Frequently Asked Questions
About Big Ideaz Education
1. Do you provide one-to-one tuition?
No, we do not offer one-to-one tuition.
We specialise in teaching English composition and narrative writing techniques. Each class has between 2 and 7 students, so every child receives proper attention.
2. What levels do you teach?
We teach students from Primary 2 to Primary 6 (ages 8–12).
We also support Secondary 1 and 2 students (ages 13-14), but only through essay marking services (no classes).
Our curriculum is developed in line with the Singapore MOE syllabus, so it is relevant to what students learn in school.
International students are also welcome to join us if they would like to experience the Singapore English curriculum.
3. Are your teachers trained?
Yes, all our teachers are either:
- NIE-trained ex-MOE teachers with several years of classroom experience
- Experienced English tutors with relevant qualifications and a proven track record in teaching primary and secondary school English composition
We understand the MOE syllabus, exam requirements, and common student challenges. Our lessons are structured to help students improve systematically and with confidence.
4. What makes Big Ideaz different from other English tuition centres?
At Big Ideaz, we focus on clear thinking and structured writing, rather than memorisation or “model answers”.
Parents choose us because:
- Specialisation: We focus exclusively on English Composition and Paper 2. We do not teach other subjects.
- Structured Teaching: Lessons are carefully structured and scaffolded to support weaker learners.
- Small Classes: Classes are kept small (2–7 students) so every child receives proper attention.
- Meaningful Feedback: We provide clear guidance and feedback to help students improve.
- Proven Experience: We have been teaching primary school English composition writing since 2015.
- Authentic Reviews: We do not offer incentives for Google reviews. All feedback is voluntarily shared by parents, and every review reflects their honest experience.
5. Can you summarise what Big Ideaz Education offers?
Big Ideaz Education specialises in English composition and Paper 2. We do not teach other subjects.
All our programmes are conducted online. We do not conduct any physical (onsite) classes or workshops.
Our students range from Primary 1 to Secondary 2.
We offer four types of programmes:
A. Self-Paced Online Courses
These are composition writing courses conducted fully online. Students:
- Watch pre-recorded video lessons (with slides and voice-over)
- Complete written assignments
- Scan and upload their work via our website for teachers to mark
- There is no live interaction with teachers. Think of this as a guided correspondence-style course.
Courses available:
B. Weekly Live Online Classes (via Zoom)
These are weekly live online lessons conducted via Zoom.
- Typical teacher-to-student ratio: 1:6 (maximum 7 students)
- Students complete worksheets during lessons
- Worksheets are submitted for marking after each lesson
- Marked work is uploaded before the next lesson for review
This format allows real-time interaction with teachers.
Classes available:
C. Other Programmes (Marking Services)
These are composition or essay marking services only.
- No lessons or teaching sessions
- Students submit written work for marking
- Detailed feedback is returned via email
Programmes available:
D. Holiday Workshops (Live via Zoom)
Holiday workshops are short-term live online workshops, typically conducted over two days during school holidays.
- Teacher-to-student ratio: 1:6 (maximum 7 students)
- Conducted during school holidays
- Focused on specific skills (e.g. writing techniques, PSLE boosters, situational writing)
- Workshops available for P1–P6 students
Not sure which to choose?
You may refer to the more FAQs below or contact us, and we will recommend a suitable option based on your child’s needs.
Classes and Holiday Workshops
6. Do you conduct physical (onsite) classes or holiday workshops?
No, all our classes and holiday workshops are conducted online via Zoom. Lessons are conducted live with real-time interaction between students and teachers.
7. Do you conduct live online composition writing classes?
Yes, we conduct weekly live classes for English composition and English Paper 2 via Zoom. Refer to the following for the various class schedules:
Writing Classes via Zoom (P2-P6)
Paper 2 Classes via Zoom (P4-P6)
These live online classes involve real-time interaction between students and teachers, similar to physical classroom lessons. Kindly note that live online classes are different from the self-paced online courses (Writing Academy and Junior Writing Academy).
8. When is the enrolment for weekly classes?
Our weekly classes run on an 11-week term basis.
Class durations are as follows:
- P2-P4 Writing Classes: 1.5 hours per session
- P5-P6 Writing Classes: 2 hours per session
- Paper 2 Classes (P4–P6): 2 hours per session
Parents may enrol at any time during the term, except in the last 3 weeks, subject to availability.
