The 2026 PSLE brings significant syllabus changes to both Mathematics and Science, with topics removed, reorganised, and a stronger emphasis on skills over memorisation. For Mathematics, Speed has been removed entirely while Average and Ratio move to Primary 6. For Science, detailed cell-content memorisation is reduced while skills-based assessment is strengthened. These changes affect the 2026 PSLE cohort — students currently in Primary 6.
As someone who has taught Primary Mathematics for over a decade — including at Ancourage Academy — I have been tracking these MOE syllabus updates closely. Here is everything parents need to know to help their children prepare effectively.
Why MOE Changed the PSLE Syllabus
The updated syllabus emphasises mathematical reasoning, conceptual understanding, and problem-solving skills over rote memorisation. MOE designed these changes to allow topics to be studied at the "right time" and reduce abrupt jumps in difficulty, creating a smoother learning journey from Primary 1 to 6.
The 2021 Mathematics Syllabus now applies to all levels, with Primary 6 students from 2026 being the first cohort using this syllabus for PSLE. Similarly, the Science syllabus has been restructured to focus on scientific inquiry rather than memorising complex terminology.
Ancourage Academy's Primary Mathematics and Science programmes are fully updated for the 2026 PSLE syllabus changes — book a free trial class (usually $18) for a diagnostic assessment of your child's readiness under the new format.
Mathematics: Topics Removed from PSLE 2026
Speed — one of the most challenging Primary 6 topics — has been completely removed from the PSLE syllabus. This is significant because Speed problems traditionally caused major difficulty for students, combining distance, time, and rate concepts in complex word problems. In our experience teaching Primary Mathematics at Ancourage Academy, Speed-related questions historically accounted for a significant share of marks lost in Paper 2.
One parent shared: "My daughter struggled with Speed for months. Knowing it's removed from the 2026 PSLE is a relief, but we're now focusing that energy on mastering Ratio instead."
Additionally removed:
- Turns and 8-point Compass: Previously in the Angles topic at Primary 4, now removed entirely
- Complex speed-distance-time problems: No longer tested at PSLE level
For parents whose children struggled with Speed in the past, this is welcome news. However, these concepts will still appear in Secondary Mathematics, so foundational understanding remains valuable. For more on common errors students make under the current syllabus, see our guide on common Primary Maths mistakes.
Mathematics: Topics Reorganised Across Levels
Several topics have been moved between levels to create a smoother learning progression — some shifted earlier to allow more practice time, while others moved to P6 for deeper exploration.
Topics moved to earlier years:
- Nets (3D solids unfolded): Shifted from P6 to P4
- Pie Charts: Shifted from P6 to P4
- 12-hour and 24-hour clock: Shifted from P4 to P3
This means current P4 students are already learning content that previous cohorts only encountered in P6. If your child finds Nets or Pie Charts challenging now, address it early — our P5 Mathematics programme helps consolidate these foundations before PSLE year.
Meanwhile, Average and Ratio have been shifted from Primary 5 to Primary 6 for deeper exploration, reducing P5 workload. Expect questions combining Ratio with Percentages and Fractions. At Ancourage Academy, our P6 Mathematics programme has been updated to reflect these changes, with more time allocated to mastering Ratio and Average applications.
Science: Cells Content Simplified
Science now places less emphasis on heavy cell-structure memorisation, while retaining core understanding of cells as part of life systems. This reduces unnecessary rote recall and shifts preparation towards applying concepts in context.
According to the MOE Primary Science syllabus, students are still expected to understand cells at a foundational level (for example, cells as basic units in plant and human systems), but the broader direction emphasises scientific inquiry and application over term-heavy memorisation.
Topics still covered in Primary 5-6 Science:
- Cycles (water cycle, life cycles)
- Systems (human body systems, plant systems)
- Interactions (ecosystems, food chains)
- Energy (forms, conversion, conservation)
For Woodlands families preparing for the updated Science syllabus, our PSLE Science preparation guide for Woodlands primary schools covers how these remaining topics are assessed and the skills-based techniques that earn full marks.
Science: Shift to Skills-Based Assessment
The 2026 PSLE Science paper will test skills application rather than factual recall, with explicit focus on observation, comparing, classifying, inferring, predicting, and communicating. Students must demonstrate they can apply these skills, not just memorise content.
