Mathematics
Mathematics
Vision: Nurturing confident and curious students who are independent and creative problem-solvers
Mission: To nurture future-ready students by developing their mastery in Mathematics through joy of learning
MOE Mathematics Framework
The Mathematics Framework has been the cornerstone of the Mathematics Curriculum. It involves the acquisition and application of Mathematics concepts and skills in a wide range of situations including non-routine, open-ended and real-world problems. The development of mathematical-problem-solving ability is dependent on five inter-related components, which are namely Concepts, Skills, Processes, Attitudes and Metacognition.
In Corporation Primary School, we seek to develop the five components in each of our students through our school-based curriculum. We want to engage our students with learning experiences, which promote authenticity and connect to real life applications to stimulate the interest in their learning.
Our Key Highlights
1. Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract Approach (CPA) (P1 - P6)
Our school adopts the Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract (C-P-A) approach which
is a system of learning that uses physical and visual aids to build a child’s
mathematical understanding of abstract topic. During the early stages of
learning a new mathematical concept and/or process, students use various
manipulatives and visual aids to strengthen and build their mastery of
learning of abstract topics.
2. Collaborative Inquiry Based Learning (P1 - P6)
The department has been incorporating an Inquiry Based Learning package on a termly basis for the learning of Mathematics in the classroom since 2021. During this session, teachers present scenarios/ problems to students and engage students in a discussion.
The teacher guides the students by asking scaffolded and in-depth questions and getting them to present their thought processes collaboratively. While focusing on critical thinking skills, the students are also encouraged to voice their different solutions and views on the problems. These lessons will also help students deepen their concepts in selected topics and thus aid them in problem solving.
3. Math Journaling
Mathematics Journal assists in assessing students’ thinking and promotes communication skills. It consolidates learning and allows students to reflect on the learning in the classroom. Journals can mainly be investigative, affective and procedural in nature.
4. Infusion of Mathematics in Authentic Real-Life Situations
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Level Engagement Tasks (P1 - P6)
As part of our efforts to provide students the opportunity to experience authentic learning tasks and to promote the joy of learning, Level Engagement Tasks are done in every level. The tasks aim to allow students to have a strong conceptual understanding in Mathematics as they experience the application of Mathematics in real-life contexts.
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P1 Shopping Trip to IMM
In line with the topic, Money, the P1 students will be going for a shopping trip to GIANT supermarket at IMM shopping centre to purchase items for a class party that they will be tasked to plan in groups. Prior to the trip, the students will be involved in planning and budgeting for the items that need to be purchased for the party. This experience provides students an opportunity to apply the concept of money in a real-life situation and at the same time develop financial literacy and collaborative skills.
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P5 Open-Ended Task - Making of a Mathematics Game
In line with the topic on Whole Numbers and Four Operations, the P5 students were tasked to design their own Mathematics games. They need to apply the concepts of what they have learned about whole numbers and the four operations in their game rules. Groups were given time to play with each other’s games during Mathematics lessons.
5. Heuristics Skills (P1 - P6)
Heuristics are problem solving strategies that students can adopt to solve routine and non-routine word problems. Students from all levels would be taught a set of heuristic skills during their Mathematics lessons. They will also be exposed to a variety of problems that would allow them to apply the heuristics.
6. ICT – based Lesson (P1 - P6)
Students are given the opportunity to experience and harness ICT in classroom lessons. Teachers use various platforms to engage them in the learning of Mathematics such as Geogebra, Koobits and Student Learning Space (SLS), One such platform is the Student Learning Space (SLS). Mathematics teachers came together to craft out different lessons for the students. Teachers assigned these SLS lessons as homework or use them in class to complement the face-to-face lessons concurrently.
In CPS, we also aim to nurture confident and curious students who are independent and creative problem-solvers. Our students are able to do so by engaging in independent learning at home via KooBits, an online Mathematics platform. Students can learn at their own pace by trying out various Mathematics questions and word problems. Teachers also use the Quiz function to assess students’ learning. Besides solving Mathematics questions, the portal also provides interesting Mathematics stories and games to motivate students and make Mathematics learning more fun and enjoyable.