Each class has a maximum of 7 students.
If a class is full, interested students will be placed on a waitlist. We will contact you when a vacancy becomes available.
9. Are there breaks between terms?
Yes.
- 1-week break in March and September
- 1–3 weeks break in June and December
Breaks generally coincide with MOE school holidays. Fees are not charged during term breaks.
10. How do I register my child for classes and/or workshops?
Registration can be done directly via our website:
Writing Classes (P2-P6)
Paper 2 Classes (P4-P6)
Holiday Workshops (P1-P6)
11. What are the fees for the weekly classes and the payment modes?
Fees vary depending on your child’s level and the duration of the programme. We aim to keep our pricing reasonable and competitive.
For the most up-to-date fees, please refer to the respective class pages.
Writing Classes (P2-P6)
Paper 2 Classes (P4-P6)
Payment methods:
- PayNow or local bank transfer (Singapore students)
- Credit card (international students, subject to 3.5% fee)
- Telegraphic transfer (international students)
12. When are fees collected?
Fees are collected on a term basis, with 11 lessons per term.
Payment for each term is due 3 weeks before the start of the term, to secure your child’s place in the class.
13. Are deposits required during registration?
Yes. A refundable deposit of $100 is required upon registration to secure your child’s place in the class.
The deposit will be refunded if you inform us of your child’s withdrawal at least 21 days before the end of the current term.
This is a standard practice to help us manage class availability and planning.
14. What is the withdrawal and refund policy?
To withdraw from the class, parents must notify Big Ideaz Education at least 21 days before the end of the term. This allows us to plan ahead and offer the slot to another student for the following term.
Your deposit will be refunded at the end of the term.
Please note that no refunds are provided mid-term, once a term has begun.
15. Will there be a make-up lesson if my child misses his/her scheduled lesson?
Yes, make-up lessons can be arranged for valid reasons such as:
- Medical leave
- School events
- Overseas travel
We will do our best to arrange a make-up lesson, but these are subject to availability and may not be scheduled in the same week as the missed lesson.
If a suitable make-up lesson is not available, students may be given access to the recorded lesson.
16. Are there lessons on Public Holidays?
No, there are no lessons on Public Holidays, and fees are not charged.
17. I am keen to join the weekly classes, but there are no more vacancies. Is there a waitlist?
Yes, you may still register for a class and join the waitlist.
Writing Classes via Zoom (P2-P6)
Paper 2 Classes via Zoom (P4-P6)
We will contact you once a spot becomes available.
18. Do you offer a trial lesson for your weekly classes?
Yes, we offer one trial lesson per student.
If your child decides to continue after the trial, you will pay for the trial lesson and the remaining lessons of the term.
If your child does not continue, the trial lesson is free and no upfront payment is required.
To book a trial, simply indicate your interest in a trial lesson on the registration form.
19. Can overseas students enrol to the weekly online classes?
Yes! We have students from Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, China and India (ages 7 to 12) who either subscribe to our self-paced online courses or attend the weekly online classes via Zoom.
20. For the weekly online classes, how are worksheets submitted for marking?
Students complete their worksheets after each lesson and upload them to a shared Microsoft OneDrive folder within 2 days.
Our teachers will mark the worksheets and upload the marked copies to the same folder before the next lesson.
Students should be able to access their OneDrive folder independently to submit their work and review feedback.
Worksheets can be scanned using the OneDrive app installed on a smartphone with a camera. The app will collate the pictures of the worksheets taken, convert and combine them into a PDF for you to upload to the OneDrive folder.
Our Customer Service Ambassador will provide guidance in the initial weeks.
21. Do I need to call to check availability before registering my child for holiday workshops?
No, there is no need to call to check availability.
Workshop availability is updated on our website. As long as you are able to register and make payment, your child’s slot is confirmed.
Closer to the workshop date, we will email you with all the necessary details.
You may check our website regularly for the latest list of school holiday workshops.
Self-Paced Online Courses
22. What self-paced online courses do you offer?
- Monthly subscription-based composition writing course for P4 to P6 students
- Students learn to write compositions based on the PSLE format.
