In my opinion, Additional Mathematics is the 2nd most important subject a student can take at O level. English is definitely the most important without a doubt. Additional Mathematics is a close 2nd for many reasons I can think of. There is close synergy between Elementary Mathematics, Additional Mathematics and Physics. Time spent practising Additional Mathematics help your Elementary Mathematics and to a certain extent, Physics. This is why a student who take only Elementary Mathematics will find it practically impossible to score an A1. How are you going to score an A1 while a third of your rivals ( this estimate already exclude those who dropped A Maths) does double the workload in mathematical practise and have a deeper and more extensive understanding of the subject matter? Of course there are the exceptions but you know I know these guys are either very smart (a waste not to take A Maths then) or very hardworking (not economic to spend so much time for just a single A1 when the effort could lead to double A1 in my opinion).
If you go to poly, no matter engineering or business courses... you will either need to take engineering maths or statistics... and the lack of Additional Mathematics background is a disadvantage when you are competing with others for GPA.
If you go to JC, ah well you have to take H1 Maths which is equal to Additional Mathematics but tougher and does not count toward university entry scores except as a entry requirement... but you have to pass it. An Additional Mathematics pass exempt you from H1 Maths.
So tell me... can you think of a subject which is more important than Additional Mathematics other than English?
