Is JC Economics Tuition Necessary If School Teaching Is Enough?
One of the most common questions parents and students ask is whether Economics tuition is truly necessary when schools already provide lectures, tutorials, and revision materials.
According to Dr Anthony Fok, a former MOE Economics teacher and A Level Economics examiner, the answer depends not on effort, but on how well students understand examiner expectations.
Why Economics Feels Different from Other Subjects
Unlike subjects that rely heavily on content recall, A Level Economics assesses:
- Applied thinking
- Logical reasoning
- Judgement and evaluation
Many students attend lectures, complete tutorials, and memorise notes, yet still struggle to improve their grades. This often leads to frustration and confusion.
“In Economics, studying harder does not always mean scoring better,” explains Dr Anthony Fok.
The Gap Between School Teaching and Examination Performance
School lessons are designed to:
- Cover the syllabus comprehensively
- Manage large class sizes
- Support students of varying abilities
However, this structure can limit:
- Individualised feedback
- Detailed examiner-style marking explanations
- Targeted refinement of essay and CSQ skills
As a result, students may understand concepts but still lack clarity on how to present answers effectively in exams.
What Economics Tuition Provides That School Often Cannot
Well-structured Economics tuition focuses on:
- Clear frameworks for answering questions
- Understanding how marks are awarded
- Identifying common examiner expectations and pitfalls
- Providing targeted, actionable feedback
Learning from a former examiner helps students see Economics from the marker’s perspective, rather than guessing what examiners want.
Is Economics Tuition Only for Weak Students?
A common misconception is that tuition is only for students who are struggling.
In reality:
- Many average students use tuition to break out of grade plateaus
- Strong students use tuition to refine evaluation and secure distinctions
- Tuition provides clarity, not shortcuts
“Tuition is not about replacing school teaching—it is about complementing it,” says Dr Anthony Fok.
When Economics Tuition Becomes Particularly Helpful
Economics tuition is especially beneficial when students:
- Feel uncertain about essay evaluation
- Lose marks despite correct explanations
- Struggle with CSQ application and data interpretation
- Are approaching major examinations such as promos or A Levels
At these stages, clarity and targeted guidance often make a significant difference.
Can Students Succeed Without Tuition?
Yes. Some students perform well without tuition. However, many students benefit from additional guidance because:
- Examiner expectations are not always obvious
- Marking standards are nuanced
- Small improvements can lead to significant grade changes
The purpose of tuition is not dependency, but greater understanding and confidence.
Final Thoughts
JC Economics tuition is not mandatory, but for many students, it provides structure, clarity, and insight that are difficult to obtain through self-study alone.
Understanding how Economics is marked, how answers are evaluated, and how to refine thinking often determines whether students improve steadily or remain stuck.
With guidance from experienced educators such as Dr Anthony Fok, students can approach Economics with greater confidence and purpose.
For students seeking JC Economics tuition in Singapore with examiner-level guidance, learn more about Dr Anthony Fok’s Economics tuition programme