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6 Key Strategies for PSLE: Preparing Your Child for P6 Maths

Updated: Nov 22

Key Strategies for PSLE

Preparing your child for the P6 Maths exam can be a daunting task, especially with the impending Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE). This stage is crucial as it determines your child’s transition into secondary schools. To ensure a smooth journey, it is important to develop effective PSLE preparation strategies that can help your child achieve their desired results. In this guide, we will share essential PSLE maths tips and strategies to prepare your child for the PSLE Maths exam, along with common pitfalls to avoid.


Table of Contents


How to Prepare for the PSLE Math Exam 


1. Review P5 Topics: Fractions, Ratios & Percentages


One of the most important steps in PSLE preparation is revisiting the fundamentals taught in Primary 5. These topics form the bedrock for more complex P6 Math concepts. Your child should have a strong understanding of:


Fractions 

In P5, students learn to multiply fractions. In P6, they move on to the division of fractions, which requires a solid foundation in fraction multiplication.


Example

Dividing a Proper Fraction by a Whole Number using the “Keep–Change–Flip” Method.


“Keep–Change–Flip” Method


Keep: The first fraction stays the same.

Change: Division sign changes to multiplication sign.

Flip: The second fraction is flipped.

How to Prepare for the PSLE Math Exam 

Ratios & Percentages 


These topics are often integrated into complex problem-solving questions in the PSLE Maths exam. Make sure your child understands how to apply these concepts to different types of questions.


If the fundamentals of Primary 5 fraction multiplication are not solid, students will struggle to progress to division.



Mastering New Topics: Algebra, Circles, Pie Charts, Speed & Nets

2. Mastering New Topics: Algebra, Circles, Pie Charts, Speed & Nets


In Primary 6, students are introduced to new topics that are commonly tested in the PSLE Math paper. These include:


  • Algebra: Understanding how to use letters or symbols to represent numbers and solve equations.

  • Circles: Learning about properties such as radius, diameter, circumference, and area.

  • Pie Charts: Interpreting data visually using pie charts.

  • Speed: Calculating speed, distance, and time.

  • Nets: Understanding how 3D shapes can be represented in 2D nets.


These topics are usually covered in the first half of the school year, allowing students time for PSLE revision closer to the exam date.


3. Practise Problem Solving Regularly


One of the best tips to help your child excel in PSLE Maths is consistent practice. Encourage your child to solve a variety of maths problems, including PSLE maths questions from past years’ papers. This will not only build their confidence but also expose them to different types of questions.


Difference Unchanged

Sample question

On an island, there were only penguins and seals. At first, the ratio of the number of penguins to the number of seals on the island was 7 : 1. After 9 baby penguins and 9 baby seals were born, the ratio became 5 : 1.  In the end, how many seals were there on the island?

Practise Problem Solving Regularly

All unchanged (Units & Parts)

Sample question

The ratio of Mr Fang’s money to Mr Chong’s money was 11 : 8. After Mr Fang saved $592 and Mr Chong saved $76, the money Mr Chong had was 25% of the total amount of money the two men had. How much more money did Mr Fang have than Mr Chong at first?



All unchanged (Units & Parts)

Repeated Identity


Sample question

There are blue, pink and green balls in a carton. The ratio of the number of blue balls to pink balls is 2 : 3. The ratio of the number of green balls to the total number of blue and pink balls is 5 : 6. What fractions of the balls in the box are blue balls?


Equal Fractions


Sample question

Abby, Betty and Claire made some necklaces with beads they bought. Abby used her beads, Betty used hers and Claire used hers. Given that they used the same number of beads and they had a total of 1470 beads at first, how many beads did each girl use?


Simultaneous Equations


Sample question

The total cost of 3 watches and 2 hats was $58. The total cost of 2 watches and 5 hats was $46. How much is 1 hat?


Grouping Concept

Sample question

A shopkeeper received $6120 from selling vases and pots. She received $3240 more for the vases than for the pots. 4 times as many vases as pots were sold. Each pot costs $15 more than each vase. How many pots did she sell?


Assumption Method


Sample question

Ken went for a maths challenge where he answered all 30 questions. For each correct answer, he got 6 marks. For each wrong answer, 3 marks were deducted. Ken scored a total of 153 marks. How many wrong answers did he get?


Excess & Shortage


Sample question 

Peter wanted to fill 8 bags equally with sugar but he was short 2.4 kg of sugar. He decided to fill 3 bags instead and had 0.6 kg of sugar left. How many kilograms of sugar did it take to fill a bag?



Develop Strong Reading and Comprehension Skills

4. Develop Strong Reading and Comprehension Skills


One of the most common mistakes students make during the PSLE Maths exam is not thoroughly reading the question. Encourage your child to:


  • Read each question carefully before attempting to solve it.

  • Underline or highlight key information in word problems to avoid missing out on crucial details.

  • Double-check their answers to ensure they match the requirements of the question.


5. Teach Effective Time Management


Good time management is essential during the PSLE Maths paper. Many students struggle with completing the paper on time, especially when faced with difficult problem-solving questions. Here’s how you can help your child:


  • Encourage them to spend time practising under timed conditions.

  • Teach them to allocate their time wisely: spend less time on straightforward questions and leave enough time for challenging ones.

  • Advise them to move on if they are stuck on a particular question and return to it later if time permits.


6. Focus on Common Pitfalls in Maths Exams

Understanding where students commonly go wrong can be beneficial in PSLE preparation. Below are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:


  • Misreading questions: This often leads to incorrect answers, especially in problem-solving questions. Encourage your child to re-read the questions.

  • Not showing their working: Many students lose marks for not clearly writing out their working. Ensure your child knows that they need to show each step to get full credit.

  • Careless mistakes in calculations: These are often made in simpler questions due to overconfidence. Remind your child to check their answers thoroughly.


Teach Effective Time Management

The Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) is a significant milestone in your child’s academic journey. By starting early and using the right strategies, you can prepare your child effectively for the P6 Maths exam. Focus on revising P5 topics, mastering new concepts, and practising problem-solving regularly. With good time management, careful reading of questions, and consistent practice, your child will be well-prepared to tackle the PSLE Maths exam with confidence.


Preparing your child for the PSLE Math exam can be challenging, especially with the complex problem sums and evolving syllabus. That’s where AGrader’s Primary Math Tuition Programme can make a significant difference. Designed for students from Primary 1 to 6, our programme is meticulously aligned with the latest MOE syllabus and leverages powerful techniques like heuristics to build strong problem-solving skills.


 


Teach Effective Time Management

Our experienced tutors empower students to solve up to 90% of challenging Maths problems efficiently, transforming tricky questions into manageable ones. Plus, with our unique EverLoop Improvement System, your child can overcome “academic forgetfulness,” ensuring long-term retention and mastery of concepts.


Don’t let your child struggle through the toughest Maths problems alone. Enrol them in AGrader today and watch them confidently achieve AL 1/2 results. Visit one of our 19 centres islandwide and secure their spot in Singapore’s most effective Maths tuition programme!


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