How to Be an Effective English Speaker and Writer: With or Without Tuition

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How to Be an Effective English Speaker and Writer: With or Without Tuition

For some countries and culture, English is not an official language and the school syllabus does not include more complex parts of the English language. However, because it is the tongue people from different parts of the world use as common ground, it is important to get a good grasp. In Asia, some countries like China, Japan and Singapore, tuition school for English is everywhere. For a few instances, they outsource instructors from countries that declared it as an official language next to their mother tongue. This industry, whether local or international is thriving to help the students reach the same level of comprehension.

If you have a young schooling child in Singapore and want them to learn English well, you should check out Indigo Tuition Centre. Good English Tuition is hard to find in Singapore, and you will be pleased to know that Indigo boasts of one of the best curricula for a tuition centre. Check out their site today.

Aside from the tuition industry, most people learn English when it is associated with an activity like reading, watching movies and engaging to conversations. These practices can be done whether a person is getting private education or not and regardless of his age. For parents, the best way to get their child into the world of English language is to expose them by encouragement in reading and interpreting an English book. Since human learn quickly at an early age compared when we become adults, it is great that we start young.

A mom and a writer from MommyWeeBlog.Com have shared to us how she managed to get of her six children in gain knowledge of English at an early age.

“School stories #11: How #2 topped her level in English

Some friends were asking me how did #2 manage to top her level in English? Well, the answer is simple. Don’t go to a top school!

Ok, seriously, the answer IS simple, and it spells R.E.A.D. Read more here.

Reading can hone a student’s comprehension of English language but being able to construct the words into a substantial piece is another thing. Some people can easily generate ideas or understand them from other people but have a hard time knitting the right words together. However, together with a series of practice, a student’s English writing skill is not impossible to improve in the long run. This type of proficiency is useful not only to pass the O-level but also to communicate well with various audiences.

As the educational level goes up, so is the required adeptness in English writing. For secondary students, learning to differentiate continuous and situational writing can help utilize the content of their piece. It also promotes critical thinking on the topic and the reference they will use. By this, students will be careful in selecting words that will harmonize with the idea that they are trying turn into a concise literary material. While this might sound daunting to some, it doesn’t mean that it cannot be carried out.

In order to achieve this, it is important to seek help from certified tutors or you can read tips from this article by Marcus Goh and Adrian Kuek.

7 tips for good O-level English situational writing pieces

Many secondary students choose to focus on their continuous writing at the expense of their situational writing when it comes to Paper 1 of the English O-Levels. After all, the continuous writing component has a larger word count (350 to 500 words) than the situational writing one (250 to 350 words). Read full article here

Basically, practice makes perfect; but the question is, what kind of practice should you do that might actually be helpful for your improvement? Well, everyone has their own method in acquiring a new skill and you just have to find one that works for yourself. Even though there is a mark that has to be met, each student should have the freedom to take the path that will eventually get him to reach the goal. Self-practice is also crucial because only by then will be able to keep track of his progress and decide which area needs further improvement.

In acing the o-level, it is important to understand the basics and function of the language itself and this is what most private education providers offer. Knowing the right words and how to use them whether in a written sentence or a conversation is an indication that one’s O-Level skill is improving. We need to make sure that we understand what we are saying first before relying it to the next person and lessen the language barriers. In reading or watching an English piece, it is helpful to take note of how native speakers talk so that we won’t sound like always giving a formal speech even on casual conversations.

To give us more tips about preparing for O-Level examination, we have an article from The Herald.

Tips for studying your O-level

  1. Improve your vocab! Learn 10 new words a day. Have a small notebook with you where you write down 10 new words you learn each day.
    You can get these words from the dictionary or whenever you encounter them in your reading.     Click here for more tips

Whether a student is having tuition or studying on his own, it all comes down to one objective: to perk up his English language comprehension and interaction skills. Knowing your motive will also help in planning out which method works best. If you are preparing for an examination, practice assessments are handy but don’t forget that understanding is better than memorization of the grammar rules and subject-verb agreement usage. Moreover, getting help and supervision form tuition instructions will give you an advantage especially when you are a little bit confused on the subject matter.

