Why Singapore Students Consistently Outperform Australian Students in Maths

In recent years, Singapore’s students have consistently topped international rankings in mathematics and science, leaving many countries, including Australia, wondering about the secret behind their success. The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) continually shows Singapore’s impressive results. But what exactly sets Singapore’s approach apart, and can Australia incorporate any of these strategies into its own maths education system?
Understanding the Singapore Math Method sheds light on these questions. This distinctive approach, deeply rooted in visual and hands-on learning, promotes a methodical journey from concrete examples to abstract thinking. In addition, students build their mental math capabilities and develop the resilience needed for tackling complex word problems—all key factors in their success.
Here are four main pillars behind Singapore's students’ maths achievements, and what Australian educators and parents might consider in helping students succeed in maths.

1. Deep Mastery Through Foundational Learning

The Singapore Maths Method focuses on in-depth mastery of foundational concepts. Instead of speeding through a wide variety of topics each year, Singapore’s curriculum builds upon a structured sequence where each level reinforces and expands upon previous knowledge. This steady, cumulative approach enables students to genuinely understand concepts rather than simply memorising procedures.
In contrast, many other systems, including those in the U.S. and Australia, cover a larger volume of topics per year but often lack this depth. By mastering fewer concepts thoroughly, Singaporean students retain and build upon their knowledge more effectively as they progress through school, reducing gaps in understanding that often re-emerge in higher grades.

2. Growth Mindset as Part of School Culture

The growth mindset is another cornerstone of Singapore’s success in mathematics. Promoted by the Ministry of Education, this mindset reinforces the idea that intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. This belief helps students push through challenges and develop the persistence needed for complex problem-solving.
The growth mindset encourages students to view difficulties as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks. In Singapore, this attitude is woven into the classroom environment and teaching methods, fostering resilience that helps students succeed beyond exams. Australian students could benefit significantly from an approach that fosters perseverance and a positive attitude toward learning from mistakes.

3. Visual Learning with Model Drawing

Visual learning is integral to Singapore’s math curriculum, especially through a technique called model drawing. By representing word problems visually, students learn to break down complex questions into simpler, more manageable parts. This visual approach helps students better understand the structure and purpose of the problem, making it easier for them to identify steps toward a solution.
Singapore students regularly engage with high-level, multi-step word problems, enhancing their proficiency and confidence as problem solvers. Model drawing, along with other visual learning techniques, trains students to tackle challenging scenarios with clarity, a skill that often translates into improved performance on international assessments. Australian educators might consider introducing more visual problem-solving tools, like model drawing, to encourage deeper understanding and analytical thinking.

4. Mental Math as a Core Principle

One of the most distinctive aspects of the Singaporean approach is its emphasis on mental math. Singapore’s students are trained to perform calculations in their heads, which builds number sense and reinforces a strong understanding of place value. Proficiency in mental math allows students to solve problems quickly and accurately without relying on external tools, which boosts their confidence and helps them in exam settings.
This core skill enhances students’ agility with numbers and enables them to tackle maths challenges more independently. Introducing mental math as a primary skill in Australia could enhance students’ understanding and engagement, helping them build a robust foundation for higher-level maths.

The Results Speak for Themselves

Singapore’s consistent top rankings in TIMSS are evidence of the success of this unique approach to maths education. In the 2019 TIMSS study, Singaporean fourth-graders achieved a mean score of 591 in maths, ranking first worldwide, while Australian students placed fifth with a score of 554. By eighth grade, Singapore students maintained their top spot with a score of 598, while Australia ranked seventh at 556.
These figures highlight a significant performance gap, underscoring the effectiveness of Singapore’s comprehensive approach to maths education and the potential for improvement in other educational systems.

Lessons for Australia: A Path to Success in Maths

The Singapore Maths Method offers valuable insights into how a robust, concept-based foundation, a supportive learning environment, and an emphasis on visual and mental skills can collectively elevate student performance. While adopting every aspect of Singapore’s system may not be feasible, integrating elements such as foundational mastery, a growth mindset, visual learning, and mental math could help close the achievement gap in Australia’s maths education.
For parents in Australia, finding the right maths tutor who can incorporate these principles is crucial. Seeking out a maths enrichment program or maths tuition centre near me that aligns with the Singapore Maths approach could make a real difference.
Through MathCode Mastery Method programs at Maths Learning Centres, students can experience a structured, concept-focused curriculum that builds resilience, understanding, and enthusiasm for maths.