COURSE OBJECTIVES

Objectives
Objectives of the various courses are included in the syllabuses for secondary schools prepared by the Curriculum Development Council. Topics to be taught in different teaching groups are designed and reviewed from time to time to meet the needs of individual students.

To enable students to cope confidently with the mathematics needed in their future studies, workplace or daily life in a technological and information-rich society. This course aims at developing students’:

• ability to conceptualize, inquire, reason and communicate mathematically, and to use mathematics to formulate and solve problems in daily life as well as in mathematical contexts;
• ability to manipulate numbers, symbols and other mathematical objects;
• number sense, symbol sense, spatial sense and a sense of measurement as well as the capability in appreciating structures and patterns;
• positive attitude towards mathematics and the capability in appreciating the aesthetic nature and cultural aspect of mathematics.

YEARLY DEPARTMENTAL MAJOR CONCERNS:

• Enhance professionalism through sharing.
• Guide students to develop generic skills related to independent learning, collaboration and critical thinking.

CURRICULUM

Mathematics Curriculum S1-S3

Course Objectives

To enable students to cope confidently with the mathematics needed in their future studies, workplaces or daily life in a technological and information-rich society, this course aims at developing students:

• the ability to conceptualize, inquire, reason and communicate mathematically, and to use mathematics to formulate and solve problems in daily life as well as in mathematical contexts;
• the ability to manipulate numbers, symbols and other mathematical objects;
• the number sense, symbol sense, spatial sense and a sense of measurement as well as the capability in appreciating structures and patterns;
• a positive attitude towards mathematics and the capability in appreciating the aesthetic nature and cultural aspect of mathematics.

Curriculum S1-3

S.1

• Basic Mathematics
• Directed Numbers
• Using Algebra to Solve Problems (I)
• Using Algebra to Solve Problems (II)
• Introduction to Geometry
• Percentages (I)
• Estimation in Numbers and Measurement
• Area and Volume (I)
• Introduction to Coordinates
• Symmetry and Transformation
• Angles in Intersecting and Parallel Lines
• Congruence and Similarity
• Introduction to Statistics

S.2

• Approximation and Errors
• Manipulations and Factorization of Polynomials
• Identities
• Formulas
• Linear Equations in Two Unknowns
• Handling Continuous Data
• Rate and Ratio
• Angles in Triangles and Polygons
• Introduction to Deductive Geometry
• Pythagoras’ Theorem
• Trigonometric Ratios
• Area and Volumes (II)

S.3

• More about Factorization of Polynomials
• Laws of Indices
• Percentages (II)
• Linear Inequalities in One Unknown
• Measures of Central Tendency
• More on Deductive Geometry
• Quadrilaterals
• More about 3-D Figures
• Area and Volumes (III)
• Applications in Trigonometry
• Coordinate Geometry of Straight Lines
• Introduction to Probability

Mathematics Curriculum S4-S6 Compulsory Part

Course Objectives
The Compulsory Part serves as a foundation for all students and at the same time provides flexibility to cater for the diverse needs of individual students. Its contents are categorised into Foundation Topics and Non-foundation Topics. The Foundation Topics constitute a coherent set of essential concepts and knowledge while the Non-foundation Topics cover a wider range of content.

The topics in the Compulsory Part emphasise the relevance of mathematics to various human activities. Students are expected to engage in different activities to foster their awareness of the worldwide use of mathematical terminology, notation and strategies to solve problems. Also, to enable students to recognise and appreciate the interconnection between the different parts of mathematics they have learnt at both the junior and senior secondary levels, a “Further Applications” learning unit is incorporated into the Compulsory Part.

This course aims to:

• further develop students’ mathematical knowledge, skills and concepts;
• provide students with mathematical tools for their personal development and future career pathways;
• provide a foundation for students who may further their studies in Mathematics or related areas;
• develop in students the generic skills, and in particular, the capability to use mathematics to solve problems, reason and communicate;
• develop in students interest in and positive attitudes towards mathematics learning;
• develop students’ competence and confidence in dealing with mathematics needed in life; and
• help students to fulfil their potential in mathematics.

