Mathematics involves much more than number crunching and solving complex equations—it improves problem-solving skills and develops the reasoning capability in humans. In Singapore’s education system, mathematics plays an important role, and mastering it is recognised as key to academic success.
A high score in O level maths opens doors to prestigious junior colleges, polytechnics, and future university courses both within Singapore and abroad. No wonder children in Singapore work so hard to get good numbers in maths. But doing well in maths isn’t just about hard work alone. It’s also about using smart study techniques and the right tools to score good marks.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most effective resources available to help you prepare effectively for O level maths in Singapore, so you can approach your exams with confidence and clarity.
What are Your Prospects if You Ace O Level Mathematics
Learning mathematics opens up a wealth of opportunities—in the educational field as well as exciting career prospects. With a maths degree, you can become a maths tutor, a data scientist, an actuary, a statistician, or even an investment banker. These careers are highly sought after and span various industries, such as healthcare, insurance, and even politics.
Did you know that mathematics is required even to become an economist? As an economist, you will handle data and help governments and businesses implement policies.
If you do well in your O level mathematics, you will automatically be able to pursue a course that interests you in poly and JC.
Is O Level Mathematics a Difficult Subject?
O level mathematics is challenging. It includes complex topics like algebra, trigonometry, statistics, matrices, geometry, and a host of mathematical concepts and techniques.
The maths syllabus comprises three main parts:
- Numbers and Algebra
- Prime numbers, indices, standard form
- Algebraic expressions and manipulation
- Linear and quadratic equations
- Functions, inequalities, and graphs
2. Geometry and Measurement
- Angles, polygons, and circles
- Coordinate geometry
- Trigonometric ratios and applications
- Mensuration (area, volume, surface area)
- Vectors and transformations
- Statistics and Probability
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- Averages and measures of spread
- Data presentation and interpretation
- Probability calculations and representation
To know about the maths syllabus in more detail, read our comprehensive guide on O level maths syllabus.
Below is a sample question taken from the official practice paper released by the MOE.
Many students struggle in maths, not because it is hard, but because they are not able to grasp its core techniques and principles correctly. To help with this, students should refer to an O level maths guide that simplifies the topics for easier understanding. Additionally, use high-quality O level maths books from reputed publishers along with O level maths notes from famous tuition centres like Superprof to boost your exam performance.
Resources to Learn Mathematics
The internet offers a plethora of learning opportunities to students. It can also be immensely helpful for those preparing for their O level maths exams. Many free and paid resources are available on the internet to aid your maths O-level preparation for paper 1 and paper 2.
In this section, we will discuss some available resources that can help you improve your understanding of mathematics and excel in your exams.
YouTube
YouTube offers videos on a wide range of subjects and hobbies from all over the world. You can subscribe to a variety of YouTube channels and carefully selected playlists that offer detailed explanations and exam advice to help you prepare for the O level maths exam.
Channels like Singapore OLevelMaths and Ace with Dennis also have great videos on topics covered in the O level E maths syllabus.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy offers free online courses on a variety of subjects, including mathematics. One of the best things about Khan Academy is that it provides high-quality educational resources at no cost to the users. So, if you need help with any topic related to your O-level E maths syllabus, Khan Academy may still be an excellent resource to check out.
Overmugged
Overmugged is a local Singaporean website that provides students with tuition, crash courses, and free online materials. This centre was started in 2022 as a project to help students in their education journey. In addition to notes, they also offer monthly curated practice sheets. The answers for these sheets are released on their Telegram channel.
Holy Grail
Holy Grail is a student-led team in Singapore that offer study materials and practice papers to assist their peers in their academic pursuits. The primary objective of this project is to address the resource disparity among students and ensure equal opportunities for all students across Singapore.
They have opened a free online library that offers comprehensive summary notes and practice papers for GCE’ O’ Levels, GCE ‘A’ Levels, and International Baccalaureate. This online library is particularly beneficial for students in Singapore, as it provides access to O level elementary maths notes and practice questions that can be accessed easily.
Must-Have Practice Resources
Ten-Year Series (TYS)
- Topical TYS (chapter-based) - The topical TYS are great for mastering individual topics, such as algebra, trigonometry, or calculus. This format allows for focused practice on topics that students are weak in.
- Yearly TYS (full past papers) - In contrast, the yearly TYS replicates actual O level exam conditions. They are useful for simulating real exam scenarios under timed conditions and for familiarising students with pacing and exam patterns.
Here is yet another example from the sample paper released by MOE.
Comparison Chart: Topical Ten-Year Series vs Full Past Year Papers
| Feature | Topical Ten-Year Series | Full Past Year Papers |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Questions are grouped by topics | Complete exam papers by years |
| Used for | Identifying weak areas | Practising paper under exam conditions |
| Ideal use stage | Used side-by-side with school lessons | Used as a preparation strategy before the final exams |
| Focus | Understanding of a particular topic | Provides an overview of the entire syllabus |
Strategy to Ace TYS Papers
- Step 1: Begin your preparation with topical TYS. Do this alongside your school lessons. Practising both together will make it easier for you to detect gaps in your knowledge and work on them.
- Step 2: Once you have covered your maths syllabus, you can switch to yearly TYS for a full-paper practice. When you do this, you will get an overall idea of the maths paper and know where you stand. This step is necessary as it builds your confidence and improves your time management skills.
How to Get an A* in O Level Maths
Master the Key Concepts - Ensure you fully understand foundational topics like algebra, number properties, and functions before moving on to difficult sections.
Practice from Ten Year Series - To improve your weak areas, practice questions from the topical ten-year series, where questions are grouped by topic. In addition, practice complete exam papers under timed conditions to increase accuracy and speed.
Use Formula Sheet – Formula sheets are provided during the exam, but familiarising yourself with all formulas ahead of the exam, you're not wasting time flipping back and forth.
Want more tips to help you score an A* in O level maths? Read Check out our guide for proven exam techniques to score in your exam.
Should You Learn From a Mathematics Tutor?
Mathematics can be a challenging yet rewarding subject. The best thing you can do is to take the help of a tutor who can help you understand the format and marking scheme of O level elementary maths and give you resources to ace the subject.
Tutoring is necessary if:
- If you are struggling with particular topics (like algebra, calculus, or geometry)
- Tutors incorporate exam strategies and timed practice exams that are hard to do by yourself when doing self-study
- Tutors provide personalised attention
- Regular sessions improve performance
Be Exam Ready with Superprof
Are you preparing for your O levels and want a tutor to help you with your maths O level preparation? Superprof is an online platform that connects tutors with students from all over the world. On our website, you can find expert maths tutors who are knowledgeable, certified, and verified by Superprof, so you can rest assured that the tutors you are hiring are fully qualified.
A tutor can help you practise with past year papers for O level Maths!
One of the best things about hiring a maths tutor from Superprof for your O level subject is that you get to decide whether you would like a face-to-face or online class. You can choose the time and venue at your convenience. This convenience is highly valuable for a student in the busy and highly demanding Singaporean education system.
You might feel like your teacher cannot provide you with personalised attention during school; this is where Superprof’s tutors come in. Personalised attention and feedback are precious in aiding improvement.
Our team of experienced tutors will provide you with detailed O level maths guided drawing inputs from O level maths books. Whether you're brushing up on key O level maths topics or tackling an O level maths formula sheet, our tutors will ensure that all your exam needs are met.
So, what are you waiting for? Join Superprof today and access high-level O level maths notes designed especially for you by our dedicated tutors.
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