For students in Singapore taking the A-Level examinations, choosing between H1 and H2 Mathematics is a significant decision that can impact their university applications and future studies. Both syllabuses aim to develop mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills, but they differ in depth, scope, and application. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences.
Purpose and Focus of H1 vs H2 Math
- H1 Mathematics is designed to provide the Mathematics foundation required to support other subjects such as economics, social sciences, etc. It focuses more on statistical reasoning and mathematical techniques that are broadly applicable across disciplines. The syllabus covers both Pure Math and Statistics, with greater emphasis on Statistics.
- H2 Mathematics is intended for students who plan to pursue further studies in Math-intensive fields, such as engineering, physical sciences, computing, or mathematics itself. The syllabus covers both Pure Math and Statistics, with greater emphasis on Pure Math.
Syllabus of H1 and H2 Math
H2 Math covers twice as many topics than H1 Math.
H1 Math does not assume the knowledge from Additional Mathematics topics learned in Secondary school, but H2 Math assumes knowledge from Additional Mathematics learned in Secondary school. In fact, the syllabus of H2 Math specifically says that topics covered in additional mathematics, such as quadratic functions, surds, indices, polynomials, trigonometry, differentiation and integration are assumed knowledge. For H1 Math, these are not assumed knowledge, and many topics previously covered in Additional Mathematics are in fact part of the H1 Math syllabus.
Here’s the topics covered in H1 vs H2 Math
| H1 Math | H2 Math |
| Pure Mathematics – Exponential and Logarithmic Functions – Equations and Inequalities – Differentiation and its application – Integration and its application | Pure Mathematics – Functions – Graphs and Transformation – Equations and Inequalities – Sequences and Series – Vectors – Complex Numbers – Differentiation and its application – Integration and its application – Maclaurin Series – Differential Equations |
| Statistics – Probability – Permutation and Combination – Discrete Random Variable – Binomial Distribution – Normal Distribution – Sampling – Hypothesis Testing – Correlation and Linear Regression | Statistics – Probability – Permutation and Combination – Discrete Random Variable – Binomial Distribution – Normal Distribution – Sampling – Hypothesis Testing – Correlation and Linear Regression |
If you look at the topics covered in Statistics, it’s the same for H1 and H2 Math. The difference is probably in the questions. The H2 statistics questions are more demanding.
The Pure Mathematics section in H1 Math are mostly covered in Additional Mathematics in secondary school. Students who take the Additional Mathematics in secondary school are more or less revising what they have learned during Pure Math class if they take H1 Math. Add in the help from the Graphic calculator, I personally feel that the H1 Math Pure Math section is easier than the Additional Mathematics.
Assessment Format
Like most H1 Papers, H1 Math consists of only a single paper.
- H1 Math:
- Single paper ( 3 hours)
- 60% Statistics, and 40% Pure Math
- H2 Math:
- Two papers (each 3 hours)
- Paper 1: Pure Mathematics
- Paper 2: Pure Mathematics (40%) & Statistics (60%)
- Overall, Pure Mathematics takes up 70% of the total score, while statistics take up 30% of the total score.
Relevance for University Courses
Ultimately, choosing H1 or H2 Math depends not only on your interest in Math, but also what you want to do in University.
If you are undecided, and are okay with Math, H2 Math may be a better choice since it leaves more doors open.
Some courses in Singapore, such as Engineering, definitely require H2 Mathematics as a prerequisite. However, many other courses accept H1 Mathematics as sufficient. If you’re considering taking H1 Math instead of H2, it’s important to check the specific admission requirements of the courses you’re interested in, to ensure that H1 Math will meet the entry criteria.
H1 vs H2 Math
If you are considering between H1 vs H2 Math, then here are some questions that can help you in your decision making:
- University Course: A Level results is a passport to the next level in education — typically university. So, the first consideration should be what do you want to take in University, and does it require H2 Math. If you are undecided, look at the courses that you will eliminate if you don’t take H2 Math, are you okay with it?
- Willingness: Are you willing or interested to put in the effort to do well for Math? I actually wanted to name this point as ability, but from years of teaching, I realized it’s not ability. Rather, it’s willingness. Are you willing to do what it takes to do well for Math? There are students who do really badly for Math at the start of JC, some even struggle with Algebra foundation, but when they decide to put in the effort, they improved tremendously. Conversely, there are some with very good Math foundation, but decided not to put in the effort, and at the end of JC2, the former seems to be better in Math than the latter. It boils down to willingness, not ability.
- Other Subjects: If you choose to take H1 Mathematics, keep in mind that you’ll still need at least three H2 subjects to meet the A-Level requirements. This means that aside from General Paper and your Mother Tongue, all your other content subjects must be at the H2 level. Before deciding, consider whether your other subjects are well-suited for H2 in terms of your strengths, interests, and the effort required. Are you confident you can handle the demands and do well in them, compared to H2 Math?
I hope these points can help in your decision on H1 vs H2 Math.