Parents Guide For Primary 6: Starting PSLE Year Right

It’s finally the year – the year that your child is sitting the PSLE! In Singapore, it’s common for parents to feel stressed (sometimes even more than their child) as the PSLE, the first major exam in their educational journey, approaches. But amidst the whirlwind of preparation and “kiasu” tendencies, do you know what you can do to truly support your child during this critical year?

To help parents navigate this journey, we’ve compiled practical tips on how to help your child academically in their final year of primary school. From planning their study schedule to discovering effective resources and study techniques, this guide is here to support you every step of the way.

Planning a revision timetable

Having a daily schedule and a long-term study plan provides structure and discipline, eliminating the daily “What should we do now?” dilemma. It also helps parents keep track of the chapters their child has covered.

That said, every child is unique, and you should adjust the timetable to suit your child’s learning preferences and offer flexibility on days where the workload is heavier. Here’s an example of a weekday schedule for a Primary 6 student on days without extra school activities:

Tip: Download a blank schedule template to personalise your child’s timetable!

For long-term planning, aim to use the prelims as a checkpoint. Ensure that all key topics are covered before then. For skills like composition writing and math problem-solving, start early as these skills require consistent practice. You should also start working on your child’s weaker subjects early on to help them catch up. Then, nearer the exams, go over the content-heavy subjects (mainly Science) again to keep them fresh in the memory. This is also the time to do full papers and timed practices to get used to the exam conditions.

Getting academic help

As a parent, it may have been years since your last academic exam. And let’s face it, the PSLE landscape has evolved tremendously since then. While coaching your child yourself is an option, it can be challenging to match the current exam standards or teach effectively if you are not a trained teacher.

This is where professional educators come in handy. At Future Academy, our experienced team of Primary School Tutors provides comprehensive materials and guidance tailored to PSLE requirements. We aim to ease the burden on parents while equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need to excel. Why not join us this year to get access to coaching from our experts and boost your child’s PSLE preparation?

Suggested study methods

Even with tuition, self-study is crucial. However, many primary school students lack the skills to study effectively on their own. Setting clear and specific tasks can help your child stay focused while keeping the process enjoyable.

Suggested study activities

• Discussion Time: Encourage your child to share what they’ve learned over dinner or during car rides. This helps them organise their thoughts and practice explaining concepts.
• Interactive Learning: Use educational videos or games to reinforce topics and boost understanding.
• Flashcards: Create or use pre-made flashcards for vocabulary words or science facts to make learning fun and interactive.
• Worksheets and Assessment Books: These are excellent for practising exam skills and familiarising your child with question formats.
• Timed Practice Papers: Simulate exam conditions to develop time management and concentration.

Some of these activities are better suited to different stages of the revision process. By incorporating a mix of these techniques, you can make revision more engaging while also practising a variety of skills!

Conclusion

The PSLE year is undoubtedly a challenging time for both parents and children, but with the right preparation and support, it can also be a fulfilling and rewarding journey. Remember, every child learns differently, so find a rhythm that works for your family.

If you’re looking for expert guidance, our team, comprising PSLE Math tutors, PSLE English tutors, Primary School Chinese tutors, and Primary School Science tutors, is here to help. Our experienced educators provide customised support to help your child excel in the PSLE and achieve their goals. Let’s make this year a successful one for your Primary 6 child!