PSLE Speed Maths Magic Camp@RI

A brief history behind the Speed Maths Magic Camp/Workshop

In 2000, PSLE students were asked the following Maths question:

1 + 2 + 3 + ... + 95 + 96 + 97
When all the numbers from 1 to 97 are added up, what is the digit in the ones' place of this total?

Many students spent 20 minutes on this question, which left them with insufficient time to do the rest of the questions. Many students left the exam hall in tears, thoroughly demoralised.

To help students taking PSLE this year (and next year) we have compiled a list of 25 shortcuts in the book, "Speed Maths for PSLE - Go For A*" (available at local book-shops at S$9.90).

These shortcuts will help students answer difficult Maths questions faster, and therefore give them more time to do the rest of the Maths questions in the paper, and also give them time to check their answers.

Also, when the students learn how to answer difficult Maths questions faster, they will increase their confidence in Maths.

At the one-day Speed Maths Magic Camp/Workshop, we will teach the students ALL the shortcuts in our book: "Speed Maths for PSLE - Go For A*" (see below).

During the camp/workshop, we will also teach the students ADDITIONAL shortcuts that will be useful for the PSLE. (See sample additional questions)

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Speed Maths Magic Camp/Workshop - Some Frequently asked questions

1. What is taught at the Camp/Workshop?
A. At the one-day Speed Maths Magic Camp/Workshop, we will teach the students ALL the shortcuts in our book: "Speed Maths for PSLE - Go For A*".
In addition, we will also teach the students MORE shortcuts (not found in the book) that will be useful for the PSLE. (See sample additional questions)
For some questions, we teach the students methods that do not use fractions, as fractions are more difficult to handle than whole numbers. For some other questions, we teach the students the EXACT method to calculate the answer, so that they do not use guess-work or trial-and-error methods.

2. Can my child just read the book?
A. The top 0.5% of students from each cohort (of about 50,000) would probably understand (and able to apply) the shortcuts just by reading the book. The rest of the students will probably need to take lessons to better understand, and remember, the shortcuts. During the camp, we will make the shortcuts / lessons "come alive" (i.e. via visual learning, doing exercises, etc.).

3. Can the students learn all the shortcuts in a day?
A. From our experience, the better students will easily catch the shortcuts / concepts after one or two examples. They can then go on to more challenging problems. We will pay extra attention to the weaker students, and ensure that they understand the shortcuts / concepts. These weaker students will remember the shortcuts better after more practice, by doing more exercises (found in the book) at home. And they must consciously write down all the steps / workings when doing the shortcuts.

4. Will the students be tired during a whole-day camp/workshop?
A. From our experience, the students will be tired after about 4 to 4.30 p.m. We will try to finish all the shortcuts by 4 p.m. After that, we will only have revision and games / contests. Throughout the camp/workshop, we will continuously have games / contests to test the students (that they understand the shortcuts / concepts), and also to sustain their interest. At all our previous camps, the students love these games and contests the most, as we give prizes to the first few winners (or to all who get the right answers).

5. Will the weaker students benefit from this camp?
A. We will teach the students to use shortcuts to answer difficult Maths questions fast, and accurately. When the weaker students are able to do this (answer difficult Maths questions fast), it will increase their confidence, and interest in Maths. Maths is generally the most difficult subject (more PSLE students fail Maths than any other subjects) and if the students are confident in Maths, they will hopefully also be confident in their other subjects.

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Speed Maths Magic Camp/Workshop - Admin:

The Speed Maths Magic Camp/Workshop will be held in Junior Block, Seminar Room 5, Raffles Institution, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Please see map of Raffles Institution attached.
Reporting time is 8.45 to 9.00 a.m. at Junior Block. Students will be dismissed at 5.00 p.m.

Students are required to bring their own copy of the "Speed Maths for PSLE - Go For A*" if they have one; otherwise we will provide one at the camp/workshop.
Writing materials will be provided; however, students may wish to bring their own.

Lunch and snacks (all halal) for tea breaks will be provided.
Please advise us of any dietary restrictions.

Also, please note that RI's Seminar Rooms are air-conditioned, and students may wish to bring a jacket / etc, just in case.

Parents/guardians who are driving are requested to park only at the visitors' car-park lots.
Also, please note that smoking is not allowed within the school compound.

We charge S$120 per student (and we will provide a copy of "Speed Maths for PSLE - Go For A*")
Students who have their own copies of the book need to pay S$115 only.

Cheques (payable to "Speed Maths Centre") should be sent to:
Speed Maths Centre
46 Fulton Road
Singapore 578929

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