Beyond the Formula: Our Journey Through DSA Mathematics

Written by: Kong Qinghang (4i1, 2026) and Li Wenyao (4i1, 2026)

Back in 2023, both of us entered Hwa Chong through the Direct School Admission (DSA) exercise under the Mathematics category. Four years on, we would like to share some reflections on our journey — the ways in which we have grown as learners, the skills we have developed, and the opportunities that have shaped our experience.

DSA students specialising in Mathematics attend a dedicated “pull-out” class, where the curriculum is accelerated and extends beyond the standard syllabus to encompass a broader range of advanced topics. More importantly, however, the pull-out programme encourages us to venture beyond what is required, explore mathematical ideas more deeply, and continually challenge ourselves.

This approach has greatly enriched our learning, particularly under the guidance of our teacher, Mr Chen Zenghui. While memorising formulae, completing practice questions diligently and performing well in examinations are naturally important, Mr Chen constantly reminds us that mathematics is about much more than arriving at the correct answer. He encourages us to understand the reasoning behind formulae, question the assumptions underlying familiar methods and look more deeply into the problems we encounter. Rather than being satisfied with simply meeting the requirements of the curriculum, we are encouraged to ask why things work and whether there might be another way of approaching a problem.

Our lessons are also highly collaborative. Being surrounded by classmates who share a genuine passion for mathematics has created an environment in which we can learn from one another. Each of us has different strengths and different ways of approaching mathematical ideas, making discussions especially valuable. Whether we are working on algebra, calculus or geometry, someone may see a connection or discover an approach that the rest of us had not considered. Through these exchanges, mathematics becomes not simply an individual pursuit, but a shared process of discovery. This spirit of learning together is something we deeply appreciate.

Beyond our Mathematics lessons, Hwa Chong provides many opportunities for students interested not only in Mathematics, but also in Science, Informatics and Technology. One such avenue is the Science and Mathematics Talent Programme (SMTP), which students may apply for at the end of Secondary Two and continue through Upper Secondary.

Through SMTP, students are encouraged to remain curious about different areas of STEM. Opportunities include participating in Science and Mathematics Olympiads, attending lectures by distinguished professors and Hwa Chong alumni, and undertaking STEM-related projects.

One experience we particularly enjoyed was taking part in the Singapore Mathematical Olympiad (SMO). Olympiad problems often require us to apply familiar mathematical ideas in unfamiliar situations. Preparing for the competition strengthened our problem-solving and logical reasoning skills while teaching us to persevere when faced with questions that do not have immediately obvious solutions.

Just as importantly, preparing with our classmates allowed us to compare different approaches to the same problem. Sometimes, a solution that initially appears lengthy can be transformed by a clever observation; at other times, several seemingly different methods reveal the same underlying mathematical principle. These discussions have taught us that solving a problem is not only about reaching an answer, but also about appreciating the elegance and variety of mathematical thinking.

Another memorable opportunity for several of our classmates was a research collaboration with Gyeonggi Science High School for the Gifted in South Korea. In 2026, four of our friends participated in the exchange, working alongside Korean students to investigate the mathematical patterns underlying the game 2048.

Using simulations and a range of mathematical techniques, they explored the problem before presenting their findings to a panel of teachers from both schools. Beyond the research itself, the exchange gave them the opportunity to interact with students from another country and discover how the same mathematical problem could be viewed from different perspectives.

Hearing about their experience reminded us that the opportunities arising from the Mathematics pull-out programme can extend far beyond the classroom. Mathematics can become a means of research, collaboration and even cross-cultural exchange, allowing students to apply what they have learnt in new and meaningful contexts.

Collectively, these experiences have exposed us to the much wider world of Science and Mathematics. They have sparked our curiosity, broadened our understanding of what studying Mathematics can involve and helped us think more carefully about the directions we may wish to pursue in the future.

Looking back on our four years at Hwa Chong, we realise that the DSA Mathematics programme has taught us lessons that extend beyond Mathematics itself. We have learnt to approach difficult problems with curiosity, to value the reasoning behind ideas rather than simply accept them, to persevere when solutions are not immediately apparent and to learn from the people around us.

Most importantly, we have come to see Mathematics not simply as a subject defined by formulae and examinations, but as a way of thinking — one that rewards curiosity, creativity and persistence.

We are grateful to our teachers, friends and the school for the many opportunities that have shaped our perspectives over the past four years. As we move on to the next stage of our journey, we hope to carry with us the same curiosity, openness to new ideas and willingness to challenge ourselves, wherever our interests may take us.