1. What is abacus maths?

A: Abacus (Soroban in Japanese) is an reinvented abacus tool which is used to help students to develop mental arithmetic skills in their 4 fundamental operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division). The program is to train the students to use the power of visualisation and logical thinking skill in order to enable them to perform high speed of calculation. 

​

2. When is the best time for my child to start learning abacus?

A: There is no prescribed age. However, we do have a minimum requirement that the child be of 5 years of age AND be able to write  and recognise numbers without assistance.

 

3. Will learning abacus interfere with my child’s learning method in school?

A: No. It will only complement if not surpass it. Mastering abacus skill enables children to do the mental calculation with greater speed and accuracy, therefore, they can then devote their cognitive skill to mathematical problems that require deeper understanding.

​

4. How is abacus different from Kumon?

A: Abacus teaches children to visualise their calculation by moving the abacus beads and later on visualising these beads mentally. The children can calculate any numbers (addition, subtraction, multiplication & division) mentally using the formulas and methods learnt in class. Kumon is drilling the children by repetition, asking the same questions several times thus when given new numbers, children may struggle to understand. Some children may benefit from one method more than the other.

​

5. My child is already in Grade 3, how can they benefit from learning abacus?

A: They will be able to do the mental calculation with greater speed and accuracy. This skill will help them when doing timed examinations such as NAPLAN, UNSW competition, Scholarship Tests, Select Entry Tests and many others. By having mental calculation as lifetime skill, older children can expand their love for maths by learning more complicated problems. There are also avenues to channel their love for mental arithmetic such as the international grading exams and competitions.

​

6. How is your abacus school different from other abacus schools?

A: Our director is trained under PAMA Global and CMA and our teachers are trained accordingly. We are the only member representing Australia in PAMA Global and is given the privilege to send our students for the annual international abacus competition.

​

7. How big is the class?

A: For kiddo class (4-5yo) has a maximum of 5 students, for achiever class (6yo+) has a maximum of 6 kids. For all our online classes, maximum is 4 kids in one class.

​

8. How do you select your teachers?

A: We hand-picked our teachers, most of whom have teaching experience as abacus teachers, school teachers and tutors. Our teachers are then trained and continue to receive regular training according to the PAMA Global standard.

​

9. Is there any homework?

A: Yes, after each session, students are encouraged to complete the at least 3 days homework (10-20 minutes per day) weekly. This is to reinforce the formulas and methods they learnt that week in class.

​

10. How do I know the progress of my child?

A: Once your child is enrolled with us, you will be given a login to access to our system to check your child’s progress and attendance. In addition, you are always welcome to have a quick chat with the teacher after class.

 

11. How is the fee structure?

A: We offer a very competitive course fee. Please call our friendly staff at 04 069 46 069 to enquire.

​

12. Is there siblings discount?

A: Yes, there is. The second sibling will enjoy 10% on the course fee and the third sibling will receive a 15% discount.

​

13. Is there any exam or competition?

A: Yes, we have both. Following the PAMA Global standard, we conduct international grading exams 2 times a year locally. We also encourage students of level 10 or higher to compete internationally.

​

​