How does the new Primary 5 Maths syllabus compare with the previous syllabus?
By EPH Editorial Team
The Ministry of Education usually reviews subject syllabuses once every few years to refresh and maintain content relevance. This year, a new Primary 5 Maths syllabus was introduced. The table below provides a summary of the changes.
| Topic | Old Syllabus | New Syllabus |
| Ratio | ✔ |
✖ (taught in Primary 6) |
|
Average |
✔ |
✖ (taught in Primary 6) |
| Percentage |
✔ (excludes Pie Chart) |
✔ (includes Pie Chart) |
Topic Adjustments
In the new syllabus, some topics have been reshuffled across levels. Ratio is now covered in Primary 6 instead of Primary 5. At the primary level, ratio is a useful problem-solving tool, especially for word problems. Shifting Ratio to Primary 6 will allow pupils to apply ratio to a wider range of problems.
Another significant change is the shifting of Average from Primary 5 to Primary 6. This allows pupils more time to build a strong foundation in data handling before applying it to more complex concepts found in the topic of Average.
In addition, we previously highlighted that with the revised Primary 4 Maths syllabus, pupils will learn Pie Charts in Primary 4 instead of Primary 6. As such, under the new Primary 5 Maths syllabus, pupils now have the opportunity to apply percentage in pie charts in Primary 5 instead of having to wait until Primary 6.
On the whole, the new syllabus allows for a more gradual learning progression of mathematical concepts. Pupils will be able to build a stronger foundation in basic concepts before progressing to more complex topics such as Ratio and Average in Primary 6.
With a receptive learning attitude in class and conscientious effort in revision, pupils will be able to ease into the new syllabus positively. To boost learning efficacy, pupils can refer to Primary 5 Intensive Maths Drills ($12.90), Primary 5 Complete Maths Essentials ($12.90), and Primary 5 Daily Dose of Maths ($17.90) from Educational Publishing House. These supplementary resources have been revised according to the latest syllabus to help pupils adapt to the changes.
