Singapore maths level 1 and Australian Curriculum compared
When comparing a maths program to the Australian Curriculum, it’s important to compare the different levels as well as the program as a whole. The teaching methods and style will determine how successful the program is. When comparing Singapore maths level 1 with the Australian Curriculum, we recommend reading the comparisons for all levels.
Seeing the short term progression to level 2 is just as important as the end destination of level 6. Viewing the whole program is important because some concepts will be taught at different times or in a different sequence to the Australian Curriculum.
If you are wanting more information about implementing Singapore maths in your school, visit our Singapore Maths for Schools page.
To view other grade comparisons click the links below:
- Singapore Primary Maths 2 and Australian Curriculum Compared
- Singapore Primary Maths 3 and Australian Curriculum Compared
- Singapore Primary Maths 4 and Australian Curriculum Compared
- Singapore Primary Maths 5 and Australian Curriculum Compared
- Singapore Primary Maths 6 and Australian Curriculum Compared
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.
For elaboration on the below requirements please refer to the Australian Curriculum for Level 1.
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.
What is covered in Primary Maths US 3rd Ed Level 1 but not expected in the AC Level 1?
Weight
Fractions to quarter
What is missing in Primary Maths US 3rd Ed but expected in the AC Level 1?
Skip counting
Fix: Use a 100 chart
Australian money
Fix: Use Australian play money.
Metric units (covered in Level 2A)
Fix: Introduce this yourself using a tape measure or ruler.
3-dimensional shapes
Fix: Teach this using household objects.
Location and transformation
Fix: You can get some ideas from ANCARA here.
Statistics and probability
Fix: Flip a coin a fixed number of times, eg 20 times, and record it landing on heads verses tails.
Learn more about Singapore maths
Things to know when planning your maths curriculum
What is Singapore maths and how does it differ from other maths programs?
New Syllabus Primary Maths product information