Origin of SMC
- Inception of SMC
- Singapore Maths Club aka SMC is the brainchild of Luan Collisson, an ex-educator from Singapore, former corporate employee turned entrepreneur. The Club was created out of a firm belief in the Maths program from Singapore and a passion to bring its proven benefits to more children in the US by making it more readily available. Not just in the private schools.
- What is SMC?
- Established 8 years ago in 2014, the SMC program was designed as a 40-week program that encompasses the topics taught at each grade level in the math curricula in Singapore. Our mission is to make learning math fun and intuitive especially to young learners i.e. to “Make Math Come Alive” for them. In addition, we have extensive supplementary materials from Singapore which we have prepared for our students to provide them with more intensive review and practice. Your child will benefit from the reinforcement as well as the additional practice and homework.
- What makes SMC unique?
- The SMC program is carefully crafted from materials from Singapore. It continues to evolve over the years based on our observations on what well with students as well as what present challenges. We include the feedbacks from students, instructors and parents to modify the methods of instruction, develop new techniques and intuitive strategies to target and prioritize different areas of learning. SMC program continues to include increasingly more complex materials to keep up with the demands of our students as they become more confident and accomplished math students. Most of them stay with the program and progress to the next grade level year on year. We are motivated and challenged by their successes in math in schools as well as by the transformation in their approach and attitude towards the subject.
About the SMC Program
- What benefits does my child receive from enrolling in the program?
- Each SMC student will receive a 10-week packet of classwork and homework materials. In addition, s/he will have an account which provides the following: - Link to Zoom class (if applicable) - Unlimited access to the classwork video for each lesson during the term - Unlimited access to the weekly homework review video during the term. If necessary, a Helpdesk call (outside of class times) is available
- How long is the program?
- The SMC program consists of 4 terms, of 10-week duration each. This is a year-long 40-week program. However, there is Open Enrollment and students join the program at any time during the academic year.
- How is the SMC program different from other math programs?
- The SMC program emphasizes the development of computation and problem-solving skills of young learners. There is an increasing focus on strengthening critical thinking, diagnostic and analytical skills of students as they progress to the next grade level. Students are introduced to math topics, concepts, techniques and strategies at increasingly complex levels at each successive grade level. They also learn unique SMC computation techniques and strategies as well as SMC problem-solving strategies.
- Does the SMC program follow the math curriculum of my child's school?
- The SMC program is a math enrichment program that is based on the mathematics taught in Singapore. It is a very comprehensive program and includes all the topics taught at each grade level. SMC students are exposed to math topics and concepts at an earlier grade level and at greater degree of complexity than most of their US counterparts. We do not follow the math curriculum of any US school.
- Will the SMC program interfere with my child's learning of math at school?
- SMC program is a math enrichment program. We have a proven track record of improving our students' abilities and confidence in math. Our students do very well in their schools as a result; often testing above their grade levels. The SMC program enriches the students' experience in math and makes it easier for them to excel in math in their schools.
Program Details
- Do I need to register for all 4 terms of the program?
- There are 4 terms in the program; each of 10-week duration. Although approximately 90% of our students complete all 4 terms each year, parents may re-register at the end of each term or for all 4 terms of the program. Payment of tuition is required if you wish to reserve a place in the class of your choice. Students are able to change their class options during the year. In exceptional cases, student may also switch to a different grade level (after review).
- Do I have to pay the tuition for the year and is it refundable?
- Tuition packages can be purchased by the term or for the entirety of the program (4 terms). Tuition expires at the end of each term and is strictly non-refundable. SMC does not charge any registration or administration fees. SMC reserves the right to adjust the tuition &/or any discounts without prior notice.
- What if my child is unable to attend class or is unclear of the work?
- There is also a Classwork video for each lesson which students have unlimited access to. The Classwork videos are also excellent tools to help students reinforce their learnings each week &/or to clarify any doubts. Students are recommended to use the Classwork and Homework Review videos to maximize the benefits of the program. Some parents use these classwork videos to complete the lesson when they are unable to attend class. In addition, students can also reschedule to another class.
- How much homework is there?
