Sierra Leone JSS3 Syllabus - Mathematics

This syllabus outlines the curriculum for Mathematics at the Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3) level in Sierra Leone. It covers various topics across different mathematical strands, aiming to equip students with fundamental mathematical knowledge and problem-solving skills. The syllabus is designed to be child-centered, encouraging active participation through classroom activities, discussions, and demonstrations. The content is presented in a clear and accessible manner, avoiding complex jargon and emphasizing understanding of key concepts. Self-assessment and peer assessment are encouraged to promote a deeper understanding of the material. The syllabus also suggests the use of online resources for further learning, where available.

Numbers and Numeration

• Set Language and Notation: This unit introduces the concept of sets, elements, and set notation. Students learn to identify elements within a set and use appropriate symbols to represent sets and their relationships.
• Basic Concepts and Types of Sets: This unit explores different types of sets, including finite sets, infinite sets, null sets, universal sets, and equivalent sets. Students learn to differentiate between these set types and apply key terms to solve set-related problems.
• Describing and Writing Sets: This unit focuses on describing sets using different properties of numbers, such as even numbers, odd numbers, prime numbers, whole numbers, natural numbers, integers, and square numbers.
• Venn Diagrams: This unit introduces Venn diagrams as a visual tool for representing sets and their relationships. Students learn to use Venn diagrams to solve simple set problems involving union, intersection, and complement.
• Identification of Number System (Base) Used by Different Cultures: This unit explores different number systems used by various cultures, including the base-10 system, Roman numerals, and other local number systems in Sierra Leone.
• Number Base: This unit covers the concept of number bases and conversion between different bases. Students learn to convert numbers from one base to another, including base-10.
• Laws of Indices: This unit introduces the laws of indices, including the multiplication and division rules. Students learn to apply these rules to simplify expressions involving indices.
• Properties of Indices: This unit explores the properties of indices, including positive, negative, and fractional indices. Students learn to apply these properties to solve problems.
• Standard Form: This unit covers the use of standard form to represent large and small numbers using index notation. Students learn to convert numbers to and from standard form.
• Everyday Arithmetic: This unit focuses on applying the four basic arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) to solve word problems. The concept of BIDMAS/BODMAS is introduced to guide the order of operations.
• Percentages: This unit covers the concept of percentages and their applications in various contexts, including profit and loss, discounts, and percentage increase/decrease. Students learn to convert between fractions, decimals, and percentages.
• Simple Interest: This unit introduces the concept of simple interest and its calculation. Students learn to calculate simple interest, principal, rate, and time using the appropriate formulas.
• Compound Interest: This unit covers the concept of compound interest and its calculation. Students learn to calculate compound interest over a number of years.
• Exchange Rates, Money: This unit introduces the concept of exchange rates and their application in currency conversion. Students learn to convert between different currencies using given exchange rates.

Measurement and Estimation

• Review of Areas and Perimeters of Triangles and Quadrilaterals: This unit reviews the formulas for calculating the area and perimeter of various 2D shapes, including squares, rectangles, parallelograms, rhombuses, trapeziums, and different types of triangles.
• Areas and Circumference of Circles: This unit covers the formulas for calculating the area and circumference of circles. Students learn to use the value of pi (π) in these calculations.
• Volumes and Surfaces of 3D Shapes: Triangular Prisms, Cuboids, and Cubes: This unit introduces the concept of volume and surface area for 3D shapes. Students learn to calculate the volume and surface area of cuboids, cubes, and other prisms.

Geometry

• Geometrical Constructions: This unit covers basic geometrical constructions, including bisecting lines and angles, and constructing specific angles (e.g., 30°, 90°).
• Pythagoras Theorem: This unit introduces the Pythagoras theorem and its application in calculating the lengths of sides in right-angled triangles.
• Congruency Triangles: This unit explores the concept of congruent triangles and the conditions for congruency (SSS, SAS, ASA, RHS).

Money and Use

• Money and Use: This unit focuses on practical applications of money in everyday situations, including calculations involving purchases, sales, and budgeting.

Trigonometric Ratios (Fractions)

• Trigonometry Ratios: This unit introduces the basic trigonometric ratios (sine, cosine, tangent) in right-angled triangles. Students learn to calculate missing sides and angles using these ratios.

Algebra

• Algebra: This unit covers basic algebraic concepts, including simplifying expressions by collecting like terms, expanding brackets, and factorizing.
• Linear Equations: This unit focuses on solving linear equations with one variable.
• Change of Subject and Substitution: This unit covers changing the subject of a formula and substituting values into formulas.
• Quadratic Equations: This unit introduces quadratic equations and methods for solving them (e.g., factorization).
• Inequality: This unit covers solving and representing inequalities on a number line.

Statistics and Probability

• Collection and Presentation of Data: This unit covers methods for collecting and presenting data, including frequency tables, pictograms, bar charts, and pie charts. Calculations of mean, median, mode, and range are also included.
• Probability: This unit introduces the concept of probability and its calculation. Students learn to calculate the probability of simple events.
• Internet Skills: This unit emphasizes the use of internet resources for learning mathematics, suggesting relevant websites and online platforms.