Singapore Maths: Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers about the Singapore Maths method, Explico's Primary 1 to 6 learning suite, and how schools and parents use it. Cannot find your question? Ask us directly.
About Singapore Maths
How does Singapore rank in PISA and TIMSS?
In PISA 2025, released by the OECD in September 2026, Singapore ranked 2nd in the world for mathematics and 1st for reading. Singapore has placed first or second in PISA mathematics in every cycle since it first took part in 2009, and ranked 1st in TIMSS 2023 Grade 4 mathematics, the main international study of primary-school maths. See the full PISA and TIMSS results.
What is Singapore Maths?
Singapore Maths is the way mathematics is taught in Singapore's primary schools. Students learn fewer topics in more depth, move from concrete objects to pictures to symbols (the CPA approach), and use bar models to solve word problems. The focus is understanding and problem solving, not memorised procedures.
What is the CPA approach?
CPA stands for Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract. Students first handle real objects, then draw pictures or bar models, and finally work with numbers and symbols. This sequence helps children understand why a method works before they practise it.
What is a bar model?
A bar model is a simple diagram that uses rectangles to show the quantities in a word problem and how they relate. It helps students decide which operation to use, and it later supports fractions, ratio and algebra.
Which grades does Explico's Singapore Maths cover?
It covers Primary 1 to Primary 6, also called Grades 1 to 6, for children aged about 6 to 12. Each grade has a textbook, workbook, worked solution videos, AI assessment, a Teacher's Guide and analytics.
Is Explico's Singapore Maths aligned to the Singapore MOE syllabus?
Yes. The programme follows the MOE Singapore Primary Mathematics Syllabus, including the updated topic sequence, and is written by MOE Singapore-trained Singapore teachers.
Are the materials only in English?
Yes. All books, videos and assessments are in English. They suit English-medium and international schools, and families whose children learn maths in English.
About the Learning Suite
Are the textbooks aligned to the Singapore MOE syllabus?
Yes. Every chapter follows the MOE Singapore Primary Mathematics Syllabus, including the updated topic sequence, and is written by MOE Singapore-trained Singapore teachers.
Can students use the workbook without the textbook?
Yes, many families use the workbook for extra practice. For schools, we recommend the textbook and workbook together, because each workbook section is designed to follow a textbook lesson.
Who presents the solution videos?
The videos are prepared by Singapore Maths teachers and follow the same methods used in the textbook and workbook.
What does the gap analysis show?
It shows mastery for each learning objective, grouped by topic, and highlights gaps that come from earlier grades. Teachers see this for every student and for the whole class.
Is the Teacher's Guide printed or digital?
The Teacher's Guide is provided in digital format, so it is easy to search, share and project in class.
What can school leaders see?
School leaders can compare classes and cohorts, track syllabus coverage and see mastery trends by topic and learning objective.
For Schools
Can international schools outside Singapore adopt Explico's Singapore Maths?
Yes. The programme is built for schools worldwide that want to teach Singapore Maths. Materials are in English and follow the Singapore MOE syllabus, with print, eBook or blended options.
Do our teachers need Singapore Maths experience?
No. The Teacher's Guide explains each lesson, the model to draw and the misconceptions to watch for, in plain English. Solution videos also show teachers how each method is explained.
Can we start with selected grades?
Talk to us about your school. Many schools prefer to begin with selected grades, and we can advise on a sensible rollout for your context.
What do school leaders see in the analytics?
School leaders can compare classes and cohorts, track syllabus coverage, and see mastery by topic and learning objective across the school.
How do we see the programme before deciding?
Book a demo. We will share a walkthrough video for your maths team and set up a demo account with the teacher and school leader views.
For Parents
Do I need to know Singapore Maths to help my child?
No. Every workbook question has a worked solution video, and short tutorials show parents how each method is taught. You can support your child in the same way the school does.
How often should my child practise at home?
Short, regular sessions work better than long ones. A few focused sessions a week, guided by the AI assessment, usually build more confidence than occasional long revision.
What if my child's school does not use Singapore Maths?
Many families use Singapore Maths at home to build strong foundations and problem-solving skills. The topics overlap with most primary maths curricula, and the bar-model method helps with word problems in any system.
Can my child start in the middle of the year?
Yes. The AI assessment finds where your child is now, including gaps from earlier grades, so practice starts at the right point.
Choose the Right Start for Your Family or School
Help your child learn maths with confidence
- A free sample chapter from the textbook and workbook
- Worked video solutions, so homework never stalls
- Clear progress reports that show what to practise next
No payment details needed.
Bring the complete Singapore Maths programme to your school
- A demo account with the teacher and school leader views
- A walkthrough video you can share with your maths team
- Print, eBook or blended options for every grade
For principals, heads of maths and academic directors.