About the Author: Written by EduReach’s team of Senior Math Educators with 10+ years of PSLE teaching experience. Our MOE-trained specialists have helped over 500 students achieve AL1-AL3 grades in PSLE Mathematics since 2015.
Good news: Yes, there is. PSLE Math 2025 doesn’t have to be scary. This guide breaks down everything you need to know in plain English—no complicated jargon, just practical advice that works.
Understanding PSLE Math 2025: The Basics
First things first. The PSLE Math exam has two papers worth 100 marks total. Both papers happen on the same day with a one-hour lunch break in between.
Paper 1 runs for 1 hour (50 marks). No calculator allowed. Your child answers 15 multiple-choice questions and 15 short-answer questions. This paper tests whether they know basic calculations and simple concepts.
Paper 2 runs for 1.5 hours (50 marks). Calculator is allowed. This paper has 5 short questions and 12 long questions that need complete working. Here’s where those tricky word problems appear—the ones that make parents scratch their heads too.
The Truth About PSLE Math (What Parents Need to Know)
Here’s something important: About 60% of PSLE Math tests problem-solving skills, not just calculations. This means memorizing formulas isn’t enough. Your child needs to know WHEN and WHY to use them.
The topics haven’t changed much, but there’s one big update: Speed and Distance problems will disappear from PSLE in 2026. But if your child is taking PSLE in 2025, they still need to study it.
The three main areas are:
- Numbers and Algebra (fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio, simple algebra)
- Shapes and Measurement (area, volume, circles, geometry)
- Data and Graphs (reading charts, calculating averages)
10 Simple Tips That Actually Work
Let’s get practical. These aren’t fancy theories—these are proven strategies that thousands of students use successfully.
Tip 1: The “One Minute Rule”
Here’s an easy way to manage exam time: Spend about one minute per mark.
For Paper 1 (50 marks, 60 minutes), use about:
- 20 minutes for the multiple-choice questions
- 25 minutes for short-answer questions
- 15 minutes to check everything
For Paper 2 (50 marks, 90 minutes), use about:
- 15 minutes for the first 5 short questions
- 60 minutes for the 12 long questions
- 15 minutes to check
💡 Why this works: Your child won’t waste 10 minutes stuck on one question while missing easier marks elsewhere.
Tip 2: Mental Math Shortcuts (The Smart Way)
Paper 1 doesn’t allow calculators, so mental math speed matters. Here are shortcuts that save time:
The “Round Numbers” trick: Want to add 427 + 503? Move 3 from 503 to 427, so it becomes 430 + 500 = 930. Much easier, right?
The “Make 10” trick: Adding 7 + 9? Break it into (7+3) + 6 = 10 + 6 = 16. Always look for ways to make 10 first—it’s faster.
Multiplication shortcuts: Need 39 × 5? Think of it as (40 × 5) – (1 × 5) = 200 – 5 = 195.
Practice these tricks for 5-10 minutes daily. After two weeks, they become automatic.
Tip 3: Skip Hard Questions and Come Back
This sounds simple but many students don’t do it. When your child hits a really difficult question, they should circle it and move on.
Why? Because spending 8 minutes struggling with one hard question means missing 8 easier questions worth more marks.
The strategy:
- Answer all questions they understand immediately
- Skip anything taking more than 1 minute
- Return to skipped questions with leftover time
Students who do this finish with 15-20 minutes extra for checking.
Tip 4: Draw Bar Models for Word Problems
Bar modeling (the Model Method) is Singapore’s secret weapon. It turns confusing word problems into simple pictures.
Example: “Karen has 3/5 as much money as Lily. After spending $150, Karen has 3 times as much as Lily.”
Sounds confusing, right? But draw two bars showing “before” and “after,” and the answer becomes obvious.
The best part: Students who consistently use bar models reduce careless mistakes by 40%. Why? Because the picture shows if their answer makes sense.
Tip 5: Always Check With Reverse Math
After solving addition, try subtracting to check. After multiplication, try dividing.
Example: If 15 + 23 = 38, check by doing 38 – 23. If you get 15, it’s correct.
For word problems: Ask “Does this answer make sense?” If a person’s age comes out as 150 years or a car travels at 500 km/h, something’s wrong.
Tip 6: Memorize BIDMAS (Never Forget the Order)
BIDMAS = Brackets, Indices (powers), Division/Multiplication, Addition/Subtraction
For: 24 + (18 – 6) ÷ 3 – 14 × 2
Do it step-by-step:
- Brackets first: 18 – 6 = 12
- Division and Multiplication (left to right): 12 ÷ 3 = 4, then 14 × 2 = 28
- Addition and Subtraction (left to right): 24 + 4 = 28, then 28 – 28 = 0
💡 Pro tip: Write each step down. Don’t try to do everything in your head—that’s when mistakes happen.
Tip 7: Underline Keywords Before Calculating
This prevents disaster. Many students calculate perfectly but answer the wrong question.
The question asks: “How much money did John have at first?”
But the student answers: “How much does John have now?”
Zero marks, even with perfect math.
Simple fix: Before calculating anything, use a pencil to:
- Circle what the question is really asking
- Underline important numbers
- Mark any unit conversions needed (km to m, hours to minutes)
Five seconds doing this saves 5 marks.
Tip 8: Practice Full Mock Exams Weekly
Starting 8 weeks before PSLE, your child should do one complete mock exam every week.
