SINGAPORE – Who wants free bubble tea, ice cream and croissants?

How about bowling, movie outings and theme park trips? Yes, these are on the house as well.

Students at some tuition centres have been enjoying such treats, a reminder that while they work hard, they deserve to play hard too.

In February, Zenith Education Studio invited more than 1,000 students from its four branches to Universal Studios Singapore. 

Zenith Learning Group’s founder and chief executive Evan Heng, 25, tells The Straits Times that his company spent a “high five-figure” sum on the outing, the first of four large-scale events that his students can look forward to in 2023. 

Over at Raymond’s Math & Science Studio (RMSS), some 600 Primary 6 pupils will also visit the theme park in May. 

For 10 years, it has been an annual tradition for the Primary School Leaving Examination cohort to enjoy a fun day out with their tutors before and after the national examination, says its founder and principal Raymond Loh, 55. 

Although Covid-19 restrictions had put a damper on such activities, they are now back with a vengeance.

Cost of extras not passed on

Centres that offer more than tuition say it is important to take a holistic approach to education and look after students’ well-being.

“An enjoyable learning experience not only helps students bond with their tutors and classmates, but can also contribute to better learning outcomes,” says Mr Heng, whose centres give out free bubble tea, doughnuts and croissants to students during lesson time once a month.

These are in addition to the pantry’s snacks and packet drinks which students can help themselves to any time.

The tuition centres that The Straits Times...