Singapore Method Maths: The Singapore Approach Takes Root in British Schools
11 Plus, 13 Plus & Maths
August 29th, 2024Last updated: August 30th, 2024
In the first of a series of new articles, Sian, an experienced maths teacher and Singapore Method trainer, take us through this new approach to maths which has grown in popularity in UK schools.
Have you ever wondered why some students seem to grasp mathematics effortlessly while others struggle? The answer might lie in the teaching method. Enter the Singapore maths approach – a revolutionary way of learning that’s taking the world by storm, including right here in the UK.
Imagine a classroom where maths isn’t about memorizing formulas, but about understanding concepts deeply. Where students don’t just solve problems but learn to think critically and communicate their ideas. This is the essence of the Singapore method, which has been gaining traction in British schools since its introduction in the early 2010s (Department for Education, 2020).
Key Principles of the Singapore Method
At its core, this approach is built on several key principles:
- The CPA Approach: Moving from Concrete to Pictorial to Abstract
- Learning through Problem Solving, Reasoning, and Communication
- Variation Theory and Intelligent Practice
- Discovery Learning
What sets this method apart is its focus on building a solid foundation. Students don’t just learn ‘what’ to do, but ‘why’ it works. This deep understanding makes maths more accessible and, dare we say, enjoyable! It’s no wonder that in recent years, more and more UK schools have been adopting this approach, from primary schools in London to academies in Manchester (Ofsted, 2022).
One of the most exciting aspects of this method is its emphasis on discovery. Rather than being spoon-fed information, children are encouraged to explore and uncover mathematical concepts on their own. It’s like being a mathematical detective, piecing together clues to solve the puzzle of numbers! This aligns well with the UK’s recent push for more inquiry-based learning across the curriculum (Education Endowment Foundation, 2023).
This approach doesn’t just teach maths; it develops critical thinking skills that are valuable in all areas of life. Students learn to approach problems systematically, communicate their ideas clearly, and reason logically – skills that are invaluable in our increasingly complex world. These are precisely the skills highlighted in the UK government’s 2023 STEM education strategy, which emphasizes the importance of developing transferable skills alongside subject knowledge (Department for Education, 2023).
Is the Singapore Method Effective?
The Singapore method has gained international recognition for its effectiveness. Countries around the globe are adopting these techniques, seeing remarkable improvements in their students’ mathematical abilities and confidence. In the UK, schools implementing this method have reported significant improvements in their maths GCSE results, with some schools seeing a 20% increase in students achieving grade 5 or above (National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics, 2023).
So, whether you’re a parent looking to support your child’s learning, a teacher seeking new strategies aligned with the latest UK curriculum guidelines, or simply someone interested in innovative education methods, the Singapore approach offers a fresh perspective on mathematics education.
In the following blog posts, we’ll dive deeper into each aspect of this method. We’ll explore how the CPA approach builds understanding, how problem-solving and communication are integrated into learning, and how variation theory and intelligent practice reinforce concepts. We’ll also look at case studies from UK schools that have successfully implemented this approach, from inner-city comprehensives to rural primaries.
Get ready to see mathematics in a whole new light. Who knows? You might even find yourself wishing you could go back to school and learn maths this way! And with the UK’s growing emphasis on lifelong learning and adult numeracy skills, as highlighted in the government’s recent “Multiply” programme (Department for Education, 2024), it’s never too late to explore new ways of engaging with mathematics.
Start the discussion!