2026 Primary 6 Mathematics Syllabus Changes & PSLE Preparation Guide
Your child's upcoming Primary 6 year will be historic. The 2026 cohort will be the first group of students to take the PSLE under the fully implemented 2021 Mathematics syllabus. This introduces significant changes to both the curriculum they will study and the way their learning will be assessed.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly what's different, why it matters, and how to prepare your child for success.
Why Your Child's P6 Year is Different
The 2021 Mathematics syllabus was introduced to Primary 1 students in 2021 and has been progressively rolled out year by year. While previous cohorts gradually transitioned to the new syllabus at lower levels, the 2026 P6 cohort is the first to take the PSLE under the fully implemented new system.
Understanding the Rollout Timeline
To understand why 2026 is unique, here's how the new syllabus was implemented:
2021
•New Syllabus Launches - P1 Only
2021 syllabus introduced to P1 only. P2-P6 continue with 2013 syllabus.
2021-2025
•Progressive Rollout - P1 to P5
Each year a new cohort enters P1 with the new syllabus. By 2025: P1-P5 use new syllabus, P6 still uses old.
2026
•Full Implementation - ALL Levels
ALL levels P1-P6 use 2021 syllabus. P6 2026 = first PSLE cohort under new system.
What's Different in the 2026 P6 Mathematics Syllabus?
The 2026 P6 syllabus has been carefully redesigned to better prepare students for secondary school mathematics. Here are the key changes:
Topics REMOVED from P6
- →Speed (Distance, Time, Speed) - Moved to Secondary 1 (no longer in primary school)
- →Pie Charts - Moved DOWN to Primary 4 (earlier introduction)
- →Nets (3D Shapes) - Moved DOWN to Primary 4 (earlier introduction)
Topics ADDED to P6
- +Algebra - Simple Linear Equations (NEW) - Solving equations like 3x + 5 = 20
- +Algebra - Algebraic Expressions (NEW) - Simplifying expressions like 2x + 3x - 5
- +Average - Moved UP from Primary 5 (now covered in P6)
- +Ratio - Moved UP from Primary 5 (now covered in P6)
What This Means for Your Child
Algebra is the biggest new topic your child will encounter. However, MOE has designed these changes to be balanced: the removal of Speed and the earlier introduction of Pie Charts and Nets in P4 means your child won't be overwhelmed. The algebra introduced is gentle - simple equations and basic expressions designed to build a foundation for secondary school.
2026 PSLE Mathematics Exam Format Changes
Beyond syllabus content, the PSLE exam format itself has changed. Here's how the 2026 PSLE differs from 2025:
| Component | 2025 (OLD) | 2026 (NEW) |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 Duration | 1 hour | 1 hour 10 min |
| Paper 2 Duration | 1 hour 30 min | 1 hour 20 min |
| Total Time | 2.5 hours | 2.5 hours (SAME) |
| Paper 1 Questions | 30 | 30 (SAME) |
| Paper 2 Questions | 17 | 15 |
| Total Questions | 47 | 45 |
| Paper 1 Weightage | 45% | 50% |
| Paper 2 Weightage | 55% | 50% |
Key Takeaways
- Paper 1 is now MORE important (50% vs 45%)
- Fewer Paper 2 questions (15 vs 17) but each question is worth more
- More time per question in Paper 1 (70 minutes for 30 questions)
- Less time pressure overall with better time distribution
How These Changes Affect Your Child's Preparation
Paper 1 = MORE Critical
With Paper 1 now worth 50% of the total score, mastering MCQ and short-answer questions is more crucial than ever.
Algebra is NEW & Essential
Algebra is a brand new topic requiring early practice. Start with simple equations and build confidence progressively.
Speed? Don't Worry!
Speed is completely removed from P6. Focus on mastering Algebra, Average, and Ratio instead.
How to Prepare Your Child for the New PSLE 2026
Here are four concrete strategies to help your child excel in the 2026 PSLE Mathematics:
Master Algebra Early (Q1 2026)
Start practicing simple linear equations and algebraic expressions NOW (January-March 2026). This is the BIGGEST new topic your child will encounter. Build familiarity with equations like 3x + 5 = 20 and expressions like 2x + 3x - 5. Early mastery reduces exam stress later.
Paper 1 Practice = 50% of Your Score
Dedicate MORE time to MCQ and short-answer drills. With Paper 1 now worth 50% (up from 45%), speed AND accuracy in these questions are critical. Practice under timed conditions to build confidence with the 70-minute format.
Focus on Average & Ratio (Moved from P5)
Review P5 foundations for Average and Ratio, as these topics are now tested in P6 PSLE. Ensure your child has a strong understanding of these concepts as they now carry PSLE weightage.
Use 2026-Aligned Practice Papers
CRITICAL: Avoid old 2025 PSLE papers! Old papers test Speed (removed) and don't include Algebra (new). Always verify that practice materials are labeled "2021 Syllabus" or "2026 PSLE" to ensure alignment.
Avoid Old Practice Papers!
2025 PSLE papers test different topics: Speed is included, but Algebra is missing. Using old papers will confuse your child and waste precious study time. Always verify that practice materials are labeled "2021 Syllabus" or "2026 PSLE" before purchasing or downloading.
Quick Reference: Key Changes at a Glance
+ What's NEW in P6 2026
- Algebra (equations & expressions)
- Average (from P5)
- Ratio (from P5)
- Paper 1 = 50% (up from 45%)
- Paper 2 = 15 questions (down from 17)
− What's REMOVED from P6 2026
- →Speed → Secondary 1
- →Pie Charts → P4
- →Nets → P4
Related Tools & Resources
Use these SGSchoolKaki tools to plan your child's education journey:
PSLE Score Calculator
Calculate PSLE score and see matched secondary schools with location-based filtering.
Secondary School Rankings 2026
Complete 2026 secondary school rankings with PSLE cutoff points and school details.
PSLE Results Map View
Visualize secondary schools on a map based on your PSLE results and location.
MOE School Calendar 2026
Official MOE school term dates, holidays, and important examination dates for 2026.
Final Thoughts: You've Got This!
While these changes might feel overwhelming at first, remember that MOE designed them to reduce stress and better prepare students for secondary school. The algebra introduced in P6 is gentle - simple equations and basic expressions designed to build a foundation, not overwhelm students.
The removal of Speed balances the workload, and the progressive rollout since 2021 means your child has been prepared for this moment since Primary 1. They've been building the skills needed for the new syllabus throughout their primary school journey.
Key Reminders for Success
- Start Algebra practice early (Q1 2026) to build confidence
- Use ONLY 2021 syllabus or 2026 PSLE-aligned practice materials
- Paper 1 is now 50% of the score - prioritize MCQ and short-answer practice
- Trust the process - your child has been prepared for this since P1
Your child is part of a historic cohort - the first to experience the complete new mathematics curriculum designed for 21st-century learning. With the right preparation and support, they'll not only succeed but thrive. You've got this!