We tell you why there's no need to worry.
From time to time, the PSLE Maths paper is in the news with people commenting on how tough some of the questions are. So, has Primary Maths become more complex?
How has the Primary Maths curriculum evolved over the years?
The topics that primary school students learn today are the same as those learnt by their parents, but the way they learn has changed due to the changing world we live in.
In the past, there was heavy reliance on memorising to learn – remember how children used to chant multiplication tables? But today, the focus has shifted to the application of mathematical concepts and skills to real-world problems.
Our students start by developing an understanding of numbers, before the fundamentals of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, and then learn to apply them to different contexts appropriate for their age. Students are taught different approaches and higher-order skills to solve various mathematical problems. Our Maths curriculum is designed to equip them with the skills to assess a problem statement and apply the right strategies to solve it.
Teachers typically use the Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract (CPA) approach as children's thinking develops from physical objects they can grasp to visual representation before being able to understand abstract concepts as they grow. Younger students learn through activities and manipulatives (such as physical teaching tools like fraction discs and play money). This supports them in developing a strong foundation in Maths. The Model method in primary school Maths offers young learners a means to develop the fundamentals of algebraic thinking. With the Model method, students learn to represent a problem in a pictorial form, enabling them to visualise problem structures better. In this way, they learn how different quantities are related in a problem and work out the correct solutions. These skills help to bridge the learning of primary and secondary Maths and facilitates the transition to secondary school algebra.
In addition, our teachers may also teach new mathematical concepts through other practical, hands-on activities, providing students with opportunities to practise on their own. Our teachers encourage their students to learn by asking questions, investigating, adapting, or seeking out new strategies to solve problems on their own. All these are research-backed methods of teaching which support our students in acquiring concepts and skills for future learning.
How is the PSLE Maths paper designed and marked?
The PSLE is designed to cater to students of different abilities. The Maths paper, just like the other papers, has a balance of easy, moderate, and challenging questions to assess students' levels of mastery. The paper setters include experienced teachers, curriculum specialists from the Ministry of Education and assessment specialists from Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board. These setters are familiar with the primary school teaching syllabuses and the range of students' abilities in primary schools.
Questions in the paper are carefully designed to be accessible to most students. These questions require students to perform straightforward computations or interpret information and apply mathematical concepts and skills in contexts. A few 'challenging' questions are also included to allow students who can answer them to demonstrate their capabilities. These 'challenging' questions are capped at 15% of the paper, i.e. 15 marks out of 100. This proportion has been maintained over the years so that the standard of the paper is kept consistent.
There is no need to worry if your child cannot solve all the questions in the examination. The paper is designed to offer enough opportunities for your child to show their understanding of the skills they have acquired.
Unless otherwise stated, there is also no fixed method of solving PSLE Maths questions. Students receive marks as long as:
- They have applied the Maths concept correctly through the working, even when the method used is not what they have learnt in schools; and
- Their working is presented in a clear and systematic manner that demonstrates a correct understanding of the problem and solution.
More reasons not to worry about the PSLE
The PSLE is a checkpoint at the end of a child's primary school journey. It provides a snapshot to assess a child's academic profile, as well as learning and progress at this point in their life.
With the PSLE Achievement Level (AL) scoring system, every child's AL reflects his or her own mastery of the subject. Just like it was under the T-score system, there is no bell-curve and no quotas are imposed on the number of students in each AL band. Many students do find the PSLE standards manageable, as their scores are often distributed towards the higher end, with almost 50% of students achieving 75 marks or more (i.e. AL4 or better) for Standard Subjects.
The PSLE result is one consideration in helping children and their parents decide on the next step of the education journey. This could be in choosing a secondary school that would be a good fit for the child's learning needs, strengths, and interests, or a decision to take subjects at either a more or less demanding level, depending on the child's interests and aptitudes1. At the start of Secondary One, for instance, students will offer Maths at a level (G1, G2 or G3) that corresponds to their PSLE performance. This allows them to learn at a suitable pace. If they do well in Maths subsequently, there are multiple junctures throughout secondary school for them to take it at a more demanding level. This flexibility is made possible through the implementation of Full Subject-Based Banding, as part of MOE's ongoing efforts to nurture the joy of learning and develop multiple pathways to cater to our students' different strengths and interests.
As your child grows and progresses through their education journey, there will be many opportunities for them to deepen their strengths or discover new interests. No matter what school your child is in, he or she can be the best that they can be.
Have more questions about primary school Maths? Hear from our teachers: www.schoolbag.edu.sg/story/does-maths-have-to-be-so-difficult
Here are some snapshots of interesting Maths lessons: Ms Yang Yan Qi uses technology and all kinds of gizmos to spark a passion for learning. (https://youtu.be/RzEuOYcExEo?si=IJJxeE3k1K7lYQEz)
In Mr Daniel Chua's class, students are cutting cake and fighting dragons to solve Maths problems. (www.schoolbag.edu.sg/story/pokemon-maths-game-on-says-teacher-who-speaks-his-students-language)
Mr Joel Lim's Maths classes feature drones, puzzles and teddy bears – teaching tools to help students discover much more than answers to sums. (www.schoolbag.edu.sg/story/to-make-kids-love-maths-spark-joy).
In the media:
CNA highlighted the considerations behind the teaching, learning and assessment of Mathematics, and included an interview with MOE Mathematics curriculum specialist Dr Ridzuan Abd Rahim.
Click link to watch: (https://www.channelnewsasia.com/watch/tackling-difficult-psle-math-questions-video-2813716)
Footnotes
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Students are encouraged to consider schools holistically when choosing a secondary school that would be a good fit for their educational needs, strengths and interests. While schools' PSLE Cut-Off Points from the preceding year's Secondary 1 (S1) Posting Exercise can serve as a reference, students should consider factors such as school culture, distinctive programmes, subject offerings, and Co-Curricular Activities when making their school choices.