Mathematics
Vision
Every GMS(P) Student An Analytical Lifelong Problem-Solver
Mission
To equip students with the concepts, skills and disposition so that they can learn and apply Mathematics joyfully with their peers
Overview
In GMS(P), we strongly believe that all students can learn mathematics, given the appropriate instruction and opportunity to learn. The belief that they can learn mathematics drives student effort. Our dedicated teachers help their students by ensuring that they experience success in learning mathematics. When students see that they can learn mathematics by putting in effort, they will develop a growth mind-set.
The Mathematics curriculum aims to nurture students to be confident and effective problem-solvers. We advocate incorporating a variety of approaches and activities to make learning of mathematics both engaging and fun for our young ones. And we also need to garner parents’ support to reinforce basic numeracy concepts at home.
Curriculum Structure and Key Programmes
Level | Key Programmes | School-Wide Activities |
Primary 1 | - Learning Numeracy Concepts through Maths Games - Learning Support for Mathematics (Pull-out) | Making Maths Alive
Joyful Learning With Maths Music Videos
Maths & Science Integration
KooBits Learning Portal
Maths-Interest Based Task/Project
Make Thinking Visible Routines In Particular ‘What makes you say that?’ To Strengthen Students’ Ability to Reason
|
Primary 2 | - Learning Numeracy Concepts through Maths Games - Learning Support for Mathematics (Pull-out) - Mathematics Process Skills Booklet | |
Primary 3 | - Mathematics Process Skill Booklet (In-house production) - Learning Support for Mathematics (Pull-out) NEW! | |
Primary 4 | - E2K Math Enrichment, Semester 1 (Selected students) - Primary Maths Project Competition (Selected students) - Mathematics Process Skill Booklet (In-house production) - Remediation Support | |
Primary 5 | - Singapore Mathematical Olympiad for Primary School (Selected students) - E2K Math Enrichment, Infused within Curriculum (P5-7, P5-8) - Primary Maths Project Competition (Selected students) - Mathematics Process Skill Booklet (In-house production) - Remediation Support | |
Primary 6 | - Singapore Mathematical Olympiad for Primary School (Selected students) - Raffles Institution Mathematics World Contest (Selected students) - Remediation Support |
Pedagogical Approaches / Strategies
At primary level, we teach students to learn and master mathematical concepts using a three-step learning process: concrete, pictorial and abstract. In the concrete step, students engage in hands-on learning experiences using concrete objects such as multilink cubes, paper folding. This is followed by drawing pictorial representations of mathematical concepts. Students then solve mathematical problems in an abstract way by using numbers and symbols.
In our department, we practice the four-step problem solving method namely 1) See, 2) Plan, 3) Do and 4) Check, that students can use to tackle the word problems. For Step 2 under planning, we guide and expose the 9 listed heuristics to our students.
Heuristics
1. Find a pattern
2. Draw a model
3. Work backwards
4. Make a table / listing
5. Draw a picture / diagram
6. Make a list / Guess and check
7. Spatial visualisation
8. Use logical reasoning
9. Restating the problem
From time to time, appropriate enrichment programmes are conducted and selected students do participate in external events or competitions.