Avonne Chee

More Mathematics hours in primary school — will it build mastery, or pressure?

In leading a Montessori pre-primary school and working closely with families, I see every day how foundational numeracy shapes a child’s long-term confidence — not just in school, but in how they approach challenges.

Increasing Mathematics hours under the 2027 curriculum can be a positive step — if it strengthens conceptual understanding, not merely instructional time.

In the early years, Mathematics is not just about numbers.

It develops logic.
Language.
Pattern recognition.
Problem-solving resilience.

The real impact, however, will depend on three things:

• Teaching for depth, not speed
• Meaningful and timely intervention
• Protecting the joy of learning

When schools and families move in alignment, children gain both competence and confidence.

Parents — how are your children currently experiencing Mathematics in school? Is it building curiosity… or anxiety?