The Brain Dojo runs English classes for Primary 5 and 6 students. Students will be thoroughly familiarized with the requirements of Paper 1 (Continuous Writing), Paper 2 (Language Use) and Paper 4 (Oral Communication). Students will be trained to think in a disciplined, that is to say, systematic way when attempting each of these papers. With consistent practice in disciplined thinking, it is possible, even likely that students would reach a stage where they view components of each paper, through the eyes of a teacher instead of that of a student. This is not unlike a repair man for washing machines. He comes into your house, looks at the washing machine, does his magic and the machine starts to work again. It’s over in maybe fifteen minutes and you are wondering if you could not have done that yourself. It is not for the time he spends on your washing machine that his fees are due. It is because he knows exactly where to look. While you see a washing machine that has broken down, he sees parts and how they work together. Likewise, with disciplined thinking, students would know how to deconstruct each component into smaller parts and understand how each part fits together with the rest. They would be aware of and be able to execute with sufficient skill, the appropriate processes, to meet the requirements of each paper.

Paper 1 (Continuous Writing)

Students will be given ample opportunity to practise the 5 keys Approach which the tutor has formulated after careful reflection on the Paper 1 task requirements. The 5 keys Approach focuses neither on plot nor good phrases. This approach has been tested, with students making not insignificant progress and fine-tuned over a number of years through input from students. Students can also expect detailed feedback on their every attempt of this approach and in time some of them might come to enjoy composing fiction for the pleasure it brings.

Paper 2 (Language Use)

Students will be familiarised with the objectives and requirements of each component of Paper 2. They will be taught how to view each component through the lens of a question setter and in time be able to set questions themselves. They will be equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to decode text. Decoding is a life skill and students will be made well aware of the relevance in their lives, of what they are learning.

Paper 4 (Oral Communication)

Students will be encouraged in every lesson to verbalize their thinking and defend their views in a safe and encouraging space. Over time, they would become more confident to not only perform during oral exams but to also persuade and negotiate in their lives and feel heard when they think it is important to make their views known.