Australian Curriculum and Singapore maths Level 1 comparison

When comparing a maths program to the Australian Curriculum, it is useful to compare the different levels. However, it is the overall program that should be taken into consideration, and the teaching methods and style that determine how successful the program is. If you are considering Singapore maths for your child, we recommend reading the comparisons for all levels. Level 2 comparison is here.

If you are wanting more information about implementing Singapore maths in your school, visit our Singapore Maths for Schools page.

Singapore maths has consistently produced the world’s top mathematics students. It is generally ahead of the Australian Curriculum, and if something is left out at any point, it is usually a minor concept or made up for to a higher level in the following grade. We’ve provided fixes at the end of this article to help you make up any shortfalls. Our maths manipulatives kit provides most of what you need for these fixes, or you can use household objects.

For elaboration on the below requirements please refer to the Australian Curriculum for Level 1.

To find out where Singapore maths will take your child by the end of their primary maths education, see our comparison for level 6.

Number and algebra

Australian Curriculum	New Syllabus Primary Maths	Primary Maths US 3rd Ed.
Number and place value	Number and place value	Number and place value
Number sequences to and from 100 by ones	Counting to 10, 20, 40, 100	Counting to 10, 20, 40, 100
Skip count by 2s, 5s and 10s	Number patterns	No
Recognise, model, read, write and order numbers to 100	Writing numbers already assumed. Comparing and ordering numbers up to 100	Writing numbers already assumed. Comparing and ordering numbers up to 100
Place value to 100	Place value to 100	Place value to 100
Simple addition and subtraction	Number bonds; Addition and subtraction within 10, 20, 40 and 100	Number bonds; Addition and subtraction within 10, 20, 40 and 100
	Multiplication – adding equal groups; multiplication as repeated addition Division/equal groups	Multiplication – adding equal groups; multiplication as repeated addition Division/equal groups
*Fractions*	*Fractions*	*Fractions*
One half	No – see division	Halves and quarters
*Money*	*Money*	*Money*
Recognise Australian coins	Singapore money (same denominations as Australian money): recognise coins and notes; counting money; exchanging money	US money notes and coins: recognise coins and notes; counting money; exchanging money
*Patterns and algebra*	*Patterns and algebra*	*Patterns and algebra*
Skip-counting and patterns with objects	Number patterns	No

Measurement and geometry

Australian Curriculum	New Syllabus Primary Maths	Primary Maths US 3rd Ed.
*Measurement*	*Measurement*	*Measurement*
Estimate and measure with metric units	Compare lengths of things using correct terms, eg long, longer, longest, etc	Compare length and weight using correct terms
*Time*	*Time*	*Time*
Tell time to half hour	Tell time to hour and half hour	Tell time to hour and half hour
Months, weeks, days and hours	See Pre-Primary Maths Book 2B	Assumed
*Shape*	*Shape*	*Shape*
2- and 3-dimensional objects	2- and 3-dimensional objects	Basic shapes
Location and transformation	Location and transformation	Location and transformation
Give and follow directions to familiar locations	Positions – left and right	No

Statistics and probability

Australian Curriculum	New Syllabus Primary Maths	Primary Maths US 3rd Ed.
Chance	No	No
Graphs	Reading picture graphs	No

What is covered in New Syllabus Primary Maths Level 1 but not expected in the AC Level 1?

Multiplication and division

Positions left and right

What is missing from New Syllabus Primary Maths and expected in the AC Level 1?

Fractions (taught in Level 2B)

Fix: Teach one half (two equal parts) when cutting fruit or sandwiches, etc. You can also use fraction circles. Make sure you use mathematical terminology.

Chance

Fix: Flip a coin a fixed number of times, eg 20 times, and record it landing on heads verses tails.

Location and transformation

Fix: You can get some ideas from ANCARA here.

Metric units (taught in Level 2A)

Fix: Introduce this yourself using a tape measure or ruler.

Australian money (though same denominations are used)

Fix: Use Australian play money.