- Monthly subscription-based composition writing course for P1 to P3 students
- Students learn to write compositions based on 4 sequential pictures.
Both self-paced courses use the same core content across levels. For example, a Primary 4 and Primary 6 student will access the same lessons and assignments.
The difference lies in the marking standards. Work is assessed according to the student’s level, with higher expectations for older students.
Please note that these are self-paced courses, not live Zoom classes. There are no real-time interactions with teachers. Lessons are delivered via pre-recorded videos, and students complete assignments independently.
If you are looking for live online classes, please refer to our Weekly Live Online Classes above.
23. What are students expected to do in the self-paced online courses?
Students follow a simple step-by-step process for each lesson:
- Watch short pre-recorded video lessons (about 5–10 minutes each)
- Print (or use a PDF editor) and attempt the assignment for each lesson
- Scan (using a scanner or phone camera) and upload completed assignments via their dedicated student login page
Assignments are typically marked and returned via email within 5 working days.
24. What are the major topics covered in the self-paced online courses?
The courses cover a range of essential composition writing skills, including:
- Composition planning and writing
- The 5-part composition framework
- Vocabulary development
- Sentence structure
- Writing techniques
These skills are taught progressively to help students build strong writing foundations.
For a detailed breakdown, you may refer to:
25. What is the duration of the self-paced online course?
Each course runs for approximately 11–12 months, during which all video lessons and assignments will be released.
As the course is self-paced, some students may take longer to complete all assignments. Access to course materials continues as long as the subscription remains active.
To maximise learning, we strongly encourage students to attempt and submit assignments regularly so they can complete the course within a year.
To give parents full control over how long their child remains enrolled, please note the details below:
- Subscriptions do not auto-cancel.
- Parents are responsible for cancelling the subscription via the student login panel when it is no longer needed.
- Receipts will be sent to your registered email address after each monthly payment.
26. Is my child able to access the video lessons/assignments from past months?
Yes. All video lessons and assignments remain accessible for as long as the subscription is active.
This allows students to catch up on lessons during less busy periods, such as school holidays.
Please note:
- Assignments can only be submitted once.
- Video lessons remain available for revision at any time.
27. What are the fees for each course? Is there any free trial?
Fees and any available free trials are listed on our course pages, where any current promotions will also be indicated.
Junior Writing Academy (P1-P3)
Writing Academy (P4-P6)
All pricing details are clearly stated on the respective pages.
28. Can my child learn effectively through self-paced online courses?
Self-paced online courses are not suitable for every child, as students have different learning styles.
They are generally a good fit for:
- Students who are able to focus and work well at home without supervision from a teacher.
- Students who prefer not to travel or have limited time for additional classes.
- Students who learn effectively and independently from videos and presentations.
- Students who benefit from a structured programme that encourages regular writing practice at home.
- Parents who wish to have a better understanding of lower primary and PSLE composition formats, as well as key writing techniques.
- Parents who wish to have a better understanding of lower primary and PSLE composition formats, as well as key writing techniques.
If your child requires regular guidance and interaction, we recommend our weekly live online classes instead.
29. My child is already good at writing. Is the self-paced online course suitable?
Yes, our Junior Writing Academy (P1–P3) and Writing Academy (P4–P6) are suitable for students with a basic foundation in composition writing.
The lessons are carefully structured to cover essential skills first, followed by more advanced techniques over time.
However, if your child consistently scores above 80% for composition, you may find the pace of the course slower than expected.
In such cases, we recommend the Write Now! programme, which focuses on composition marking only. Strong writers often benefit more from regular writing practice with detailed feedback rather than structured lessons. You may refer to the section below for more details.
30. Will my child’s writing be graded in the self-paced online courses and marking programmes?
Yes. Students are expected to complete:
- 11 full compositions (Junior Writing Academy)
- 14 full compositions (Writing Academy)
The first and last compositions are graded. In addition, 2 to 3 other compositions in between are also graded. These grades serve as milestone checks for parents to track their child’s progress over time.
31. What sets you apart from the other online courses or centres?
All compositions are marked by:
- Former MOE teachers, or
- Tutors experienced in teaching creative writing
Students submit two drafts for each composition topic:
- First draft: reviewed with detailed comments
- Second draft: revised by the student based on feedback
Not all centres offer this as marking compositions is time-consuming for teachers. However, we believe students improve most when they learn from their mistakes and write a second draft based on feedback given. Drafting is a common practice among authors.
