P6 to S1 Holiday Class — Mastering S1 Term 1 Math Knowledge with 5 Lessons
Why Should We Study S1 Term 1 Math in Advance During the Holidays?
I. The Key to Full Marks in the First Sec-Math Exam — Rational Number Calculations and Algebraic Thinking
1. Proportion of Rational Number Calculations in WA1: 90%!!!
The first exam in secondary, WA1 (Weighted Assessment 1), around the end of February. We have analyzed the content distribution of the WA1 exams across various schools, such as RI, RGS, HCI, NYGH, RVGH, VS, CCHMS, and so on. We found that the main focus is on calculations, the total proportion of calculations in WA1 is nearly 90%.
2. Rational Number Calculations Are Not Easy
Calculations in secondary school are much more complex, involving positive and negative numbers, absolute values, powers, roots, and brackets.
At the same time, many students have become accustomed to relying on calculators at primary, leading to a lack of emphasis on calculation skills. As a result, their foundational skills of calculation are weak, and they often struggle with basic calculations involving fractions and decimals.
Knowing the methods isn't enough for accuracy—consistent practice, reflection, and summarization are key. Even students from top school’s struggle with calculations if they haven't practiced enough.
3. Calculation is the Foundation of Algebra Learning
Algebra essentially replaces "numbers" with "letters". But the calculation relationships still rely on the methods used for numbers, and since calculators cannot be depended upon, a weak foundation in calculation
skills will inevitably affect future learning in algebra.
4. The Method to Full Marks in S1 Term 1 Math— “Learning in Advance!!!”
Knowing the calculation methods alone is not enough, deliberate practice and summarization of strategies and patterns are essential. As students transition into Secondary 1, they are busy adapting to the new school environment, managing additional subjects, making new friends, selecting CCAs, and so on. Leaving them with insufficient time for practice. Therefore, the holidays present the best opportunity to tackle the first hurdle of secondary school: “calculation and algebraic thinking.”
II. Achievements of Kangaroo.Study
※ 2023 SMO Junior (first cohort of students of Kangaroo.Study):
10 students from Exploration Class participated, 100% advanced to Round 2, 10 students won gold medals, 6 students ranked in the Top 30, 4 students ranked in the Top 10, and 5 students were selected for the Junior Training Team.
※ 2024SMO Junior (second cohort of students of Kangaroo.Study):
19 students from the Exploration Class participated in the Junior SMO, with a 100% advancement rate to Round 2. Remarkably, the 5th question in Round 2 was an exact match with a problem from the holiday course materials. 10 students ranked in the Top 30, with 3 students in the Top 10; 16 students (84% of all participants) qualified for the Junior Training Team.
※ O&A-Level Math Extension Course, Students Achieve 100% A.
In addition to the secondary math competition courses, students in the O&A-Level Mathematics Extension Course have achieved outstanding results in all examinations. 100% of the students received A1/A2 grades, with 92% achieving A1.
※ Yang Yihan (student from Exploration Class):
After rigorous selection by the Nations Training Team, Yang Yihan, a S4 student, was selected the 2024 IMO Singapore Team (6 students in total) and ultimately won the only gold medal for the Singapore team at the IMO and ranked 14th in the world.
III. Holiday Plan — Mastering Term 1 of S1 Math with 5 Lessons
1. Holiday Course Syllabus
The Sec-1 Term 1 holiday class is designed to help students build a strong foundation in number sense, calculations, and algebra before officially entering S1. Over the course of five lessons, students will study a pre-secondary curriculum, covering all the key points from Term 1 and part of Term 2, laying a solid foundation for their entire secondary school math learning.
2. Time Table
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