Email: [email protected]



T: 6758 8744 (AMK) / 6966 2367 (PC) / 6966 2659 (BT)

Dear Parents, We are happy to inform you that we will be having the following programmes for our upcoming November / December Holiday Programme 2016.

1. Creative Writing and Oral (2 days) Classes Available: Primary 1 - Primary 6 (Levels as of 2017) (Available at AMK, Parkway Centre, Bukit Timah and Clementi Branches) In the new PSLE syllabus, some topics that are commonly tested include stories that are character-driven, minor accidents and those with moral dilemma. As opposed to the trend of plot-driven compositions in the past, such as drowning, fire, robbery compositions, there isn’t much drama and tension to be built in the new syllabus topics. Some topics and pictures given are typically random and mundane. For example, for these 3 pictures – beach, children, sandcastle, most students would write about a typical day at the beach. However, to write well for such compositions, students can add little plot twists to their stories: (1) a minor problem (e.g. bitten by a crab) (2) humorous characterisation However, we wish to equip students for any type of composition topics. As such, in this programme, we will be preparing students for both mundane and plot-driven compositions. For Primary 5 and 6 students, we will be introducing a new technique – introducing a backstory. We realised that topics such as ‘Honesty’, or ‘Challenge’ have been commonly tested. This requires students to put themselves in the shoes of the character and be able to describe the thoughts and emotions of being caught in a dilemma or challenge. Students have always avoided such topics as they fear that they do not have the vocabulary and ability to write such plots. As such, we will be introducing these topics to show students how they can use the technique of a backstory to make their writing interesting. For most levels, we will also be covering other creative-writing techniques. They include: • Varied sentence structure • Good vocabulary • Building tension The following are topics that will be covered in our classes: Level (as of 2017)

Primary 1 / 2

Topics Theme: Being Greedy (1) Pictures: Child holding stomach in pain / Chocolates / Ants Possible plots: (A) Eating expired food and getting a stomachache (B) Taking too many chocolate and forgetting to remove them from your pocket Theme: Minor Accident (2) Pictures: Spilled water bottle / Boy bending over drain / Coins Possible plots: (A) Spilling water in your school bag and your homework was wet (B) Dropping your money into the drain during recess

The Alternative Story Learning Centre Pte. Ltd. © 2016

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Email: [email protected]



T: 6758 8744 (AMK) / 6966 2367 (PC) / 6966 2659 (BT)

Theme: Unfortunate Incident (1) Pictures: Ferris wheel / Luggage / Person looking frantic Possible plots: (A)Being stuck on faulty amusement park ride (B)Having your luggage stolen / Losing your luggage while on a family overseas trip Primary 3 / 4

Theme: Being Irresponsible / Careless (2) Pictures: Toys on the floor / Child looking at handphone while walking / Grandmother falling Possible plots: (A)Did not pack toys and your grandmother fell down (B)Being too engrossed with your phone while crossing the road and almost getting knocked down Theme: Painful experience (1) Pictures: Someone crying / Hospital / Paper with the word “rejected” Possible plots: (A) Losing a friend due to an accident (B) Failure to qualify to your dream school / sports team despite giving your best

Primary 5 / 6 Theme: Sacrifice (2) Pictures: Boy holding a note / Two children holding a bowl of food / Dog Possible plots: (A) Giving away your last dollar to a beggar (B) A poor boy shares his food with you



Oral Component: At the same time, part of the class will also be dedicated to Oral skills. We will be covering two forms of Oral as introduced by the new syllabus: Choosing from a List and Advertisement Analysis. Students will be taught how to communicate in an engaging manner, as opposed to merely regurgitating memorised facts.

