21 July 2021
Singapore participates in international studies such as Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) to benchmark the outcomes of its educational system.
Singapore’s excellent performance in these international educational benchmarks may be attributed to its rigorous and dynamic curriculum that focusses on both breadth and depth, drilling as well as creativity, and is tailored to meet the needs of the students.
The intended curriculum is provided by the Ministry of Education to all schools and adopts a spiral approach. The syllabuses are a guide for teachers to plan their mathematics instructional programmes. Teachers are not bound by the sequence of topics but ensure that the hierarchy and linkage are maintained. Teachers are also free to exercise flexibility and creativity when drawing up plans of work.
Textbooks are an essential part of Singapore’s secondary school curriculum as well. They are produced by publishers with close guidance from Curriculum specialists of the Curriculum Planning and Development Division (CPDD) at the Ministry of Education. All textbooks used in schools must have the approval of the Ministry of Education.