S4 maths tutoring: what S4 maths covers and how parents can help
The main content of S4 maths, where students most often get stuck, what parents can do at home, and what tutoring costs.
What does S4 maths cover?
- Quadratic equations in one unknown一元二次方程
- Functions and graphs函數及其圖像
- Exponential and logarithmic functions指數函數與對數函數
- More about polynomials續多項式
- Variations變分
- Equations of straight lines直線的方程
- Basic properties of circles圓的基本性質
- Trigonometry (2-D)續三角（二維）
Where students most often get stuck
- Quadratic equations can be solved by factorisation, the formula or completing the square, and students are unsure which to use when.
- Function notation f(x) and transforming graphs.
- The laws of logarithms are easy to misremember: log(a + b) is not log a + log b.
How can parents help at home?
- Start a mistakes notebook that records the step where each question went wrong.
- After each test, sort mistakes into concept errors and calculation slips.
- S4 is the first year of the DSE Compulsory Part: the earlier the basics are solid, the better.
How much does S4 maths tutoring cost?
Typical private tutoring rates are about $180–220 (university students) to 480+ (serving teachers) an hour (that platform's published 2026 fee guide). Group classes at tutoring centres usually cost less per student. Before signing up, see the five questions in the maths tutoring guide.
Learn maths at home with Sprout
Sprout is the online maths teacher at Sprout Classroom. No travel and no sign-up: open the page and start.
- A few minutes per lesson: one step at a time. Understand it first, then practise.
- Instant feedback: a wrong answer shows the reason and the correct steps straight away, and the question comes back at the end of the lesson.
- A little every day: streaks, XP and badges help students build a daily habit.
- Peace of mind for parents: no personal details, no ads, and progress is stored only on your device.
Learn mode is open for S4 now, with other levels coming later. Key points and worked examples for every S3 to S6 topic are free to read in DSE maths topics.
Frequently asked questions
Does a S4 student need a tutor?
Not every student does. If your child can finish homework and understands their own mistakes, short daily practice is enough. If they lose marks on the same kind of question in several tests in a row, it is worth getting help, or first using free online practice to find the weak spots.
Does Sprout have a S4 course?
Yes. Learn mode is open for S4 now, free with no sign-up. Lessons are in Chinese for now.