<![CDATA[PSLE - New Format for Maths]]>Hi,


For those parents who have children Primary 6 & below presently.

Are you aware that there are changes to the PSLE Maths? Namely the use of Calculators?

After attending a conference at my son’s school over the last 2 weeks, who is in Primary 6 this year, I realised that there are much changes to the PSLE papers.

The emphasis has been moved to differentiate students who know WHY and NOT just HOW to do the questions.

There were uproar of some of the questions of PSLE in maths papers 2 years back.

Any comments?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/2791/psle-new-format-for-mathsRSS for NodeSat, 18 Apr 2026 21:28:25 GMTMon, 20 Apr 2009 08:30:00 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to PSLE - New Format for Maths on Thu, 09 Oct 2014 09:17:54 GMT]]>can someone pls post a question?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1396504https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1396504Thu, 09 Oct 2014 09:17:54 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to PSLE - New Format for Maths on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 01:25:38 GMT]]>

VitoRelax:
Can explain again how to derive that AD=AC=AB ?


Did the question said that it is the radii of an arc ?

You said it is given ? Can confirm the question actually say that ?

Thanks
Anyone ?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/90102https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/90102Fri, 18 Dec 2009 01:25:38 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to PSLE - New Format for Maths on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:21:59 GMT]]>

karmeleon:
Bl8de:

[quote=\"happypoppy\"]Hi Bl8de,


It was given in the question that AD = AC = AB.

Since AC is perpendicular to BD, AC = KL (which in turn) = LM (as this is a square) = BD (question states that ML and BD are parallel).

Once it has been established that BD = AD = AB, triangle ADB is essentially an equilateral triangle. Therefore angle DAB = 60 degrees and angle DAC = 60 degrees / 2 = 30 degrees.

In view that triangle DAC is an isosceles triangle, angle b = 75 degrees and the required angle DCB = 75 degrees x 2 = 150 degrees.
.

Did the question state that i is a square? Because I still dont see why KL = LM. There is no specific evidence for that.

Yes, it says it's a SQUARE.

I also can't see how \" AD = AC = AB \"[/quote]Can explain again how to derive that AD=AC=AB ?

Did the question said that it is the radii of an arc ?

You said it is given ? Can confirm the question actually say that ?

Thanks

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/89962https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/89962Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:21:59 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to PSLE - New Format for Maths on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:20:14 GMT]]>

chk707:
Y r all the threads dead... :?

results are out, majority of my students get A/A*, it has shown that the Maths paper is not that bad after all. No more worries, so parents can move on and the thread quieten down thus. 😄

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87409https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87409Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:20:14 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to PSLE - New Format for Maths on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 07:40:00 GMT]]>Y r all the threads dead... :?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87019https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/87019Wed, 09 Dec 2009 07:40:00 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to PSLE - New Format for Maths on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:45:58 GMT]]>Mine got curry puff question wrong due to carelessness. He only knew the 1st step for the angle, ie. equilateral triangle and couldn't see the isosceles angles. Last sweets question, can't do cos he got the ratio mixed up and thought something's wrong with the question. It didn't appear to him that he might have misread the question. :x He was confident that he did well for the rest of the paper and got the other questions that appeared/debated correct. Never doubted that he would get the A* though he lost about 12 marks for these 3 questions. 😉

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/83415https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/83415Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:45:58 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to PSLE - New Format for Maths on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:27:09 GMT]]>Just to share. My son, after psle maths paper, counted loss of at least 11 marks…prob more but I stopped him from checking further. In the end, he still got his A*.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/83341https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/83341Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:27:09 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to PSLE - New Format for Maths on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:50:33 GMT]]>It didn’t happen for some…those expected to get A* actually didn’t. I was told that the no of A* may have dropped this year.