2. Paper 2 Intensive Classes (2 days) Level: Primary 5 - Primary 6 (Levels as of 2017) (Available at AMK, Parkway Centre, Bukit Timah and Clementi Branches) Between levels, certain jumps may be more pronounced than others. This is especially true for the new Primary 5 and 6 students who will find that much is more required of them in their respective levels. As such, we have planned special intensive classes to help students specifically for their Paper 2 component. Segments such as Grammar and Synthesis will be broken down into specific topics, so that students will learn the respective techniques and rules necessary to answer the questions. Special ‘challenging’ questions will also be set, so as to give the students a foretaste of the challenge to come. We will also be going through the Comprehension segment. Many times, students lack precision in their answers, or they fail to recognise the requirements of the questions. Sometimes, they simply The Alternative Story Learning Centre Pte. Ltd. © 2016

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Email: [email protected] T: 6758 8744 (AMK) / 6966 2367 (PC) / 6966 2659 (BT)

struggle with the passage. We aim to show them that Comprehension, while seemingly abstract, can actually be broken down into concrete strategies and techniques. Aside from Grammar, Synthesis and Comprehension Open-Ended, we will also be covering the following components: • Comprehension Cloze • Editing • Visual Text



The Alternative Story Learning Centre Pte. Ltd. © 2016

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Email: [email protected]



T: 6758 8744 (AMK) / 6966 2367 (PC) / 6966 2659 (BT)

A. Schedule Programmes (9.30am - 1.30pm) Level (as of 2017) P1 Pure Creative Writing and Oral

P2 Pure Creative Writing and Oral

P3 Pure Creative Writing and Oral

P4 Pure Creative Writing and Oral

P5 Pure Creative Writing and Oral

P5 Paper 2 Intensive

P6 Pure Creative Writing and Oral

Days / Dates (2016)

Venue

24th Nov - 25th Nov Thursday - Friday

AMK 702

28th Nov - 29th Nov Monday - Tuesday

Clementi / Parkway Centre

24th Nov - 25th Nov Thursday - Friday

AMK 702 / Parkway Centre

28th Nov - 29th Nov Monday - Tuesday

Bukit Timah

24th Nov - 25th Nov Thursday - Friday

Parkway Centre

28th Nov - 29th Nov Monday - Tuesday

AMK 702 / Clementi / Parkway Centre

1st Dec - 2nd Dec Thursday - Friday

AMK 702 / Bukit Timah

24th Nov - 25th Nov Thursday - Friday

AMK 702

28th Nov - 29th Nov Monday - Tuesday

AMK 702 / Parkway Centre

1st Dec - 2nd Dec Thursday - Friday

AMK 702 / Parkway Centre

5th Dec - 6th Dec Monday - Tuesday

Bukit Timah / Clementi

24th Nov - 25th Nov Thursday - Friday

AMK 703 / Parkway Centre

28th Nov - 29th Nov Monday - Tuesday

AMK 702

1st Dec - 2nd Dec Thursday - Friday

Clementi

5th Dec - 6th Dec Monday - Tuesday

AMK 702 / Bukit Timah / Parkway Centre

1st Dec - 2nd Dec Thursday - Friday

AMK 703 / Parkway Centre

5th Dec - 6th Dec Monday - Tuesday

Clementi

24th Nov - 25th Nov Thursday - Friday

AMK 703 / Parkway Centre

28th Nov - 29th Nov Monday - Tuesday

AMK 703 / Bukit Timah

1st Dec - 2nd Dec Thursday - Friday

AMK 703 / Clementi / Parkway Centre

5th Dec - 6th Dec Monday - Tuesday

AMK 702 / Parkway Centre

The Alternative Story Learning Centre Pte. Ltd. © 2016

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Email: [email protected]



T: 6758 8744 (AMK) / 6966 2367 (PC) / 6966 2659 (BT)

P6 Paper 2 Intensive

28th Nov - 29th Nov Monday - Tuesday

AMK 703 / Parkway Centre

1st Dec - 2nd Dec Thursday - Friday

Bukit Timah

5th Dec - 6th Dec Monday - Tuesday

AMK 702 / Parkway Centre

Note: 1. Every programme will run for TWO days only. 2. The maximum number of students per class is 12. 3. All class timings are from 9.30am - 1.30pm (4 hours). This includes a 30-minute lunch break for all students.

