A guide to IB Math Programme in different schools in Singapore

IB Math Programme in Singapore Schools

The IB Math Programme is a core component of the International Baccalaureate Diploma, and while the final exams are standardized across the globe, schools in Singapore take different approaches to preparing students. Understanding these differences can be crucial for students and parents looking for effective ways to support learning, especially when considering IB Math tuition to bridge gaps in knowledge.

Different Exam Sessions: May vs. November

In Singapore, schools offering the IB Programme are divided into two main exam sessions: May and November. This distinction influences how students are prepared for the IB Math exams.

May Exam Schools: Most international schools, such as UWCSEA (Dover and East), Canadian International School (CIS), Stamford American International School (SAIS), Overseas Family School (OFS), Tanglin Trust School (TTS), Dulwich College, XCL, and others, operate on the May exam session. These schools tend to have a more international approach to IB Math with students coming from diverse educational backgrounds like IGCSE, AQA, Edexcel, or even the IB MYP.

November Exam Schools: On the other hand, local schools such as ACS (Independent), ACS (International), St. Joseph’s Institution (SJI), Singapore Sports School, Hwa Chong International School (HCIS), and School of the Arts (SOTA) operate on the November exam schedule. While Australian International School (AIS) is also in the November session, it follows a more international style compared to the others, which stick closely to a local school culture and more rigorous IB Math preparation.

The Difference in IB Math School Exams

While all students in Singapore will sit for the same final IB Math exams, the difficulty and structure of their school-based tests can vary significantly between May and November session schools.

November Session Schools: Local schools such as ACS(I), SJI, HCIS, SOTA and others tend to set much more challenging internal exams compared to their May counterparts. These exams often push students beyond the scope of typical IB questions, ensuring they are well-prepared for anything the final exams might throw at them.

May Session Schools: International schools, such as UWCSEA and CIS, often provide school exams that closely mirror past IB papers. While this might seem advantageous, it may not truly gauge a student’s full understanding. Students in these schools often have access to past papers, making it difficult to assess their actual capability.

Varied Educational Backgrounds in May Schools

In many May exam schools, students come from diverse educational systems. Some might have completed IGCSE, AQA, Edexcel, or MYP before entering the IB Math programme. This diversity in math knowledge can have a significant impact on a student’s ability to cope with the rigors of the IB Math AA HL curriculum.

In contrast, local schools like ACS(I) and SJI offer their own integrated IP (Integrated Programme), which gives their students a head start in math compared to their peers from international schools. This internal consistency allows for a more streamlined transition into the demanding IB Math HL curriculum.

The Importance of Tailored IB Math Tuition

Given the vast differences in school styles, exam preparation, and student backgrounds, tailored IB Math tuition can make all the difference. At Photon Academy IB Tuition, under the guidance of Mr. Ejaz, we recognize that no two students are the same. Whether you come from an IGCSE background or an IP programme, IB Math tuition can help bridge the gaps and ensure that students are well-prepared to tackle both their internal school exams and the final IB exams with confidence.

Conclusion

Understanding the nuances of the IB Math programme across different schools in Singapore is essential for students and parents alike. Whether your child is in an international school or a local school, ensuring they have the right support through customized IB Math tuition is key to mastering the subject. At Photon Academy, Mr. Ejaz and his team are dedicated to helping students succeed in their IB Math journey, no matter where they start.