DSE maths tuition course overview
DSE maths tuition It is the most worthwhile preparation for the 3 years of senior secondary, because mathematics is one of the four core subjects, and it is the only subject with Extended Modules that can additionally enhance university competitiveness. Math Insight DSE maths tuition classes We are taught by instructors who have personally taken the DSE exam and obtained 5** in Core, M1, and M2. They understand the scoring requirements and time pressure of public exams, rather than just understanding the exam from a textbook level.
- DSE Strategy Overview
- 5** Strategy
- Paper 1 Strategy
- Paper 2 Strategy
- M1 M2 comparison
- Charge details
- Book a Trial Lesson
DSE mathematics examination system: first understand the scoring rules
Many students study in the wrong direction because they don't understand where the scores come from. Below is the actual exam structure for Core.
| test paper | question type | time | proportion | structure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | For traditional questions, all calculation steps must be presented | 2 hours 15 minutes | 65% | The full score is 105 points, divided into short questions in Part A and long questions in Part B. All questions must be answered. |
| Paper 2 | multiple choice questions | 1 hour 15 minutes | 35% | There are 45 questions in total, each question is worth 1 point, no points will be deducted for wrong answers. |
Paper 1: Step points are the key to victory or defeat
Paper 1 accounts for 65% of the entire subject, and long questions are scored according to the reasoning steps - in other words, even if the final answer is wrong, as long as the reasoning process is correct, you can still get a considerable amount of points; conversely, if the answer is correct but the steps are seriously skipped, points will also be deducted. Therefore, we regard "step writing format" as a skill to be trained, including when to write reasons, when to write units, and which step should be used for rounding. See detailed disassembly DSE Mathematics Paper 1 Strategy and Compilation of common lost points and miscounts.
Paper 2: 45 questions, 75 minutes, no negative marks
Paper 2 has a total of 45 multiple-choice questions and is only 75 minutes long, with an average of less than 100 seconds per question. Since there are no points deducted for wrong answers, no question should be left blank - this means that the strategy in the last few minutes should be to "estimate quickly and fill it in" rather than sticking to one question.
Another key is the scope: Part A of Paper 2 takes up about two-thirds of the entire paper, and covers basic topics in the Core and the basic parts of the Form 1 to Form 3 mathematics courses; Part B takes up about one-third and covers the Core and the entire Form 1 to Form 3 courses. That is to say,Junior secondary topics are still directly available for examination at DSE, factoring, similar triangles, Pythagorean theorem, quadrature, etc. are never out of scope. This is what we are doing Top-up courses Let’s first review the reasons for junior secondary. See related tips DSE Mathematics Paper 2 Guide and time allocation.
DSE Mathematics Core Topics Covered
Core is organized into three learning areas, with additional "advanced learning units" allowing students to comprehensively apply knowledge and skills in each area to solve problems.
| Learning scope | unit of study |
|---|---|
| Numbers and Algebra | Quadratic equations, functions and their graphs, exponential functions and logarithmic functions, continued polynomials, continued equations, variations, arithmetic and geometric sequences and their summation methods, inequalities and linear programming, graphs of continued functions |
| Measurement, Figures and Space | Basic properties of circles, trajectories, equations of straight lines and circles, continued trigonometry (including trigonometric functions, sine formulas and cosine formulas, and three-dimensional graphics problems) |
| Data processing | Permutations and combinations, continuous probability, measurement of dispersion, applications of statistics |
| Advanced Learning Unit | Comprehensively apply knowledge and skills from the three areas to solve cross-topic inquiry and problem-solving problems |
In addition, both Papers A and B can be taken into Form 1 to Form 3 courses. The actual review scope must include junior secondary factoring, equations, percentages and interest, similarity and congruence, Pythagorean theorem, quadrature method, basic statistics and probability. See the connection arrangements at all levels.Form 3 maths tuition and junior secondary mathematics courses.
Extended Modules: M1 and M2 course content
Extended Modules can only be upgraded to Form 1 unit. The examination format of the two units is exactly the same: there is only one test paper, the test time is 2 hours and 30 minutes, the full score is 100 points, and it is divided into short questions in Part A and long questions in Part B (about 50 points each). All questions must be answered.
