The PSLE is a mandatory exam that students in Singapore must take after they complete their primary school education (after grade 6, after 12 years). The PSLE Math test is designed to test for mathematical reasoning, fundamental math concepts, and readiness in students entering secondary school. Therefore, the PSLE Math tests in basic concepts and applying logical problem-solving skills across all important mathematical topics such as Geometry, Fraction, Percentages, and more.
The key aim of mathematics education in Singapore is to enable students to:
- acquire and apply mathematical concepts and skills
- develop a mathematical approach to problem-solving
- develop positive attitudes towards mathematics
- develop cognitive and metacognitive skills in mathematics
PSLE Math Syllabus
There are currently nine topics across Numbers and Algebra, Measurements and Geometry and Statistics being tested in the PSLE Maths examinations.
- Geometry
- Whole Numbers
- Data Analysis
- Fractions
- Decimals
- Percentage
- Ratio
- Measurement
- Speed
Refer to the official syllabus from the Ministry of Education, Singapore.
PSLE Math Exam Format
The PSLE Math exam format consists of two written papers with three booklets. Both the papers have to be attempted on the same day, but students get a break between the two papers. The first paper has multiple choice questions and short answer questions, whereas the second paper has short answer questions and long answer questions.
Scoring of the PSLE Mathematics Exam
This examination will use multiple-choice questions (MCQ), short-answer and structured-answer questions. Every student will sit a combined examination duration of 2 hours 30 minutes.
the PSLE Maths examinations has a total of 100 marks, which is then used for the Achievement Level Calculations shown below
The performance on each subject by a student is rated on an 8 point scale (1 being the highest score) called the Achievement Level (AL). Each AL corresponds to specific marks achieved in the test.
The total score is the sum of the AL scores achieved in each of the subjects. The Total PSLE Score is typically between the 4 and 32 mark range, derived from combining scores in four core PSLE subjects.
Sample PSLE Mathematics Exam Questions
PSLE Math Question 1: Easy
PSLE Math Question 2: Moderate
PSLE Math Question 3: Difficult
Preparing for the PSLE Mathematics Exam
PSLE is an important exam that all students and parents should take seriously. So, children should prepare, practice, and persevere for this exam. It is important to start with a good foundation in concepts of the covered math topics and then work your way up to difficult questions. Some of the best practices to prepare are:
- Start having an idea and start thinking about PSLE at least two years before
- Prepare solidly at least one year before the start of the exam
- Improve foundational concept skills in math topics covered on the PSLE
- Do the concepts in various questions
- Develop a sense of time management of the exam
- Develop the skills to not spend too much time on one question
- Use learning gap management tools to fill the concept gaps
- Build the concepts such to enjoy mathematics complexity
- Practise past math papers
If you’d like to have 1:1 tutors of your child for PSLE Mathematics, we would be glad to provide a free trial class to you.
Hope this is useful, thank you.
You may like to read: Everything About the PSLE Exam, Why is the Area of a Circle pi*r^2?, & Why Teach Number Theory to Kids?
