Mathematics
Building strong problem-solving skills from lower to upper secondary through a structured, skills-based programme.
Mission
To develop Montfortians to be analytical thinkers through problem solving and the mastery of mathematical skill.
Our Team
Head of department- Mr Alvin Toh
Subject Head – Ms Cynthia Chua
Head of Department / Information & Communications Technology – Mr Tang Chee Hung
Year Head – Ms Norazidah Abdol Aziz
Assistant Year Head – Ms Ong Wuan Seah
Subject Head (Discipline) – Mr Wong Boon Chong Kenny
Teacher – Mr Pang Jun Yi
Teacher - Ms Latha D/O Murugiah
Teacher - Mr Ranon Mak Enhao
Teacher – Mdm Norshirin Sulaiman (Principles Of Accounts)
Instructional Programme
Our Mathematics Department strives to develop students to be self-directed and effective problem-solvers. As professionals, the department recognises the importance of creating a conducive environment which allows teachers to innovate and grow professionally.
Foundation-Building (Lower Secondary)
The department recognises the need for students to acquire a strong foundation in Lower Secondary. Therefore, we have focused on several core skills which include problem-solving skills (thinking skills and heuristics), presentation skills and core study skills such as note-taking and skills in understanding critical vocabulary in Mathematics. The Lower Secondary Normal Technical students are given opportunities to acquire concepts and subject mastery through online lessons in and outside curriculum time.
Thinking Skills
Classifying
Comparing
Sequencing
Analysing parts and wholes
Identifying patterns and relationships
Induction
Deduction
Spatial Visualisation
Heuristics
To give a representation, draw a diagram, make a list, use equations
To make a calculated guess (guess-and-check. Look for patterns, supposition)
To go through the process (work backwards, before-after)
To change the problem (restate the problem, simplify the problem, solve part of the problem)
Reinforcement and Consolidation (Upper Secondary)
The key focus of the Upper Secondary curriculum is to reinforce study skills with greater emphasis in interpreting different types of questions. Lower Secondary skills are also reinforced with more emphasis on assessment requirements.
The Mathematics Department continues to develop strategies to enhance students’ cognitive development. Students are often assigned authentic tasks to help them acquire a deeper understanding of the mathematical concepts and to make sense of various mathematical ideas as well as their connections and applications through solving real-life problems.
The department has also initiated several strategies to check for students’ understanding which include using manipulatives for Normal Academic and Normal Technical students, illustrations (diagrams and mindmap), Questioning (Bloom’s Taxonomy) and error analysis.