Sec 1 Math Syllabus: Complete Overview for Parents (2026)

Sec 1 marks a significant shift from primary school, introducing more complex mathematical concepts within each topic. Students must now justify mathematical concepts and use practical applications in real-life examples, which moves beyond computation to logical reasoning.

The secondary curriculum covers key concepts in algebra, graphs, geometry, and time, speed, distance. It also serves as a building block to upper secondary and beyond. Therefore, it is an important period for students to sharpen their skills and develop true conceptual understanding.

Is your child struggling with the transition to secondary math? Our secondary math tuition helps students navigate this critical transition smoothly by teaching problem-solving skills and creating a strong foundation across all secondary math levels, from Sec 1 through O-Levels.

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✅ Key Topics Covered in Sec 1

1. Prime Factors

This topic builds number sense, especially around:

• Prime numbers

• Square and cube roots

• Highest Common Factor (HCF) and Lowest Common Multiple (LCM)
  
  Students revisit prime factorisation and learn to apply it in solving problems involving grouping, roots, perfect squares and cubes.

2. Real Numbers

Students explore the real number system in greater detail:

• Negative numbers and their operations

• Order of operations (BIDMAS)

• Fractions, decimals, and rational numbers
  
  This topic strengthens the foundation for algebraic manipulation, especially with signs and expressions involving rational values.

3. Rounding and Estimation

Students learn:

• How to round to significant figures

• Estimate values for mental math

• Apply approximation in problem contexts
  
  This supports better number sense and checking skills, especially in real-life applications.

4. Algebra

A major part of the syllabus, Algebra is introduced systematically:

• Notation and substitution

• Simplification and expansion (of algebraic expressions and brackets)

• Factorisation (common factors, grouping, difference of squares)

• Algebraic fractions
  
  These skills form the backbone for future topics like quadratic equations and functions. Algebra is often a point of struggle for students new to symbolic reasoning.

5. Linear Equations

This topic involves solving:

• Basic and multi-step equations

• Fractional equations

• Word problems involving algebra
  
  Students must learn to apply logic and structure their steps clearly — essential for succeeding in more complex equations later.

6. Linear Graphs

Students are introduced to:

• Cartesian coordinates

• Linear functions and gradients

• Applications of linear graphs in real-world problems
  
  They learn to interpret and draw graphs from equations, identify patterns, and solve geometry problems using graphs.

7. Number Patterns

Here, students identify patterns and relationships between numbers. They explore:

• Arithmetic & Geometric sequences

• Pattern generalisation

• Use of algebra to express terms and rules

8. Percentage

Students cover:

• Basic calculations

• Percentage increase/decrease

• Solving real-world problems involving profit, loss, discounts, and GST
  
  Word problems in this topic are essential for applied math contexts.

9. Ratio, Rate and Speed

This integrated topic develops understanding of:

• Ratio comparisons and internal transfers

• Rate as a per-unit relationship

• Speed as distance over time

10. Angles

Students review and apply:

• Angle properties

• Intersecting and parallel lines
  
  Note: In Secondary School, your child needs to state the name of the angle property used on top of computing the angle.

11. Polygons

This topic covers:

• Properties of triangles and quadrilaterals

• Interior and exterior angles of polygons

12. Area and Perimeter

Focus is placed on:

• Conversion of units

• Area and perimeter of basic shapes (triangles, parallelograms, trapeziums)

• Composite Figures

13. Volume and Surface Area

This includes:

• Conversion of volume and surface area units

• Calculations involving cubes, cuboids, prisms, cylinders, and composite solids

14. Data Handling

Students study:

• Frequency tables

• Pictograms, bar graphs, line graphs

• Pie charts
  
  They learn to collect, represent, and interpret data — laying the groundwork for statistics and probability in upper secondary.