Preparing Your Child For PSLE MATHEMATICS 2015

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• Purpose of the examination

• Topics to be tested

• Examination Format

• Assessment Objectives

• Problem-solving Strategies • Programmes to help our pupils • SEAB and MOE websites

The purpose of the Mathematics examination is to assess pupils’ attainment in Mathematics at the end of primary education with respect to the objectives of the Primary Mathematics Curriculum

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Standard Mathematics:

• Numbers

(Whole Numbers, Fractions, Decimals)

• Measurement

• Data Analysis

• Geometry

• Rate, Ratio, Percentage

• Speed

• Algebra

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Duration of Paper

The time allocation for the paper is 2 hours 30 minutes

Paper 1

• Consists of Booklets A & B.

• Pupils are required to complete BOTH booklets.

• The use of calculators is not allowed.

Paper 2

• Pupils are to show all working clearly.

This helps them in their thought processes

when solving problems.

• The use of calculators is allowed.

PSLE STANDARD MATHEMATICS FORMAT 2015

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Paper Booklet Item Type No. of

questions

No. of

marks

Weighting Duration

1 A MCQ 10 1 10% 50min

5 2 10%

B Short Answer

Qn 10 1 10%

5 2 10%

2 Short Answer

Qn 5 2 10% 1h 40min

Structured Qn 13 3, 4, 5 50%

TOTAL: 48 100% 2h 30min

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Pupils should be able to:

Recall specific mathematical

facts, concepts, rules and formulae, and to perform straightforward computations. (Knowledge)

Pupils should be able to:

Interpret data and use mathematical concepts, rules or formulae to solve routine or familiar mathematical problems. (Comprehension)

Pupils should be able to:

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Analyse data and/or apply mathematical concepts, rules or formulae in a complex situation, and to solve unfamiliar problems. (Application & Analysis)

• Draw a model

• Draw a diagram

• Make a list

• Guess and Check

• Make a Table

• Look for a pattern

• Working Backwards

• Logical Reasoning

• Pupils should use the ‘model’ method or any of the strategies taught to solve problems

• Pupils must show the working steps clearly as marks are awarded for correct methods

• Read the questions carefully S

• Underline the important information in short phrases or sentences T

• Transfer information read to model A

• Put in ? to represent answer to be found

• Use the unitary method where possible

• Relook at the solution to check for transfer error R

The 5 key competencies in solving challenging problems

•Visualization

•Number Sense

•Metacognition

•Communication

•Patterns 13

An example: Visual - Spatial

The learning of Mathematics for PSLE

• CLASS PRACTICE

• LESSON ASSESSMENT

• HOME PRACTICE

• REVISION SYSTEM

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• Questions by topics / concepts

• Categorises questions by types- problems of the same types have similar solution approaches and concepts

• Pupils can learn how to solve complex problem sum according to methods learned

• Pupils will be progressively exposed to different type of questions in different complexity. All categorized according to the topics/concepts given. Students learn extremely well under this systematic approach.

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CLASS PRACTICE

Some Strategies for Pupils

• Try to do as you read the problems. Do not wait till the end of the question to try to do something

• Try to draw when you do not get what the question is getting at. Diagrams such as models are very useful

• Do more mental computation when practising Paper 1

• Should not spend too much time on any one question

Parents can encourage your child • to set his/her goals and make a commitment

to be consistent • to read ahead of the lesson • to complete homework on time • to stay positive even if he/she cannot solve

the question • to develop a positive attitude towards

learning Maths. Achievers in Maths are made; not born

• to understand and see how every topic is linked to what he/she already knows

Parents can help pupils to…

• Set aside at least one hour/30 minutes per day to revise and practise

• Have time for exercise and short play so as to relax and stay healthy

• Catch Up Maths (CUM) – Focus group teaching

• Before School Speed Test Programme

• Maths Examination Conditioning Exercise to expose pupils to past year papers under examination condition

• Weekly Remediation/Supplementary Programme

• Mathematics Olympiad training for selected pupils to ace in Maths

• Maths enrichment programme in Term 2/3 to equip pupils with more advance techniques to tackle P.S.L.E. type questions

PSLE information can be obtained from:

http://seab.gov.sg/psle/pslePublications.html

Maths syllabuses can be obtained from:

http://www.moe.gov.sg/cpdd/syllabuses.html