Primary English tuition has become a common part of education for many children in Singapore. English is not only a core subject at the Primary level, but it also serves as the language of instruction for other key subjects like Mathematics and Science. Without a strong grasp of English, students may struggle to fully understand and apply what they learn across the board.

Yet, despite the hours spent in tuition centres or poring over assessment books, many students continue to face challenges with grammar, comprehension and composition. The question many parents are now asking is this: Is traditional Primary English tuition really working?

The truth is, many of the assumptions about how English should be taught no longer hold up. Below are seven common but costly myths surrounding Primary English tuition.

1. “English can be crammed like Science or Math.”

Unlike technical subjects where formulas and concepts can be memorised closer to the exam, English is a language that requires time and consistency. Success in English is built on exposure, practice and habit formation. Students need regular reading, conversational practice and writing opportunities to develop fluency and confidence. Last-minute studying simply does not produce lasting results when it comes to language mastery.

2. “Tuition centres follow the MOE syllabus, so they must be effective.”

Many tuition centres do follow the MOE syllabus closely. However, that often results in repetitive and mechanical teaching styles. Lessons become textbook-driven, with little attention given to individual student struggles. Parents frequently share that their children sit through English classes without truly understanding their mistakes. Without targeted feedback and engaging instruction, the learning becomes passive and ineffective.

3. “The more worksheets, the better the results.”

Drilling practices through worksheets may give the illusion of progress, but it is not always meaningful. Students may complete pages of exercises without understanding the ‘why’ behind their answers. Effective learning should provide feedback, highlight misconceptions and encourage students to apply concepts actively. Without this, worksheets become just another routine task rather than a tool for improvement.

4. “Vocabulary will improve naturally over time.”

This only holds true in an environment rich in language exposure. At Superstar Teacher, vocabulary-building is an intentional and structured part of every English lesson. Students are introduced to a wide range of words through comprehension and cloze passages, where meanings are explained clearly and reinforced through regular quizzes. When students grow their vocabulary, they gain confidence in both reading and writing. This directly impacts their performance in key components of the PSLE English paper, such as composition and comprehension.

5. “Grammar must be memorised to be mastered.”

Memorisation without context rarely leads to mastery. Superstar Teacher takes a different approach by focusing on common grammar mistakes that students often make. Lessons present side-by-side examples to show the correct and incorrect usage, allowing students to learn through comparison and logic. This approach strengthens understanding and long-term retention. Students begin to see patterns and apply grammar rules confidently in both their speech and writing.

6. “Comprehension success depends on flair or luck.”

While natural flair may help, comprehension is a skill that can be taught and learned. Superstar Teacher introduces strategies like the ACE technique, along with the use of context clues and structural clues, to help students tackle comprehension and cloze passages methodically. These strategies equip students with a framework they can rely on, especially under exam pressure. Instead of guessing, students learn how to analyse and respond with accuracy.

7. “Online learning isn’t as effective as in-person tuition.”

This myth has been debunked by many parents who have seen positive changes after switching to online learning with Superstar Teacher. Far from being a passive experience, primary English tuition online can be engaging, interactive and tailored to the student’s pace. Lessons are designed by experienced MOE educators and include checkpoints, quizzes and targeted practice. Students also benefit from features like instant feedback and access to online mentors who respond to academic questions. With this level of support, students not only stay on track but also develop greater independence and motivation.

So, Does Your Child Really Need Primary English Tuition?

The answer lies in the quality of the approach. Traditional tuition methods may no longer be enough to meet the demands of today’s English syllabus. Children need more than worksheets and model answers. They need a learning environment that supports exposure to rich language, develops their writing voice, strengthens grammar through understanding, and teaches strategies for exam success.

Superstar Teacher focuses on these essentials while also nurturing long-term learning habits. Students don’t just aim for better grades—they grow into independent learners who take ownership of their education. With the right tools and support, learning English can become a journey your child enjoys and succeeds in. No more nagging, just natural motivation. And at the heart of it, a confident child who knows how to learn, on their own terms.