The goal of Kangaroo Study's Term 3 course is to achieve full marks in SA2, not only to support the DSA application in the first half of P6 but also to build a strong foundation for PSLE. With approximately three months remaining until SA2, we will conduct in-depth analysis and practice key and challenging question types for SA2 during this period.
1.Characteristics of SA2
(1) Comprehensive assessment
a. Facing comprehensive assessment of the three major abstract relationships for the first time. Fractions, percentages, and ratios focus on the abstract relationships between conditions, which are different from the concrete problems we previously studied, such as fraction calculations, triangle area, and liquid volume calculations. Fractions, percentages, and ratios are three major abstract relationships, emphasizing the development of students' logical progression from initial leaps to logical rigor. In school, we have just learned about percentages, and SA2 will be the first comprehensive assessment of these three major abstract relationships.
2023, RGPS, EOY, Paper2, Q10
Amira baked some cookies in the morning. She gave of them to her neighbour’s and gave of the remaining cookies to her friends. In the afternoon, Amira baked another 85 cookies. The number of cookies that she had in the end was 13 more than what she baked in the morning.
(a) What fraction of the cookies baked in the morning were given away?
(b) How many cookies did Amira bake altogether on that day?
The difficulty in solving this problem lies in how to turn multiple abstract conditions into a concrete model. Developing the ability to transform abstract concepts into concrete ones also lays a solid foundation for solving complex percentage problems involving multiple entities and conditions in PSLE.
In addition, percentage and ratio problems will focus more on assessing basic concepts, but they are closely related to real-life situations.
For example:
2023, TNS, EOY, Paper2, Q9
Mr. Shelby took a bank loan of $90 000 to buy a car. The bank charged him an interest rate of 5% per year. He paid the loan in equal monthly payments over 2 years. What was the amount he had to pay each month?
Besides the ability to transform abstract conditions into concrete models, it is also essential to develop the skill of applying textbook knowledge to real-life situations. Therefore, achieving full marks is not easy.
b. Facing simultaneous assessment of the eight major application problems for the first time. The eight major application problems that are mandatory in SA2 are: average problems, page number problems, chicken-rabbit coexistence problems, profit and loss problems, sum and difference problems, periodic problems, difference problems, and efficiency problems.
The unified solution to application-type problems is to analyse the characteristics of the problem, summarize the solution methods, and then use “features + methods” to quickly solve similar or modified problems
2023, TNS, EOY, Paper2, Q3
Ms Lim bought 25 boxes of doughnuts for a party. Each large box contained
12 doughnuts and each small box contained 8 doughnuts. There were 252 doughnuts in all. How many large boxes of doughnuts did she buy?
The characteristic of these types of problems is: 2 total quantities + 2 individual quantities, and the solution method involves hypothesis.
Schools have not conducted in-depth research on these eight major problems. If they are not studied and trained in advance, it is still difficult to achieve full marks in a limited time.
(2) Thorough examination
a. Angle calculations progress from simple static assessments to flexible dynamic assessments: Typically, our study of angle calculations involves identifying angle relationships based on regular geometric shapes, with problems being straightforward and direct.
TRY Triangle PQR is an equilateral triangle. PS and QT are straight lines.
∠PST = 87°. Find ∠QTS.
However, SA2 mostly assesses dynamic folding problems, as shown in the diagram below:
2023, NHPS, EOY, Paper1, Q30
In the figure below, the rectangle is folded along the dotted line. Find ∠a.
From statically finding angle relationships in simple geometric shapes to dynamically folding problems, it is evident that there is an increasing trend towards assessing knowledge points with greater flexibility, aiming to cultivate children's logical thinking abilities. Without sufficient guidance and training on these flexible question types in school textbooks, it is unlikely that students can quickly solve such problems correctly during exams.
b. Transition from singular to comprehensive pattern recognition: In our usual studies, we focus on identifying patterns in single shapes or numbers. However, the SA2 exam begins to assess how various shapes can be dissected and separated to identify patterns, often combined with special sequences, emphasizing children's ability to think flexibly.
Below are the findings from three renowned schools in 2023 regarding pattern recognition questions in SA2:
For example:
2023, NYPS, EOY, Paper2, Q17
Bryan uses grey and white squares to form figures that follow a pattern as shown below.
