What is H2 Mathematics?
H2 Mathematics, also known as Higher 2 Mathematics, is a subject offered at the Advanced Level (A-Level) in the Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education (GCE) examination. It is designed to prepare students for various university courses, particularly those in mathematics, sciences, engineering, and related disciplines.
The H2 Mathematics syllabus is designed to equip students with the necessary skills they need for a range of university courses, and is hence, one of the most popular subjects opted for amongst JC students. While H2 Mathematics (Syllabus 9758) is meant to be a natural progression from the O Level Additional Mathematics (Syllabus 4049), the jump in academic rigour is a challenging one for many students.
The H2 Mathematics syllabus aims to enable students to acquire mathematical concepts and skills necessary for tertiary studies, develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, connect ideas within mathematics and apply them in various contexts, and appreciate the beauty and value of mathematics in real-life situations and other disciplines.
The assessment objectives of H2 Mathematics focus on testing students’ abilities in understanding and applying mathematical concepts and skills, formulating and solving real-world problems mathematically, and reasoning and communicating mathematically through deductions, explanations, arguments, and proofs.
The use of a graphing calculator is expected in the examination, and candidates will have access to a list of formulae and statistical tables. The syllabus covers various topics, including functions and graphs, sequences and series, vectors, complex numbers, calculus, and more.
In terms of examination papers, there are two 3-hour papers in H2 Mathematics, each carrying 50% of the total mark. Paper 1 focuses on Pure Mathematics, including questions on the application of mathematics in real-world contexts. Paper 2 consists of two sections: Section A covers Pure Mathematics, and Section B covers Probability and Statistics. Both sections may include questions on the application of mathematics in real-world contexts.
H2 Mathematics also emphasizes the integration of mathematical concepts across different topics and their application in various fields such as kinematics and dynamics, electrical circuits, financial mathematics, and more.
Overall, H2 Mathematics provides students with a strong foundation in mathematics and develops their thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving skills necessary for further studies in mathematics and related disciplines.
Why is H2 Mathematics Important?
H2 Mathematics is important for several reasons:
- Foundation for STEM Fields: H2 Mathematics provides a strong foundation for students who wish to pursue careers in engineering, science, and technology-related fields. These fields often require a deep understanding of mathematical concepts and techniques. Without a solid understanding of mathematics, it can be challenging to grasp the advanced concepts and applications in these disciplines.
- Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: H2 Mathematics develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are crucial in many aspects of life and various career paths. Mathematics teaches students to analyze problems, break them down into smaller components, and apply logical reasoning to find solutions. These skills are highly transferable and applicable in fields beyond mathematics itself.
- Preparation for Higher Education: While universities may not explicitly require H2 Mathematics for all courses, it is often preferred over H1 Mathematics in science-related disciplines. Having a strong mathematical background can give students an advantage when pursuing higher education in areas such as engineering, physics, computer science, economics, and more. H2 Mathematics equips students with the necessary mathematical knowledge and skills to handle the rigours of these courses.
- Real-World Applications: Mathematics is not just an abstract subject; it has numerous practical applications in the real world. H2 Mathematics helps students understand how mathematical concepts can be applied in various fields, such as physics, economics, finance, computer science, and engineering. This understanding allows students to make connections between mathematics and the real world, enhancing their appreciation for the subject and its relevance in their future careers.
- Versatility and Flexibility: Studying H2 Mathematics provides students with a versatile skill set that can be applied across different disciplines. Mathematical skills are highly valued in many industries, including finance, data analysis, research, and technology. The problem-solving and analytical thinking abilities developed through studying H2 Mathematics can open doors to a wide range of career opportunities.
In summary, H2 Mathematics is important because it lays a strong foundation for STEM fields, develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills, prepares students for higher education, demonstrates real-world applications of mathematics, and provides versatility and flexibility in career choices.
What do you need in H2 Mathematics?
Here is the list of things you need while you are taking H2 Math:
- A graphing calculator
- The MF 26
- A strong Additional Math foundation
Examination Structure
For the ‘A’ Levels, there are two 3-hour papers for the H2 Mathematics Examination, where each paper carries 100 marks. This translates to a total of 200 marks, in which each mark makes up 0.5% of the overall grade.
| Paper | Paper Requirements |
| Paper 1 100 marks 3 hours | • based on Pure Mathematics section of the syllabus only • consists of 10-12 questions • minimally 2 questions on the application of Mathematics in the real-world context (at least 12 marks per question) • students are required to answer all questions |
| Paper 2 100 marks 3 hours | • based on Pure Mathematics and Statistics section of the syllabus Section A • worth 40 marks in total • consists of 4-5 questions of different lengths and marks based on the Pure Math section of the syllabus only Section B • worth 60 marks in total • consists of 6-8 questions of different lengths and marks based on the Statistics section of the syllabus only • at least 2 questions on the application of Mathematics in real-world contexts, where each question would carry at least 12 marks |
Syllabus Outline
| Section A: Pure Mathematics |
|---|
| 1. Functions and Graphs 1.1 Functions 1.2 Graphs and transformations 1.3 Equalities and inequalities |
| 2. Sequences and Series |
| 3. Vectors 3.1 Basic properties of vectors in two and three dimensions 3.2 Scalar and vector products in vectors 3.3 Three-dimensional vector geometry |
| 4. Introduction to Complex Numbers 4.1 Complex numbers expressed in cartesian form 4.2 Complex numbers expressed in polar form |
| 5. Calculus 5.1 Differentiation 5.2 Maclaurin series 5.3 Integration techniques 5.4 Definite integrals 5.5 Differential equations |
| Section B: Probability and Statistics |
|---|
| 6. Probability and Statistics 6.1 Probability 6.2 Discrete random variables 6.3 Normal distribution 6.4 Sampling 6.5 Hypothesis testing 6.6 Correlation and linear regression |
Useful Articles To Help You Excel in H2 Mathematics
- A 5-Step Guide On How To Study For H2 Math, To Help You Get Ahead
- 5 Best Free H2 Math Resources For Any JC Student
- Is H2 Math Hard? Why Do Many JC Students Struggle With The Subject?
- How To Use MF26 Like A Pro? The Complete Guide
- How To Choose A Good H2 Math Tutor To Help You Succeed? – 5 Important Traits
Conclusion
Despite being one of the most common subjects taken by JC students, many are unprepared for the academic rigour that H2 Math requires. Fortunately, there are many online resources available for students to bridge the gap between O Level A Math and H2 Math.
You’re not alone; struggling with H2 Math is a very common problem faced by many students! If you need any help in H2 Math, feel free to contact us, or find out more about our H2 Math Tuition here!
