Frequently Asked Questions

S.A.M enrichment centers are not tutoring centers.

Tutoring centres are primarily focused on correcting a child’s specific struggle in a subject area, with the immediate goal to boost the academic results of that subject by using isolated teaching methods.

S.A.M is a learning centre that focuses on an in-depth understanding and a meaningful application of mathematics in the real world. S.A.M uses the world-renowned Singapore Method for teaching mathematics to children. Some of the distinctive attributes of this method include the spiral or scaffolding method of learning, meaning each topic is mastered before moving on to the next. Another is the Concrete / Pictorial / Abstract (CPA) approach, which promotes a tangible relationship between math and the real world. A third is the concept of number bonds which explores the different ways that all numbers can be broken down.

This unique pedagogy promotes a holistic approach to learning mathematics.

Certainly so. The S.A.M Approach to Mathematics is based on the Singapore Mathematics curriculum, which ranks highest in terms of standards since 1995, according to the TIMSS survey (TIMSS 2012 International Benchmarks of Mathematics Achievement – 4th Grade).

Mathematics as you know, is a universal subject. The fundamentals remain constant whichever country maths is taught. However, apart from fundamental mathematical knowledge, The S.A.M Approach also cultivates life long skills in terms of critical, meta-cognitive and heuristic thinking, problem solving, self learning and self discipline, amongst others.

S.A.M teaches maths using the world-renowned Singapore Method. The primary aim of the curriculum is to enable students to develop their ability in mathematical problem-solving – this is the heart of Singapore Maths. The S.A.M program uses a spiral or scaffolding method of learning, which is to say that each topic is mastered before continuing to the next. Spiral learning allows for a more in-depth understanding of the topics being taught. Other features unique to Singapore Maths include number bonds, the CPA method and bar modelling. These powerful teaching techniques not used in the school system.

S.A.M’s unique program offers the perfect compliment, extension and acceleration to your child’s existing school program.

If your child is weak in mathematics the S.A.M program can be most beneficial. We begin by offering a one-on-one trial assessment at no cost to you. This allows our certified trainers to tailor the program based on your child’s abilities. S.A.M teaches the world-renowned Singapore Maths program, which offers an interactive learning experience that enhances your child’s strengths and improves on their weaknesses. Your child’s learning takes place at incremental levels moving on to the next topic only when the previous one has been mastered. Your child’s independence and confidence will flourish as he/she advances through the S.A.M curriculum.

It is because of the very nature of this unique approach that this program is ideal for all children, whether weak, average or strong in mathematics.

Above average student in mathematics will benefit from the S.A.M program. S.A.M teaches the world-renowned Singapore Math curriculum. Singapore Maths students rank at the very highest on the world stage. The S.A.M Worksheets Experience is designed to challenge even the most gifted math students.

Through our certified S.A.M trainers, the program offers an individualized and interactive learning experience. This program enhances your child’s strengths and improve their weaknesses. Your gifted child will benefit from this program, regardless of his/her above average grades, by developing advanced problem-solving abilities.

Students have the opportunity to attend an optional study or homework session every week, to complete their S.A.M worksheets.  Homework sessions are quiet time, supervised by S.A.M trainers, who are available to assist students who need support completing their worksheets.  No new topics are introduced during homework sessions, but topics could be reinforced where necessary.

Homework sessions are included in the fees, but should only be attended if the student has at least one hour of homework to complete.

S.A.M recommends 15 – 30 minutes every day, over 6 days to complete the average number of worksheets.  This equates to between 1,5 and 3 hours a week, depending on the level, student and topic.

During a lesson and a homework session, students should be able to complete half of the week’s homework, leaving only half to complete at home.  If this is still too much, your S.A.M trainer can work out a more suitable pace to suit your schedule.

There are children who crave homework from as young as 3 years old simply because they enjoy thinking, and of course, there are also those who don’t. However, through positive encouragement, most children are able to adapt to the program quickly.

It helps greatly if the Parents are equally involved in encouraging and inculcating the homework habit. Children benefit greatly from devoting some time daily to thinking and self learning. It shapes their learning behavior positively for the future.

Most children can count before they can write. Some begin counting as early as 2 years old, but most begin by approximately 3 years old and some even later. The ability to count can be nurtured. The earlier they learn to understand the world of numbers, the earlier they make sense of a lot of other things around them. This is why many people associate this ability with intelligence.

It is important that children get their foundations right from the beginning. Counting by memorizing, for example, can only lead to problems later as numbers get more complex.

Our qualified S.A.M Trainers do their best to place your child at an appropriate level according to his/her ability. This is never a precise science and children display varying levels of aptitude and ability with different topics. As a consequence, your child may now and then experience difficulties when doing their homework.

In such instances, it is best to reveal these difficulties to our qualified Trainer when they attend classes, rather than to do the work for them. When homework difficulties are highlighted, we will revise the topic with your child and if necessary, repeat the topic in question.

In any case, however, The S.A.M Approach to Mathematics always incorporates the occasional challenging question to test the boundaries of children. With a healthy attitude towards learning, children view this as a challenge rather than as a problem.

During class, your S.A.M Trainer reviews all mistakes made from the previous week’s homework, explains the correct methods, and corrects the work to ensure that your child understands the source of their mistakes. The S.A.M Trainer  hands out a new set of worksheets, and explains the objective of the homework and the new concepts that your child will be learning during the week. This is the time when the Trainer bonds with and motivates your child to learn effectively. Often, Trainers will use props, games and learning tools to enhance the experiential learning experience. All SAM Trainers use the Problem Based Approach (PBL) and Concrete/Pictorial/Abstract Approach (CPA) in teaching students.

The S.A.M Approach inculcates discipline, responsibility and independent learning within your child. These are life’s skills and the same habits are likely to benefit your child in other school subjects as well.

The once a week guidance provided by our Trainers gently steers your child in the right learning direction and provides encouragement and motivation, as they journey into the world of Mathematics.

Most of all, whatever your child learns at S.A.M, you can be assured of its relevance to your child’s school maths curriculum and even to his future years as an aspiring adult. One is never too young to attain life skills and relevant knowledge, especially so when they are having fun doing it.