The document discusses the principles of a strong mathematics programme, including ensuring the weakest, average, and advanced students are appropriately challenged. It advocates focusing on intellectual abilities like visualization and number sense, as well as 21st century skills. Specific techniques mentioned that help achieve this include using visuals, making meaning, and providing careful variation. High achievement in Singapore's math programme has increased over time.

1. Principles of a Strong
Mathematics Programme
Harris Federation, London  October 2012
Yeap Ban Har
Marshall Cavendish Institute
Singapore
yeapbanhar@gmail.com
Slides are available at
www.banhar.blogspot.com

2. Strong mathematics programmes ensure
that
- the weakest students learn enough
- the average learners perform at a high
level
Royston Primary School, London
- the advanced learners are challenged
Strong mathematics programmes include
- a focus on intellectual abilities such as
visualization, generalization and
number sense
- an emphasis on the development of 21st
century competencies such as
communication, self-directed learning
and so on This is achieved by
- using visuals (Bruner)
- making meaning (Skemp)
- providing careful variation (Dienes)

4. Experiencing
Singapore Math
Mathematics is “an excellent vehicle for the
development and improvement of a person’s
intellectual competence”.
Ministry of Education Singapore 2006
Page 1

5. Experiencing
Page 4
Singapore Math

6. High achievement was not a given. In 1960,
among 30 615 candidates who sat for the
first Primary School Leaving Examination,
only 45% of the candidates passed.
Today, about the
same proportion
achieve the
highest grade in
each of the four
subjects tested.
Keon Ming Public School, Singapore

7. 110 g
290 g Page 2

8. 2 units = 290 g – 110 g = 180 g
1 units = 180 g  2 = 90 g
110 g
3 x 90 g = 270 g
Bella puts 270 g sugar on the dish.
? ?

12. Experiencing
Singapore Math