Mr Victor Wu

Education Specialist

Mr Victor Wu graduated from the National University of Singapore (NUS) with a Bachelor of Science degree with a Second Class Honours(Upper Division) in Microbiology. After which he then graduated with a Post Graduate Diploma in Education with Merit from the National Institute of Education.

He served at Pioneer Junior College as a level-head for Biology, with the responsibility of initiating and spearheading programmes that would enable students to apppreciate and enjoy the subject. He brought learning out of the lecture room by involving students with Science Day projects and by organising learning trips. He was also in charge of training students for the Biology Olympiads.

In the classroom, Mr Wu creates an atmosphere of non-judmental learning, where students are always encouraged to raise questions in class. He believes that these interactions in the classroom are important for the students to facilitate their learning process His students also benefited from his frequent use of simple and interesting anologies to help them understand difficult concepts in Biology.

Since 2012, Mr Victor Wu joined Learners' Lodge as a full time staff, serving as an Educational specialist, teaching Biology at both J1 and J2 levels.

Mr Damian Chee

Education Specialist

Mr. Damian Chee first joined the Ministry of Education in 2004 as a contract teacher at West Spring Secondary School. He was strongly recommended by his Principal then to the National Institute of Education (NIE) on the same year to start on his teaching course immediately. During which, he obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) with a Merit after being recognized to have adopted various teaching methods during Practicum that has been proved useful and engaging.

Naturally, Damian was posted to a higher institution after his NIE and went into the National Junior College in 2005 and started his teaching career since then. The College provided him with classes of diverse background which he handled differently but efficiently according to the students’ need. Through differentiated teaching and learning, games and investigative lessons, Damian adopted a student – centered learning culture in his classes and is proven to be a worthy teaching asset and was subsequently appointed to be the Level Coordinator of Junior High 3 and 4 (Integrated Program classes dealing with students 15-17 years of age) and the Senior High (Junior College Level). Within which, he designed the curriculum which best suited the students while ensuring that they learn with interest.

Damian was also appointed to be the Overall In-charge for the Mathematics Team-Project which he coordinated various Information Technology (IT) classes and programs within the Mathematics Department to further enhances students’ learning through the use of IT (e.g. Texas Instrument Navigator system, AutoGraph, etc). Other different modes of assessment were also adopted such as AFL (Assessment for Learning), encouraging Critical Thinking and Questioning in students and Online Assessment to cater for current students who are getting IT-savvy and learning differently. Damian also used the idea of Parallel Curriculum in the teaching and learning, to help students see the relevance of Mathematics to Real-Life through projects and in-class assignment so that they can better appreciate what they learn and to learn with an engaged mind. In order to investigate how students learn, Damian and his team of Mathematics teachers adopted the idea of Lesson Study (or Kenkyu Jugyo) – a very useful assessment for learning tool for students that originated from Japan which garnered huge success then.

Damian is also a very active member in the Junior Colleges Mathematics Teacher Conference (JCMTC), which he meet up with the rest of the Junior College Teachers frequently to analyze the most current A-Level syllabus, shared teaching and learning pedagogies, coming up with ideas in bridging students who transit from the O-Level / IP to the A-Level and eventually returned to College to shared with his fellow teachers. He also organized Learning Journeys for teachers to further equip themselves in teaching and planning in the motivation to encourage his team of Mathematics Teachers to have continual learning for the benefit of the students. Younger teachers sought opinions in teaching through him as he is a natural mentor due to his patience and commitment.

Throughout his 6 years of teaching in National Junior College, Damian coordinated and is well versed in the curriculum for Integrated Program (IP), Higher 1 (H1) and Higher 2 (H2) Mathematics. Currently, he is also continuing his 1-1 tutoring of students in his free time which started as early as 2001, as it provides him with additional teaching experience and in which proves useful in classes and vice versa. Damian is also helping private candidates in the abovementioned syllabus and on top of that, the A/AS-Level 9709 Mathematics as an additional and continual improvement to his teaching profile.

