Many parents share the same concern: their child works hard, but the moment they enter an English classroom, they turn quiet. When the teacher asks a question, they hesitate to raise their hand. When writing essays, they feel their ideas don’t come out clearly. During reading comprehension, they spend much longer than their peers yet still miss the key points. Over time, a voice grows in their mind: “English is my weakness.”
In fact, this lack of confidence is often more damaging than low grades. A child who lacks confidence will stay silent even when they know the answer. Gradually, they not only fall behind academically, but also miss out on chances to express themselves.
Why do children lose confidence in English?
In conversations with parents, we often hear similar stories.
One mother shared:
“When my son first transferred to Singapore, his Math and Science were okay, but English was a total struggle. Reading comprehension took him twice as long as his classmates, and when it came to composition, he couldn’t finish and always ended abruptly.”
Another parent said:
“At home, my daughter is very talkative, but once she’s in class, she becomes a different person. She’s afraid of saying something wrong and being laughed at. In one exam, she skipped a question she actually knew, simply because she couldn’t find the right words.”
These situations are common. The main reasons are:
- Fast classroom pace, leaving children unable to keep up;
- High exam pressure, especially in writing and comprehension;
- Limited opportunities to speak, leading to less practice and even less confidence.
The Purpose of Tuition: More than “Better Scores”
Many people think tuition is only about drilling exercises and memorizing vocabulary. In reality, good tuition should focus on two key goals:
- Helping children discover effective learning methods;
- Providing a safe environment where they can speak freely and gradually rebuild confidence.
For example, one of our students was initially too shy to speak in class, and his average composition score was just over 50. After a few months of small-group lessons, he began answering questions in class, then progressed to speaking with his teachers at school. His writing improved to over 70. Most importantly, he said: “I realized English isn’t as scary as I thought.”
That’s the real value of tuition.
How iWorld Learning Supports Students
At iWorld, our starting point isn’t “How can we give children more worksheets?” but rather: “What do children truly need?”
1. Teachers who understand Singapore’s exam system
Our team includes former MOE teachers who know the exam framework inside out and understand the key areas students must master. Alongside them, we have native English-speaking teachers from the UK and US, as well as experienced bilingual teachers. Classes are taught primarily in English, with Chinese support for difficult concepts, ensuring every child can follow along.
2. Practical and targeted curriculum
Our materials are not simply imported from overseas. Instead, they combine the MOE syllabus, our in-house resources, and past exam papers from top schools in Singapore. For example, in PSLE composition, students practice common topics and learn how to structure stories with better logic and detail. This way, they feel more prepared and confident in school exams.
3. Small classes for focused attention
Each class has just 3–6 students. This allows plenty of speaking opportunities while enabling teachers to closely monitor every child’s progress. Parents often tell us their child never raised a hand in school, but in our small classes, they were the first to volunteer an answer.
4. Interactive, not just lecture-based
Instead of passively listening, students take part in group discussions, role-play, and real-life simulations. From mock classroom Q&A to short speeches and even everyday conversations, children practice using English in natural situations. Step by step, they get used to speaking and begin to regain their confidence.
Changes Parents Have Noticed
One parent described the transformation:
“Before, my son would stop writing after just a few lines. After three months at iWorld, he now writes full pages and even adds detailed descriptions.”
Another shared:
“My daughter never raised her hand in school. But after a few small-group lessons here, she volunteered an answer for the first time. It wasn’t perfect, but that moment made us so proud.”
These changes may seem small, but for the child, they are the beginning of real confidence.
Book a Trial Lesson
If you want your child to stop fearing English and instead approach it with confidence, why not bring them for a trial class at iWorld Learning?
📞 WhatsApp: +65 8798 0083
🏫 Campuses:
- CBD Campus: 10 Anson Road, #24-15, International Plaza, Singapore, 079903 (Green Line · Tanjong Pagar MRT)
- Orchard Campus: 111 Somerset Road, #10-19, Singapore, 238164 (Red Line · Somerset MRT)
At iWorld Learning, we aim not just to help children score better, but to help them rediscover confidence and express themselves with ease.