In addition, students enrolled in the Junior Writing Academy and Writing Academy may attend a complimentary live online composition lesson once every 2–3 months (subject to availability).
Please note:
- The complimentary sessions are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis
- Maximum 6 students per session
- Students on free trial are not eligible
32. Am I expected to guide my child in the writing assignments?
Students are encouraged to write independently, including making mistakes, as this is an essential part of the learning process. Detailed feedback will be given by the markers to guide students to improve their story. Spelling, grammar and punctuation will be corrected too.
Parents are not required to proofread their child’s work. However, you may:
- Encourage neat handwriting
- Remind your child to check his/her work before submission
As this is a self-paced course, parental support is important, especially if your child needs help understanding the assignment instructions.
33. I don’t have a printer or scanner at home. Can my child still take the self-paced courses?
Yes, students may write on foolscap paper and indicate clearly:
- Module and lesson number
- Assignment topic
- Question number
Assignments may be scanned using a free mobile app (e.g. Adobe Scan) on your mobile phone and saved as a single PDF file for submission.
34. How are students’ composition marked?
Here is an example of how our teachers make students’ compositions and what they look for in students’ writing.
35. Can assignments be submitted during the free-trial period?
Yes, you may submit one assignment for marking during the free trial period. Please submit the assignment as soon as possible after subscription starts so that our teachers have enough time to mark and return it within the trial period. The free trial is meant for parents/students to see if our teachers’ feedback on the submitted work is helpful.
During the free-trial period, students have access to the video lessons and assignments for the first month:
- For Junior Writing Academy (P1-P3) – two video lessons and assignments
- For Writing Academy (P4-P6) – four video lessons and assignments
36. Is there a fixed date each month to subscribe to the self-paced courses?
No, you may subscribe at any time of the month. New video lessons are released every 30 days, based on your subscription payment date (after the free-trial period).
For example:
If you subscribe on 10 January, your 7-day free trial will end on 17 January. Your first payment will be charged on 17 January and subsequent payments will be charged on the same date (17th) each month. New video lessons and assignments will be released in line with each monthly payment.
37. Can I cancel the subscription any time during the trial?
Absolutely! You can cancel the monthly subscription at any time via your student dashboard, and your credit card will not be charged thereafter.
If subscription is canceled within the free-trial period, you will not be charged at all.
38. Is it safe to make payment with my credit card on your website? Do you accept other payment methods?
Yes, all credit card payments are processed securely on our website by a trusted third-party provider, Stripe.
Stripe is a well-established global payment platform used by companies such as Meta and Grab, and provides secure payment processing, fraud protection, and banking infrastructure for online payment. Big Ideaz Education does not store or have access to your credit card details.
At the moment, we do not offer other modes of payment. However, payment via PayNow or internet banking transfer may be arranged for a three-monthly payment (instead of the usual monthly payment).
Please contact us if you prefer a non-credit card payment option.
39. My child enjoys the Writing Academy and wants to complete it faster. Can all lessons be unlocked at once?
Yes, we offer the full Writing Academy course as a one-time package, typically at a discounted rate. With this option, all video lessons and assignments are unlocked upon full payment. You will also receive extended access of up to 24 months, compared to 11 months under the regular monthly subscription.
This option is especially suitable for Primary 6 students who may have less than a year to complete the Writing Academy course.
If you prefer, you may first try the course on a monthly subscription for 1 to 2 months (highly recommended) before committing to the full package.
This option is available for both the Writing Academy and Junior Writing Academy.
Please contact us for more details on pricing.
Composition / Essay Marking Services
40. Do you offer any marking services?
Yes, we offer composition and essay marking services for students who do not require lessons but want detailed feedback on their writing.
Available programmes:
These are not online courses. No lessons or teaching sessions are provided. Students submit compositions or essays for detailed feedback from our experienced English writing coaches.
For the Write Now! programme, marking follows the current PSLE composition format for P3 to P6 students. Each package includes marking and feedback for four compositions or essays.
You may choose your own topics. Simply submit the composition question (and any accompanying pictures) together with your child’s work.
