Mathematics
Vision:
To develop resilient and reflective problem-solvers who can apply Mathematics confidently in everyday life.
Mission:
To provide authentic and rigorous Mathematics learning experiences that develop students’ ability to discover, reason and communicate mathematics with confidence.
Department’s highlights/framework:
The Maths Department aims to nurture confident learners with a strong foundation in Mathematics. We design learning experiences that build essential numeracy skills, logical reasoning and problem-solving abilities that empower students to thrive in school, navigate real-world challenges and embrace future opportunities.
Our Maths Eagle Mascot is a natural extension of our school mascots- Connor and Caylee. Inspired by the same spirit of strength, curiosity and excellence, our Maths Eagle represents how Concordians approach Mathematics- with confidence, resilience and a love for learning. It carries forward the same core values while highlighting our five focus areas in Mathematics: Maths is Fun, Maths in Daily Life, Maths Grows With Me, Every Mind Can Maths, and Maths Connects Us.
Key Programmes
Fostering Joy of Learning through Learning Experiences
Opportunities are created for our students to explore, experience and discover Mathematics through daily lessons and school-wide Maths programmes. The use of manipulatives, ICT tools, and Maths Talks enhances students’ learning experiences and helps to instill the joy of learning. Beyond supporting students in understanding concepts and acquiring Mathematical skills, the learning experiences are designed to help them apply mathematics to real-life situations, think flexibly and use creative approaches to solve problems. These experiences are aligned to our five key aspects of Mathematics learning:
Overall, our approach ensures that every child experiences mathematics as a subject that is meaningful, connected and joyful.
Use of manipulative in the lessons (P1 to 6)
In our lessons, students from Primary 1 to 6 use manipulatives such as counters, cubes and fraction disc. To grasp a good understanding of ideas before moving on to diagrams and numbers. We use the Concrete–Pictorial–Abstract (C.P.A.) approach:
This approach helps students understand concepts more clearly, build confidence and reduce misconceptions, laying a strong foundation for learning Mathematics.
Math Playground (P1 and P2)
Math Playground in Concord allows our students to have fun doing Mathematical activities. Apart from the hands-on activities, the corner provides a platform for them to solve nonroutine problems through puzzles and games. The corner is open for Primary 1 to 2 students during their recess breaks and students get an opportunity to participate in challenging games such as Sudoku, Chess and Math Puzzles during their recesses. Students may also practise mastering their number facts through the online games accessible via tablets at the corner.
Maths PlaygroundThe Maths Playground is a dedicated space in school where students can experience the joy of mathematics through hands-on games, puzzles and collaborative play. Students explore and enjoy Mathematics learning through purposeful play that strengthens:
Through games such as Jenga, Save the Penguin, Connect
Four logic puzzles and number challenges, students learn to
think flexibly, try different strategies, be resilient and support
one another- skills that are essential in mathematics.
The Maths Playground also reinforces our school values,
where students learn to:
Overall , the Maths Playground makes mathematics come alive
for students and helps students build positive attitudes towards
mathematics, turning learning into an experience that is fun and
meaningful.
Maths Trails Maths Trails (Primary 1 and 2)
Developing Metacognition and Problem-Solving skills (Primary 1 to 6)
S.T.A.R. approach was adopted from George Polya’s four-step process for problem solving. It was created to help our students to scaffold their thinking when they tackle heuristics and problem sums via the questions at each step of the approach. When students solve problems, they will make use of the 4 steps - Study, Think, Act, Review. Throughout these four steps, metacognition plays an essential role in problem-solving as students make and regulate their thinking and their decisions. The S.T.A.R. approach was customised into two versions. One for the Primary 1 and 2 students and the other for Primary 3 to 6 students.
Developing students' interest and talent in Mathematics
E2K Mathematics Programme (P4 and 5)
This programme was developed by Israel Centre for Excellence through Education (ICEE). It was conceptualized as a Mathematics enrichment programme for upper primary students who demonstrate strong interest and ability in Mathematics. The programme aims to foster independence in mathematical thinking skills, as well as nurture other important 21st century competencies such as resilience and resourcefulness and to enhance critical and inventive thinking and effective communication skills.
Maths Olympiad Enrichment Programme (Primary 4 and 5)
The objectives of the programme are to enrich and stretch our students’ learning in Mathematics. Through this programme, students have the opportunities to deepen their thinking and be equipped with strategies to solve non-routine and higher order challenges.
Maths Competitions (Primary 4 to 6)
The objectives of participating in Math competitions are to expose our students to intellectually challenging mathematical questions, to challenge and stretch their mathematical potential, to stimulate their interest and ignite their passion in Mathematics. Our students have been exposed to the following competitions: