Primary Math Syllabus Changes to Look Out For in 2017
Certain changes would be made to the PSLE Mathematics syllabus requirements with effect from 2018. This means those who are in Primary 5 this year would be the first batch to be affected. The key changes (certain minor changes are not shown) are listed below.
Changes in Primary 3 Syllabus
Students will now have to learn how to construct parallel and perpendicular lines using a set square and a ruler (Ref 1). Previously this was taught in Primary 4.
Ref 1
Changes in Primary 4 Syllabus
As stated, construction of parallel and perpendicular lines using a set square and a ruler would be shifted to the Primary 3 syllabus. Tessellations have been completely removed from the syllabus (Ref 2). Instead, students are expected to know how to draw rectangles and squares within a grid and manipulate the orientation of the shape (Ref 3). Multiplication of fractions to whole numbers has been shifted to Primary 5.
Ref 2
Ref 3
Changes in Primary 5 Syllabus
Students are no longer required to learn division of fractions in Primary 5. New additions include the calculation of rate (Ref 4), as well as drawing different perspectives of 3D solids against a dotted background (Ref 5).
Ref 4
If 3 men take 9 hours to complete a task, how many hours do 6 men take?
Ref 5
Changes in Primary 6 Syllabus
Since the change in syllabus does not affect the Primary 6 students this year, changes to the Primary 6 syllabus will only be revealed next year.
Changes in Presentation
Arrows — Percentages and Rate
The examination board has revealed certain standards in the presentation of mathematical workings that should be adhered to. They mainly involve the use of arrows vs equal signs.
Use arrows to express workings when doing questions involving percentage (Ref 6) and rate (Ref 7). Arrows are not allowed in other situations.
Ref 6: Percentage
Ref 7: Rate
Equal signs: Units
Use equal signs to express values when doing questions involving units (Ref 8). The word ‘unit’ must be spelt fully instead of using the letter ‘u’ as representation.
Ref 8: Units
Changes in Assessment Objectives
There is a shift of focus in the assessment objectives to applied learning, which involves real life examples.
Changes in Exam Format
There have only been minor changes made to the score breakdown of the math paper. Basically, the weight assigned to short answer questions of paper 1 has increased at the expense of paper 2 structured questions. The duration of each segment has also been altered correspondingly. The full score remains the same as shown in the table below.
Primary Math Syllabus Changes
It is crucial to take note of the changes detailed above. The knowledge of these changes in the examination requirements would guide you in helping your child to prepare effectively for his examination. In addition, you can inform your child to take note of the way he is to present his workings so as not to lose any marks unnecessarily.
Do take note there are some changes to PSLE Science starting this year.
Originally published at schoolplus.com.sg on February 24, 2017.