With today’s technological advancement, learning English can be done anywhere and there are a pretty wide range of resources to use. However, it cannot replace the traditional face-to-face learning with another skilled individual. The pace of the learning process might also depend on how eager an individual to learn and this works even to other academic subjects at school. It is how we utilize what we have and what we already know that will help us take another step up to reach the O-Level.

Types of Childcare Centres in Singapore

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For most parents, choosing a childcare centre is one of the challenges of parenting a young child. Education is quite competitive. Getting a facility that does more than minding a child is critical, especially for kiasu parents. A child’s education can start at any time, and some childcare centres use preparation for preschool as a marketing strategy to attract more parents.

Although childcare centres in Singapore have different mandates, ranging from infant and childcare, to transition to preschool, there are different types. New parents need to know if they are making the right choice after analyzing the different types.

Premium Childcare Centres

Premium childcare centre in Singapore tend to market themselves as doing more than care for your child. There are promises of additional services that may not be available in other childcare centres. For example, some offer bilingual classes. Young children can learn many languages, especially when taught at an early age. Some parents believe premium childcare centres give children the foundation to learn various dialects that are likely to be beneficial later in life.

Other lessons include creative learning and art classes that capture a child’s imagination. Babies are born with a clean slate. This explains the innovative ways in which children phrase their questions and out of this world imaginations that an adult cannot conceptualize.

Some of these childcare centres have advanced levels of learning which means parents don’t need to look for a school when the time comes to go to preschool. It isn’t easy to gain admission to some of these schools. Starting with the childcare centre gives parents an advantage of entry over children coming from outside.

The teacher to student ratio in premium childcare centres is also significantly lower than other centres. This ensures the child gets better attention, which subsequently reduces possibilities of accidents, which is sometimes unavoidable with little children.

Although the services offered by premium childcare centres are attractive, the cost of care is prohibitive for some parents. In some cases, the charge is almost double that of other centres. This helps the administration to control student populations, especially if they don’t have enough space for more children, or are not in a position to hire more teachers and minders to care for a large number of children.

Anchor Operators

These are private-run centres that are quite similar to premium childcare centres. The only difference is these facilities receive financial support from MSF (Ministry of Social and Family Development). This is done to ensure children get quality care at affordable rates. Anchor operators have to maintain a fixed monthly price to continue receiving funding from the government.

The Anchor Operator Scheme was initiated in 2009 and has since been modified to accommodate the changing economic situation in Singapore. The current monthly fee cap is $770 for full-day child care, $1,275 for full-day infant care, and $160 for kindergarten. These charges exclude the Goods and Services Tax (GST). These rates are much lower than what premium centres charge, which can sometimes go beyond $2000 for full-day child care.

To continue to get funding, Anchor Operators have to commit to improving early childhood care and support professional development and career advancement for the caregivers and teachers.

Partner Operators

Partner Operators childcare centres are similar to Anchor Operators. The only difference if the monthly rate. While Anchor Operators cap their monthly price to $770 for full-day child care, Partner Operators cap between $856 and $1,498. This scheme is designed to support small and mid-size childcare operations in Singapore. The aim is to encourage higher enrolment and growth of these facilities by keeping childcare rates as low as possible.

These are the main types of childcare centres in Singapore. Although the focus of these centres has been the cost, government-supported facilities are also encouraged to compete with private centres by providing essential services, albeit at a lower rate. Knowing the differences between the childcare centres will also help parents to understand why there is a massive discrepancy in the pricing of childcare in Singapore.

Benefits of a Using a Childcare Centre Over Hiring a Babysitter

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Should you hire a babysitter or do you use a childcare centre after your maternity or paternity leave? The minimum paid maternity leave in Singapore is 12 weeks, with some new parents entitled to at least sixteen weeks paid maternity leave. This means parents need to decide if they are getting a baby sitter or taking the child for infant care at the childcare centre before the baby is three months old.

For most parents, the care they choose boils down to price. However, even though it costs more to take a child to a childcare centre, many parents prefer it to hiring a babysitter. This is mainly because of the benefits of child care centres and preschools in Singapore.