M1 (Calculus and Statistics) course content
M1 is divided into three areas of study:
- basic knowledge: Binomial expansion, exponential function and logarithmic function.
- Calculus: Derivatives and derivation methods of functions, second-order derivatives, applications of derivation methods (variability, extreme values and optimization), integration methods and their applications (area and volume).
- statistics: Advanced probability (conditional probability, independent events), discrete random variables, binomial distribution, geometric distribution, Poisson distribution, normal distribution and normalization (Z-score), sampling distributions and point estimates, confidence intervals for population means.
The difficulty with M1 is usually not calculation, but "situational translation": whether a text description can be correctly converted into the corresponding distribution and parameters. See details M1 Tuition Course and M1 complete guide.
M2 (Algebra and Calculus) course content
M2 is also divided into three learning areas, and the proportions of the three are roughly similar (basic knowledge and algebra are each about 30%, and calculus is about 40%):
- basic knowledge: Radicals, mathematical induction, binomial theorem, continued trigonometric functions (complex angle formula, multiple angle formula, sum and difference product), number e and natural logarithm.
- Calculus: Limits, derivation from basic principles, derivation rules (product rule, quotient rule, chain rule), derivation of implicit functions, applications of derivation methods, integral methods (substitution method, integral by parts), definite integrals and their applications.
- algebra: Determinants, matrices and inverse matrices, systems of linear equations (Clem's rule and inverse matrix method), two- and three-dimensional vectors, scalar products and vector products, and geometric applications of vectors.
The difficulty with M2 lies in the rigor of the deduction—mathematical induction and vector proof questions are the easiest to “know the direction but cannot write a complete argument.” See details M2 Tuition Course and M2 complete guide.
M1 vs. M2 comparison
| Compare items | M1 Calculus and Statistics | M2 Algebra and Calculus |
|---|---|---|
| orientation | Application orientation, emphasizing the application of mathematics rather than its rigor | Theoretically oriented, emphasizing reasoning, abstract thinking and computational skills |
| Three major areas | Basic knowledge, calculus, statistics | Basic knowledge, calculus, algebra |
| Exclusive content | Binomial distribution, geometric distribution, Poisson distribution, normal distribution, sampling and estimation | Mathematical induction, matrices and determinants, systems of linear equations, vectors, scalar products and vector products |
| Main challenges | Situational translation and distribution selection of word questions | Logical integrity and algebraic operation accuracy of proof questions |
| Exam format | One paper, 2 hours 30 minutes, 100 points | One paper, 2 hours 30 minutes, 100 points |
| Common study directions | Business, Economics, Social Sciences, Biomedicine | Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Actuarial Science, Computer Science |
You must check the admission requirements yourself before choosing a subject. Different universities and departments handle Extended Modules differently: some only provide additional reference, some give specific arrangements when scoring, and some specific courses explicitly require M1 or M2 to reach a specified level. These requirements will be adjusted by year and course, so you should directly check the admission requirements published by the target department in that year, and do not just rely on paraphrasing. For a complete comparison see M1 M2 Course Selection Guide.
Course arrangement: Form 4, Form 5, Form 6
Form 4 and Form 5 course features
- Early teaching: Close to the school curriculum, teach 1 to 2 lessons in advance so that students can lay a solid foundation before returning to school. The second time they listen in class, they will become consolidation rather than beginners.
- From shallow to deep: The concept is explained step by step, and each formula explains the source, establishment conditions and applicable question types to ensure that students truly understand rather than remember.
- In-school exam support: Before every school test or exam, review and explain difficult questions to students, and prepare for the school’s common question-setting styles.
- After school homework: Distribute appropriate amount of homework after each class, and use the after-class quiz to consolidate what you have learned.
Form 6 course features
- Course completed in October: The entire DSE course will be explained in October to ensure that there is enough time for general review and practice afterwards, instead of chasing new topics before the exam.
- Comprehensive review: Covers all DSE-related topics from junior secondary to senior secondary, including the basic part of junior secondary in Paper 2.
- Problem explanation: Breaking down the difficult questions of each topic one by one, especially the long questions in Paper 1 and Part B.
