What is IP Mathematics? How is it different from O Level Math?
Are you considering an Integrated Programme school in Singapore? Understanding IP Mathematics is crucial before making this 6-year commitment that could shape your academic journey.
The Integrated Programme (IP) is a unique educational pathway in Singapore that combines secondary and pre-university education into a seamless 6-year journey. For students in top IP schools like Raffles Institution (RI), Hwa Chong Institution (HCI), Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) ACS(I), and other elite institutions, IP Mathematics forms the mathematical foundation that leads directly to H2 Mathematics at A-Levels. Unlike the traditional O Level track, IP Math offers a more cohesive, integrated approach to learning mathematics—but it also comes with distinct challenges and advantages that every student and parent should understand.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore what IP Mathematics truly entails, how it differs from O Level Mathematics, and whether this rigorous 6-year programme is the right fit for your child's educational journey in Singapore.
What is IP (Integrated Programme)?
Choosing which secondary school to enroll in is already a very stressful decision for a student, yet alone choosing to take the Integrated Programme (IP).
The IP programme is a 6-year course designed to include both secondary school and pre-tertiary level education, in order to prepare students for the pre-university certification: the GCE A-Level, IB Diploma or NUS High School Diploma.
One of the main subjects that stresses many parents and students out when taking the IP syllabus would be IP Mathematics.
What Is IP Mathematics?
As mentioned previously, the IP Mathematics syllabus is curated to prepare students for pre-university level examinations. A compulsory subject for all IP students, IP Math overlaps largely with the O Level Additional Mathematics and Elementary Mathematics syllabus.
Since the syllabi are crafted and determined by each school, the pacing and order in which topics are taught will differ from school to school. Nonetheless, in order to prepare IP students for their pre-tertiary level examinations, some topics will be emphasised over the others — namely Trigonometry, Algebraic Manipulation and Calculus.
How Is IP Mathematics Different From O Level Mathematics?
Curriculum content wise, there are not many differences between the two. However, some school's IP syllabus would include topics in the H2 Mathematics syllabus such as Transformation of Graphs, Functions, Integration using the U-substitution method, and Permutations and Combinations. While these topics may be covered, they are typically not done so in an in-depth manner. Furthermore, the IP syllabus usually emphasises on topics which are geared towards preparing their students for H2 Mathematics at the GCE A Level examination, and rightfully so! These topics usually are linked to Trigonometry and Calculus.
Curriculum structure wise, the differences between the IP and O Level Math syllabus are more noticeable. For the IP syllabus, students may learn Mathematics in a less fragmented manner as they draw the links between Elementary and Additional Mathematics for a more cohesive learning experience. For example, when IP schools teach their students about quadratic equations (a topic found in the E Math syllabus), they would naturally link it to surds and polynomials (topics found in the A Math syllabus). By learning Mathematics in such a cohesive manner, instead of segregating it as seen in the E Math and A Math syllabus, students are better able to build a stronger foundation in their understanding of Mathematics in time to come.
Pros And Cons Of IP Mathematics
Like any educational programme, IP Mathematics comes with its own set of advantages and challenges. Understanding these can help students and parents make an informed decision about whether the IP route is the right fit. Here's a comprehensive comparison of the pros and cons of IP Mathematics:
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Cons
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Conclusion
Undoubtedly, IP Mathematics is more rigorous than O Level Mathematics. As it is a 6-year commitment geared towards the students' pre-tertiary level education, most students tend to perform better in their pre-university level examinations. On the other hand, this also means that students are more prone to lag behind class as they may lack the motivation to keep up due to the absence of major examinations within these 6 years.
With the proper guidance and resources, we believe that all IP students are able to do well under the IP school system. If you find yourself struggling or needing help in IP Math, please consider booking a trial lesson with our experienced IP Math tutors.