Also,i think science was actually a harder paper than Maths this year. Kids didn’t realise it because it’s a subject that answers are not so clear cut…

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/83315https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/83315Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:50:33 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to PSLE - New Format for Maths on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 05:10:48 GMT]]>My DS3 classmates scored what is expected except for a few shocking (both good and bad) results. This means, more or less what they have got for their prelim. It also seems that all of them got the A* for Maths which they worked very hard for despite the earlier saga. :lol:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/83098https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/83098Mon, 30 Nov 2009 05:10:48 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to PSLE - New Format for Maths on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 03:33:07 GMT]]>Most of my students get A*/A for PSLE Maths, this exam is fair.


Most of them also get A/A* for PSLE Science. Conclusion is that it is easy to get A/A* for Maths and Science as long as the student is diligent and has someone to teach him the right things.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/83042https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/83042Mon, 30 Nov 2009 03:33:07 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to PSLE - New Format for Maths on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:55:08 GMT]]>can algebra be used in current PSLE Maths.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/74443https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/74443Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:55:08 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to PSLE - New Format for Maths on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:35:14 GMT]]>Channel 8's drama serial \"Daddy At Home\" last night spurred this analogy...


I imagined a number problem departing from \"Peanuts and Candies\" to teach kids about wealth management:

In 2008, The Economist reported that Morgan Stanley had estimated the Singapore Government Investment Corporation (GIC) fund's assets to be at US$330 billion. Wall Street Journal reported that the GIC suffered a loss of around 59 billion Singapore dollars in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009, and its portfolio currently stands at around S$265 billion after drops in equity investments and property valuations.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_of_Singapore_Investment_Corporation The Singapore National Research Foundation (NRF) under the charge of http://www.singaporebudget.gov.sg/expenditure_overview/pmo.html typically awards university research projects at S$2 million each. If both Morgan Stanley and Wall Street Journal estimations/reports are accurate, find the total number of local university research projects that can otherwise be funded by the GIC's loss starting from 2008.

Or more elementary -

Last year, the Sing family had $450,000 in foreign investments for retirement and household development. Unfortunately this year, it lost 40% in the foreign stocks market. If the Sings are affording public education for children at $2 per student, how many more schooling kids could it have had if the head of family cashed out earlier on the market?


Disclaimer: Just food for thought from all over the internet in a hypothesis, no presumption or endorsement of facts and figures on the author's part to construe misrepresentation and malice.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/71853https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/71853Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:35:14 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to PSLE - New Format for Maths on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 03:30:56 GMT]]>

tutormum:
I agree totally. I have sent in numerous complaints, suggestions etc and see things done. 😉 If nothing is done, I even send a copy to my MP and get immediate response. :lol: It's just a myth that you be black marked. How to make them improve their services if we don't feedback. :heresmyfish:

Hi Tam and Tutormum, the simpler cases may take a simpler route towards plaintiff's satisfaction, however there are the more complex situations that require case studies and extraordinary hearings. It is the lack of convenient / public access to these that increases the risk of unilateralism and group-think - a phenomenon whereby decisions are reached without sufficient deliberation of issues / ideas.

In short, feedback, complaints and suggestions alone are barely enough for arresting some of our (national) problems.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/70684https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/70684Tue, 03 Nov 2009 03:30:56 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to PSLE - New Format for Maths on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 03:10:06 GMT]]>

tamarind:
Singaporeans generally are afraid to complain, because they believe that the authorities will be able to track them down and later make life difficult for them 😉


Actually there is no need to worry. MOE does not require us to send in our real name and IC number. I sent in using my gmail account and got a prompt reply from them. They probably can still track me down using my IP address, but I am not worried about that, because I am asking a valid question.

I have also sent emails to SGH, MOM and LTA. In the case of SGH, they even admitted to their mistake and got the relevant nursing staff to call me and apologize to me. And they promised to make improvements to their work process.