- Mock Paper Training: Mock paper is distributed as homework in each class and reviewed in the next class, forming a closed loop of "practice → correction → explanation → redo".
Comparison of training focus among three grades
| grade | main goal | training focus | Further reading |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form 4 | Establish core core concepts and decide whether to take M1/M2 electives | Quadratic equations and function graphs, exponents and logarithms, properties of circles, basic probability | Subject selection evaluation |
| Form 5 | Complete most of the topics and start cross-topic comprehensive questions | Trigonometry and three-dimensional problems, equations of straight lines and circles, sequence of numbers, permutations and combinations, measurement of dispersion | Rush 5** Roadmap |
| Form 6 | From "Knowing what to do" to "Doing it right and completing it within the time limit" | Time limit for the whole paper, systematic practice of past paper, closed loop of wrong questions, time allocation | How to use Past Paper |
DSE maths tuition class schedule
| class | Class time | Duration of each class |
|---|---|---|
| DSE Form 4Core | Thursday 18:00–19:30 / Saturday 15:30–17:00 | 1.5 hours |
| DSE Form 5Core | Friday 18:00–19:30 / Saturday 14:00–15:30 | 1.5 hours |
| DSE Form 6Core | Tuesday 18:00–19:30 / Saturday 17:00–18:30 | 1.5 hours |
| DSE Core + M1/M2 | Wednesday 18:00–20:00 / Saturday 12:00–14:00 | 2 hours |
The actual start time of classes depends on the availability of places. If the above time is inconvenient, welcome to WhatsApp 9651 3910 Inquire about other available time slots, self-organized class arrangements, or consider One-on-one maths tuition and online maths tuition. The centre's class hours are Monday to Friday from 3 pm to 9 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm. For details, please see Contact Us.
DSE maths tuition fees
| Courses | Duration of each class | Number of classes per month | monthly tuition | average hourly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form 4 to Form 6 Core | 1.5 hours | 4 classes | HK$1,360 | About HK$227 |
| Form 4 to Form 6 Core + M1 | 2 hours | 4 classes | HK$1,600 | HK$200 |
| Form 4 to Form 6 Core + M2 | 2 hours | 4 classes | HK$1,600 | HK$200 |
Fees include
- Notes and teaching materials compiled by the instructor (arranged according to the weaknesses of students in the class, not general handouts)
- Past Paper and Mock Paper Exercises
- Review support before school tests and exams
- WhatsApp after-school homework inquiry service
Payment method
- cash
- Fast FPS (FPS)
- PayMe
- bank transfer
Please see the fee structure for other courses Fees and Tuition Page. To compare the cost-effectiveness of different shift systems, please refer to One-on-one course description.
Classroom procedures and teaching methods
Form 4 and Form 5 classroom procedures
- homework check: Check the previous lesson, answer questions instantly, and record error types.
- New topic explanation: Clearly explain new concepts, explain the source and establishment conditions of formulas, and demonstrate with examples.
- student practice: On-the-spot practice, the assistant coach will inspect and guide step by step, and immediately catch the wrong theorem or skipped steps.
- Problem explanation: Explain difficult problems, focusing on the selection process of problem-solving ideas, rather than just giving answers.
- Distribute homework: Arrange layered homework for after-school exercises, and the difficulty is adjusted according to the student's level.
Form 6 Classroom Process
- Mock Paper Review: Review the Mock Paper from the previous class and explain the causes of errors topic by topic.
- General review of topics: Systematically review all key points of the topic, including connections with other topics.
- Difficulties to overcome: Explain the difficult questions and cross-topic comprehensive questions from previous years.
- Exam tips: Teach test-taking skills and time allocation strategies, including judgment on abandoning questions.
- Distribute Mock Paper: As the homework for the next class, maintain the rhythm of completing the entire volume within a time limit every week.
Three levels of difficulty exercises
| Hierarchy | content | training objectives |
|---|---|---|
| first floor | Basic concepts, one-step questions | Confirm true mastery of concepts and eliminate "thinking you understand" |
| second floor | Strengthen deepening, cross-topic synthesis, and change question types | Establish problem-solving strategies and tool selection skills |
| third floor | Past Paper from prestigious schools and previous public examination questions | Improve computing speed and adaptability to exam patterns |
Four key points in Form 6 review
- Paper 2 MC Strategy: 45 questions, 75 minutes, no negative points, practice quick elimination, substitution verification and "must fill in" finishing habits.
