FAQ

1 What does Scholar Base do?

We provide an effective learning system which nurtures and guides the child to his best potential. We develop literacy skills such as reading, writing, public speaking, thinking and communication.

2. How would my child benefit at Scholar Base?

Your child will have the privilege of grasping our reading and writing techniques in a unique classroom environment. He will be immersed into the worlds of adventure, mystery, fantasy, battles through story books read in Scholar Base. He will have a sense of empathy and borderless imagination through experiences in the books. He will be an avid reader and able to convey this thoughts and ideas in his own writing style. We call a child who reaches this milestone, a Scholar.

3. What are the activities conducted at Scholar Base?

The activities are designed according to the modules, catering for children from 4 to 15 years old. Essentially the activities focus on the development of speaking, confidence, reading, writing, thinking and more importantly team play. Some of the activities include singing, poem recitation, story telling, monologue, role play, drama, debate and news reporting.

4. Why does my child love going to Scholar Base and refuse to go to schools?

* We believe that this is due to our conducive small-class environment where the children are given individual attention and encouraged to speak their thoughts. In addition, our learning system continuously challenges the child to explore and move beyond their comfort zones, motivating and rewarding him along his learning journey.

5. Is Scholar Base a tuition center?

* We are not a tuition centre because we do not teach the school syllabus as means to enable the child to score better results in his exams. Neither do we remedy a weakness in academic studies. In fact, tuition is usually administered when there is a problem in the child’s academic learning development. At Scholar Base, our focus encompasses a wider scope of development which includes reading, writing, thinking and express-ability. We do not bore the child with drilling and memorizing. Instead we value and nurture his natural intelligence and teach him to take pride and pleasure in learning. The methodology and the philosophy of Scholar Base set us apart as a child educational centre.

6. Is Scholar Base an English Language center?

* Technically, we are not. However, we are often perceived incorrectly as an English Language Centre. Scholar Base is a holistic education centre using English as our only medium of instruction. Our objectives go beyond just developing good English or perfect grammar. Our focus development areas are as outlined in the Scholar Base Foundation. (link to the Scholar Base foundation box)

7. Is Scholar Base a kindergarten?

* We are not a kindergarten. A kindergarten essentially prepares a child for primary school. Scholar Base aims to equip a child with the foundation needed to advance beyond primary and secondary school by developing the literacy skills.

8. My child has a busy schedule. How can he be expected to attend classes two or three times a week?

* Parents nowadays are spoilt for choices in choosing extra-curricular activities for children. Priority need to be set on the weighing scale between academic studies and other developments. On average, children spend 30 to 40 hours a week studying in school and many more hours on tuition. How does that compare to a mere 6 hours a week at Scholar Base, where we truly encourage them to learn in an enjoyable and effective manner?

9. How does Scholar Base learning approach differs from the grammar approach?

A child who learns solely via the entrenched grammar approach is deprived of several development aspects:

1. He is not exposed to the linkage of sentences i.e. the flow of reasoning between sentences that conveys the picture or plot of the story.
2. He does not appreciate the beauty of English language, instead he is subjected to repetition and application of grammar rules which is certainly not mind-challenging.
3. His mind is not stimulated to imagine or visualise a picture conveyed by words alone.
4. His instinct of curiosity is not aroused as there is no mystery or suspense to lead his mind.
5. His range of vocabulary and the usage of the vocabs in context are limited.

Using Scholar Base learning approach, a child’s mind stretches as far as his imagination can goes.

1. He lives in the world of fantasy or adventures or mischiefs. (Dragon Heart, Alice in the Wonderland, Famous Five, Treasure Island, Tom Sawyer)
2. He gets to experience the life in history, be it the life during war, famine or destruction. (The Silver Sword, The Seige of Troy, King Solomon’s Mines)
3. He understands the sociology of different cultures (The Count of Monte Cristo, The Last of the Mohicans, The Good Earth) and even the interactions between human and animals (The call of the Wild, White Fang, Black Beauty, Moby Dick,Animal Farm)
4. He will be exposed to various writing by authors of different background and appreciates the styles of written works. (Enid Blyton, Pearl Buck, Charles Dickens, Roald Dahl, John Steinbeck)

10. Do you teach grammar?

* Although grammar is important in writing, we do not purely subscribe to memorizing grammar rules followed by repetitive exercises. Grammar is introduced at the basic writing level as part of the mechanics of writing. It is taught in context of the storybooks via written exercises. Our focus is more on development of ideas and expression of thoughts in essay writing.

However, we provide an Intensive Grammar Programme for school children who require extra coaching in grammar.

11. Does the fun activity in Scholar Base waste my child’s time?

* We believe that the fun activity plays a valuable role in promoting the child’s interest and focus. It is one of the keys to an effective and enjoyable learning experience. Children who are motivated tend to focus better and learn faster. It has been proven to be effective in advancing the child’s learning.

12. Aren’t your transport fees on the higher side?

* The transport department is a non-profit department. It is merely a service offered at the parents’ choice and convenience. Considering the security and convenience rendered, our transport fees are reasonable.

13. Are you related to Scholastic Books distributor?

* Apart from the common ‘Scholar’ name, we are not related to Scholastic. However, we are glad to be part of the initiative taken by Scholastic Books and other learning institutions to inculcate reading habit among the children.

14. Why are there no reading classes on Saturday?

* For a child who does not possess the ability to read story books independently, the required attendance at Scholar Base is three times a week. A once-a-week class on Saturdays will only lead to poor progress due to time limitations and lack of consistency to ensure visible improvement.

15. How does Scholar Base communicate with parents regarding their children’s progress and development?

* We do not believe in providing written report cards because we feel that face-to-face meetings will better serve in ensuring effective communication. Parents are encouraged to set an appointment with the Programme Director when they feel the need to discuss their children’s progress. Progress Meetings are usually scheduled at the end of the term.