Early Interaction with Other Children

Although having two children is the norm for most Singaporean families, some families choose to have only one child. Even those with two children, the gap between their age can sometimes leave a child lonely. All children depend on interaction to learn socialization skills. Children can learn to socialize at any age. However, early interactions help children to adapt to acceptable human behaviour while interacting with others.

Vast Opportunities to Learn

Childcare centres do more than care for infants and little children. The caregivers are often trained at caring for and educating young ones. This means, they will do more than just care for your child. Most childcare centres structure their activities to be educative. The choice of toys also tends to be intentional, so whatever age, a child doesn’t simply enjoy the toy. Every toy a child comes into contact with is educational. Childcare centres are not just concerned about physical development, but intellectual learning as well.

Trained Personnel

Unfortunately, many people seeking the job of babysitting assume all they need to do is ensure the child is fed, cleaned and kept safe until the parents return. It is often considered a simple job that requires lots of patience. However, there is more to taking care of a child, irrespective of age. Caregivers employed by childcare centres go through intense training to ensure they are ready to care for the children, whatever their mood or condition. These caretakers also receive training on how to give first aid in case of an accident. These are some of the expertise families that use babysitters miss.

Structured Schedule

Babies and young children need a routine. A structured schedule helps you to know when your child is ready for food, a bath, or sleep. A structured program is excellent for the child and the people that take care of him or her. A childcare centre will help put your child into a routine if he doesn’t have one yet. Some babysitters don’t appreciate the importance of timing activities. So, they let a child decide what he wants to do at any given time. In the long run, you may not be able to control when a child sleeps, even when you are too exhausted after a long day at work.

Cost is an important consideration when looking at alternatives for child care. However, it is best to look at the other benefits before you decide if the price is worth it. The stability that comes with childcare centres is unrivalled by all the other child care systems in Singapore.

Even when one caregiver is away, there will always be other members of the team who hold the fort until he or she returns. You cannot say the same for a babysitter. It is, therefore, crucial to look at the pros and cons of each option before deciding.

Best places to learn Chinese in Singapore

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Singapore is a beautiful country with rich cultures and traditions. English and Mandarin are only two of the main languages spoken there. So, if you are fluent in English and want to learn a second language, you should opt for a popular language like Mandarin. As you probably know, it is a complicated language. To learn it successfully, you are going to need all the help you can get.

Presently, there are many different Mandarin classes in Singapore available for all ages. Choosing among them will be a challenge due to the variety. To make an informed decision, you may have to do some research, take a test or two to know your grasp of the language and ask friends, relatives, or workmates who may have attended any of them.

 

The following article by Quora sheds light on some of the best places to learn Mandarin in Singapore.

What is the best place to learn Mandarin Chinese in Singapore?

You will find dozens of private language schools all over the island, but for quality assurance I would first try government-endorsed organizations. Your first stop would be the Community Club nearest to your home. Read more here.

You likely now know some of the best places to learn Chinese in Singapore. Before making a final decision, it is wise you visit the learning center to get a feel of the environment, their teaching style and approach. Another important thing you should give thought to is the tuition or the amount of money it will cost you to learn the language.

 

This article by Lionel Loi discusses how much it might cost to learn a new language in Singapore.

Guide To How Much It Costs To Learn A New Language In Singapore

The impulse to learn an additional foreign language can come from all sorts of places: whether it’s watching a recent serial drama, an opportunity to work overseas, or simply out of pure curiosity and interest. Read more here.

Taking note of what is shared in the guide above, keep in mind that not all language learning centers will be able to address your needs (even the more expensive ones).  So, before deciding, you should consider the options in front of you. Presently, there are so many different language schools to choose from.

 

Smiletutor unveils some 70+ Chinese leaning centers in Singapore.

Learn Chinese in Singapore: 70+ Options for Mandarin Classes

If you’re in search of where to learn Mandarin, the good news is that there’s no shortage of Chinese language classes in Singapore. Unfortunately, that could also spell bad news – Read more here.

You might be spoilt for choice on which Mandarin language school to select. To narrow down to the one that will suit your needs, you may have to ask yourself important questions like – How far am I willing to travel for classes? Do I prefer a group setting or would I prefer a personal tutor? Why do I want to learn Mandarin? Keeping these considerations in mind will help in your search for a good Mandarin class to attend.

