Mathematics

Mathematics Department

2018 saw the Mathematics department embarking on various projects and programmes to enthuse students about the importance as well as the beauty of the discipline.

Learning Experiences during lessons

Over the years, the department has progressed towards helping students appreciate mathematical concepts better through student-centred learning experiences. For instance, Secondary One students explored the properties of polygons by cutting and folding various shapes. Through comparing and contrasting pairs of triangles prepared, Secondary Three students discovered the concepts related to Tests for Congruency. These activities have helped students to deepen their understanding of the mathematical concepts through the acquisition of Disciplinary Literacy.

Student’s reflection:

"This hands-on lesson was very interactive. We discovered the different Congruency Tests through cutting out triangles of different dimensions and learning from our peers. This enabled us to better internalise the four tests and apply them in questions that we encounter."

(Goh Zhe Wei Matthew, 310)

Mathematics and Science Week

A highlight of the week, the Games Carnival held during recess continued to draw many students to the booths to play mathematical games like Twenty and Mathdoku . Some were also excited about pitting their skills against others at solving the Rubik's Cube. As an initiative this year, SKy leaders planned and hosted two of the booths, designing activities for their peers to appreciate mathematics in a fun way. Students’ minds were further stretched through problems posed in the Daily Quiz and during the Pyramid Game held during Assembly.

Student’s Reflection:

“The Math and Science Week was a very good and different experience for me, as it required me to think of the questions instead of solving them. My group came up with a mini decoding game in which participants had to use mental calculations without the use of calculators. Having to think of a unique game that would attract others made me think outside the box. From Math and Science Week, I learned to be more creative and more aware of what others were doing.”

(Chua Yan Ling, 306)

Secondary 3 CnME Modules

This is an anchor module offered by the Mathematics department to selected Sec 3 students who have a strong inclination in the discipline. With the tagline “Predict the unpredictable, Explain the unexplainable”, the module aims to help participants see the connection between daily phenomena and mathematical representation in various forms like graphs and equations. Through activities like problem-analysis, evidence-gathering, hands-on experimentation and oral presentations, participants gained a better understanding of the Mathematical Modelling process.

Student reflection:

“One of the projects that we carried out was to make use of the concept of surface area and volume to design the box with the least surface area and most volume for packing stuffed toys. This project was the most memorable to me as I was able to learn how to apply my math knowledge effectively in the real-world context. Through this project, we were taught critical thinking skills as we had to consider different factors. I also learned that there were many variables in a real-world math problem and assumptions need to be made in order to solve the problem. This module has enriched me in terms of knowledge and skills, and has helped me to view the world differently.”

(Lim Si Tong, 306)

This module engaged students to think about the application of percentages and simple mathematical concepts in the area of love. Some interesting topics include the mysteries of ‘love at first sight’ and how one can maximise the chances of finding his or her ideal partner. All these presented students with a number of interesting but unexpected truths that kept them intrigued about the unconventional applications of mathematics. 

Student reflection:

“<The Mathematics of Love> is an enriching and interesting module. I had the opportunity to learn things that are different from our usual lessons such as Fibonacci sequence and the Golden Ratio. From this module, I managed to find out many fascinating mathematical facts.”

                    (Wong Yu Qian, 310)

Other programmes:

·        Secondary One Mathematics Trail at Science Centre

·        Financial Literacy Programme

·        Mathematical Problem Solving Programme

·        Singapore Mathematical Olympiad for selected students