Author Bio
Terry Chew
Terry Chew B.Sc. is a pioneering Singapore mathematics author and educator, best known as the first in Singapore to publish a Maths Olympiad workbook series in 2007. His acclaimed titles, including Unleash the Maths Olympian in You! and Wicked Mathematics, are widely used across Southeast Asia and internationally.
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AI Summary
Singapore's revised Primary Mathematics syllabus, rolled out from 2026 starting with Primary 1, emphasises reasoning, heuristics, and non-routine problem-solving over memorisation, with the changes progressively shaping how primary maths is taught and assessed across all levels. Math Olympiad training at Terry Chew Academy directly develops these critical thinking skills through structured coaching, preparing students for HAL screening, DSA pathways, and competitions like SMO, SASMO, and SEAMO. Students with MO training adapt more easily to the new syllabus because they've already mastered the flexible problem-solving strategies now required for academic success.
You have probably heard about the changes to Singapore's Primary Math syllabus by now. More reasoning. More heuristics. More non-routine problems. And if you're like many parents we've spoken with, you're wondering what this actually means for your child, and whether they'll be ready.
Here's what we've learnt after over a decade of coaching students: Math Olympiad training isn't just about winning medals or preparing for competitions. It builds precisely the critical thinking and reasoning skills that MOE's 2026 syllabus now demands. At Terry Chew Academy, we've spent years teaching students to think deeply, solve creatively, and approach unfamiliar problems with confidence. These are the exact skills the updated syllabus prioritises and we're already teaching them.
Let us show you why Math Olympiad training gives your child a natural advantage when navigating this new landscape.
Key Takeaways:
- Singapore's 2026 Primary Math syllabus now prioritises reasoning, heuristics, and non-routine problem solving over procedural practice, requiring students to think flexibly and understand concepts deeply.
- Math olympiad training develops the exact critical thinking skills the updated syllabus demands, including deep conceptual understanding, heuristic strategies, and the ability to tackle unfamiliar problems with confidence.
- Terry Chew Academy's structured Math Olympiad programmes, taught by experienced coaches with proven competition records, help students excel not only in competitions but also in HAL screening, DSA pathways, and school assessments.
- Students trained through Math Olympiad methods adapt more easily to the new syllabus because they've already practised the reasoning and problem-solving strategies that school assessments now require.
What's Actually Changed in the 2026 Primary Math Syllabus
The Ministry of Education has shifted the emphasis from procedural practice to deeper conceptual understanding. Your child now needs to demonstrate reasoning, apply heuristics, and tackle questions that don't follow familiar patterns. Memorising steps won't be enough anymore.
This change reflects a deeper shift in how mathematics is taught. Rote learning produces students who can execute procedures but struggle when the question changes slightly. The new syllabus aims to develop thinkers who can adapt, analyse, and solve problems independently. That's a powerful goal, but it leaves many parents feeling uncertain about how to support their children effectively. We hear this concern regularly from families visiting our centre.
How Math Olympiad Methods Strengthen the Thinking Skills Behind the New Syllabus
Math Olympiad training has always focused on exactly what the 2026 syllabus now requires. At TCA, we teach children to understand the "why" behind every solution, not just the "how." This conceptual-first approach builds flexible thinking, so when your child encounters an unfamiliar question format, they know how to break it down logically.
We don't ask students to memorise formulas. Instead, we guide them to recognise patterns, make connections between different concepts, and explore multiple solution pathways. This is the foundation of mathematical reasoning.
When we work through a challenging Olympiad problem with a student, we are teaching them to think strategically, test ideas, and refine their approach. These are transferable skills that make school mathematics feel easier and more intuitive.
Parents often tell us that after starting MO at TCA, their child finds school maths simpler. That is because Olympiad training strengthens the core thinking skills that underpin all mathematics.The new syllabus brings school assessments closer to what we've been teaching all along.
The Core Skills That Bridge Olympiad Training and the Updated Curriculum
Let's look at what your child actually needs to succeed under the new syllabus, and how MO training develops each skill naturally.
Deep Conceptual Understanding
The updated curriculum expects students to explain their reasoning, not just arrive at the correct answer. At TCA, every lesson emphasises understanding over speed. We guide students to explore concepts thoroughly, asking questions like "Why does this method work?" and "What happens if we change this part?" These questions build the deep comprehension the syllabus now requires.
Our coaches, many with over 10 years of Olympiad experience, including former national team trainers and multiple-time international medallists, bring authentic expertise to every session.This matters because teaching conceptual understanding requires more than subject knowledge. It requires the ability to guide students through the thinking process itself.
Heuristic Strategies
Heuristics are problem-solving strategies like working backwards, using model drawing, or finding patterns. The 2026 syllabus explicitly assesses whether students can select and apply appropriate heuristics. Olympiad training is built on heuristics.
At TCA, we teach students to recognise which strategy suits each problem type and when to switch approaches if needed. This flexibility is what makes heuristic thinking so powerful, and it is a core focus in every MO lesson we conduct.