Teaching aside, Damian was appointed to be the Assistant House Master from 2009-2010 due to his recognized commitment in students’ well-being at the National Junior College Boarding School. During the period which he is in the role, he exercises extreme effort to see that students under his care are coping well with their stay and academic. He also designed and pioneered the teaching and learning curriculum for students who are academically at-risk for Mathematics within the Boarding School so that students can get help even during the evenings of their stay. Damian was also the Level Coordinator in the College’s Guidance Committee which he designed the curriculum to ensure that students’ character is in place while helping students to learn strategies to cope with lessons and examinations. Most importantly, Damian recognizes the importance that each individual student learns with the right motivation and mindset which helps to propel a student’s potential. He was eventually nominated to be one of the Most Caring Teachers in the College by his students and teachers for his relentless commitment in students.

Mr Koh Chee Wee

Education Specialist

Mr. Koh Chee Wee graduated from the National University of Singapore (NUS) with a Bachelor of Social Sciences (Economics) with Second Class Honours (Upper Division). His passion for teaching was ignited by his Junior College teacher who always went the extra mile to make classes interesting and engaging. This left a significant impact on Mr. Koh who firmly believes that a classroom is not only where teaching takes place but more importantly students’ learning is the top priority.

This experience had a strong influence in shaping Mr. Koh’s career choice. He decided to become a teacher during his junior college days in order to make a difference in the lives of students. Mr. Koh firmly believes the important role a teacher plays in his students’ lives. This role goes beyond delivery of content, it is about educating the whole individual. Mr. Koh’s own experience during his student days as well as his teaching stint in local schools has allowed him to understand the challenges that students face in Singapore’s junior college system and relate to their emotional needs. This has given him a competitive edge in motivating his students to strive for the best in their studies as well as personal life.

Upon graduation from NUS, Mr. Koh joined Anglo-Chinese Junior College (ACJC) as a contract teacher for a year before going to National Institute of Education (NIE) for his teacher’s training. Even as a new untrained teacher, he received positive feedback about his patient teaching style that not only enhance understanding but also creates a secure environment where his students are open and forthcoming with questions.

After graduating from NIE with a Diploma in Education (Merit), Mr. Koh joined Dunman High School (DHS) where he was instrumental in developing the instructional programme for the Economics unit at the newly established Senior High section. Mr. Koh’s teaching competency was recognised when he was appointed as the coordinator for the Year 5 Economics team to oversee the teaching and learning of Economics after being in the service for just one and a half years. In 2011, he was also appointed as the Cooperating Teacher to provide guidance and supervision for 2 NIE trainee teachers doing their practicum in DHS.

Mr. Koh is an avid user of ICT in his teaching to enhance students’ learning. In his first year of teaching at DHS, Mr. Koh was awarded the Most Innovative Teaching Award which recognised his effort in coming up with innovative teaching methods to enrich his students’ learning experience.

Since 2011, Mr. Koh has joined Learners’ Lodge Education Centre as a full time staff, serving as Education Specialist, teaching Economics classes at both JC 1 and JC 2 levels.

Mr Harry Tiew

Education Specialist

Mr Harry Tiew graduated from the National University of Singapore (NUS) with a Bachelor of Arts degree with Merit, majoring in both Economics and Information & Communications Management. In the following year, he was awarded a Bachelor of Social Sciences with Honours (2nd Upper) degree in Economics from NUS. He was also a student of the Chinese High School and Raffles Junior College.

After his undergraduate studies, Mr Tiew served 1 year of contract teaching in National Junior College where he confirmed his passion and talent for teaching and he went on to teacher training in the National Institute of Education (NIE). His flair for teaching was further affirmed by his NIE supervisor and School Cooperating Tutor when they awarded him a distinction grade for his practicum in Jurong Junior College.

Upon graduating from the NIE with a postgraduate diploma in Education, Mr Tiew returned to National Junior College where he was awarded the Most Innovative Teacher Award in 2005 after been nominated by his students for using creative and innovative teaching method, and for encouraging critical thought during lessons. In 2006, he also shared his teaching practices with parents and teachers from other schools in Singapore during the Ministry of Education ExCEL Fest.

