Singapore family in Lima, Peru

"It has been a wonderful 1 month stay in Peru. We have learnt so much about the culture and it has been a great exposure for the kids." commented the family of four from Singapore.

Dr Joshua Kok and Dr Audrey Lee, both medical doctors, came to Peru for their June vacation with their kids, Zachary and Faith, 13 and 12 years old respectively.

1. What do they do usually in Math class in school?
Kids: There would be mental sums almost every week. The teacher would come to class and teach us the concepts. After that, there would be exercises, more exercises and more exercises. And we have homework too! :(

2. What do they do after school?
Kids: Usually we have to stay back in school for remedial classes or extra curricula activities. Sometimes, it is difficult for the teachers to cover everything in class so we have to stay back after school, at least once a week for extra classes.

Zachery and Faith have private tuition classes during some weekdays and the weekends. They literally spend most of their Saturdays studying with their tuition teachers especially during the exam season.

3. What do you think about Spore Math?

Dr Audrey: Things have changed in Singapore Math since I was in Primary school. Today, the Math is very much more difficult than before and students in Singapore are required to work through problems that I had not seen until I was in Secondary school. The model method is very interesting and extremely useful once you know how to use it.

Kids: Math is sometimes really tough and sometimes really easy. Sometime it is really fun but we prefer Disneyland!

It wasn't just pure vacation in Peru. This family contributed their efforts together with us and with some local volunteers in running a Medical Project in Huaycan for 39 kids from 3-5 years old.