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New Syllabus for P5 Science: A Comprehensive Overview

Writer's picture: AGrader Learning CentreAGrader Learning Centre

New Syllabus for P5 Science: A Comprehensive Overview

Starting in 2025, the new syllabus for P5 Science will be implemented in primary schools, introducing changes designed to enhance the learning process and make key scientific concepts more accessible to students. This article will break down the modifications, explain the rationale behind them, and provide strategies to help both educators and parents navigate this updated primary science syllabus effectively.


Table of Contents:



Major Updates in the P5 Science Syllabus


Removal of the Topic ‘Cells’


The topic of cells has been officially removed from the science syllabus, sparing students from memorising terms such as "cytoplasm" and "nucleus." Instead, the basic concept of cells will be lightly touched upon in the topic ‘Reproduction of Animals.’ This change reflects an effort to reduce complexity and align with the developmental level of P5 students.


However, students will still learn about the basic concept of cells, and it will be briefly mentioned in the topic ‘Reproduction of Animals’ instead. 


For AGrader students, fret not, as there will be support provided to guide them through this change. In our Basic Build-Up branch of our Everloop programme, there are videos and quizzes that students can watch and do to understand the basic concept of cells. Hence, even though ‘Cells’ will no longer be covered formally in schools, students can still have a clear idea of what cells are and how to apply the knowledge in ‘Reproduction of Animals’.


Modifications in ‘The Water Cycle’


The topic of the water cycle has undergone significant changes:

  • Introduction of graphs: The updated syllabus now includes temperature graphs to illustrate the changes in the states of water during processes like melting and freezing.

  • Simplified water conservation: Instead of detailed methods, students will focus on understanding the importance of conserving water.


These changes aim to provide students with a deeper understanding of states of matter and the relationships between heat and water transformation.

AGrader’s Science worksheets have also been updated to reflect these changes.


For instance, we have included graphs such as the one shown below to demonstrate to students the temperature changes water experiences before, during and after freezing. It is also highlighted that during freezing, temperature remains constant at 0°C as the water state changes from liquid to solid, and that there is a mixture of solid and liquid states. Only after freezing has been fully completed will all the water be in a solid state (ice).

Major Updates in the P5 Science Syllabus

To learn more about the other modifications made to the P5 Science syllabus, refer to the table below, which will concisely show the updates to the syllabus:


Updates According to 2025 P5 Science Textbook

Updates According to 2025 P5 Science Textbook


Topics

Old Syllabus

New Syllabus

Cells (removed)

Cell parts and functions are included

Removal of cells topic but the basic concept of cells appeared in Reproduction in Animals and Plants.

Reproduction in Animals

- Cells are being taught as a separate topic.

- Umbilical cord id mentioned

- Cells are the basic building blocks of life.


- Living things are made up of cells.


- Different cells form different body parts which work together to form a system.


- The word 'Heredity" is not used.


- Umbilical cord is not mentioned.


-Foetel development and the mechanism, of obtaining air, food and water through the umbilical cord are not required.

Reproduction in Plants

- Filament supports the anther


- Dispersal prevents overcrowding and reduces the competition for sunlight, water and minerals (did not mention space)



- Some fruits and seeds for wind dispersal have wring-like structures. (Dd not mention hair-like structures but used the term feathery structure in the diagram)



- A seed needs air, water and a suitable temperature to germinate.



- Did not mention spore capsules in reproduction in non-flowering plants.



-Spores are mainly dispersed by wind. (Water wasn't mentioned)

- Filament holds up the anther.


- Dispersal reduces overcrowding and competition for light mineral salts, water and space


- Some seeds have wing-like or hair-like structures. (replaced feathery structure with hair-like structure)


- When there is sufficient water, oxygen and a suitable temperature, the seeds will germinate.


- Spore capsules are mentioned.


- Spores can be dispersed by water or wind.


- Vegetative propagation methods, such as stem cutting, are not required.


- The use of specific terms ("self-pollination" and "cross-pollination ") to describe the pollination process is not required. (but is shown in textbook)


- Knowledge of the pollen tube formation is not required. (but is shown in the textbook)

Cycles in water

- Did not mention in detail about the states of water during processes like melting, freezing, boiling.


- Did not mention Algae growth in water pollution.


- Mention about water conservation in great detail.

-Usage of graphs to show constant temperature during certain process like melting etc. and also mentioned the mixture of states during the process.


- Mentioned algae growth and how rubbish harms sea creatures.