Mr Tiew taught Economics in National Junior College for 4 years before joining Dunman High, where he was appointed the Year 6 level coordinator for the Senior High Economics Team. In 2011, Mr Tiew joined Learners’ Lodge Education Centre as a full time staff, serving as Education Specialist, teaching Economics classes at both JC1 and JC2 levels.

Ms Angeline Tan

Education Specialist

Ms Angeline Tan graduated from the National University of Singapore (NUS) with a Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree, majoring in Chemistry. She took up the MOE Teaching Award during her Honours year for she believes in her ability to make a difference to the future pillars of the nation. Having received her Diploma in Education from the National Institute of Education (NIE), she served at the National Junior College (NJC) where she taught H2 & H3 ‘A’ Level Chemistry to both the mainstream and IP students.

Being dedicated and committed to teach, Ms Tan uses interesting analogies in her lessons to help her students grasp the concepts with great ease, and making Chemistry comes alive. She emphasizes on deep understanding of the theory, analysis of the questions and answering techniques, rather than rote learning and regurgitation of facts. Most importantly, she is able to equip the students with the ability to handle integrated questions and appreciate the relationship between various topics.

While in NJC, Ms Tan served as the Chief Internal Moderator for the Chemistry School-based Practical (SPA), which makes her proficient in both theory and practical aspects of Chemistry. This experience gives her invaluable insight into how to prepare students for Chemistry SPA. Being meticulous and able to handle unforeseen circumstances readily, Ms Tan was asked to serve as the Presiding Examiner for the 2009 ‘A’ Level Examination in NJC.

Since 2010, Ms Angeline Tan joined Learners’ Lodge Education Centre as a full time staff, serving as an Educational Specialist, teaching Chemistry classes at both J1 and J2 levels.

Mr Daniel Yeo Kok Peng

Senior Education Specialist

Mr Yeo Kok Peng Daniel graduated from the National University of Singapore in 1987 with a Bachelor of Engineering degree with Honours (2nd class, Upper Division) in Mechanical Engineering. He received his post-graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) from the National Institute of Education and was a former student of Hwa Chong Junior College.

Mr Yeo served as Head of Department and Head of Physics in Serangoon Junior College before joining Learners’ Lodge as a full-time Senior Education Specialist after more than 15 years with the Ministry of Education (MOE).

During his service with the MOE, he has twice won the Most Caring Teacher Award and once the Outstanding Contribution Award. He has contributed in many other areas such as serving as a Teacher Mentor and a SPA assessor/moderator, putting Mr Yeo in an excellent position to guide his students in areas both academic and otherwise.

Mr. Yeo has a wealth of experience teaching JC students from a diverse background, from top 5 JCs as well as other JCs. His lessons are upbeat and cheerful, making the whole learning experience an enjoyable one for his students. His passion and commitment to imparting his knowledge to his students as well as equipping them with the necessary skills to ace the examinations have won him the respect and loyalty of many former students.

Combining a rigourous skills-based program with an interesting and enjoyable approach to learning Physics, Mr Yeo is able to continually help his students excel at the ‘A’ level examinations.

Mr Raymond Cai

Education Specialist

Mr Raymond Cai graduated from the National University of Singapore (NUS) with a Bachelor of Science (Physics) with Second Class Honours (Upper Division) under the NUS Undergraduate Scholarship, awarded to students with high academic excellence and leadership potential. During his study, he was in the prestigious University Scholars Programme (USP) and in his final year, he was awarded the Outstanding Researcher Prize for his Honours thesis on Quantum Physics, now published in a reputable scientific journal – The New Journal of Physics. He was also a former straight-As student of National Junior College and Raffles Institution under the Gifted Education Programme.

After leading a group of secondary school students to win a Gold award at the Elementz Science Research Conference and Exhibition, Mr Cai discovered his passion in nurturing and guiding young people, and hence decided to pursue a teaching career. In line with this passion, he is currently pursuing a Masters of Education degree with the National Institute of Education, specialising in Curriculum and Teaching.  Prior to joining Learner’s Lodge, he was recruited by the Learning Lab, another reputable Education Centre, where he specialized in teaching IP levels, accumulating experience as well as an in-depth understanding of the curriculum in the various IP schools. Since 2003, he has also been giving private 1-to-1 tutoring to a regular stream of JC, IP and secondary school students.

