Mathematics
Vision
Every Marsilian a resilient and joyful problem solver.
Mission
The Mathematics Department aims:
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To engage students to think critically and reason clearly in Mathematics.
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To foster students’ positive attitudes towards the learning of Mathematics.
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To enable students to appreciate the relevance of Mathematics in real life.
Programmes at a Glance
Mathematics Curriculum Framework
The central focus of Mathematics curriculum is the development of Mathematical problem solving. Supporting this focus are five inter-related components – concepts, skills, processes, metacognition and attitudes.
Teaching and Learning
3 Phases of Learning: Readiness, Engagement and Mastery
Concrete Pictorial Abstract (C-P-A) Approach
Learning experiences in the classroom are designed based on the C-P-A approach.
Concrete is the “doing” stage, using concrete objects such as fraction discs, multi-link cubes and base-ten sets to help students understand the concepts.
Pictorial is the “seeing” stage, using representations of the objects to model problems.
Abstract is the “symbolic” stage, where students are able to use symbols to demonstrate understanding of problems.
This approach helps students learn new ideas and build on their existing knowledge by introducing abstract concepts in a more familiar and tangible way.
Key Programmes
STEAM@MPS
STEAM is an interdisciplinary approach to learning that combines Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. A collaborative effort between the Science and Mathematics department, STEAM@MPS aims to provide students with the opportunity to learn through exploration, sparking invention, innovation and joy of learning. The various STEAM activities held throughout the year are based on the engineering design process. As students brainstorm ideas, test and iterate solutions based on new information and challenges, the open-ended environment encourages them to think outside the box, nurturing different components of 21CC, such as adaptive and critical thinking in the process. STEAM education equips students with the flexibility and inventiveness needed to thrive in a constantly evolving world.
Excellence 2000 (E2K) Mathematics Programme
The E2K Mathematics Programme is designed by education specialists to meet the advanced learning needs of Primary 4 and 5 high-achieving learners. It aims to develop students’ mathematical reasoning skills and deepens their conceptual understanding through an inquiry approach. Students will have opportunities to work independently or collaborate with their peers and engage in mathematical thinking through resources such as games, puzzles, and mathematical explorations specially designed for this programme.
Through the rich learning experiences offered by the programme, students will develop the attitudes, habits and dispositions mathematicians possess. They will also gain different components of 21CC such as critical thinking, inventive thinking and effective communication skills.
Math@Eureka
Eureka, a Mathematics MTV (Making Things Visible) learning space, is exceptionally alive during recess with a wide range of activities such as forming figures using Tangrams, Geoboards and LEGO pieces and shopping within budget at our life-sized “Mini Mart”. In addition, Eureka is used during Math lessons for students to explore mathematical concepts outside the classroom.
By immersing students in learning experiences that focuses on play and exploration, various components of 21CC such as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication are fostered.
Math Hero
Math Hero is an in-house program of the Math Department. It aims to encourage and motivate our students to take ownership of their own learning and hone components of 21CC such as self-management, responsible decision-making, inventive thinking and communication.
In this program, Primary 1 to 4 students are given a variety of interesting activities to choose to complete. Some of the activities required them to play a game with their friends and some require the involvement of family members which allows meaningful bonding. Upon the completion of each activity, star(s) will be awarded to the students. When a student has earned a stipulated number of stars, a Math Hero button badge and certificate will be awarded to him/her.