-Methods of conserving water are no longer mentioned, only briefly mentioned that water has to be conserved.

Plant Transport System

- Water-carrying tubes transport water and minerals from the roots to all parts of the plant.


- When there is a cut, food gets accumulated causing the swell.

- Water-carrying tubes

transport water and mineral salts from the roots to all parts of the plant.


- When there is a cut, food gets stored above the cut causing the swell.


-Recall of the relative positions of water-carrying and food-carrying tubes is not required.


- The use of specific terms (xylem and phloem) is not required.


- The concept of transportation pull is not required.

The Human Respiratory and Circulatory System

- No usage of the term "inhaled"/"exhaled" air


- Pie chart of composition of atmospheric air is shown


-Usage of the term "transport"

- Usage of term, inhaled air and exhaled air


-Pie chart of composition of inhaled and exhaled air is shown.


- Usage of the term "carried" instead.


- Usage of the terms "oxygen-rich" and "carbon dioxide-rich" blood.


-The use of specific terms (xylem, phloem, stomata, artery, vein, capillary) is not required.


- For stomata, the term tiny openings are good enough.


-Detailed Knowledge of respiratory system (e.g., alveoli) and circulatory system (e.g., heart chambers and valves) is not required.

Electrical System

- Usage of the term "Electrical current"

- Usage of the term "Current" instead

Simple Series and Parallel Electric Circuits

- Mentioned the filament melted.


-Usage of the term "bulb" blows

- Did not mention filament melted


- Usage of the term "bulb fuses"


Strategies for Teaching Primary Science

Strategies for Teaching Primary Science


1. Notes with videos


Notes are coupled with videos to make lessons more engaging

 Notes with videos

2. Use of Scaffolding Techniques


Breaking down complex topics into manageable steps helps students build confidence. For example, teaching the water cycle can begin with the basic processes of evaporation and condensation before progressing to temperature changes and the role of heat.

Our worksheets are carefully structured with step-by-step guidance before progressing to more challenging questions, ensuring students develop a strong foundation.


Extracts of worksheets with scaffolding:

Use of Scaffolding Techniques

3. Incorporating Technology


Interactive tools like educational videos, simulations, and quizzes can make topics like the digestive system and electrical systems more engaging. These tools cater to various learning styles, ensuring all students benefit.


  • At AGrader, our Science lessons incorporate experiments to make learning more engaging and help students visualise concepts like electricity in a tangible, hands-on manner!

  • For example, in the newly introduced topic of Electrical Systems in P5, students engage in hands-on activities to enhance their understanding while having fun. They set up their own series and parallel circuits, allowing them to visually compare the brightness of the bulbs and grasp the concepts more effectively.

Incorporating Technology

4. Promoting Inquiry-Based Learning


Encourage students to ask questions and explore answers through experiments. For instance, when teaching plants and animals, students can observe plant growth under different conditions or study animal behaviours through videos and activities.


Promoting Inquiry-Based Learning

The new syllabus for P5 Science represents a positive shift towards a more engaging and effective approach to teaching primary science. By focusing on practical applications, integrating topics, and addressing common challenges, the updated science curriculum aims to equip students with a deeper understanding of the world around them. Whether in the classroom or at home, the collective efforts of educators, parents, and students can make learning primary science an exciting and enriching experience.


The 2025 updates to the P5 Science syllabus represent a significant step forward in creating a more accessible and engaging curriculum for young learners. By simplifying complex topics, introducing practical applications, and encouraging inquiry-based learning, the new syllabus aims to foster a deeper understanding of scientific concepts while sparking curiosity about the world. 


Join Our AGrader Community Today!

Give your child a head start in their Science journey with AGrader Learning Centre Primary Science Programme! Every weekly lesson is thoughtfully curated and meticulously aligned with the latest MOE syllabus, ensuring your child stays ahead in school. With high-quality, in-house worksheets and lessons taught in advance of the school curriculum, our experienced teachers are dedicated to providing the best support for students at all levels, whether they’re in P3-P5 or preparing for their P6/PSLE Science exams.


What truly sets AGrader apart is our EverLoop Modules, which come at no extra cost. These allow students to access additional learning resources from up to three previous levels, giving them a strong foundation and ensuring they master concepts at their own pace. Don’t wait—enrol your child at AGrader Learning Centre today and empower them with the tools to excel in Science and beyond!


Join Our AGrader Community Today! (Free for all AGrader & Non-AGrader students)


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