B. Administration COST The prices of the holiday programmes are as follows:

Programme • •

P1 – P6 Creative Writing and Oral P5 – P6 Paper 2 Intensive

Normal

$ 255.00

Price# (Before GST) Early Group@ Bird* (4 people) $ 240.00

Early Bird + Group *

$ 245.00

$ 235.00

#

Prices listed are for one student and are subject to GST. * All Early Bird promotions are eligible only from 27th September 2016 to 15th October 2016. An enquiry via email does not make one eligible for an early bird discount. A full registration for one to be eligible. @ Students forming the group has to be 4 different students. Group discounts will be eligible across all levels, programmes and locations. LUNCH Lunch will be provided from McDonald’s for both days of the Holiday Programme. The following are the food choices: • Cheeseburger Set Meal • Filet O Fish Set Meal • Mc Chicken Set Meal All Set Meals will come with Milo and an option of a packet fries or a cup of corn. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept any special request or changes to the meal. No food will be provided should registration be made beyond the registration date (13th November 2016) due to administrative constraints. Parents may choose to opt out of this lunch option and prepare their own meals from home. However, prices for our Holiday Programme will remain the same. Students will not be allowed to leave the centres to purchase food or drinks from nearby eateries.

The Alternative Story Learning Centre Pte. Ltd. © 2016

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Email: [email protected]



T: 6758 8744 (AMK) / 6966 2367 (PC) / 6966 2659 (BT)

STATIONERY Do bring along the following stationery for the programme: Primary 1 – 3: • Foolscap Paper (for composition writing) • Pencil and Eraser • Green Pen (for corrections) • A4 Size Whiteboard, Marker and Duster (for class participation – optional) • Other stationery (For e.g. highlighter, stapler, ruler) Primary 4 – 6: • Foolscap Paper (for composition writing) • Pen and Correction Tape • Green Pen (for corrections), Red Pen (for marking purposes) • A4 Size Whiteboard, Marker and Duster (for class participation – optional) • Other stationery (For e.g. highlighter, stapler, eraser, ruler, pencil) REGISTRATION All registration can be made online via the following link: http://holiday.thealternativestory.com. We will no longer be accepting an email registration. Registration will only be from the 27th of September 2016 to 13th November 2016. Do note that our administrators will reply you with a confirmation email within TWO working days. You will receive an email to confirm your child’s registration. PAYMENT (i) CASH AND NETS PAYMENT All payment for Cash and NETS should only be paid at the centre you’re registering for. The following are the addresses of our branches. Branch

Address

AMK

Block 702, Ang Mo Kio Ave 8 (Second Level), #01-2515, Singapore (560702)

Parkway Centre

Parkway Centre, 1 Marine Parade Central, #13-05, Singapore (449408)

Bukit Timah

Bukit Timah Shopping Centre, 170 Upper Bukit Timah Road, #02-72, Singapore (558179) (Beside By His Grace Employment)

Clementi

Block 431, Clementi Avenue 3, #01-318, Singapore (120431)

(ii) CHEQUE PAYMENT All cheque payments must be mailed to the following address: Block 703, Ang Mo Kio Ave 8, #01-2535 (Second Level), Singapore (560703) Cheques must be made payable to: The Alternative Story Learning Centre Pte Ltd. Payments must be made within one week of receiving the confirmation email from our administrators. Otherwise, your slot might be given up to others on the waiting list. The Alternative Story Learning Centre Pte. Ltd. © 2016

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Email: [email protected] T: 6758 8744 (AMK) / 6966 2367 (PC) / 6966 2659 (BT)

Note: • No cheque payments will be accepted at our branches. All cheque payments must be mailed. • Registrations beyond the registration date may also be given to you if slots are still available. In such cases, payments must be made in Cash / NETS only within 3 working days. No cheque payment will be acceptable.

C. Terms and Conditions (i) No refund will be given for any cancellation once payment has been made as a slot has already been reserved for you. However, materials used for the Holiday Programme will be provided for you. These materials can be collected from 24th November 2016 onwards at the respective branches according to our opening hours (stated on our website). (ii) We highly recommend registered students to attend the full two-day course he/she has registered for to prevent a disruption in your child’s learning environment. However, a make-up class can be arranged depending on the availability of the slot. TAS will not be liable if any materials taught are repeated in the make-up class. Every class is taught at a pace suitable for the class. For further enquiries, you may call us at 6758 8744 or email us at [email protected] Yours sincerely, The TAS Team

The Alternative Story Learning Centre Pte. Ltd. © 2016

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