According to principal Coco van Aardt, Singapore Maths deliberately slows down teaching, taking more time to ensure that pupils grasp each concept. The methodology works on a principle of concrete to pictorial to abstract concepts.
Singapore Maths introduces a step between the concrete and abstract concepts called the pictorial approach. Pupils draw a diagram which helps them get a clear picture of word problems instead of trying to figure it out in their heads.
By the time the older pupils start learning algebra, they’ve already grasped the core concepts through pictures. In most cases this enables them to better understand concepts they wouldn’t otherwise have grasped until much later.
The Singapore Maths curriculum falls under the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (Timss), which is designed to help countries across the world improve learning in the two areas of study. Due to the fact that data is collected on problems regularly experienced by learners, the curriculum is adapted to aid pupils in areas they need help most.
With nearly 50 countries participating, it has been attracting attention from parents, schools and teachers for the past decade.
When it comes to performance, the response to Singapore Maths has been mostly positive, says Van Aardt. “Perhaps even more importantly, most pupils love maths now, whereas only a handful of those who ‘could’, used to enjoy the subject. We also follow the Singapore Science curriculum, as Singapore rates top in the world in this subject as well.”
Like maths, Singapore Science is an interactive and hands-on method of teaching, devised to stimulate learners’ natural curiosity and cultivate their spirit of enquiry. Pupils do experiments to learn key concepts, incorporating active discussion and real-world examples.
The Singapore method might not work for everyone, but it certainly has made a positive impact.
With the growing emphasis on the importance of maths and science globally, it is imperative to look beyond the country’s borders to find the best curriculum and teaching methods possible, in order to compete at a globally competitive standard.
Many of the top Gauteng, Western Province and KwaZulu-Natal schools implemented this system several years ago, and Summerhill was one of the first in Mpumalanga to do so. It is a curriculum approved by the Department of Education, with a South African franchise, Jade Education. Material is printed and produced locally.
Two of Summerhill’s former pupils have also shown the benefits of the methodology.
They entered the Maths Olympiad at their respective high schools this year (one in grade eight, the other in grade nine) and both obtained top marks in their respective grades.
Both of them stated that it was the Singapore methodology and consequent thinking skills, which helped them achieve these results.