(a) The table shows the number of grey and white squares for the first four figures. Complete the table for figure 5.
(b) Find the number of white squares in Figure 8.
(c) Find the total number of squares in Figure 49.
The difficulty in solving pattern recognition problems lies in two aspects: one is how to dissect and separate to identify patterns, and the other is how to integrate them with previously learned sequences. To achieve full marks, targeted cognitive training and regular sequence practice are essential.
2.Characteristics of Term 3 learning
(1) Comprehensive coverage of SA2 key and challenging points；Lesson 3 will focus on studying percentage problems in the SA2 exam, ensuring a solid foundation in key concepts. Lessons 1, 2, 4, and 5 will cover the eight major application problems. Teachers at Kangaroo Study will employ the "characteristic analysis method" to assist children in solving problems, aiming for them to not only learn to solve specific questions but also to handle similar types of questions effectively.
(2) Deepen learning in conjunction with exam conditions；In addition to comprehensive study of essential topics, based on analysis of exam conditions, we will also include expanded sections on angle calculations, pattern recognition, and geometric area to ensure mastery of all tested content and strive for full marks in SA2.
3. Kangaroo Study Teaching Model -
7-Step Teaching Method
At Kangaroo Study, we implement the "7-Step Teaching Method" to ensure learning outcomes, this includes:
1) Pre-class quizzes:
Conducted 20 minutes before class, these quizzes track student scores and errors to ensure full comprehension of previous lessons. Our app offers real-time feedback for parents to monitor their child's progress.
2) Interactive explanations:
Teachers lead highly interactive lessons, fostering students' logical reasoning and critical thinking skills. They condense various problems into models for easy application across different scenarios.
3) Mistake correction:
Students must resolve all doubts before leaving class. Homework and quiz corrections are done promptly in class under teacher supervision, guaranteeing learning outcomes.
4) Real-time classroom broadcasts:
Teaching Assistants provide real-time classroom broadcasts via our app, synchronously sharing student performance with respective class groups. This innovative approach addresses parents' queries instantly.
5) Post-class quizzes:
Immediate assessment of students' understanding after class, with teachers providing on-the-spot analysis and supervision of corrections. Committed to achieving 100% knowledge mastery.
6) Homework consolidation:
Assignments reinforce recently learned material, while our Daily Practice feature on the app offers additional exercises for mastery and continuous assessment of understanding.
7) Course summaries:
Teaching Assistants offer course summaries and classroom notes for students and parents, facilitating easy revision and providing comprehensive understanding of the syllabus.
Many children lack motivation and study planning skills. Kangaroo Study guides students through each step, using pre-class quizzes and homework consolidation to promote self-revision. Interactive explanations and post-class quizzes encourage attentive listening and prompt problem resolution. Course summaries aid in identifying and addressing gaps in understanding. Real-time classroom broadcasts keep parents informed, with feedback provided for transparency. Parents are encouraged to attend classes to monitor their child's progress effectively.
4. Kangaroo Study Teachers
Teacher Smith
Graduated with Mechanical Engineering from Mumbai University and Masters from Singapore. Teacher Smith has 3+ years of experience in teaching Maths and Computer Science. This helped him simplify intricate problems into easily understandable solutions for his students. He ensures a vibrant classroom atmosphere while maintaining discipline, ensuring active participation from every student.
He is the lead teacher of the P5 & P6 Math and is committed to assisting students in excelling in NMOS, RMO, and APMOPS competitions.
Teacher Ma Zhangchi
Graduated in Computer Science from Murdoch University. Studied for Math Olympiad and won several first-place titles during primary school. Coming from a family of math teachers, Teacher Ma gained teaching experience as a teaching assistant during college.
He teaches PSLE Math. He prioritizes clarity and encourages active engagement and he is dedicated to guiding students toward their highest potential in the PSLE Math exam.
5. Entrance Test
This is not just an entrance test but also an assessment of essential knowledge for P5 SA2. Children aiming to take full marks can come for the test. After the test, there will be free explanations and one-on-one diagnostic tests by teachers. Children who have previously tested in Olympiad courses are also welcome to participate.
Test Location:
#02-12, Grantral Mall, 601 MacPherson Road, 368242
For any questions regarding the PSLE course, you can scan the QR code below to consult Teacher Meng.
WeChat: m1014567t WhatsApp: 80672752
