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S.A.M Part 3 Enrichment Math

This article explains the unique approach of S.A.M (Seriously Addictive Mathematics) in South Africa as a program that applies Singapore Mathematics Pedagogy in a way that makes Math visual and relatable. This program also supports the implementation of CAPS, specifically critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The S.A.M program is flexible, and its unique cloud-based functionalities support its implementation according to the user’s preference.

SAM CAN SUPPLEMENT THE EDUCATION SYSTEM

According to the Economist, South Africa fails to answer the question of how we can help our children and paint a picture of doom and gloom for our unequal educational system and extremely low literacy and numeracy results. This same article highlights the results of schools that utilize the Singapore Curriculum and British Phonics approach to achieve academic results in Math and English that are a year ahead of their peers. The South African National Curriculum Statement for Gr R to Gr 12 states that active and critical learning should be encouraged rather than rote and uncritical learning of given truths. What the Singapore curriculum has achieved in international standards is the same as what the South African curriculum seeks to achieve nationally.

 

An article in the South African Journal of Education points toward the conceptual and representational confusion in the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS). The researcher found that even though foundation phase teachers use a range of representations to illustrate mathematical problems, they fail to apply them to all topics, like division. In contrast, according to Du Plessis and Plaut in their book Understanding South Africa, Outcomes-Based Education was excellent in encouraging students to learn independently and keep up with progressive education’s general, international ethos. Still, it failed to deliver due to insufficient resources, huge class sizes, and a lack of teacher support.

 

A study conducted in Britain among 22 schools to investigate effective teaching concluded that education should not be about achieving outcomes only but enabling learners to enjoy learning, gain confidence and success, and become responsible citizens. We need a flexible, practical, and implementable intervention in South Africa to uplift the standard of mathematics education and outcomes for all. Seriously, Addictive Mathematics offers a solution for South Africa to bridge the current offering at schools with international, proven best practices for developing thinking learners who can work independently and are motivated to find solutions to problems.

they may begin to understand the concept of numbers as early as three years of age. They need ample opportunity to develop their fine motor skills to draw straight lines and curves. 

THINKING MATH THAT MAKES
A DIFFERENCE

At S.A.M, small classroom sizes, comprehensive teacher training, and world-class resources support a focus on developing children’s skills, specifically critical thinking, learning attitudes, and conceptual understanding. The program is based on the Singapore curriculum and is written so facilitators can effortlessly apply concrete aids with specific guidance regarding their application. The Singapore curriculum proved itself again in the latest PISA assessment, where Singapore had the highest percentage of students in the top-performing group and the lowest in the bottom-performing group among all the OECD countries. 92% of its students scored above the OECD average of 69%.

1. LEARNERS BENEFIT FROM S.A.M

Strong Foundation and Excel in Math

S.A.M learners understand concepts and develop thinking and problem-solving skills to build a strong foundation and excel in Math.

 

Confident and Motivated

S.A.M learners are confident and motivated. They enjoy learning and discovering Math through the coaching approach.

 

Independent and Self-Disciplened

S.A.M learners are independent and self-disciplined. They develop good study habits that allow them to learn in class and at home.

2. PARENTS RECOMMEND S.A.M

“My daughter has been with S.A.M for 6 years and my son for 3. It has been the best decision we made for their education. Teacher Hanlie has so much love and passion for Math and she has instilled this in my children too. I 100% recommend S.A.M.”

– Xana Kors

“Excellent Maths program – my child continues to get A+ for Maths at school. He started in Grade 00 and now is in grade 4. I used S.A.M Math to develop his mathematical skill which is paying off as his foundation is perfectly laid!! By far the best rated extra mural math class vs the competitors – after all the world’s best Mathematicians all did Singaporean Math – you can’t go wrong to start your child at a very young age – or if they are struggling with maths – S.A.M math is the right choice for your child.”

– Roma Smith

“Since my daughter started classes with you last year I have seen a difference when interacting with her. She knows her colours and  her numbers. After a day with you she is able to tell me what she learnt and show examples of what is ‘tall or short’ for instance. I am really excited that she is part of the programme again this year and to watch her develop through this programme. Keep doing the great job that you are doing.”

