Changes in MOE curriculum (2021 Primary Math Syllabus)
The 2021 primary school mathematics syllabus in Singapore involves moving some topics to earlier level to lighten the load in upper primary and ensure a more gradual learning curve. Key changes include introducing 12-hour/24-hour time in Primary 3 (from P4) and pie charts/nets of solids in Primary 4 (moved from P6). Topics like ratio and average were moved from P5 to P6, while speed was removed from the primary syllabus to be taught in secondary school.
Note : The 2021 primary Mathematics syllabus will be applicable to P6 from 2026 onwards.
Key curriculum changes
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Primary 3: The 12-hour/24-hour time topic has been moved from Primary 4 to Primary 3.
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Primary 4: Pie charts and nets of solids are now introduced in Primary 4 instead of Primary 6. The topics of Turns and the 8-point Compass have been removed.
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Primary 5: The curriculum content is lighter, with more focus on foundational skills like fractions, decimals, and percentages.
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Primary 6: Average and Ratio have been moved from Primary 5 to Primary 6.
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Removed topics:
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Speed (moved to Secondary 1)
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Turns and 8-point Compass (removed from the primary syllabus)
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Rationale for the changes
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Smoother learning curve: The changes aim to provide a more gradual and balanced learning experience for students across different primary school levels.
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Reduced cognitive load: Moving certain topics to lower levels aims to lighten the content in the upper primary years, particularly for Primary 5, to allow more time to focus on existing abstract topics.
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Stronger foundation: Introducing concepts like pie charts and nets earlier is intended to give students more time to develop data analysis and visualization skills before secondary school.
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Alignment with secondary school: The adjustments help align the primary curriculum more closely with the secondary school mathematics curriculum, ensuring a smoother transition for students.
Testimonials
Mother of Kimberly from Maha Bodhi School
I have been thinking why didn’t I know you earlier, Kimberly would then have a much better foundation now. But I still feel lucky to have you to coach her for her PSLE. You are the only teacher she can understand after 3 tutors before you. We immediately see significant results of improvement after a short period of time. Thank you for your GREAT HELP.
Father of JK from Opera Estate Primary School.
Ms Chan, today is the last day of JK’s lesson with you after all these years before his PSLE. I want to thank you for your patience, dedication and you always goes the extra mile to ensure that he is well prepared for his exams. Your ability to breakdown complex questions with clear explanation of concepts really makes a difference. Highly recommended to anxious parents who want to help their children in Maths/Science.
Mother of Ryan from ACS Primary School
I have to thank you for tutoring my son, Ryan, and taught him the more advanced stuff. He truly benefitted from your teachings. As a result he had gotten into GEP. It’s unbelievable when he told me that he got in. We all are so happy.
Mother of Sabrina from Fengshan Primary School.
Ms Chan, I want to say that your teachings has given the much needed boast of confidence to Sabrina in her Math. She was once struggling with Math before you coaching her. She now would face Math with confidence, no more fear. We are pleased with your teachings and has seen Sabrina’s progress. We are so grateful for your help and really can’t thanks you enough.
Mother of Karise from Tao Nan School
Primary 5 and 6 are the challenging years for most parents with primary school kids. As a mother, I am often anxious and worry for my daughter, Karise. She is a good student but her results are not showing. Ms Chan is always so assuring and encouraging. With her teachings, I have seen our daughter’s math improved term by term, especially in solving word problems.
As a result, she eventually got an A in her PSLE. I’ll not hesitate to recommend parents to Ms Chan.
Mother of Liam of Yu Neng Primary School
After receiving another disappointing score of 54 (AL 6) in Math, we knew that our P5 son, Liam, needed the extra help in his Math. We were recommended by one of our relatives whose daughter was under Ms Chan’s tuition. Under Ms Chan's teachings, not only his marks dramatically improved to an 80 range (AL2-AL3) in P6, but more importantly, he no longer “hated” Math. Ms Chan taught him more effective problem-solving techniques to tackle word problems. Now, our daughter is also under Ms Chan’s tuition since she was P4. We are so thankful for having Ms Chan to teach our kids.
