Singapore Maths
The review of the Mathematical ability of students after the implementation of the National Curriculum indicated a need to consider an alternative curriculum.
International and local research highlighted the necessity for a teacher-friendly curriculum that met the demands of the South African context. Consideration of TIMMS results and successful learning in Singapore and the independent schools in the USA, pointed to the Singaporean approach.
Singapore Maths has been implemented at St Mary’s Junior School since 2008. The baseline assessments conducted each year have shown a significant improvement in the number manipulation, computation and problem-solving ability of all the girls. These results have reflected a 40% improvement since implementation.
The teachers have reported that the girls are more prepared in all aspects of Mathematical ability and are delighted with the skills and knowledge the girls have gained and are successfully able to implement across routine and non-routine number work and problem solving.
This focused curriculum with a designed learning spiral, vital teacher references and the use of concrete apparatus during Maths lessons have created a positive system for the learning of Maths.