 

Final note

Choosing a center to learn Mandarin in Singapore is a difficult task. The obvious reason for this is that there are so many of them. Opting for the first one you can or the one everybody is talking about may not really be a smart move, as they may not be able to cater to your unique needs.

To ensure that the one you opt for is good, you should choose from the best or highly rated centers. Since these centers were able to help a lot of people become fluent in Mandarin, there is a huge possibility that they will be able to help you too.

Remember that there are more so many Mandarin language centers in Singapore, so don’t limit yourself to the few ones in your locality.

 

A detailed look at IB in Singapore

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Parents what their delicate children to gradually grow and become something in life. One of the most effective ways to make a child reach his full potential is by enrolling him in a good school. If you live in Singapore, you are definitely going to have to choose a school that will be able to handle the needs of your child.

The fact that there are so many schools in Singapore makes it even more difficult for parents to make a decision. A lot of International Baccalaureate schools are rated well by some educational bodies in Singapore.

You likely may be wondering what an International Baccalaureate school is and what makes it so outstanding.

If you are looking for a good IB or international school in Singapore, ISS International School is a good option you should consider. They cater to children from kindergarten through high school age and have holistic programmes with a broad range of learning activities. If you are looking for a global education for your child, do consider ISS International School.

 

The following article by Tracy Tristram discusses in details-what IB is all about.

What is IB? Experts explain the international Baccalaureate in Singapore

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an international educational foundation created in 1968 in Switzerland (cheese, chocs, watches and a cool schooling system – the Swiss definitely know what they’re doing) for students aged three to 19 years, and has been in Singapore’s classrooms since 1977. The programme – comprising the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), IB Diploma Programme (DP) and the IB Career-related Programme (CP)– is currently available (with one or more parts of the programme) in 34 schools across Singapore. Read more here.

You definitely now know a thing or two about the IB schools in Singapore. But do you know that students in IB schools score high well in IB exams?

The following article by Cheryl Tee discusses why the students in IB schools do very well in their exams.

Singapore schools score better results in IB exams

SINGAPORE – Several schools, including Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) and Hwa Chong International School (HCIS), outdid themselves at the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma exams held last November.

ACS (I) achieved an average of 41.6 points, with 27 perfect scorers receiving the maximum 45 points.

Some 84.7 percent of its 444 students scored between 40 and 45 points, in the school’s best performance since it started the IB programme in 2006.

HCIS reached “a new high” of 37.2 points on average, an increase from last year’s 36.8 points. Read more here.

You obviously now know that the Students in IB schools are doing very well. That said, you are likely going to wonder the IB score that your child needs to have in order for him to be accepted into the top universities in the world.

The following article by Crismsoneducation shed light on the IB score needed in order to be admitted into the top universities in the world.

The IB score needed for the top universities in the world

Is it your dream to go overseas for university?

If so, now’s the time to act, because there are certain things you can do in high school to make that dream a reality!

One of them is choosing the right curriculum.

Depending on where you’re from, you may or may not have heard of the International Baccalaureate, which is a globally recognized high school syllabus. Read more here.

Final note

IB schools have been able to make a name for their self in Singapore and other parts of the world obviously because the student that came out them has done exceptionally well. It is important for parents to encourage their children who are in IB school to work very hard to so that they can get the score need for them to gain entry into the top universities in the world.

 

Chinese Preschools for Your Children

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In school, your child learns about different lessons from different subjects such as math, science, history, and others. These are the main things that they learn, but sometimes, other schools offer to teach another language to your children. For example in Singapore, some schools use English, some use Chinese, but others use and teach both English and Chinese. Some people don’t see the good in it, but your children could actually benefit from it.

At Chengzhu Mandarin Centre, children will learn Mandarin in an immersive environment that includes music, storytelling, art & craft and develop the confidence to use Mandarin in their daily lives. If you are keen for your child to master Mandarin you should visit their page here: http://www.chengzhu.edu.sg/kindergarten/

 

 

If you are a parent and you are interested in it, Australian and New Zealand Association will help you in choosing the right bilingual programme for your child.