Why full exams, not just individual questions? Because:
- It builds stamina for 2.5 hours of concentration
- It reveals time management problems
- It reduces exam-day anxiety through familiarity
After each mock: Review every single mistake. Understanding why something went wrong is more valuable than the mock itself.
Tip 9: Master the Circle Formulas (Common Mistake Area)
Circle questions trip up many students. The confusion? Radius vs Diameter.
Remember forever:
- Diameter = 2 × Radius (diameter is the full line across, radius is half)
- Circumference = π × diameter (the distance around)
- Area = π × radius × radius (the space inside)
Common mistake: The question gives diameter, but the student uses it as radius. Answer becomes exactly double what it should be.
Simple check: Before calculating area, convert diameter to radius first.
Tip 10: Learn to Spot Which Heuristic to Use
Heuristics are problem-solving strategies. Think of them as tools in a toolbox—you need to pick the right tool for each job.
| Heuristic | When to Use |
|---|---|
| Bar Modeling | Use when you see “how much more,” “what fraction of,” or comparing amounts |
| Working Backwards | Use when the question tells you the ending result and asks for the beginning |
| Guess and Check | Use when there are limited possibilities to test |
| Pattern Recognition | Use when you see sequences or repeating situations |
| Before-After | Use when something changes in the middle of the problem |
Don’t worry—with practice, choosing the right heuristic becomes instinctive.
What Makes EduReach Different (The Honest Version)
Look, Singapore has hundreds of tuition centres. So what makes EduReach worth considering?
Small Classes That Actually Matter
EduReach keeps classes to 6-8 students maximum. Compare that to typical centres with 15-20 students where your child might not ask questions because they’re shy.
In small groups, teachers notice immediately when a student doesn’t understand. They adjust explanations on the spot, not three weeks later.
Real Results You Can Verify
EduReach maintains over 80% of students achieve AL1-AL3 in PSLE Math. That’s not marketing fluff—it’s consistent performance across years.
Parents report grade improvements within 3-6 months. Students who started at AL5-AL6 reach AL1-AL2 with structured help.
MOE-Registered and Curriculum-Aligned
EduReach is MOE-registered, meaning they follow official curriculum standards. The syllabus they teach matches exactly what PSLE tests—no wasted time on irrelevant topics.
Four Locations Across Singapore
Hougang Centre
1187 Upper Serangoon Road
Midtown, #01-12
Singapore 533971
All centres maintain the same teaching quality and curriculum.
Try Before You Commit
EduReach offers free trial classes. Your child attends a real lesson, experiences the teaching style, and you decide if it fits.
No pressure, no hard sell. Just experience it and make an informed decision.
Flexible Options (Physical + Online)
Some weeks, getting to the centre is tough. That’s why EduReach offers online classes too.
Same teachers, same curriculum, just through video. Many families mix both—physical classes most weeks, online when schedules get crazy.
Understanding the AL Scoring System (Simplified)
The PSLE Achievement Level system replaced the old T-score to reduce stress.
Here’s how Math grades work:
- AL1 = 90-100 marks (Excellent)
- AL2 = 85-89 marks (Very Good)
- AL3 = 80-84 marks (Good)
- AL4 = 75-79 marks (Pass)
- Down to AL8
Your child’s total PSLE score adds up all four subjects. Lower total score = better performance. This total determines secondary school placement.
Common Parent Questions (Straight Answers)
Most experts say Primary 4 is ideal. That gives two years to build strong foundations before the intensive Primary 6 year.
But every child is different. Struggling students benefit from starting in Primary 3, while strong performers might wait until Primary 5.
It depends on current performance:
- Once weekly (2 hours): Good for students with strong basics who need exam technique polishing
- Twice weekly: Best for average students with some concept gaps
- Three times weekly: For students with significant gaps needing intensive help
EduReach teachers assess each student and recommend the right frequency.
Not too late! Many students join in Primary 6 and still achieve AL1-AL3. The key is intensive, focused preparation with expert guidance.
Honest answer: 70% of Singapore parents use tuition. The PSLE Math paper is designed to be challenging. Most children benefit from structured help beyond school teaching.
Special Holiday Programs (Maximum Progress in Short Time)
June Holiday Intensive Program
The mid-year holiday is crucial preparation time. EduReach runs intensive workshops covering Math, Science, English, and Malay.
- Schedule: 9:00 AM – 2:45 PM daily (includes lunch break)
- Duration: 2-day subject workshops
- Focus: Revision consolidation, exam techniques, confidence building
These intensive sessions accelerate learning significantly compared to regular weekly classes.
Preparing for PSLE: Timeline That Works
| Period | Focus |
|---|---|
| January – June (Foundation Building) |
Focus on completing the full syllabus. Don’t rush—understanding matters more than speed. Regular practice on each topic as it’s covered. |
| June Holiday (Intensive Practice) |
This is power-up time. Intensive daily classes, extensive problem-solving practice, identifying and fixing weak areas. |
| July – August (Exam Preparation) |
Shift to exam mode. Weekly full mock exams, time management practice, reviewing all topics systematically. |
| September (Final Polish) |
No new learning. Just confidence-building through familiar problems, formula review, stress management, and adequate rest. |
Ready to Help Your Child Succeed?
PSLE Math 2025 is manageable with the right support. Your child doesn’t need to be a genius—they need clear explanations, systematic strategies, and expert guidance.
Take the first step today:
Don’t wait until panic sets in three months before PSLE. Start building that strong foundation today. Your child’s confidence, understanding, and results will thank you.
