Preparing for the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) can be daunting, but with the right strategies, your child can excel. Here are five essential tips to help them score high.
1. Know Your Fundamentals
A solid grasp of the fundamentals is crucial. Ensure your child understands key concepts such as formulas, converting fractions to percentages, and measurements (e.g., milliliters to liters). Many students lose marks because they overlook these basics, especially in Problem Sums where conversion is often the final step.
Parents’ Insights:
P1 Math: No calculator is allowed, and the paper lasts for one hour. For home practice, allocate 45 minutes for solving and 15 minutes for a detailed review. If your child struggles to meet the time limit, continue practicing until August.
- To aim for AL1 or AL2, your child should score above 40 out of 45.
- If the score is below 38, focus on improving Paper 1 skills by finding practice papers and revisiting P5 SA2 papers.
Science: Concentrate on mastering Booklet A skills. Your child should effectively manage their time, aiming for 50 marks out of 56 across 28 questions in Paper 1 to ensure they have enough time for Paper 2.
To excel in Science Booklet B, maximize marks in Booklet A and tackle Open-Ended questions. We have programs in place to address the various components of the exam.
In Math, there is a break before Paper 2; however, Science has no break, so it’s important for your child to develop strong time management skills. It is also encouraged to let students learn and memorise definitions.
2. Start to Plan
Planning is key to success. Help your child organize their time by scheduling daily, weekly, monthly, and termly tasks. Balance academics with extracurricular activities, family time, and personal downtime. This structure will enable them to manage their workload efficiently and reduce stress.
3. Practice Makes Perfect (PMP)
Consistent practice is essential, but it’s not just about completing new assessments. Focus on understanding mistakes. Ask questions like: What caused the error? Was it a reading issue? Encourage your child to revisit papers, analyze their answering techniques, and track improvements over time.
Utilize resources like flashcards for visual questions and leverage comprehensive study guides. Repetition of the same material can deepen understanding and retention, making practice more effective.
4. Time Management
Time management should be taught early in daily life. Help your child learn to allocate their time wisely, both during their studies and in exams. This includes setting aside periods for focused study, ensuring they practice under timed conditions.
Address distractions, such as smartphones, and encourage a balanced mix of topical practice and test papers to strengthen their understanding of weaker areas.
5. Review and Learn from Mistakes
Encourage your child to check their work thoroughly. In Math, they should ideally review their answers twice to catch careless mistakes. Teach them a systematic approach: complete a question, note the answer, and then double-check it. For Science, ensure they understand the technical requirements for Open-Ended Questions (OAS) to minimize errors.
To Wrap It Up
As PSLE becomes more competitive, consistency and early preparation are vital for success. Focus on building strong foundational skills, effective time management, and thorough review processes. With dedication and the right strategies, your child can achieve excellent academic scores and thrive in their educational journey.
Truth or False?
- Is PSLE Math getting harder?
Yes, it now emphasizes critical thinking over rote memorization.
- Are calculators beneficial?
While useful, strong mental calculation skills can lead to quicker problem-solving in exams.
- Are MCQs in Paper 1 straightforward?
Not always, students must think critically to excel, even in seemingly simple questions.
By implementing these tips, you’ll help your child navigate their PSLE preparations with confidence and skill.
Read More: Do’s and Don’ts for Math and Science PSLE