I believe that the government will take action to make changes if they receive enough complains about a problem.
I agree totally. I have sent in numerous complaints, suggestions etc and see things done. 😉 If nothing is done, I even send a copy to my MP and get immediate response. :lol: It's just a myth that you be black marked. How to make them improve their services if we don't feedback. :heresmyfish:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/70678https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/70678Tue, 03 Nov 2009 03:10:06 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to PSLE - New Format for Maths on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 02:19:34 GMT]]>Hi Joy,

Yes that is really stressful ! I don't think I will be able to keep quiet about it, I will probably email the principal 😉

I would ask the principal : \"Do you want to produce future Einsteins, Bill Gates, etc or do you want to produce workers who only know how to follow instructions ?\"

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/70645https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/70645Tue, 03 Nov 2009 02:19:34 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to PSLE - New Format for Maths on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 02:17:37 GMT]]>Hi Tam


This is exactly what happen to my dd.

She got back her math paper yesterday and mostly fault on presentation just cos her way of presentating is different from answer keys.

Quite stress for kids cos they are trying hard to solve the math n at the same time get so paranoid about presentation...I saw my girl paper,poor presentation.

I just smiled and tell her its ok, go and find out what your teacher wants.


rgds
Joy

tamarind:
Hi Joy,
The problem is that not all teachers are good. There are teachers who do not understand MOE's guidelines. I heard that there are many relief teachers nowadays, they are probably going to make things worst.

What worries me is not the loss of marks, but the fact that kids end up losing their creativity and their abilities to think out the box, because they must follow the teacher's marking scheme.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/70642https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/70642Tue, 03 Nov 2009 02:17:37 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to PSLE - New Format for Maths on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 02:15:51 GMT]]>

Rason:

More open and targeted protocols have to be in place to bridge the gap between government and populace for policy review and recourse - that's my ultimate recommendation.
Singaporeans generally are afraid to complain, because they believe that the authorities will be able to track them down and later make life difficult for them 😉

Actually there is no need to worry. MOE does not require us to send in our real name and IC number. I sent in using my gmail account and got a prompt reply from them. They probably can still track me down using my IP address, but I am not worried about that, because I am asking a valid question.

I have also sent emails to SGH, MOM and LTA. In the case of SGH, they even admitted to their mistake and got the relevant nursing staff to call me and apologize to me. And they promised to make improvements to their work process.

I believe that the government will take action to make changes if they receive enough complains about a problem.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/70639https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/70639Tue, 03 Nov 2009 02:15:51 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to PSLE - New Format for Maths on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 02:07:22 GMT]]>[quote]
Hi Tam

I like the answer that MOE replied.

Unfortunately in DD school at p4 level, they will deduct presentation marks or preposition not written correctly even the whole math is mathematically corret.

So I just have to tell DD , its ok cos that is not psle.So through this year, she just have to go in line with the school marking system.Just wonder, is the school doing marking in eng or math.Anything, the subject teacher(not specialised in math) see the working is different from answer key, she will be fault.

I remember clearly, just this mock exam, she scored 35/50 for paper two, and five marks were deducted just cos the teacher cannot understand her model when the reason is that it looks different from her answer key.

Anyway, this is only p4. [/quote]Hi Joy,
The problem is that not all teachers are good. There are teachers who do not understand MOE's guidelines. I heard that there are many relief teachers nowadays, they are probably going to make things worst.

What worries me is not the loss of marks, but the fact that kids end up losing their creativity and their abilities to think out the box, because they must follow the teacher's marking scheme.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/70636https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/70636Tue, 03 Nov 2009 02:07:22 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to PSLE - New Format for Maths on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:50:32 GMT]]>

Joy:
I remember clearly, just this mock exam, she scored 35/50 for paper two, and five marks were deducted just cos the teacher cannot understand her model when the reason is that it looks different from her answer key.

There's a moral to every story so here's an extension to our side discussion -

Conformity holds down constructivist (heuristic) learning and has about rule (our) society to counter-productivity. Every divergence from the norm and challenge of the status quo can be a learning point and opportunity for greater heights - it all depends on how the case responders engage in intellectual discussion for the best of (learning) outcomes.
Joy:
I like the answer that MOE replied.

