The Mathematics Curriculum Framework for Primary Education

Aims and Objectives

The mathematics curriculum aims to:

§ provide children with skills and understanding which will enable them to cope confidently with the mathematics of everyday life;
§ stimulate children’s interest in mathematics and encourage good learning habits, the ability to solve mathematical problems and think clearly and logically;
§ develop the children’s ability to interpret and communicate mathematical ideas;
§ help children to appreciate how mathematics can help to interpret the world in which they live, in line with the national aspirations of MIB, and,
§ provide a solid foundation for those who may wish to continue studies in mathematics.

The specific objectives of the mathematics curriculum are to provide learners with the opportunity to:

§ develop an understanding of number;
§ acquire mastery of the four operations;
§ develop the ability to estimate and calculate mentally;
§ develop understanding of systems of measurement;
§ develop an understanding of basic geometrical relations;
§ develop spatial awareness;
§ develop basic skills in collecting and interpreting data;
§ develop the ability to communicate mathematical ideas clearly;
§ tackle non-routine problems systematically;
§ apply what has been learned to solve real problems;
§ conduct simple mathematical investigations;
§ make sensible use of ICT;
§ develop positive attitudes and confidence;
§ work with others and value their contribution;
§ appreciate the aesthetic nature of mathematics, and,acquire an understanding of Islamic values and appreciate the MIB philosophy.

The Conceptual Framework

Why study mathematics?

The study of mathematics develops vital living skills:

• Number sense
• Estimation
• Connections
• Patterns
• Relations
• Space

The Mathematical Content Strands

• Primary school builds the foundation for study of mathematics.
• Content is divided into five strands.
• There is connection within and across strands.

The overall mathematical content structure is set out below.

Number and operations

• Number, counting, properties of number, number sequence; place-value; decimals; fractions; percentage; ratio and proportions; written computation; mental computation and application of number properties; number sense

Measurement

• Length, area, weight, volume, time money; Selection of units; Measuring, estimating; Computation and conversion of units.

Algebra (Pattern and relation)

• Patterns of shapes; patterns of numbers; solving simple word problems; solving simple puzzles; varied representation of patterns and problems; use of symbols and formulae; simple algebraic expressions, solving simple equations.

Geometry

• 2D and 3D shapes; Lines and angles; Classifying, interpreting and drawing; Properties of shapes; Position and directions.

Statistic

• Collecting, summarizing and presenting data; interpreting data; Frequency Tables; Charts and graphs; Averages.