About the Books

Each year of the My Pals are Here Second Edition and the Primary Mathematics school books comes in two sections: A and B. Within each of these sections, there is one textbook and one or more workbooks. The A and B are not alternative programmes, but they are meant to be used one after the other. Students should progress onto B only once A has been completed. If you are not sure at which level to start, have a look at the placement tests located here. The My Pals are Here Second Edition are the books currently in use in Singapore. Primary Mathematics 3rd Edition is the previous programme used in Singapore and is still widely used by schools and parents outside of Singapore. Both programmes  are in English and they use the metric measurement system. English speaking students should have no trouble with the content.

About the Maths Programme

Singapore Math has produced a world-class level of achievement for years. Singapore students scored first in the past four Trends in International Mathematics and Science Studies (TIMSS). These studies are conducted by the International Association for Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). IEA is an independent, international cooperative of national research institutions and governmental research agencies based in Boston, USA. Singapore's 4th and 8th grade students scored in the top places for Mathematics in 1995, 1999, 2003 and 2007.

Features of Singapore Mathematics:

• A mathematical framework that places problem solving at the centre, supporting students' basic understanding of a topic and allowing them to move beyond theory to practical applications of maths in the real world.
• Material that is presented in a logical sequence which reinforces key maths principles until they are fully understood before moving to the next topic.
• A consistent use of pictorial bars or strip models provide a unifying methodology that enables students to think spatially and to solve difficult math problems.
• Multi-step problems utilise a range of skills and concepts to arrive at a solution.
• The maths programme is now being used by home-schoolers, tutors, and schools around the globe. Recently the state of California in the US adopted the curriculum. See LA Times story here.

About Maths -no Problem

Maths - no problem was started by Anne Hermanson, PhD, in 2008 after her daughter fell behind in maths while transferring schools. In researching the subject, Dr. Hermanson found Singapore Math to be the most effective programme available. As she spread the word to friends, it became evident to her that there are many families concerned about their children's understanding of maths. That's when she decided to make the books available to a wider audience. Singapore's top placement in international tables has proven that this programme works in schools, but it can also be used effectively for home-educating or as supplementary material for tutors or concerned parents.