Moving from Secondary 2 to Secondary 3 is an exciting time for students as they embark on a new academic journey with new learning opportunities and a different environment. However, as they progress in their studies, they may also face learning challenges that could cause stress and overwhelm later on, especially if they plan to take their E-maths along with their A- maths.
With this, we’re here to guide students and parents on navigating through the difficulties of Upper Secondary Math and how students can prepare so that they can cope better as they juggle their E-maths and A-maths.
How Is Lower Secondary Math Different from Upper Secondary Math?
During Secondary 2, students learn basic mathematical concepts like numbers and operations, algebraic expressions and formulae, equations and inequalities, and trigonometry.
As students enter Secondary 3 and tackle Upper Secondary Math, they are given more in-depth knowledge of mathematical core disciplines through their Elementary Maths or E-Maths. This subject helps them refine their understanding of the fundamentals and foster other skills, like critical thinking, practical application of concepts, and reasoning. E-Maths is a compulsory subject and allows students to take their H1 Maths in junior college.
If the student wants to pursue courses in junior college that require A-level H2 maths, they must also take their A-Maths, also known as Additional Maths, alongside their E-Maths.
Compared to E-Maths, A-Maths gives students additional math concepts with a considerable focus on algebraic concepts and logical reasoning.
Tips to Having a Smooth Transition from Lower to Upper Secondary Math
Taking A-maths on top of E-maths can be overwhelming for any student. To help manage the stress better, here’s how you can help your child transition smoothly from Lower Secondary Math to Upper Secondary Math:
1. Start preparing
Adequate preparation can help boost the student’s confidence in taking on E-maths and A-maths. Encourage your child to study early and go through their Lower Secondary Math concepts to help strengthen their foundation. Furthermore, reviewing old notes and textbooks refreshes their minds on the concepts they might have forgotten.
2. Get help early on
Finding a good maths private tuition centre for your child before school starts can also help. That way, your child can be acquainted with their maths tutor and know what to expect from their upcoming secondary math subject and private lessons. This is also recommended if the student is struggling with maths initially. It’s best to avoid waiting until the last minute to find an E-Maths or A-Maths tutor in Singapore.
3. Make sure to practise
Upper secondary maths requires practice, whether it is E-Maths or A-Maths. During study hours, students can take the time to practise working on the problems they’ve learned in class or their maths private tuition in Singapore. That way, they can improve their math skills and have confidence in taking on the subject.
4. Use valuable resources
Many resources are now available to help Secondary 3 students with their Upper Secondary Math. There are online video tutorials, textbooks, and other educational resources that can be useful in supplementing their learning. If your child is part of an E-Maths or A-Maths tuition programme in Singapore, ask your child’s private math tutor what valuable math resources would be helpful for their specific skill level.
How Math Academia Can Help You
Are you looking for an elementary or additional maths tuition in Singapore that can help foster your child’s potential? Math Academia provides O Level E-Math Tuition and O Level A-Math Tuition programmes in Singapore for Lower Secondary school students transitioning to Upper Secondary level. We have holiday programmes that can help prepare and equip your child with the knowledge they need as they enter the new school year. Additionally, our maths tutors can support your child through their academic journey, helping them nurture their proficiency in maths and achieve their learning goals.
If you want to know more about our E-Math and A-Math tuition programmes in Singapore, feel free to contact us today.