Choosing the right bilingual programme for your child

Chinese-English bilingual programmes offer children many benefits, yet deciding which one is best for your child can be challenging. Huali Xiong, Head of Chinese at Canadian International School (CIS) and author of the best selling Big Apple Chinese Programme, shares why CIS has been a popular choice for so many families.

Substantial experience

CIS’ Chinese-English bilingual programme was one of the first to be offered in Singapore by an international school. Our extensive experience makes us one of the most trusted international schools in the region to educate students in becoming fluent communicators in both languages.

Outstanding student progress

After just one year in the programme, kindergarten students with no prior knowledge of Chinese can accurately understand and follow their teacher’s instructions. Many are also capable of communicating clearly with their Chinese teacher. By the end of Grade 1, after two years in the programme, all our students can communicate confidently and read simple books in Chinese without the help of pinyin (romanization of Chinese characters). Read more here.

Discussed above is one of the most chosen bilingual skills which is the Canadian International School. According to what was mentioned above, they give you a substantial experience, they have an outstanding student progress, and their bilingual program is available from kindergarten to grade 6. These are just some of the reasons why parents choose CIS for their children.

Now, let us read about a report about Mind Champs launching a breakthrough approach to learning Chinese.

MindChamps Launches a Breakthrough Approach to Learning Chinese

Collaborating with SPH’s Thumbs Up Little Junior to Help Singapore Pre-Schoolers Keep Pace with a Changing World:

MindChamps PreSchool today announced the launch of its first MindChamps Chinese PreSchool at Tampines Central and marks the start of a strategic education collaboration with Singapore Press Holdings’ Chinese Media Group.

Chinese is one of the most widely-spoken languages in the world. With English as the main language used in education, is the next generation of Singaporeans losing its edge in Chinese language proficiency? Some fear that this is the case, especially given that language acquisition research (from both neuroscience and developmental psychology) shows that language proficiency develops from key foundations laid down in early childhood. Read more here.

It is good to know that many Singaporean parents still recognize the need for their children to earn Chines. So MindChamps launches its first Chinese preschool at Tampines Central. This means more opportunities for children to learn Chinese. In addition, Mind Champs will tell us about three ways a Chinese Kindergarten inculcates the love of Mandarin in your child.

3 Ways a Chinese Kindergarten Inculcates the Love of Mandarin in Your Child

Educating kindergarten kids about Chinese works best when there is the desire to learn. But how do you ensure that your child actually enjoys learning Chinese?

The Chinese language is largely infiltrating large segments of society today.

Unfortunately for many young children, Mandarin may be a tough language to grasp — but it doesn’t have to be.

Learning Chinese is no longer just about memorising texts. It can be a gateway to imagination and unforgettable learning, leading your child to greater opportunities for future success. Read more here.

One of the ways mentioned above is enlivening students’ learning experience through Chinese music, speech and drama. It is one of the most effective ways because the traditional methods of lecture and discussion would make children bored. Music, speech, and drama will surely be enjoyed by students because it is interactive and fun. As parents we should take out the opportunity from our children to learn not just English, but Chinese as well.

Reasons Why More Kids Are Learning Mandarin These Days

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Technology, trade and travel have made the world a familiar, smaller and intricately interesting place. When it comes to interests, China keeps emerging as a source of inspiration and curiosity for many around the world.

It is all about learning and enriching one’s life. Is it not the dawn of a knowledge economy? Knowledge is fostered by languages and Mandarin opens many doors of knowledge. There are many reasons that come to mind when we see more and more kids learning Mandarin today.

THE PARENTS ARE INTERESTED:

Today many parents are keen on having children learn at least two languages. It is easier to learn things as a child because children are not forced into limitations by habit. Parents want children to be sharp, adaptive and empathetic towards other human beings. Learning a new language allows them to develop these traits. It is also a perception today that children learn Mandarin better than adults, all thanks to Mandarin and Chinese enrichment classes.

One such example is Chengzhu Mandarin Centre, which offers Mandarin classes for both children and adults. Their lessons have been well-received by children and adult learners alike and you can find out more here: http://www.chengzhu.edu.sg/mandarin-centre.

