Course Outline of GCE O-level Mathematics

Course information, Outline and Introduction to GCE O-level Mathematics Syllabus and Curriculum for Secondary Schools. MOE SEAB GCE Ordinary level Mathematics (A and E Maths) Syllabus for the Express Stream from Secondary 1 to 4.

This article is an overview of the GCE O-level Mathematics Courses available to Secondary Express Students attending MOE Secondary Schools.

Secondary 1

Mathematics Courses Available: Elementary Mathematics.

Course overview:

Recap of Primary PSLE Syllabus. With in-depth and advancement upon:

• the Four Operations,
• Integers, Fractions, real Numbers,
• Ratio,
• Speed and
• Percentage
• Geometry and Angles
• Perimeter and Area
• Volume and Surface Area of Prism and Cylinders
• Statistics- Line Graph, Pie Chart etc.
• Basic Algebra

New to Secondary 1 Mathematics students

• Prime Numbers, HCF, LCM, Square root and Cube roots
• Approximation and Estimation
• Algebra Expansion and Factorisation
• Algebra Equations and problem solving
• Number Patterns
• Plotting of Cartesian Coordinate and Graphs
• Polygons and Angles. Interior and Exterior Angles of Polygons
• Geometrical Constructions and Angle/Perpendicular Bisectors

Course Synopsis

Secondary 1 Mathematics is an introduction to secondary level mathematics and a recap of previous skills learnt from PSLE Primary Syllabus. Only Elementary Mathematics is taught in Secondary 1.

Secondary 1 Mathematics teaches a broader approach into the use of mathematics and introduces a more general solution of using algebra to solve sums. It introduces the key concepts that will be further developed in the next few years the types of number systems, usage of ratio and proportion, angles, statistics, graphs, algebra and number patterns.

Secondary 2

Mathematics Courses Available: Elementary Mathematics.

Course overview:

Streaming year and level of competence in mathematics will be tested to go into Science specific courses.

• Direct and Inverse Proportions
• Simultaneous Equations and Linear graphs
• Expansion and Factorisation of Quadratic Expressions
• Algebraic Fractions and Formulae
• Linear And Quadratic Graphs
• Congruence and Similarity
• Trigonometric Ratios TOA CAH SOH
• Pythagoras Theorem
• Volume and Surface Area of Pyramids Cones and Spheres
• Probability
• Mean Median Mode
• Statistics and Diagrams

Course Synopsis:

Streaming year. Secondary 2 Mathematics is algebra specific and develops upon Sec 1 work. The level of difficulty is higher due to the Streaming year into their upper secondary classes. Ability to option Additional Mathematics as a new O-level topic. Examinations and work throughout will filter students into their mathematical abilities. Algebra being the biggest hurdle. Pace of information delivery is hectic as compared to Sec 1 Mathematics.

Secondary 3

Mathematics Courses Available: Elementary Mathematics and Additional Mathematics.

Course overview:

Mathematics forks out to Additional Mathematics and Elementary Mathematics. Another jump in pace and need to naturalise Additional Mathematics culture into their studies.

Elementary Mathematics:

Part 1) Further exploration of

• Coordinate Geometry
• Quadratic Equations and Functions
• Trigonometry
• Congruence and Similarity Tests
• Graphs of functions and solution.

Part 2) New Topics of

• Radian Measure, Arc Length and Area of Sectors
• Linear Inequalities
• Indices and Standard Form
• Area and Volume of Similar Figures and Solids
• Geometrical Properties of Circles

Course Synopsis

Elementary Mathematics of Sec 3 introduces upper secondary concepts and 50% of the work are further developments of Sec 2 topics. Assumption that proficiency of algebra manipulation and Sec 1 and Sec 2 topics are well developed and efficiently applied to Sec 3 topics. New topics introduced in Sec 3 are heavily dependent on algebra manipulation and equation solving skills.

Additional Mathematics:

The 2 Year course in Additional Mathematics means different schools will be completing different chapters before the end of Sec 3. But generally, this will be before they start on Calculus topics of Differentiation and Integration.

• Quadratic Equations and Inequalities
• Indices Surds and Logarithms
• Polynomials and Partial Fractions
• Binomial Expansions
• Modulus Functions
• Trigonometry, Identities, Double Angle Formula etc.
• Coordinate Geometry
• Proofs in Plane Geometry

Course Synopsis

Advanced concepts in Mathematics for students interested in attempting Pure Science Courses in JC and Science/Engineering Programmes in Polytechnic. Algebra is still de rigueur to do well in Additional Maths. Pace of information shall be quick and since all topics are fairly disconnected, students are required to learn different concepts that does not have a common bearing. It is taxing but essential subject for future relevant courses in tertiary education Kindly note that Singapore uses a distinctly different Addition Mathematics syllabus for GCE O-level as compared to other countries.

 Secondary 4

Course Overview

GCE O-level preparation begins. Separated into two distinct parts, new topics and revision. All topics are completed latest July, and revisions should begin and include doing all past year test papers and the TYS.

Elementary Mathematics

• Vectors
• Cumulative Frequency
• Standard Deviation
• Probability
• Matrices
• Revision from Sec1-4

Course Synopsis

Getting ready for and round up of the GCE O-level course. They are relatively digestible topics but essential to the overall outcome of a students’ education.  The other half of the year should be spent ramping up in preparation of the O-level examinations.

Additional Mathematics

Course overview

Year 2 of 2 and completion of Additional Mathematics. Merging the previous years’ topics with Calculus-Differentiation and Integration.

• Differentiation
• Integration
• Kinematics-Particle Motion on a straight line

Course Synopsis

Polarising students into liking Calculus or hating it. Differentiation, Integration and Kinematics will round up Additional Mathematics for the O-level. Taking everything that is taught in Sec 3 A maths and using it as components for Calculus means that students that has a good foundation will be able to handle Sec 4. Have a shaky foundation means that students will struggle trying to include previous topics when doing calculus. Getting distinctions requires students to be fast, meticulous and detailed. Knowing every linkages and heuristics to complete the whole O-level paper on time.