Curriculum S4-6

S.4

• Number Systems
• Equations of Straight Lines
• Quadratic Equations in One Unknown
• Basic Knowledge of Functions
• Quadratic Functions
• More about Polynomials
• Exponential Functions
• Logarithmic Functions
• Rational Functions
• Basic Properties of Circles
• More about Basic Properties of Circles
• Basic Trigonometry

S.5

• More about Equations
• Inequalities in One Unknown
• More about Graphs of Functions
• Permutation and Combination
• More about Probability
• Variations
• Equations of Circles
• Locus
• Solving triangles
• Applications in Trigonometry
• Measures of Dispersion
• More about Dispersion

S.6

• Arithmetic Sequences
• Geometric Sequences
• Linear Inequalities in Two Unknowns and Linear Programming
• Uses and Abuses of Statistics
• Further Applications of Mathematics

Mathematics Curriculum S4 – S6 Extension Modules 1 and 2

Course Objectives
The Extended Part is designed for students who need more mathematical knowledge and skills for their future studies and careers, and for those whose interests and maturity have been developed to a level that enables them to benefit from further mathematical study in different areas. The Extended Part aims at extending students’ mathematics horizon beyond the Compulsory Part. Students have to handle more complicated problems in the Extended Part than in the Compulsory Part.

Module 1 (Calculus and Statistics) is intended to cater for those students who will be involved in disciplines or careers which demand a wider scope and deeper understanding of mathematics, and for those who would like to learn more mathematical applications at the senior secondary level.

It aims to:

• provide students with skills and concepts beyond the Compulsory Part;
• emphasise applications rather than mathematical rigour with a view to widening students’ perspectives on mathematics; and
• provide students with intuitive concepts of calculus and statistics, related basic skills and useful tools for their future studies and careers.

Curriculum S3 - S6

Extension Module 1: Calculus and Statistics

• The Binomial Expansion
• Exponential Functions and Logarithmic Functions
• Limits and derivatives
• Differentiation
• Application of Differentiation
• Indefinite Integrals and its Applications
• Definite Integrals
• Application of Definite Integrals
• Further Probability
• Probability Distribution, Expectation and Variance
• Discrete Probability Distribution
• Continuous Random Variable and Normal Distribution
• Sampling Distribution and Parameter Estimation

Extension Module 2: Algebra and Calculus

• Surds and Rationalization of Denominators
• Mathematical Induction
• Binomial Theorem
• Trigonometry (I)
• Trigonometry (II)
• Limits and the Number e
• Differentiation
• Applications of Differentiation
• Indefinite Integration and its applications
• Definite Integration
• Applications of Definite Integration
• Matrices and Determinants
• System of Linear Equations
• Introduction of Vectors
• Scalar Products and Vector Products

ASSESSMENT

Continuous Assessment

• Minor Assignments & Quizzes
• Chapter Review                 
• Tests
• Uniform Test                              
• Independent Learning / Presentation
•  Examination          

YEARLY FUNCTIONS AND ACTIVITIES

Mathematics Club  –  Committee members introducing 2D Blokus

Mathematics Club  –  Geometric construction through rolling paper

Mathematics Week – S2 Calculator Competition

Mathematics Week – S3 Students working on Tangrams

Mathematics Week – Inter  House Rummikub Competition for students

Mathematics Week – Inter House Rummikub Competition for teachers

Mathematics Week – Soma Cube construction through 3D Origami

Mathematics Week – Inter Secondary School Rummikub Competition

Mathematics Week – Participants of  Inter Secondary school Competition

Mathematics Week – Inter  Primary school Mathematics Contest “2048”

Mathematics Week – Participants of Inter Primary School Contest

Mathematic Workshop  –  Smart use of a calculator held by an alumnus

Mathematic Workshop  –  Calculator Programming conducted by alumni

Mathematics Olympiad  Team – Some of  our winners

Open Days – A teacher guides a young visitor to complete a task

Open Days – Visitors enjoying activities in a classroom

Department Members