Should I be setting aside extra budget for math tuition or math enrichment classes for my child? This is something many parents consider and for good reason. Math is a core subject all the way from primary school to junior college and has endless practical applications in everyday life. Let’s explore the reasons why attending math enrichment classes for primary school students could be an investment that pays off big time.
1) Gaining a Competitive Edge
Mastering math from a young age will make students stand out as they get older. Students that take impactful classes beyond their normal studies will more likely be ahead of their peers. From standardised testing to trying out for the Gifted Education Programme (GEP) or taking advanced math classes, students with a better foundation will find themselves with an advantage. This advantage can translate to better prospects in the future, especially when it comes to choosing their polytechnic or junior college of choice.
This is doubly important for students with hopes of STEM careers. Math is the backbone of the STEM field and thus it is critical students have a strong foundation to build upon. Giving your child the extra boost through math enrichment classes provides your child with a better chance to succeed and use that math knowledge to excel in STEM.
2) Improve Grades or Catch Up
Math can be the hardest subject in school for many students. It could be that the teaching method doesn’t stimulate the student or the book material is too dense. However it may happen, falling behind can deeply impact the confidence and grades of students. Investing in extracurricular math classes can help students improve their understanding of math concepts, leading to higher grades and greater academic success.
An extended absence can also put students behind even if they aren’t having problems with their grades. Getting that extra help in math enrichment classes could be the catalyst to bring that student back up in line with their peers.
3) Preparing for Advanced Classes and Competitions
Parents may find their children enthusiastic to take on more challenging math problem sums and are thinking of going for GEP. Other students may be looking to skip ahead to higher-level math, or to participate in math olympiads such as the Singapore Mathematical Olympiad. Math competitions are highly beneficial for the right students; they are great for providing students with exposure and valuable opportunities to enhance their math skills. Having math olympiads and competitions on students’ portfolios gives an advantage when applying for schools via Direct School Admission.
However, regular school lessons will not prepare students for a competition. Specialty math programmes that are tailored toward competitions or math olympiads are a worthy investment for parents. To get prepared for advanced classes or competitions, extra math enrichmentclasses could be the X factor to push students to the top.
4) Cultivating Critical-Thinking Skills
The local Singapore math curriculum sometimes can fall into the trap of rote memorisation and overfocusing on solving equations. This method can work for some students but may hinder others. Advanced math and practical applications call for critical thinking rather than a memorised formula. Finding a more comprehensive math programme outside of school could be the key to creating a dynamic critical thinker.
With the right programme, students will not only improve their math abilities but also exercise essential academic and life skills. Critical thinking goes beyond math to other subjects and to problem solving in daily life. This is something parents should consider when they think of budgeting for extra math enrichment classes.
Final Thoughts
If it is within the budget, there are a variety of impactful reasons why extra math enrichment classes are worth the money. Whether your child needs a boost in math, or they are considering trying for the GEP or the math olympiad, math skills are essential. Strong math and critical-thinking skills are something children can bring with them into tertiary education and adulthood. Creating the best foundation for success and math is an important step in setting up a child for life.
Learn more about how Spark Math by VISPARK helps test preparation, improves math scores, and makes learning fun for your child! Classes are for children ages 3-11. Sign up for a FREE trial class and give your child the head start they need to succeed in school!
