Similarities and Differences between Secondary 3 Additional Math - G3 and G2 syllabus

Vivienne Kai
4 days ago
3 min read

This blog post has been carefully written and analysed in alignment with the syllabus outlined by the Singapore Ministry of Education (MOE) here.

What is the difference between Secondary 4 Additional Math - G3 and G2 syllabus?

Is your child taking (or about to take) Additional Math in Sec 3? Are you wondering if this is “too hard” or even the right choice?

Many parents share the same worries:

“What exactly is my child learning in Additional Math?”

“Why does it suddenly look so much harder than lower‑sec Math?”

“What is the difference between G2 and G3 Additional Math?”

“If my child takes the ‘harder’ G3 Additional Math syllabus, will it be too stressful?”

“If we choose the G2 Syllabus one, will it close doors for future options?”

If these questions sound familiar, you are not alone.

Many parents have asked Math Lobby what the actual differences are and what students really learn under each track.

Math Lobby has carefully studied both syllabus and prepared a comparison of the similarities and differences between G3 and G2 Additional Math, so you can make a confident and informed decision for your child.

The summary below has been prepared by Math Lobby.

The overall differences between the Secondary 3 Additional Math G3 and G2 syllabus can be summarised as follows:

1. Depth of Topics: G3 syllabus includes all the core topics found in G2 (algebra, trigonometry, coordinate geometry and calculus) but requires a deeper level of understanding and more complex, multi‑step applications, especially in functions, geometry and calculus.

2. Additional Content in G3: G3 introduces extra material not required in G2, such as:

Exponential and logarithmic functions and their graphs, laws of logarithms, change of base and modelling with these functions.
Binomial Theorem and its use in expanding expressions and finding general terms.
Additional coordinate‑geometry skills like transforming non‑linear relations into straight‑line graphs to find constants.
Formal proofs in plane geometry using triangle congruence/similarity and circle theorems.

3.Enhanced Calculus Demands: While both syllabuses include differentiation and integration, G3 extends further into:

Differentiation and integration of a wider range of functions (including trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic forms, and composite functions like (ax+b)n(ax+b)n).
More demanding applications, such as areas below the x‑axis and kinematics problems involving displacement, velocity and acceleration.

4.Greater Emphasis on Proof and Reasoning: G3 places stronger emphasis on formal reasoning, including proving identities and geometric results and handling more abstract algebraic and functional relationships, whereas G2 focuses more on standard techniques and routine applications.

Overall Rigour: Overall, G3 builds directly on the G2 core but is more rigorous and comprehensive, preparing students more strongly for higher‑level mathematics and STEM pathways, while G2 provides a solid but slightly lighter Additional Mathematics track.

Refer to the Appendix 1A for detailed comparisons.

It is crucial to recognize the differences between the G2 and G3 syllabus, which is why we ensure they are not combined in the same class. At Math Lobby, we provide separate classes for G2 and G3 Additional Math tailored to each level. Our teachers are highly knowledgeable about the syllabus, enabling them to effectively address the unique needs of students at both levels.