Mathematics Department

Mathematics Department

Philosophy

In the area of Mathematics, our goal is to develop in pupils critical thinking and creative problem solving skills. Pupils learn best when they are motivated and engaged. With these 21^st Century Competencies, pupils will be able to make connections in their learning.

Key Programmes & Approaches

Mathematical Concepts and Skills

Pupils build competency in mathematical concepts and skills through student-centric activities and teacher-facilitated questioning. At KCPPS, we teach basic mathematical concepts through the Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract approach (based on Bruner’s conception of the enactive, iconic and symbolic modes of representation) with the aid of manipulatives. Lesson design is based on the structure of ‘I do, We do, You do’ (based on Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development) to develop independent learners. In addition, talk moves are used to engage pupils in deeper classroom discussion and critical thinking.

Thinking Skills

Teachers infuse critical thinking skills using ‘My Favourite No’ (to check misconceptions) and other visible thinking routines within routines within lessons to provide opportunities for pupils to reason, communicate and make connections to their learning. Pupils are also taught an array of skills and heuristics to solve problems. Teachers facilitate and guide pupils in interpreting and analysing information, making inferences and selecting appropriate strategies to solve them.

SMART Problem Solving Routine

In developing metacognitive skills in problem solving, pupils are guided by our KCP-developed SMART routine. This routine teaches pupils to study the problem in parts, make sense of the clues, add a plan and record the steps before thinking about the answer. The department has also developed open-ended tasks on real-world problems for pupils to apply inter-disciplinary concepts, as well as financial literacy skills.

Assessment for Learning and Assessment as Learning

Being reflective is an integral part of learning. In addition to pen-and-paper, we also leverage ICT tools to assess pupils’ learning to provide feedback for both pupils and teachers. Specially designed self-reflection tools in the form of diagnostic feedback and reflection journals, as well as peer feedback, are incorporated into the curriculum.

Math Allive @ Library

We bring mathematics beyond the classroom! From celebrating Pi Day to playing strategic board and card games, this programme focuses on developing pupils’ critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills.

Available during scheduled recesses for all levels, it is the perfect place to stimulate thinking for pupils who love a good challenge.

Pupils work together on a game with the support of a parent volunteer

Environment as the 3rd Teacher

Using the environment as the third teacher, instructional posters and pupils’ work are displayed in the classrooms. Within the school, the Mathematics Learning Corner is regularly updated with brainteasers, puzzles and did-you-know facts to make the learning of Mathematics fun and interesting.

Pupils learning together at the Mathematics Learning Corner

Learning Support for Mathematics (LSM)

LSM is specially catered to selected Primary 1 and Primary 2 pupils for small group teaching by specially-trained teachers. The use of manipulatives and questioning techniques are incorporated for targeted teaching and learning to enable pupils to achieve mastery in basic numeracy skills and build confidence in them.

Excellence 2000 (E2K) Mathematics Programme

The E2K programme (developed by the Israel Centre for Excellence through Education (ICEE)) is part of our talent development effort for Primary 4 and Primary 5 pupils who demonstrate strength and talent in mathematics. It develops pupils' mathematical reasoning skills and deepens their conceptual understanding through an inquiry approach. Pupils have opportunities to collaborate with their peers and engage in mathematical thinking through puzzles, games and mathematical explorations.Link: https://www.moe.gov.sg/education-in-sg/our-programmes/programmes-for-students-with academic-strengths

Mathematics Olympiad Competitions

Pupils are invited to take part in the Mathematics Olympiad Competitions organised by various schools in Singapore to demonstrate and receive recognition for their talent in Mathematics.