← Our pedagogy
How we teach Mathematics
Sec 1–4, G2, G3 and IP
Mathematics is not memorising methods. It is knowing why each step works, so any question can be solved. IP students get the same method, taken to the depth their school’s IP syllabus and A-Level demand.
1 · Understand the concept, never just memorise it
Students who memorise methods freeze when a question looks different. We teach why each method works, with simple pictures and analogies, so students can work out what to do even in an unfamiliar question.
How we explain it, simply
- Equations“A balance scale: whatever you do to one side, do to the other, and it stays balanced.”
- Gradient“How steep a slide is: how far it goes up for every step across.”
- Similar triangles“The same photo printed in two sizes: every length is stretched by the same amount.”
2 · Know every type of question before the exam
From every past paper, we know the question types that appear. Each has a step-by-step framework, practised until the first step is obvious.
The question types we prepare for
- Algebra: expansion, factorisation, algebraic fractions
- Equations and inequalities, including simultaneous equations
- Word problems: rates, percentages, ratio, speed
- Graphs of functions and coordinate geometry
- Mensuration: area, volume, arc length and sectors
- Congruence, similarity, angle and circle properties, with reasons
- Trigonometry and bearings
- Statistics and probability
3 · Find the reason behind every mistake
"Careless" is rarely the real reason. We find what actually went wrong.
Mistakes, and the real reason behind them
- Wrong sign when expanding −(a − b)The real reason: Doesn’t yet see the minus sign as multiplying everything in the bracket by −1.
- Right angle, but no marks for the reasonThe real reason: Knows the answer but not which geometric property makes it true.
- Bearings question wrongThe real reason: Measured from the wrong North line: one must be drawn at each point.