PSLE 2026 Syllabus Changes: What Parents Must Know

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, the Cells topic is gone, replaced by skills-based assessment. These changes affect the current Primary 4 cohort who will sit for PSLE in 2026.

As someone who has taught Primary Mathematics for over a decade 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.

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.

Mathematics: Topics Shifted to Earlier Years

Several topics have moved from Primary 6 to Primary 4, giving students more time to master them before PSLE year. This reduces the Primary 6 workload and allows deeper exploration of remaining topics.

Topics moved earlier:

• 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 — do not wait until PSLE year.

Mathematics: Topics Now in Primary 6

Average and Ratio have been shifted from Primary 5 to Primary 6 for deeper exploration and to reduce P5 workload. These topics now integrate more closely with percentages and other P6 concepts.

What this means for preparation:

• Primary 5 is lighter: Students have more time to consolidate foundations
• Primary 6 goes deeper: Average and Ratio will be taught with greater depth and application
• Integration matters: 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 Topic Removed

The Cells topic has been completely removed from Primary 5 Science, eliminating the need to memorise complex biological terminology. This is one of the most significant changes, as Cells traditionally required students to learn terms like "cytoplasm," "nucleus," and "cell membrane."

According to the MOE Primary Science syllabus, this change gives students more time to explore other topics that emphasise applying scientific concepts rather than memorising definitions.

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)

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.

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:

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.

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-P2
• 2022-2023: Progressive rollout to P3-P5
• 2024: Current P4 students begin learning under new syllabus
• 2026: First PSLE cohort examined under fully updated syllabus

This means if your child is currently in P4, they are the first cohort to sit for the "new" PSLE. Preparation should start now, not in P6.

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.

1. Review current resources: Ensure assessment books and materials are updated for the 2026 syllabus
2. Focus on P4-P5 foundations: Nets, Pie Charts, and shifted topics need attention now
3. Develop Science inquiry skills: Practice reading graphs, designing experiments, making inferences
4. Encourage explanation: Ask your child to explain their thinking process, not just give answers
5. Use real-world examples: Connect abstract concepts to practical applications

At Ancourage Academy, our small class sizes of 3-6 students allow tutors to identify gaps early and ensure students build genuine understanding rather than surface-level memorisation.

Common Questions About PSLE 2026 Changes

Will old PSLE papers still be useful for practice?

Partially useful, but requires careful selection. Questions on Speed and Cells should be skipped entirely since these topics are no longer tested. Other topics remain relevant, so focus on 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.

Related: Common Primary Maths Mistakes | Primary Science Tips | PSLE Scoring System Guide