What’s The Difference Between 'E' & 'A' Maths In Singapore?
One of the most common concerns that lower secondary students have is choosing to take A Maths in addition to E Maths, and how it will affect their grades. Learn more about the differences between E and A Maths in Singapore, and how a reputable maths tuition centre in Singapore can help your child to excel in their O Levels.
E Maths
Also known as Elementary Maths, E Maths is a compulsory subject for all students going into Secondary 3 and taking the O Levels. The E Maths syllabus provides students a fundamental understanding in 3 core mathematical disciplines; namely Numbers & Algebra, Geometry & Measurement, and Statistics and Probability. Students will hone their general expertise and familiarity with mathematics, and learn other skills such as critical thinking, practical application of concepts to novel questions, as well as modeling and reasoning.
E Maths requires a less robust mathematical skill set as compared to A Maths, making the choice to study it alone more suited to students firmly committed to pursuing a humanities or arts-based education in their future. It also allows students to take H1 Maths in junior colleges, which is a compulsory subject for all junior college students as well.
Reputable O level Math tuitions strengthen students’ foundations and help them to score well by teaching smart answering techniques, such as the proper way to earn marks as well as grow in familiarity with the types of questions posed. They will also provide extensive practice through simulated exam settings and constant revision, while helping to address conceptual issues that students may face.
A Maths
A Maths, also known as Additional Maths, is an optional subject that is offered alongside E Maths. It teaches students additional mathematical concepts that provide a strong foundation for further education, with a heavy emphasis on algebraic concepts as well as logical reasoning compared to E Maths.
Arguably the most important reason that students take A Maths is that it is a prerequisite for A-Level H2 Maths in junior colleges, which requires a strong grasp of algebra for advanced concepts such as calculus. In turn, both A Maths and H2 Maths are prerequisites for numerous courses in tertiary education in polytechnics and universities. They range from courses such as business, economics, engineering, and social sciences, making A Maths essential for a vast majority of career paths.
Compared to E Maths, A Maths requires a more detailed breakdown of responses to mathematical questions; with more complicated workings, understanding which concepts to apply, and higher allocation of marks to sub-sections within a question. With the additional rigour and complexity that A Maths poses, many students are concerned that they cannot handle the workload of both A and E Maths, and ultimately pull their grades down.
However, contrary to popular belief, A Maths is easier to score in comparison to E Maths. A Maths tends to be more systematic, requiring constant drilling and exposure to the various types of questions to excel in one’s exams. By starting early and learning at an O level Math tuition centre, experienced tutors are able to provide more focus on each individual student as compared to a regular school setting. This allows them to accurately pinpoint each student’s weaker areas in their maths learning, helping them strengthen it through revision and practice and ultimately ace their exams.
Looking for a quality maths tuition centre in Singapore? Take a look at our class schedule, and get in touch with our tutors to start building up your child’s mathematics foundations today.
