Frequently Asked Questions

About the centre

1. How long has parables been in operation?  

It’s been four years

2. What makes parables different from other centres?

We offer enrichment programmes, meaning we don’t follow the school syllabus and our worksheets are much more challenging than the ones being given in school. Our content, especially from P3 onwards, aims to expose them to a wide array of issues like current affairs, the environment, economics, politics, history and culture. Whether the subject matter is current or something more timeless, we always ensure that it is interesting and of relevance to the kids.

We also teach them skills to handle the different sections in an examination. So our lesson format may come in the form of a comprehension or cloze passage, etc to provide consistent practice.

3. Are you affiliated with any other enrichment centre?

No. Currently we have only one centre at Sin Ming Plaza and we are independent of other private learning operators. We develop our own worksheets and constantly review our materials and teaching methods. Our teachers have varied teaching experience and may have come from certain centres or schools. The fusion of their experiences in all the places they have taught is what they bring to parables.

4. How do I get to your centre?

The following bus services stop at Sin Ming Imperial Court near Thomson CC – 52, 67, 130, 132, 162, 163, 165, 166, 410, 855 and 980. From the bus stop, it is a short walk to Sin Ming Plaza Tower 2. We face Sin Ming Rd, next to the Shunfu Market.

Location Map

About the English course

5. Do you offer solely creative writing courses? How do you conduct your English (Primary) lessons?

Our English programmes cover both comprehension and writing skills. The lesson plan may also include quizzes, cloze passages, discussion topics, and synthesis and transformation exercises depending on the level as well as the time allocated for the various tasks.

6. How many lessons are there in a term?

There are ten weeks in a term. Therefore, there are usually ten lessons in a term, a lesson per week. However, if a lesson falls on a public holiday, we do not replace it.

7. Why are the English worksheets for Correct Me If I’m Wrong (P3/4 level) the same?

Correct Me If I’m Wrong is a two-year programme.  If your child enters in P4, he is not at a disadvantage because it is an on-going programme. There will be continual revision and preparation work        throughout the course.

8. Why do you use the same English worksheets for We’ve Only Just Begun (P5/6 level)?

Similarly, we’ve Only Just Begun is a two-year programme developed to prepare children for the PSLE and the new PSLE format. We encourage parents to register their kids as early in the programme as possible to derive maximum benefits.

9. What is covered in the Secondary English programme?

Again, we cover both comprehension and composition but at Secondary level. This includes components required under the Secondary syllabus such as summary writing, argumentative essays, recounts, letter/report and descriptive writing.

10. Do you cover oral?

Yes, we do. At primary level, we will have a one-on-one simulated oral exam practice with the students during exam terms (Terms 2 and 4). In the other terms we include a class discussion on tips and we practice reading and picture conversation skills.

Oral practice at secondary level is done on an ad hoc basis.

About the Math/Science course

11. I am only interested in Math or Science. Can I take just one subject?

Yes, you can. Usually Math is conducted in the first 1hr 15 min and Science is conducted in the second half. Depending on which subject you choose, your child will attend either the first or second half in that timeslot. Please check with our administrator the actual timing of the subject that you are interested in.

12. Will there be experiments?

We do not have a science laboratory per se but as and when the lesson can be enhanced through experiments, we will certainly conduct the more practical ones. We have had experiments on matter, magnets, energy, etc.

13. How do you conduct your Math/Science lessons?

The instructor will go through the theories and formulae that make up   the topic and ensure a sound foundation before going on to more challenging, critical thinking questions.

About administrative matters

14. How do I register my child?

You will need to fill up a registration form and make payment to confirm your timeslot. Unfortunately we do not take verbal bookings on the phone and places are allocated on a first come first serve basis.

15. What if my child is sick or has school commitments and is unable to attend his lesson?

You can replace the lesson with a timeslot of the same level within that same week. You are allowed up to two replacement classes per term. Please inform the centre and check for vacancies. If you are unable to make any of the timeslots within the week or the timeslots preferred are not available, we will give you the worksheets which will be marked by the teacher and handed back to your child with feedback.

16. How do I withdraw from the programme during term time?

You will need to give the centre 4 weeks’ notice and the balance of the school fees will be refunded back to you. The annual miscellaneous fee is not refundable.

17. Am I entitled to a refund if I am unable to make a class and there is no suitable replacement class?

No refunds will be entertained as the class goes on regardless, and your place is still retained for you. Fees from all students are needed to defray costs such as teachers’ wages, rentals and utilities.

18. I want to drop by. When is the centre open?

We are closed on Mondays and because of the nature of the business, our timings are flexible and most of us teach as well as handle enquiries. We may not be able to attend to you if we are having lessons. Generally, we are open for enquiries from 9am – 6pm, Tuesday to Saturday but we strongly encourage you to give us a call @ 6282 8263 to make an appointment so we can ensure that someone is       on hand to attend to you.

19. Are there any deposits or registration fees?

No. We only charge school fees and an annual non-refundable miscellaneous fee.

20. Why do I have to pay a miscellaneous fee every year?

Every year, we give out parables files to students and send out mailers to keep parents informed. We also update our library yearly. The fee also goes towards covering administrative or material costs for projects, activities and experiments.

21. I registered my child in the middle of the year. Will the miscellaneous       fee be pro-rated?

No. This fee is a nominal charge and is insufficient to cover our costs. Thus we are not able to reduce it further

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22. I want to go on a holiday before term ends. Do I get a refund for the unused portions of the lessons?

School fees are charged on a per term basis and we follow the school calendar set by MOE so we do not offer refunds. However, if you inform us early we can prepare the worksheets for your child and give them to him before he goes on his vacation.

23. Why is Term 4 still 10 weeks when some schools dismiss the children early?

Some schools are dismissed earlier because of the O level exams. However, according to the MOE calendar, the official school term is still 10 weeks. Besides, we do not insist on holiday programmes. Many centres have lessons on going throughout the year. We hope you appreciate our understanding for a much needed break and helping you save on the fees.

24. Can I change the day of my child’s lessons?

You can permanently change your child’s timeslot provided there are   still vacancies in the class of choice.

25. Are there any replacement classes if my child’s lesson falls on a public holiday?

No, we do not replace lessons that fall on a public holiday.

26. How much are your fees?

Please check our fee schedules here.

27. When are your lessons conducted?

Classes are conducted during the school term, and we break during the holidays. However we often conduct optional holiday programmes. Check the website for updates.

28. Is the centre open during the holidays?

29. We are open for enquiries and holiday programmes but regular classes will be suspended until the school term reopens.

About anything else under the sun

30. Are your teachers qualified?

We are all well qualified. Each come with varied teaching experience either as a school teacher enrichment teacher, instructor/trainer or was involved in public relations or legal work or a combination of the above.

31. Is my child required to sit for a placement test?

No, we prefer to monitor the child’s development throughout the programme and have an open line of communication with the parents about expectations and progress

32. Which schools are your students from?

We get kids from nearby schools like Ai Tong, Catholic, ACS and Marymount and from areas as far flung as Siglap and Jurong.

33. What is the maximum number of students per class?

Depending on the classroom used, maximum number of students varies from 10 to 12.

34. What does “enrichment” mean?

We do not do “drills” or use assessment books or necessarily follow the school syllabus. Although we will prepare the students for the exams,        our content is far more challenging and exposes them to a broad      variety of issues and topics.