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.
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.
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?
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?
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?
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.
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.
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