7. Supporting Programmes:
- Learning Support for Mathematics (LSM - P1 to P4)
Selected students are supported through the LSM Programme to deepen their understanding of Mathematics. This programme comprises customised, well-paced lessons that will support the students in the learning of Mathematics in a small group setting.
- ICAN Mathematics (Improving Confidence and Achievement in Numeracy)
The MOE ICAN Mathematics learning aims to improve the students’ confidence level in numeracy. This programme is for selected classes and it provides students a systematic approach to learning Mathematics.
8. Stretch Programme
– E2K Mathematics
P4 to P6 students who display an aptitude and potential for Mathematics are invited to participate in the E2K Mathematics Programme. This programme aims to develop and stretch higher-order thinking skills through a range of problem-solving problems. solving non-routine problems based on different mathematical topics that require students to exercise their critical and logical thinking skills.
- Supporting students to participate in various Mathematics competitions
Selected students are also given the opportunity to participate in the following competitions to apply their knowledge and skills to stretch their mathematical thinking skills through solving routine and non-routine problems based on different mathematical topics that require them to exercise their critical and logical thinking skills.
- Hwa Chong Institution (SMOPS)
- Raffles Instituition (RIPMWC)
- River Valley Mathematics Challenge (RVMC)
- NUS High (NMOS)
- Annual Mathlympics
9. Mathematics Week (T2W10)
Our inaugural Mathematics Week will take place during Term 2 Week 10 this year. Through the various school wide activities planned, the department aims to instill lifelong learning of Mathematics in our students. Students will get to participate in assembly programmes, lunch activities and class activities that help to extend their mathematics knowledge to authentic situations. Students will get to experience the joy of learning Mathematics beyond the syllabus and be empowered to engage in self-directed learning. Stay tuned for more updates!
10. Mathematics is Fun Lunch Activities (T2 onwards)
This year, the department is also kickstarting our Mathematics is Fun Lunch Activities. We are engaging students in purposeful play during their lunches as a way to increase their motivation in learning Mathematics. The department has come up with a series of fun and engaging Mathematics card games which will be conducted during lunch every week starting from Term 2. We hope the students will find learning Mathematics enjoyable through these games. We will also gather our students’ feedback and get them to suggest ideas of other Mathematics activities that they would want to participate in school. This helps us to listen to the students’ voices and giving them the empowerment and inspiration to continue to understand various mathematical concepts. Stay tuned for more updates!
How can you support your child in the learning of Mathematics?
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Work on their factual fluency (eg. Times table, division etc)
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Daily exposure to Mathematics word problems (Practice 5 questions per day) and variety of questions
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Encourage your child to complete his/her Mathematics homework diligently
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Link learning Mathematics to real-life experiences at home (eg. discount coupons, newspapers, advertisements etc)
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Monitor your child’s learning process at home
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Use Koobits for self-study
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Revise topics from previous years (Mathematics is spiral in nature and therefore there is a need to have a strong foundation.)
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Discuss with your child’s Mathematics teacher on your child’s progress
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Encourage your child to have a Growth Mindset (e.g Asking for help is never something to be afraid of, The Power of Yet, Overcoming the fear of failure)
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Celebrate little success! Praise your child for their effort and small improvements in their learning.
For Parents’ Reference
MOE Mathematics syllabus:
2013 Mathematics Syllabus (Primary 1 to 6):
https://www.moe.gov.sg/-/media/files/primary/mathematics_syllabus_primary_1_to_6.ashx
2021 Mathematics Syllabus (Primary 1 to 4), Implementation starting from 2021 Primary 1 Cohort:
https://www.moe.gov.sg/-/media/files/primary/2021-primary-mathematics-syllabus-p1-to-p6.pdf