- Each Homework packet is about 10 pages long. There is an additional 2 pages of Math Challenge questions which are optional. Students, especially the younger learners are encouraged to complete their homework in shorter duration over a few days. Students can use the homework video for each lesson when doing their homework &/or to review their work after it is completed. Students have unlimited access to the video and can fast forward to the questions they want at any time.
- Can I reschedule my lessons?
- Students should attend the class time which they have registered for. Regular attendance is strongly encouraged in order to benefit from the program. Reschedule is allowed within the same week and subject to available spaces. Parents can use the reschedule tool on the website to do so. In-person students may reschedule to another in-person or to an Online class. Online students may reschedule to another Online class only.
- How do I communicate with the program about my child’s performance?
- At SMC, we believe firmly in partnering with the parents to ensure their children maximize the maximum benefits of the program. Please email us directly at contactsmc@singaporemathsclub.com with any questions, issues or concerns. We are committed to respond to your email within 24 to 48 hours.
- Is there an assessment at the end of each term?
- There is an End of Term assessment at the end of each term. The assessment is in the student’s account and is available to each student to complete to assess their own learning.
- What does my child receive at the end of each term?
- Students will receive a completion certificate at the end of each term. They can use the points accumulated to exchange for "rewards" at the centers. Out of state students who complete 2 or more terms will receive their "rewards" via mail at the end of the program.
Getting Started - Assessments & Registration
- Is it necessary to be assessed for the program before enrolling?
- It is recommended but not compulsory for students new to the program to be assessed. The SMC program is rigorous and is ahead of the US common Core requirements. To ensure that every child is working at the appropriate level, it is recommended that s/he be assessed either with a paper Readiness Assessment &/or a complimentary lesson (either in-person or Online). We will debrief with you after each assessment to identify any areas of strength as well as areas to ramp up on.
- How can I get my child assessed for the program?
- To begin registration, please complete an Online Submission Plan or email us directly at contactsmc@singaporemathsclub.com with your contact information. We will contact you to initiate the process including an initial discussion about your child’s current math proficiency, sending you the Readiness Assessment &/or scheduling the complimentary lesson with debriefs.
- How do I register my child for the SMC program?
- To begin registration, please complete an Online Submission Plan or email us directly at contactsmc@singaporemathsclub.com with your contact information. We will contact you to initiate the process including an initial discussion about your child’s current math proficiency, sending you the Readiness Assessment &/or scheduling the complimentary lesson with debriefs.
Policies
- Enrollment & Tuition
- Tuition packages can be purchased by the Term or for the Full Year. There are 4 Terms in the academic year; each of 10-week duration. Tuition paid for each term expired at the end of the term. Payment of tuition is required to reserve a place in the class of your choice Singapore Math Club reserves the right to adjust the tuitions and 5% sibling discount without prior notice
- Weekly Lessons
- Students will attend lessons in the class in which s/he has enrolled. Please notify the center via email if you wish to reschedule your lesson to within the same week. Rescheduling is subject to availability of spaces in that class. We reserve the right to turn away students from full classes to maintain the optimal Students : Teacher ratio. In-person students may reschedule to another in-person or to an online class. Online students may reschedule to another online class only.
- Homework
- Students are to complete the homework after each lesson. Answer keys and pre-recorded Homework Review videos are provided for students to reinforce their learning.
- Class Cancellation
- Singapore Maths Club reserves the right to change or cancel class in the event of inclement weather. Every effort will be made to notify the registered parent or guardian as soon as possible. Singapore Maths Club also reserves the right to change the Class Schedule at the end of each term; depending on demand and supply.
- Rewards Program
- Students will receive a completion certificate at the end of each term. They can use the points accumulated to exchange for “rewards” at the centers.
- Drop off and Pick up
- Students will be released only to the individuals registered with the center. Please indicate clearly the names and contact information of the individuals who are authorized to pick up your child(ren). Students may be dropped off or picked up 15 mins before and after class respectively.
- The Lobby
- Students are welcome to play with the toys or read the books at the lobby. No book or toy can be removed from the center. To create a safe environment, only students are allowed to in the lobby. Singapore Math Club will not be held liable for accidents or other unforeseeable incidents that may occur on the premises.
