Mathematics

Discover how the Mathematics Department builds confident, curious learners through hands-on programmes and real-world problem solving.

Last updated 6 August 2026

Vision

Every Marsilian a resilient and joyful problem solver.

Mission

The Mathematics Department aims:

To engage students to think critically and reason clearly in Mathematics.
To foster students’ positive attitudes towards the learning of Mathematics.
To enable students to appreciate the relevance of Mathematics in real life.

Programmes at a Glance

Table showing 5 math programmes and their availability across levels P1 to P6 marked with checkmarks.

Mathematics Curriculum Framework

Pentagon diagram showing five components of Mathematical Problem Solving: Attitudes, Metacognition, Processes, Concepts, and Skills.

The central focus of Mathematics curriculum is the development of Mathematical problem solving. Supporting this focus are five inter-related components – concepts, skills, processes, metacognition and attitudes.

Teaching and Learning

3 Phases of Learning: Readiness, Engagement and Mastery

Diagram showing a Learning framework with three circles: Readiness, Engagement, and Mastery surrounding a central Learning circle.

Concrete Pictorial Abstract (C-P-A) Approach

Learning experiences in the classroom are designed based on the C-P-A approach.

Concrete is the “doing” stage, using concrete objects such as fraction discs, multi-link cubes and base-ten sets to help students understand the concepts.

Pictorial is the “seeing” stage, using representations of the objects to model problems.

Abstract is the “symbolic” stage, where students are able to use symbols to demonstrate understanding of problems.

This approach helps students learn new ideas and build on their existing knowledge by introducing abstract concepts in a more familiar and tangible way.

$Three photos of young students doing hands-on math activities with colored balls, fraction strips, and measuring tape near cones.$

Key Programmes

STEAM@MPS

STEAM is an interdisciplinary approach to learning that combines Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. A collaborative effort between the Science and Mathematics department, STEAM@MPS aims to provide students with the opportunity to learn through exploration, sparking invention, innovation and joy of learning. The various STEAM activities held throughout the year are based on the engineering design process. As students brainstorm ideas, test and iterate solutions based on new information and challenges, the open-ended environment encourages them to think outside the box, nurturing different components of 21CC, such as adaptive and critical thinking in the process. STEAM education equips students with the flexibility and inventiveness needed to thrive in a constantly evolving world.

Three school activity scenes: kids with bead shakers, a boy measuring straws, and students playing soccer indoors.

Excellence 2000 (E2K) Mathematics Programme

The E2K Mathematics Programme is designed by education specialists to meet the advanced learning needs of Primary 4 and 5 high-achieving learners. It aims to develop students’ mathematical reasoning skills and deepens their conceptual understanding through an inquiry approach. Students will have opportunities to work independently or collaborate with their peers and engage in mathematical thinking through resources such as games, puzzles, and mathematical explorations specially designed for this programme.

Through the rich learning experiences offered by the programme, students will develop the attitudes, habits and dispositions mathematicians possess. They will also gain different components of 21CC such as critical thinking, inventive thinking and effective communication skills.

Three panels show students in blue uniforms doing math: using blocks, discussing in groups, and pointing at a number board.