- Breakdown of long questions in Paper 1: The answering rhythm of the short questions in Part A is different from the short questions in Part B. Part B needs to write a complete reasoning within a limited time.
- Common pitfalls analysis: The review question omits conditions, unit conversion, significant figures and rounding timing, and implicit assumptions of geometric figures.
- time management: Use a limited-time simulation of the entire paper to establish a rhythm and establish clear rules for abandoning questions. For details, see DSE maths Time Allocation.
Why choose Math Insight for DSE maths tuition
| Advantages | Details |
|---|---|
| Candidate perspective | Taught by tutors who took the exam as self-taught students and obtained 5** in Core, M1 and M2. See Tutor page |
| Small class teaching | The teacher-student ratio is no more than 1:7, each class has about 12 to 14 people, and two instructors teach at the same time |
| Complete coverage | Core, M1 and M2 are all open, no need to look for different tuition centers separately. |
| School-based test information | Students are concentrated in Band 1 prestigious schools in Kowloon District, and they have accumulated test and examination questions from each school. |
| Adequate practice | Three levels of difficulty exercises plus Past Paper and Mock Paper system exercises |
| after school support | Ask about homework anytime on WhatsApp without waiting for the next class |
student performance
- Many students achieved 5* and 5** in DSE Mathematics Core.
- M1 and M2 students achieved excellent results, with many achieving Level 5 or above.
- A large number of students progress from Level 3 or 4 to Level 5 or above.
- The school's performance has improved significantly, and the overall ranking has improved significantly.
Named graduates shared their experiences including DBS and DGS students progressing to Actuarial Science, Bachelor of Medicine and Medicine at the University of Hong Kong, Department of Mathematics at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the University of Oxford, etc. For details, see Testimonials and Results.
DSE maths tuition FAQ
DSE Mathematics Core Points Score?
Paper 1, traditional questions, takes 2 hours and 15 minutes, and is worth 105 points, accounting for 65%; Paper 2, 45 multiple-choice questions, takes 1 hour and 15 minutes, accounting for 35%, and no points will be deducted for wrong answers. Part A of Paper 2 covers the basic parts of Form 1 to Form 3, so junior secondary topics can still be taken.
Should I choose M1 or M2?
M1 is more applied statistics, suitable for business, economics, and social sciences; M2 is more theoretical Algebra and Calculus, suitable for engineering, physics, mathematics, and actuarial science. The exam format for both subjects is the same. Before choosing a subject, be sure to check the admission requirements of the target department for that year. For details, see M1 M2 comparison.
Is it too early to start tuition for DSE Mathematics in Form 4?
Won't. Form 4 is a critical period for laying a solid foundation for Core. Students who only start in Form 6 often have to use the time they should have practiced to catch up on the basics, and instead become more passive.
Is it okay to report only M1 or M2?
Regular classes are offered in combination with M1, M2 and Core. If you only need to fill in M1 or M2 separately, you can query One to one Or arrange your own classes.
Is it too late for Form 6 students to register now?
There's enough time. Form 6 courses complete the entire DSE course in October and then move into general review. If you join the meeting midway, you will first conduct gap diagnosis and focus on high-frequency and high-scoring topics. See Rush 5** Roadmap.
Can self-taught students or repeat students apply?
Can. The lead tutor himself has obtained 5** in three subjects as a self-study student. Therefore, the course will specifically assist self-study students in setting up a complete review schedule and replace the school mock exam with time-limited whole-paper exercises.
If I fail mathematics for a long time, can I directly enter the DSE class?
It is recommended to do an evaluation first. If the junior secondary foundation gap is large, it will be arranged first Top-up courses Reconstruct concepts before transitioning to regular DSE classes, otherwise you will never be able to catch up in the class.
Can classes be taught in English?
Can. English secondary school students need to be familiar with English mathematical terminology and English answer formats. Tutors will teach key terms and writing procedures in English as needed.