THE CHILDREN GET INTERESTED:

When it comes to the cultural richness that attracts a toddler’s mind, the Chinese culture is very colourful and alluring. The stories, folklore and legends add a lot of joy to learning and children seem to perform better with confidence in all walks of life once they learn Mandarin with all its freshness.

IT IS A NECESSARY SKILL

Again, with the ever-growing scale of interactions through technology and in person, learning Mandarin has become a necessary skill, similar to learning any other globally studied languages like English, Spanish or French. Unlike other languages, the significance of Mandarin is growing manifold. It is beyond doubt the most sought-after language in the job market, hence a sought-after language during college admissions. People with foresight tend to rate Mandarin as an essential long-term skill.

HARNESSING A CHILD’S POTENTIAL

It is a scientific fact that learning languages and thereby appropriating all this new segment of knowledge allows a child to harness his/her untapped potential. Moreover, Mandarin as a language is structured very differently from Non-Oriental languages, adding multiple dimensions to the learning process of a child.

The writing is already on the wall in media, schools, industry and society. Eventually, one has to agree that Mandarin has caught the attention, imagination and outlook of many people around the world who think it is best to get their children to learn Mandarin.

Home Improvement Archives – ArticleCity.com

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If you’re a visitor of this website:. This style is sometimes called Feng Shui, which is now very popular. In lieu of buying costly furniture in order to add new scopes to your home, a more affordable and easier way can be carried out – purchase some planned well accessories that can bring out the best within your home.

Rooms were dominated, as ever, by practical considerations. It resembles a human tent and is also made up of ‘heavy-duty polyester’ and contains ‘nylon zipper’. You can install a valance or cornice box over it to soften the harsh edges. Lighting your kit can be a fun yet challenging time. Find out more at http://www.

Turn a tired shelf, coffee table or mantel into still-life masterpiece with styling techniques. The engine is likely to make its debut appearance in 2010 within the F-150 SVT Raptor. Focal points give your eyes an area unwind plus a place to convey your personal style inside a way that gets noticed.

mood with color. Even when the tattoos are tiny, you may nevertheless be required to pay for up with makeup or airbrush before a shoot or appearance. You may well not use a built-in closet inside the room to stash away your possessions, but worry not: you will find plenty of bathroom decorating ideas to assist you solve your storage issues. All customers possess a unique taste as well as the basic parameters of practicality also differ in lots of respects.

At the start of the period, rococo was all the rage in France and also to a point in the rest of Europe. When applied, this product s a glasslike silicate bond deep within the pores of the concrete. As you can see, you will find numerous ways to locate free home design tips. articledashboard.

Carpets are classed as soft flooring and by their very nature produce a feeling of warmth and comfort. All this does is draw attention towards the proven fact that you do not have room for full sized pieces, and can in fact make the area look cluttered. You can paint a poster bed for additional of your modern look or add height to a low headboard with fabric, artwork or mirrors. You can paint a poster bed for additional of your modern look or add height to a minimal headboard with fabric, artwork or mirrors. You can result in the pink feel sophisticated by bringing in the faux fur rug and hanging a chandelier over the bed.

leaves. You also have to enhance your talent and knowledge of website design technologies at regular interval. Rather than being outdated and old, retro takes the best of previous styles to a modern approach. This will get to be the focal point of your space.

Who’s playing at ACF 11?

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Arts County Fair showcases ten of Canada’s hottest rock, hip-hop and electronic artists each year. The lineup of artists for each year’s show is a carefully guarded secret until late February, just before tickets go on sale. Keep an eye on this site for more information!

We celebrated the 11th Anniversary of Arts County Fair in style, with an all-star lineup of Canadian bands on our Main Stage:

THE TEA PARTY

  • Big Wreck
  • Swollen Members
  • Baby Blue Sound Crew feat. Choclair
  • The New Deal

As well, we took our Plaza Stage to new heights with improved sound and a lineup including some of Canada’s best-known DJ’s, as well as some brand-new talent:

  • Jon Delerious (Nordic Trax)
  • DJ Leanne (GirlOnWax)
  • Mack Hardy (Fred)
  • Dirty Circus feat. The Sweatshop Union (Sublime)

Tickets for ACF 12 go on sale Monday, March 3rd at all Ticketmaster locations at 9:30 AM. Get yours early, they will sell out!