What skills-based assessment means:
- Taking measurements: Reading scales, thermometers, measuring cylinders accurately
- Reading tables and graphs: Interpreting data and identifying patterns
- Designing experiments: Identifying variables, suggesting fair tests
- Making inferences: Drawing conclusions from observations
Booklet B (open-ended questions) will have more skills-based questions and fewer purely recall questions. This benefits students who understand concepts but struggled with memorisation. Our Primary Science answering techniques guide covers the explanation frameworks that earn full marks on these questions. Browse our P3-P6 Science tuition programme for details on how Ancourage Academy prepares students under the updated syllabus.
PSLE Mathematics Paper Format Change (2026)
From 2026, PSLE Mathematics Paper 1 increases from 45 marks to 50 marks, now equal to Paper 2 (reduced from 55 to 50 marks). Within Paper 1, Booklet B has been streamlined — five 1-mark short-answer questions have been removed — while Booklet A gains additional multiple-choice questions. The total remains 100 marks across both papers. With equal weightage, Paper 1 (MCQ and short-answer) is now just as important as Paper 2 (long-answer and problem sums), so students should give equal preparation time to both papers.
How These Changes Affect Exam Preparation
Traditional drilling and memorisation strategies are less effective for the 2026 PSLE — students need to develop genuine understanding and application skills. Here is how preparation should change:
| Old Approach | New Approach for 2026 |
|---|---|
| Memorise Speed formulas | Focus on Ratio and Percentage applications |
| Drill detailed cell terminology | Practise scientific inquiry skills with core life-systems concepts |
| Complete many similar questions | Understand concepts deeply, apply to new contexts |
| Start intensive prep in P6 | Build strong foundations from P4-P5 |
If you are using old PSLE assessment books or past year papers, check which topics to skip and focus on question types that align with the new syllabus. Understanding the PSLE AL scoring system also helps parents set realistic targets for each subject.
Timeline: When Did These Changes Start?
The syllabus changes were implemented progressively from 2021, meaning current P4-P6 students are already learning the updated content. Here is the rollout timeline:
- 2021: New Mathematics syllabus introduced at P1 (this cohort reaches P6 in 2026)
- 2022–2025: Progressive rollout — each subsequent P1 cohort starts on the new syllabus, reaching P3 (2023), P4 (2024), P5 (2025)
- 2026: New syllabus fully covers P1–P6. First PSLE cohort examined under the fully updated syllabus
This means if your child is currently in P6, they are the first cohort to sit for the "new" PSLE under the fully updated syllabus.
Practical Tips for Parents
Start preparation early and focus on understanding rather than drilling — the 2026 PSLE rewards students who can think and apply, not just memorise.
- Review current resources: Ensure assessment books and materials are updated for the 2026 syllabus
- Focus on P4-P5 foundations: Nets, Pie Charts, and shifted topics need attention now
- Develop Science inquiry skills: Practise reading graphs, designing experiments, making inferences
- Encourage explanation: Ask your child to explain their thinking process, not just give answers
- Use real-world examples: Connect abstract concepts to practical applications
At Ancourage Academy, our Primary Maths tuition in small class sizes of 3-6 students allows tutors to identify gaps early and ensure students build genuine understanding rather than surface-level memorisation. You can also WhatsApp us if you have any questions.
Common Questions About PSLE 2026 Changes
Will old PSLE papers still be useful for practice?
Partially useful, but requires careful selection. Questions on Speed should be skipped entirely since this topic is no longer tested. For Science, de-prioritise heavily term-based cell questions if they do not match the current syllabus focus, and prioritise question types that test application and reasoning rather than pure recall. The SEAB website provides updated information on current exam formats and sample papers.
Should I start PSLE preparation earlier because of the changes?
Yes, starting earlier is now more important than ever. With topics like Nets and Pie Charts now taught in Primary 4, and the strong emphasis on skills over memorisation, building solid foundations from P4 onwards is essential. Based on our experience at Ancourage Academy, students who begin structured preparation 18-24 months before PSLE tend to perform better than those who start in P6.
How do I know if my child is learning the updated syllabus?
All Singapore schools follow the MOE syllabus, so your child is already learning the updated content if they started Primary 1 in 2021 or later. Check their textbooks — if Speed is not covered in P6 Mathematics, they are on the new syllabus. You can also ask their school teacher to confirm which syllabus version is being taught.
Are tuition centres updated on these changes?
Reputable centres should be fully updated by now. At Ancourage Academy, our curriculum is aligned with the latest MOE syllabus and we regularly update our teaching materials when MOE announces changes. Before enrolling at any tuition centre, ask specifically about their 2026 syllabus alignment and how they have adjusted their curriculum.
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