本帖最后由 张涛老师 于 2025-8-13 17:00 编辑
Must-Knows for Secondary Math
Secondary 1 Mathematics marks a new beginning for students. While it builds on the foundations laid in Primary school, the syllabus is structured as if students are starting from scratch. This means topics are reintroduced with greater depth, new terminology, and higher expectations for accuracy and reasoning. In Secondary school, students are expected to: Understand and apply concepts, not just memorise procedures Show full working and logical explanations in their solutions Connect different topics when solving multi-step problems Adapt to a faster pace of learning and more independent study habits
The transition from Primary to Secondary Mathematics can feel like learning a new language — familiar ideas are expressed with new rules, and entirely new concepts are introduced. This booklet explains key terms you will encounter, outlines what is taught in S1, and shows how Mathematics develops through the secondary years.
Contents 1. Common Terms in Secondary Mathematics 2. What will Students Learn in S1 Mathematics 3. Frequently Asked Questions 4. Contact & Further Resources 1. Common Terms in Secondary Mathematics (i) SBB — Subject-Based Banding What it is:
A system in the O-Level track where students take each subject at a level that matches their ability, instead of being placed in one fixed stream. Levels: • G1 – Foundation level (slowest pace, focuses on core skills) • G2 – Intermediate level (moderate pace) • G3 – Highest level (fastest pace, full depth of the syllabus) Who it applies to:
SBB is used only in the O-Level track. It does not apply to Integrated Programme (IP) schools, as they follow their own continuous curriculum. How it supports future studies:
SBB allows students who are strong in a subject like Mathematics to take it at a higher level (e.g., G3), preparing them for more options in upper secondary, such as Additional Mathematics. Strong performance at higher levels in lower secondary can make meeting JC and Polytechnic entry requirements easier.
(ii) G3 — General 3 What it is:
The highest level of Mathematics within the Subject-Based Banding (SBB) system. It is the most comprehensive and challenging track in the O-Level pathway, designed for students who can grasp concepts quickly and apply them to more complex problems.
Learning experience (within SBB): • Moves at a faster pace compared to G1 and G2 • Introduces algebra and abstract reasoning earlier • Includes more multi-step and application-based questions
How it supports future studies:
A strong performance in G3 sets students up for success in both Elementary Mathematics and Additional Mathematics in upper secondary. Additional Mathematics, often introduced in Secondary 3, is more algebra-focused and is a requirement or strong advantage for many Junior College (JC) courses, especially science, engineering, computing, and economics. For Polytechnic-bound students, good results in Mathematics also meet entry requirements for a wide range of competitive courses.
(iii) IP — Integrated Programme What it is:
A six-year programme offered in selected schools that allows students to bypass the O-Level examinations and progress directly to the A-Levels, International Baccalaureate (IB), or the NUS High School Diploma.
Learning experience: • Covers topics at a faster pace compared to the O-Level track • Often combines or brings forward concepts from upper secondary into the lower secondary years • Includes more challenging, proof-based, and open-ended questions that require deeper reasoning
How it supports future studies:
Because the IP curriculum is designed as a continuous six-year course, it prepares students directly for post-secondary studies without the need to pause for national exams at Secondary 4. Students benefit from more time to explore advanced Mathematics topics, which strengthens readiness for A-Level, IB, or NUS High School Diploma Mathematics — essential for science, engineering, computing, and other Math-heavy courses.
(iv) E Math — Elementary Mathematics What it is:
The core Mathematics subject in upper secondary for the O-Level track. All students take E Math, regardless of whether they also take Additional Mathematics.
Learning experience: • Covers a broad range of topics: algebra, geometry, trigonometry, coordinate geometry, statistics, and probability • Emphasises problem-solving, logical reasoning, and real-world applications • Builds on the foundation from lower secondary but at greater depth and complexity
How it supports future studies:
E Math is a compulsory subject for O-Levels, and its grade is considered in both Junior College and Polytechnic admissions. Strong E Math results are often a minimum requirement for many science, engineering, business, and IT courses. Mastery of E Math also makes the transition smoother for post-secondary Mathematics modules.
(v) A Math — Additional Mathematics What it is:
An elective subject introduced in upper secondary, usually from Secondary 3, for students who are ready for more algebra-focused and abstract Mathematics.