– Reginah Mogole

3. TEACHERS AND PRINCIPALS RECOMMEND S.A.M

Livhuwani Debra Nedzamba

Class teacher at Realeboga Pre-school (Gauteng)

 

“I would like to thank you for the amazing programme your provided our pre-school last year. The resources used and  teachings methods by S.A.M really  helped  our pre-school learners to develop more in fundamental mathematics concepts. The program allows for all learners to participate in counting, sorting  and matching objects and they loved working in the workbooks too. Thank you.”

Rianette van Vollenstee

H.O.D Maragon Olympus Private Schools (Gauteng Pretoria)

 

“Students that are on the S.A.M Program are showing improvement in completing classwork and in tests. Learners that find the CAPS methods difficult seems to understand S.A.M methods well that helps a lot with the processing of a sum. It is a product and program that works! I recommend it to students and to schools.”

Mnr D. Visser

Principal CURRO Durbanville (Western Cape Durbanville)

“S.A.M Durbanville offers great value to our school. The S.A.M staff work together to offer thorough support to our learners. Learners have access to future-orientated maths, an unique offering we give above other private and public schools in our area. The center based at our schools offers value to parents in that don’t need to travel for classes.”

Mr P.J. Visagi

Principal Laerskool Saamtrek  (North West Klerksdorp)

“The S.A.M program has been an integral part of our school’s mathematics curriculum for the past three years. We have integrated S.A.M. into our school day as part of our allocated notional time for mathematics, and the results have been nothing short of remarkable. The Seriously Addictive Maths program has proven to be an exceptional resource and learning experience to our learners. It presents mathematical concepts in a concrete and engaging manner that demystifies math and makes it accessible to all students. The program’s hands-on approach and systematic teaching methods have significantly enhanced our students’ understanding and confidence in mathematics. Students who once found mathematics challenging now approach it with enthusiasm and a positive mindset, reflecting a substantial improvement in their performance.

 

The structured yet flexible nature of the S.A.M. program allows for effective integration within our school’s schedule, and its impact on student achievement has been clearly evident. Our learners consistently demonstrate greater proficiency in mathematics, and their progress is a testament to the effectiveness of this program.”

Dipuo Senyatsi

Principal Dinoko Day Care (Gauteng Diepsloot)

 

“I would like to thank Seriously Addictive Mathematics for helping our kids develop in mathematics and to learn more about counting and solving mathematics sums. We have seen a major improvement when it comes to classroom activities that require mathematics and they have fully developed their cognitive skills. The principal and teachers are highly delighted with the skills the children have developed. Thank you.”

4. YOUR SCHOOL CAN BENEFIT
FROM S.A.M

The S.A.M business structure allows for its services and products to be individualised for schools in a similar way that our program is individualised for learners.

 

  1. Some schools have S.A.M centers on their premises, while others include the program as part of their in-school offering.
  2. At some schools parents pay for S.A.M enrichment, while at other schools the S.A.M enrichment classes are sponsored.
  3. At some schools, S.A.M. is used as an individualized program suitable for remediation, and at others, it is used to support top performers in more challenging problem-solving skills and as preparation for Olympiad-style competitions.
  4. S.A.M Centres can serve as an entire external program or as a program internally part of a school’s offering.

A S.A.M Center based at a school ensures open communication between teaching staff and those offering extra classes, it makes it convenient for parents, and provides a seamless integration of teaching practises.

Post Script

The Singapore Mathematics Framework allows for instruction in Mathematics by focusing on skills, concepts, attitudes, metacognition, and processes through a focus on problem-solving. Seriously Addictive Mathematics as a business venture and a means to introduce Singapore Mathematics to young children. We aim to improve the Human Capital of South Africa, one student at a time.

 

For more information, please get in touch with the author,
Karma Palmer:

karma@seriouslyaddictivemath.co.za

+27 (0) 82 071 5669,

or follow the inquiry link on

www.seriouslyaddictivemath.co.za if you are interested in enrolling your child, starting a SAM Franchise in your area or offer S.A.M at your school. 

Reference and Further Reading

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