Naturally, the authorities will try to quell complaints by saying that \"things are fair\", \"things are in proper order\" etc, but I think it is our civic responsibility to drive home the demand for public checks to the system (government). More open and targeted protocols have to be in place to bridge the gap between government and populace for policy review and recourse - that's my ultimate recommendation.


p/s Parallel to above post subject: it's our maths-marking today that will affect our money-making tomorrow.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/70616https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/70616Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:50:32 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to PSLE - New Format for Maths on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:05:55 GMT]]>Hi Tam


I like the answer that MOE replied.

Unfortunately in DD school at p4 level, they will deduct presentation marks or preposition not written correctly even the whole math is mathematically corret.

So I just have to tell DD , its ok cos that is not psle.So through this year, she just have to go in line with the school marking system.Just wonder, is the school doing marking in eng or math.Anything, the subject teacher(not specialised in math) see the working is different from answer key, she will be fault.

I remember clearly, just this mock exam, she scored 35/50 for paper two, and five marks were deducted just cos the teacher cannot understand her model when the reason is that it looks different from her answer key.

Anyway, this is only p4.


Rgds

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/70148https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/70148Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:05:55 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to PSLE - New Format for Maths on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:54:12 GMT]]>Actually both my kids are not in primary school yet 😉 I have special interest in this, because I have been teaching higher mathematics to hundreds of students age 17 years and above.


I have been wondering why is it that so many have them have such poor foundations in Algebra and equations. If model drawing is supposed to help weaker students understand algebra better, then it certainly has failed to serve its purpose.

I wonder how many of those educators who decide what is good for primary school students, actually go and look at the results of these students when they are at higher levels ?

Algebra is essential for learning higher mathematics. I believe that it is wiser to start teaching algebra earlier, so that the weaker students can have a longer time to understand algebra better.

Someone wrote that model drawing can be very powerful when properly taught. If Algebra is properly taught, it is even more powerful and useful in the long run.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/70147https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/70147Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:54:12 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to PSLE - New Format for Maths on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:06:23 GMT]]>

tamarind:
One day when I was very free, I emailed my solution to MOE :


The next day I got a reply from SEAB :

All mathematically correct solutions will be awarded marks accordingly.

Why are people still so scared of using Algebra ?

Next time if the maths teacher marked my kids' answers wrong, I will pull out this email and show them.

When in doubt, always ask the relevant authorities.
hi tamarind,
oh u had emailed moe, that's great.
as for me, too bad, i have no chance to show the email to the math's teacher as i have only 1 child....... 😄

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/70124https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/70124Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:06:23 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to PSLE - New Format for Maths on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:19:20 GMT]]>

tamarind:
When in doubt, always ask the relevant authorities.


.
oh thanks for the info.. thats enlighten me... 😉

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/70095https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/70095Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:19:20 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to PSLE - New Format for Maths on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 13:44:30 GMT]]>One day when I was very free, I emailed my solution to MOE :


Assume Ken has s sweets.
Assume Jim has c chocolates.
7(0.5s - 12) = 0.5c
4(0.5s) = 0.5c - 18
2s + 18 = 7(0.5s - 12)
s = 68

The next day I got a reply from SEAB :

All mathematically correct solutions will be awarded marks accordingly.

Why are people still so scared of using Algebra ?

Next time if the maths teacher marked my kids' answers wrong, I will pull out this email and show them.

When in doubt, always ask the relevant authorities.

I have encountered many students who passed their O level maths, but they have very poor understanding of algebra and equations. As a result, they do very badly when learning higher mathematics like Calculus, Laplace Transforms, etc. I wonder if heavy emphasis of the model drawing method, instead of algebra, is to be blamed.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/70088https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/70088Sun, 01 Nov 2009 13:44:30 GMT