Learning experience: • Focuses heavily on algebraic manipulation and symbolic reasoning • Topics include indices and surds, logarithms and exponentials, trigonometric identities and equations, and an introduction to calculus • Requires strong lower secondary algebra skills for success How it supports future studies:
A Math is a prerequisite for H2 Mathematics in Junior College and is strongly recommended for students intending to take science, engineering, computing, or economics. For Polytechnic-bound students, it provides an advantage in courses with a heavier Mathematical component, such as engineering or data analytics.
(vi) SMO — Singapore Mathematical Olympiad What it is:
The Singapore Mathematical Olympiad (SMO) is the largest and most prestigious national Mathematics competition. It is organised annually by the Singapore Mathematical Society and is open to secondary and junior college students.
Format and timing: • Held once a year, typically in June or July • Written competition with two rounds:
• Divided into three categories: Junior: Secondary 1 and 2 Senior: Secondary 3 and 4 Open: Secondary 1 to JC or equivalent
Level of challenge: • Significantly more challenging than primary-level Math Olympiads • Questions require creative thinking, combining multiple concepts, and applying ideas beyond the school syllabus
Selection for participation: • Typically, schools select students based on strong performance in Mathematics and/or prior competition results • Some schools hold internal selection tests or invite top performers from lower secondary classes to participate
How it supports future studies: • Builds advanced problem-solving skills and mathematical maturity, which carry over to school exams and further competitions • Recognised as a strong achievement for Direct School Admission (DSA) and scholarship applications • Encourages deeper engagement with Mathematics, fostering skills valuable for courses in science, engineering, computing, and research fields For more information, click here to check out our video: 20 Minutes to Master the Basics of Singapore Mathematical Olympiad (SMO) (vii) Academic Terms The school year is usually divided into four terms. Mathematics is assessed at different points during the year: • WA1 (Weighted Assessment 1) – Term 1 • WA2 (Weighted Assessment 2) – Term 2 • WA3 (Weighted Assessment 3) – Term 3 • EOY (End-of-Year Examination) – Term 4 Some schools may use different names or structures, but the idea is similar — students are evaluated on what they have learnt during the term. Forms of Weighted Assessment • Tests: Shorter or mid-length written papers on topics taught in that term. • Assignments: May replace a test for certain WAs, especially in subjects or terms where schools prefer project-style or take-home work. • The choice between a test or an assignment is decided by the school and can differ for each WA. 2. What Will Students Learn in S1 Mathematics Algebra (Core Pillar) • Numbers and arithmetic • Algebraic expressions and simplification • Factorisation • Solving linear equations • Patterns • Simple inequalities • Graphs Geometry (Core Pillar) • Angles and parallel lines • Triangles and polygons • Mensuration • Geometric construction Statistics • Data collection and representation
3. Frequently Asked Questions 1) Do different schools teach different things in S1?
All students start from the same foundation in Secondary 1. Schools may vary the sequence and pace, but the core topics at the start are largely similar. 2) What if my child is in an IP school?
The foundation at the beginning is the same, but IP schools typically pick up pace sooner and may bring forward topics such as inequalities or advanced geometry. 3) Does my child’s SBB level change what they learn?
Core foundations are common across levels. The difference is in depth, pace, and question complexity. Movement between levels is possible when schools review progress. 4) Is Additional Mathematics part of S1? When is it decided?
No—A Math starts in upper secondary. Selection is usually decided around the end of S2, based on school criteria and readiness. 5) Are the topics tested term by term or all at once?
Weighted Assessments usually cover that term’s topics; the EOY is typically cumulative across the year’s content. Exact coverage depends on the school’s plan. 6) Do students still use the model method in Secondary school?
Not usually. Secondary Math shifts towards abstract thinking through algebra, so students move away from model drawings and focus on symbolic methods and formal reasoning. 7) How do students apply for the SMO?
Registration is usually handled through the school. Schools select and nominate students based on strong Math performance or internal selection tests. Parents who wish their child to participate should check with the school’s Mathematics department early in the year, as registration typically closes a few months before the competition in June or July. 4. Contact & Further Resources
If you have any questions regarding Secondary Mathematics, you can contact our S1 teachers using the details below.
Join our study group to receive updates about Secondary Mathematics and access free learning materials. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where we share question explanation videos, learning methods, and information videos. Click here to view our specially prepared playlist: Essential Knowledge Before S1.
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