Non-Routine Problem Solving
Non-routine problems are questions your child hasn't seen before, requiring creative thinking rather than recalling a procedure. These questions now appear regularly in school assessments, and they're precisely what Olympiad training specialises in.
We give students practice tackling unfamiliar problems every week, helping them learn to stay calm, analyse the question carefully, and build a solution step by step. This experience removes the fear many children feel when faced with something unexpected.
Logical Reasoning and Multi-Step Thinking
Many new syllabus questions require students to hold multiple pieces of information in mind simultaneously and work through several logical steps. Olympiad problems naturally develop this skill because they are structured to challenge higher-order thinking.
At TCA, we scaffold problems carefully, helping students build stamina and confidence as they work through increasingly complex challenges. The result is a child who approaches multi-step problems with clarity and persistence.
How TCA's Math Olympiad Programme Prepares Your Child for the New Syllabus
At TCA, we do not rush ahead or pile on extra content. We focus on building thinkers who can handle any syllabus, any question type, and any level of challenge. This is the philosophy behind everything we do. When you develop strong critical thinking skills first, everything else becomes manageable.
Our structured approach allows students to develop strong foundations first, then layer on advanced strategies as they grow in confidence and skill. Every coach at TCA brings genuine Olympiad expertise. We have former national team trainers, multiple-time international medallists, and experienced MO coaches with proven track records.
This is not just about credentials. It is about authentic Olympiad teaching that goes beyond worksheets, guiding students to see problems from new angles, test hypotheses, and develop mathematical intuition.
We've watched our students achieve strong results in competitions like SMO, SASMO, SEAMO, NMOS, RMO, and AMC. But more importantly, we've seen them develop the thinking skills that help them excel in HAL screening, DSA pathways, and school assessments. The parents we work with often mention improvements in confidence, accuracy, and independent problem-solving, skills that extend far beyond any single exam.
What This Means for Your Child Right Now
If your child is currently in primary school, you're navigating this syllabus transition alongside them. You might notice that homework questions look different, or that your child struggles to apply what they've learnt when the format changes. This is exactly where Olympiad-inspired teaching makes a tangible difference.
Children who've trained with MO methods adapt more easily to the new syllabus because they've already been practising reasoning, heuristics, and non-routine problems. They're not thrown by unfamiliar questions. They've learnt to approach them systematically. This confidence translates directly into better performance and less anxiety during assessments.
Our programmes at TCA are designed for every level. From enrichment classes for younger students building foundations, to HAL screening preparation for P3 students, to competition training for those ready to push their skills further. Each programme shares the same core philosophy: develop critical thinking first, and everything else becomes manageable.
The Difference Between MO Training and Regular Tuition
Many parents ask us how Math Olympiad training differs from conventional tuition. It's a fair question, especially when you're investing in your child's education. Regular tuition typically revises school content, follows textbook structures, and focuses on repeated practice. This can be helpful for consolidating knowledge, but it doesn't build the deeper thinking the new syllabus demands.
MO training at TCA takes a different approach. We teach students to think flexibly, recognise underlying structures, and solve problems they have never encountered before. This builds adaptability and resilience, the qualities that matter as syllabuses evolve and expectations rise.We often hear from students that school maths feels easier after MO training because they've developed the reasoning skills to make sense of any question.
Growing Confident Thinkers Ready for the 2026 Syllabus and Beyond
If you are looking for a programme that builds the thinking skills the new syllabus requires, while nurturing curiosity and confidence, we invite you to explore Math Olympiad training at Terry Chew Academy. We help children develop into capable, confident problem solvers who can handle any challenge with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Age Should A Child Start Math Olympiad Training In Singapore?
Children can begin foundational math olympiad training as early as kindergarten, though most structured programmes in Singapore start from Primary 1 onwards to build problem-solving skills progressively.
How Long Does It Take To See Improvements From Math Olympiad Training?
Most students show noticeable improvements in mathematical reasoning and confidence within three to six months of consistent math olympiad training, with more significant gains appearing after a full academic year.
Is Math Olympiad Training Only For Gifted Students?
No, math olympiad training benefits all students by developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills that enhance school performance, not just competition success or gifted programme entry.
How Much Does Math Olympiad Training Cost In Singapore?
The cost of Math Olympiad training in Singapore varies depending on the provider, student level, lesson duration, class size, and programme structure. Some programmes charge on a per-lesson basis, while others offer term-based packages or structured training programmes. Fees may also differ depending on whether the focus is on general enrichment, competition preparation, or more advanced Olympiad training.
When comparing programmes, parents should consider not only the fees but also the quality, depth, and structure of the training. Factors such as teaching approach, class size, lesson duration, and the level of support provided can play an important role in determining the overall value of a programme, rather than comparing fees alone.
Can Math Olympiad Training Help With PSLE Preparation?
Yes, Math Olympiad training strengthens the reasoning, heuristic thinking, and non-routine problem-solving skills that the PSLE assesses, making challenging questions more manageable for students as the primary maths syllabus continues to evolve toward deeper problem-solving.
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