Integrated Programme Mathematics
What is the Integrated Programme (IP)?
Singaporean schools have recognized that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for every student, especially those with high academic potential. This realization led to the creation of the Integrated Programme (IP).
The IP is an initiative designed to provide a seamless transition from secondary school to junior college (JC) by removing the need for students to sit for the high-stakes Singapore-Cambridge GCE O Level exams. This approach broadens the curriculum, allowing both teachers and students more freedom to explore, experiment, and develop a deeper understanding of subjects, as well as to cultivate a broader range of skills tailored for high-ability learners.
Typically, students in Singapore undertake the GCE O Level examinations to mark their progress through secondary school. However, those who perform exceptionally well in the PSLE are invited to join the IP, a six-year program that alleviates the pressure of preparing for the O Levels. Instead, these students have the opportunity to enrich their education by engaging in a variety of learning activities beyond the standard curriculum.
To support their studies within the IP, many students seek IP Math tuition in Singapore to enhance their understanding and performance in mathematics. Working with a qualified IP Math tutor can significantly impact their ability to master complex topics and achieve academic success.
Launched by the Ministry of Education in 2004, the IP was designed to allow selected students a smooth transition from secondary school to JC, bypassing the GCE O Level exams and moving directly into more advanced studies.
How long does it last?
In totality, an IP education lasts six years in Singapore – beginning right after PSLE and ends after their ‘A’ levels or its equivalent.
Benefits of the Integrated Programme
This programme is renowned for encouraging adaptability in learning and the curriculum’s holistic nature. An emphasis is placed on critical thinking, innovation, out-of-the-box thinking, and leadership capabilities. Students can engage in their hobbies and pick up skills outside of academics.
Integrated Programme Mathematics
The Integrated Programme Math curriculum aims to provide a better understanding of mathematics concepts through an interdisciplinary approach. It also aims to improve student’s problem-solving skills and critical thinking ability. IP Mathematics contains both a mix of Additional and Elementary Math topics.
As each IP school has the freedom in designing their own curriculum, the integrated Mathematics content differs from school to school. Although there are slight differences in the IP Math content across schools, the IP Math curriculum is getting more similar to the O level curriculum in recent years.
The table below shows a list of Math topics for year 3 and year 4 of one Singaporean IP school under the ‘A’ Level track. As you may have noticed, there are quite a number of similar topics in both the IP Math programme and the ‘O’ Level curriculum.
Integrated Math Year 3
- Matrices
- Circle Properties
- Coordinate Geometry & Equations of Circles
- Linear Law
- Curve Sketching and Graphical Solutions
- Circular Measure
- Trigonometry I
- Statistics
- Probability
- Set Language and Notation
- Vectors
Intergrated Math Year 4
- Quadratic Equations & Inequalities
- Remainder & Factor Theorem & Partial Fractions
- Surds, Indices and Logarithm
- Functions & Graphs & Modulus Functions
- Transformation
- Trigonometry II
- Trigonometry III
- Differentiation
- Integration
- Binomial Theorem
However, there are still some differences between the IP and ‘O’ level programmes. One main difference is the level of difficulty in the questions. In general, IP Math questions are more rigorous than ‘O’ level Math questions. They are usually more challenging and require some real-life applications.
One subtopic which is covered more extensively in IP Mathematics than ‘O’ Level Math is the topic of functions. Inverse functions, composite functions, range and domain of a function is taught in IP Mathematics but not ‘O’ Level Additional Mathematics.
Why take IP maths tuition IB Super?
IB Super is now offering IP Math tuition for various students in the Integrated Programme. The main goal of an IP Math tutor in Singapore is to help their students reach their fullest potential through a comprehensive and customised lesson plan.
Our IP Math tuition goes beyond just covering the syllabus. We focus on essential mathematical concepts with a strong emphasis on both comprehension and application. Students will not only understand how different topics interconnect but also engage in targeted practice sessions to solidify their knowledge and boost their confidence.
While IP students may not need to sit for the GCE O Level exams after their fourth year, academic performance remains crucial. Many IP schools require students to maintain a minimum score of 65% in their top six subjects, failing which they may risk being removed from the program.
At IB Super, we are committed to helping students meet and exceed these academic benchmarks. Our approach extends beyond classroom learning, incorporating real-world applications to ensure students are well-prepared for future challenges.
An in-depth look into IP Maths
Mathematics in the IP program is distinctive because each school has the autonomy to design its own curriculum. This means that not only is the syllabus different from non-IP schools, but it can also vary significantly between IP schools.
However, while the IP curriculum is unique, it does share some common topics with the O Level curriculum. The key difference is that the IP syllabus tends to be more challenging, encouraging a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.
More on our IP Maths tuition classes
Our programme was uniquely crafted to emulate the IP syllabus of an IP school. The tutor also ensures that students understand the foundation of key mathematical concepts so that they’ll be able to apply them to different situations and questions.
Our students are handed comprehensive notes that will go a long way in accelerating their learning. We develop carefully curated worksheets that will both challenge the students’ understanding as well as help them transfer their learning in different areas.
In an IP Math tuition class at IB Super, you will be able to clarify your misconceptions, learn from errors made in the past, and apply math in another area.
Contact us to learn more about how you can get on board with us today!
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FAQs
What are the differences between an IB programme and IP?
Regarding curriculum, IP and IB are opposed to one another. Under IB, the programme is more comprehensive, covering all six academic topic groups and the three IB-core exams. Most students in IP-JC will be placed in the "Science" and "Art" streams, with a cap on the number of electives that can be selected from the other "basket" of courses. Language Acquisition, Studies in Language and Literature, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and the Arts are required of students, unlike the IP-JC route. The IB-core exams are the Extended Essay, a 4000-word research project, the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), and Theory of Knowledge.
How does an Integrated programme differ from taking your O Levels?
The unique aspect of the IP path is that students are exposed to various learning activities in academic and non-academic fields instead of pursuing their O-Levels.
The elimination of the O Levels is the primary feature of IP. Since secondary and JC are combined into a 6-year program, most students still have to switch schools as they transition from secondary school to JC (years 4-5).
For high school students, IP is meant to lessen the emphasis on tests and provide them with more classroom time to pursue academics and other interests in a flexible and challenging manner.
This change may be too drastic to get a hold of immediately, so finding effective IP Math tuition in Singapore is recommended.
What does IP Maths consist of?
The IP Mathematics curriculum is designed to get pupils ready for pre-university level exams. All IP students must take IP Math, which has much in common with the O Level A Maths and E Maths curriculum. As the IP Math curriculum is unique to the school they originate from, the IP Math also takes on different names across the schools. For example, some schools call it Integrated Math, while others name it Advanced Math.
The topics offered will also vary across the schools because the syllabi are created and decided by them. Nevertheless, there are some similarities to the Math syllabus offered across IP schools. To help prepare IP students for their pre-tertiary level exams, topics such as trigonometry, algebraic manipulation, and calculus are usually. An IP Math tutor is invaluable to those who struggle in IP Math as they can help students nail the important concepts.