We also accept Situational Writing. Each submission counts as one out of the four included in the package.
Choosing the Right Programme
41. What is the main difference between your self-paced online courses and weekly classes via Zoom?
The main difference lies in the level of guidance, interaction, and pace of learning.
Self-paced online courses (Junior Writing Academy and Writing Academy)
- Lessons are delivered via pre-recorded videos
- Students learn at their own pace, with flexible timing and location
- Suitable for students who can work independently at home
- Allows parents to take a more hands-on role in guiding their child
- Helps build discipline through regular writing practice
- No live interaction with teachers
Live Online Weekly Classes (via Zoom)
- Lessons are conducted live with teacher guidance
- Students interact with teachers and receive real-time support
- Students plan and write a full composition every 3 weeks
- Vocabulary and writing techniques are taught and applied during lessons
- P5–P6 students are also taught Situational Writing (PSLE format)
- Learning pace is more structured and guided
Topics for our live online weekly classes are similar to those in the self-paced online courses. However, the pace will be slower as we have to consider the needs of every student in the class, and lessons are limited to 1.5 to 2 hours per week.
Which should I choose?
Choose live classes if your child needs guidance and interaction.
Choose self-paced courses if your child can learn independently and prefers flexibility
42. I am undecided whether my child should attend live classes or take the self-paced course. What should I do?
If you are unsure, you may start with a trial lesson to better understand how our lessons are conducted. There is no obligation to continue.
If you would like to experience how our teachers review and mark students’ compositions, you can sign up for the Write Now! programme, which is a one-time payment for the marking of 4 composition topics.
This can help you understand the type of feedback your child will receive.
After that:
- If your child benefits from guidance and interaction, you may consider enrolling in our weekly live classes
- If your child is able to learn independently at home, the self-paced online courses may be a better fit
43. Which course, class or programme should my child join?
As a general guide:
- If your child needs guidance and teacher interaction, we recommend weekly live online classes via Zoom
- If your child can learn independently at home, you may consider self-paced online courses
- If your child is already a strong writer (80% and above), composition marking services may be more suitable
44. I’m still unsure which programme suits my child. What should I choose?
We understand that choosing the right English programme can feel confusing, especially with different options available. The guide below will help you decide based on your child’s learning needs.
If your child needs regular guidance from a teacher, choose Weekly Live Online Classes (via Zoom). This is suitable if your child:
- Struggles with composition writing or English Paper 2
- Learns better with live explanation and reminders
- Benefits from a structured weekly routine
Our live classes are conducted in small groups (maximum 7 students) and include regular guidance and feedback from teachers.
Weekly Live Online Classes:
Writing Classes (P2–P6)
English Paper 2 Classes (P4–P6)
If your child can work independently at home, choose Self-Paced Online Courses. This is suitable if your child:
- Can learn independently with minimal supervision
- Needs flexible timing due to school or family commitments
- Benefits from structured lessons and written feedback, but does not need live teaching
Our self-paced courses include pre-recorded lessons and teacher-marked assignments.
Self-Paced Online Courses:
Junior Writing Academy (P1–P3)
Writing Academy (P4–P6)
If your child is already strong in writing (around 80% and above), choose Write Now! Composition Marking. This is suitable if your child:
- Already writes well
- Does not need lessons
- Needs more writing practice and detailed professional feedback
Composition Marking Services:
Write Now! Composition Marking (P3-P6)
Personal Recount Essay Marking (Sec 1-Sec 2)
If you are looking for a short-term boost, choose Holiday Workshops (conducted online, live via Zoom). This is suitable if:
- Exams or assessments are approaching
- Your child needs focused help over a short period
- You prefer intensive, targeted lessons
Still unsure which option best suits your child? Feel free to contact us. We’ll be happy to advise based on your child’s needs, with no obligation to enrol.
45. If I have other queries not addressed here, how can I reach you?
If you encounter any technical issues on our website, you may check our Troubleshooting page for common user issues.
If you have any other questions, feel free to contact us:
- Email: admin@bigideaz.sg
- WhatsApp +65 8663 6937 (click on the WhatsApp icon at the bottom left of the screen)
- SMS or Phone Call +65 9697 2726
We’d be glad to address any questions you might have. There is no pressure or obligation to enrol in or purchase any of our courses.