Mathematics Curriculum of

Malaysia

Before Independence
( before 1957)
 Introduction
• Development of Math. Curriculum in Peninsular of
Malaysia started before the World War II (1941),
• Characteristisc of curriculum at that time:
- Not standardised.
- Free to choose any books, materials or topics as
long as it is suitable for the students.
• Condition improved after the Razak Report was
created.(1956)
- suggested that there should be a formal curriculum
for all gov. schools.
 Mathematics Curriculum
for
Primary School before 1957
- An official syllabus for mathematics in primary
schools was planned and later implemented after
1956.
- However, this common syllabus for
mathematics in Primary Schools was merely a
rearrangement of some arithmetic topics with
slight addition and elimination of certain existing
topics.
 Mathematics Curriculum
for
Secondary School before 1957
• Before WW II (1940), the contents of mathematics taught in
secondary schools were not as one combined subject.
• Instead, it was divided into three major components,
a. arithmetic,
b. algebra and
c. geometry.
• This was due to the fact that Cambridge Examinations
Syndicate introduced Elementary mathematics which
contained those major components as 3 separate examination
papers under the subject of mathematics for overseas
candidates sitting for the Senior Cambridge Examination.
• Changes in the contents of mathematics syllabus were initiated only
after WW II, when Cambridge Examinations Syndicate introduced
Elementary Mathematics as new mathematics subjects for Overseas
School Certificates Examination.
• Topics consisted of Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry
were mixed together as 2 examination papers.
• Another new Math. subject known as Add. Math. was also
introduced at that time.
• This new math. subject covered topics such as coordinate geometry,
calculus and mechanics.
• Student who performed well in Elementary Math. were encourage to
take this new subject.
• Many secondary sch. welcomed the introduction of Elementary
Maths and Add. Maths.
• Consequently, these 2 subjects were offered year after year in
secondary sch. until a new syllabus for Modern Maths was launched
in the 70’s.
TQ!