In his teaching, Mr Cai strongly believes that Physics cannot be learned through rote learning of formulas, but that students need to see it in “real action” and day to day examples in order to gain a deeper understanding. Drawing from his own experiences, he incorporates various features of the University Scholars Programme and Gifted Education Programme to help his students understand Physics through a rigorous multi-modal programme that is also enjoyable and horizon-expanding. He also imparts to his students on mnemonic techniques and question answering skills that have helped him to achieve excellent grades.

Mr Au Chee Ping

Education Specialist

Mr Au Chee Ping graduated from the National University of Singapore (NUS) with a Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical) with Second Class Honours (Upper Division). When he was pursuing his undergraduate degree, Mr Au was also in the Talent Development Programme (now known as the University Scholars Programme), which was created to provide intellectual, leadership, and personal development for highly motivated and talented students at NUS.

Upon graduation, Mr Au worked as a Process Engineer in the chemical industry in an internationally well-known company. However, he discovered that his calling and gift is in leading and guiding young people, to develop their character and maximise their potential. Because of this, he gave up a promising career in the private sector and joined the Ministry of Education.

After receiving his Diploma in Education (with Merit) from the National Institute of Education (NIE), Mr Au served five years at Tampines Junior College (TPJC) where he taught H2 Chemistry. Before the new syllabus was introduced in 2006, Mr Au also taught Chemistry (Special Paper). Because he was able to integrate textbook knowledge with his industrial experience, it enabled him to understand and teach the subject at a much more interesting and deeper level, giving his students an edge over others in grasping important concepts.

During his service at TPJC, Mr Au was charged with leading a group of students to participate in the 29^th Singapore Youth Science Fair, and through his effective guidance, the project entered the finals. On top of this, Mr Au also served as the Chief Internal Moderator for the Chemistry School-based Practical Assessment (SPA) in TPJC.

Since 2009, Mr Au has joined Learners’ Lodge Education Centre as a full time staff, serving as an Education Specialist, teaching Chemistry classes at both JC1 and JC2 levels.

Mr Terence Chia

Education Specialist

Mr Terence Chia graduated from the National University of Singapore (NUS) with a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Mathematics and received a First Class Honours in Mathematics. He took up a Public Service Commission (PSC) scholarship and was on the Dean’s list for 6 out of 8 semesters.

Having received his Diploma in Education from the National Institute of Education (NIE), Mr Chia served at the National Junior College (NJC) where he taught Mathematics ‘C’, Further Mathematics, H2 & H3 A-level Mathematics and the Integrated Programme (IP). His extensive repertoire and exposure in teaching the various syllabi has allowed him to help students connect and relate the various mathematical concepts they encounter at each level. Mr Chia was awarded the College Values Award for Service with Honour for his dedication to the school.

While at NJC, he was in charge of coordinating the IP year 2 Mathematics programme where bridging the gap between the O and A level syllabus was the most crucial. This gave him a most unique experience that most secondary school and JC Mathematics teachers lacked, making him an excellent teacher for students who faced difficulty when they entered JC.

Mr Chia is also well equipped to teach high performing students. His experience in teaching the Accelerated Mathematics Programme, where IP students were selected to be taught Mathematics at a faster pace and be exposed to more in depth and critical thinking skills, gave him the experience to bring high ability students to a level that is more in line with their potential.

Mr Chia’s lessons are always interesting. Using an inter-disciplinary approach, he would set problems sums that related to the other subjects that his students learn in school to enhance the overall learning experience. Through the use of games, Mr Chia is able to make the process of learning and mastering Mathematics a fun activity for his students. These efforts culminated in an excellent track record of his students’ examination performance.

Since 2009, Mr Chia has joined Learners’ Lodge Education Centre as a full time staff, serving as an Education Specialist, teaching Mathematics classes at both JC1 and JC2 levels.

