Practice Until It’s Too Late

Some centres wait until the exam period to start test practice, leaving students underprepared for the stress and structure of real exams. The most effective providers introduce exam-format questions, time trials, and feedback loops from the start. Twig Learning Center and The Chemistry Practice both excel in this area. Their students regularly work through O-Level science paper formats, receive feedback on their technique, and build familiarity with question types long before the exam approaches. This reduces anxiety and builds confidence.

The Best Centres Don’t Just Teach—They Guide

Science doesn’t have to be intimidating. The key difference between average and outstanding tuition centres lies in their ability to personalise teaching, build real understanding, provide close support, and consistently prepare students for exams. Twig Learning Center, Axiom Education, and The Chemistry Practice avoid the mistakes many others make, and as a result, they transform disengaged students into confident science learners.

Visit Best Picks to find out how these centres are helping students across Singapore achieve their best in science.