‘A’ level H2 Maths Syllabus

The ‘A’ level H2 Maths was introduced in 2006 after MOE decided to remove Further Maths from the syllabus. The use of graphic calculators is allowed in exams to solve questions that cannot be done analytically. Most of them involve graphing techniques, solutions of equations, system of linear equations and finding point of intersection of 2 graphs and evaluation of definite integrals. The main function of the graphic calculator is still used in Statistics where students can use all the built in functions to work out probabilities for various distribution and hypothesis testing. However we can see from all the past year ‘A’ level exams that almost all the questions in Pure Maths section do not require them to use the graphic calculator. In fact some questions even prohibit students from using graphic calculators to work out the answers. We can see that when the questions specify “answers in exact value”, “without use of graphic calculators”, “by algebraic method” etc.

MOE should seriously take a closer look at the H2 maths syllabus and review it after 7 years has passed by. The standard of the H2 Maths is so much lower than the old Further Maths. A lot of topics which are very important had been taken away. Some students who have the passion and aptitude in Maths do not have the chance to study those topics anymore. Examples are further applications of integration, evaluation of integrals by reduction formula,  mathematical induction involving divisibility, 2nd order differential equations, application of de Moivre’s Theorem in proving trigonometric series, linear algebra. Moreover the Mechanics option in Further Maths serves as a foundation for students who intend to study physics or engineering in university. The ‘A’ level Physics has a different focus compared to the Mechanics in Further Maths. It is more theoretical in nature and the syllabus has certain limitations.

In fact, the subject Further Maths is still being offered in UK but not in UCLES Singapore ‘A’ level exams. MOE should consider whether should Singapore students be taking the same exam as in UK so that all students get a chance to study Further Maths. The level of difficulty in H2 Maths is still considered as average compared to Further Maths. Most questions are about the same standard as the C Maths in the past. Moreover, the H3 Maths syllabus has got not much direct relations to H2 Maths. Some of the topics in H3 Maths are too advanced and only taught in advanced undergraduate maths courses in university.