Mr Augustine Chan

Education Specialist

Mr Augustine Chan works as an adjunct General Paper tutor at Dunman High School. He volunteers as a project coordinator at the Cheng San Zone 'A' Residents' Committee and the National Committee for UNIFEM, Singapore, where he assists in developing the latter's public education initiatives to educational institutions in Singapore.

Augustine holds a Second Class Upper Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Literature and a Bachelor of Arts Degree with Merit in English Literature and Political Science from the National University of Singapore, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Education with Merit from the National Institute of Education.

Augustine's professional and service-learning portfolio encompasses experiences in the arts, community development, education, entrepreneurship and non-profit sectors. He was a General Paper tutor and teacher-in-charge of the Drama Club at Catholic Junior College between 2003 and 2009. Augustine is a Member of the Industrial & Services Co-operative Society and the National Committee for UNIFEM, Singapore. He is an alumnus of Millenia Institute and St Gabriel's Secondary School, and served his National Service in a Combat Engineers battalion.

Augustine was conferred the Certificate of Honour for Inspirational Mentorship by the Nanyang Technological University and His Excellency President S R Nathan, the President of the Republic of Singapore. He is the published author of a poetry collection Maiden and was mentored by Emeritus Professor Edwin Thumboo.

Mr Gilbert Lee

Senior Education Specialist

Mr Gilbert Lee graduated from the National University of Singapore (NUS) with a Bachelor of Arts degree with Merit in Economics and a Bachelor of Social Sciences with Honours in Economics. He also set the record for being the first undergraduate in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences to complete his Bachelor of Arts degree in two years. He was also awarded the Paul Sherwood Memorial Book Prize for being the best candidate in Economics in 1995/96. He then obtained his Master of Science degree at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) in the United Kingdom.

Upon graduation, he served at the National University of Singapore’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences as a Senior Tutor, teaching undergraduate courses from first year to third year, as well as serving as external marker for a Masters’ thesis from the Nanyang Technological University (NTU). However, he discovered that his passion lie in teaching high school students because it gave him an avenue to develop the students’ character that the limited contact time at university prevented. As such, he left the university, giving up a full scholarship to pursue a Doctoral degree at the University of California at Berkeley.

Since then Mr Lee joined the Ministry of Education. Having received his Diploma in Education from the National Institute of Education (NIE), he served nine years at the National Junior College (NJC) where he taught H1, H2 and H3 Economics. During his service at NJC, Mr Lee was awarded numerous accolades including the Caring Teacher Award, the College Values Award for Scholarship with Creativity, as well as the Nanyang Technological University’s Certificate of Honour, presented by President S.R. Nathan, for inspirational mentorship of his student, Benny Quek, to academic excellence.

After almost a decade of service at NJC, Mr Lee was recruited by Dunman High School (DHS) to develop the instructional programme for Economics at the newly established Senior High section of DHS. In the capacity of Subject Head, Mr Lee led and trained the team of Economics teachers to deliver a very strong programme at DHS. In his brief year and a half, Mr Lee was awarded the Most Innovative Teaching Award, and was nominated as DHS’ entry for the President’s Award for Teachers in 2009. Many of his former students have graduated from or are studying at top universities internationally including the Harvard University, University of Chicago, Stanford University, LSE, Cambridge University, University of Warwick, and all the three local universities. Most of them are reading Economics.

Since 2010, Mr Lee has joined Learners’ Lodge Education Centre as a full time staff, serving as Senior Education Specialist, teaching Economics classes at both JC1 and JC2 levels. He also serves part-time as a supervisor for NIE trainee Economics teachers during their practicum.

Mr Lee had also published a book in 2010, together with Associate Professor Anthony Chin, entitled “Getting it Right: A Case Study Guide for GCE ‘A’ Level Economics”. In 2011, Mr Lee published a new book entitled “A comprehensive guide to writing economics essay”. It is designed to provide economics students with an easy to use framework to develop essay writing skills needed to ace the essay paper.