Past PSLE papers made available to lessen anxiety

SINGAPORE — For the first time, beginning this year, students preparing for the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) will be able to attempt past year test papers in their entirety.

PSLE papers from the past three years, from 2012 to 2014, will be published in full and packaged as assessment books to be sold at major bookstores from tomorrow (Feb 7), said the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB). The board said only papers from the previous three years will be released annually to factor in recent minor revisions to the syllabi.

Priced between S$2 to S$4 each, the past-year papers will be available in all subjects — English, mother tongue languages, mathematics and science — with answer keys provided.

In the past, students could only get their hands on selected test questions from old PSLE papers as far back as five years from the year of release, which would be categorised by topic or type. 

“One added advantage is to allow students to have the experience of taking the examination before the real examination, to have a sense of the time they’re given to do a whole set of questions,” said board chief executive Tan Lay Choo.

Chiming in on Facebook, Education Minister Heng Swee Keat said he hopes the release of full test papers will help students better achieve their potential and enjoy learning.

“Hence, I am glad that the SEAB has decided to release PSLE in the exam format too, so students can have a better sense of the types and spread of questions that let all students show subject mastery, and prepare well — not to over-prepare and spend excessive time on drill-and-test, but to free up time for play, for exploring interest and holistic education; and not to under-prepare as PSLE can serve as a good gauge of their mastery of the subject, for the next phase of their learning journey,” wrote Mr Heng.

Echoing the minister’s sentiments, some parents said they are keen to buy the test papers for their children.

Mrs Stephanie Tay, a mother of two, regularly prints online practice papers from other schools for her daughter, who is in Primary Six.

But, as standards vary, Jana Sarah Tay’s attempt at the more difficult papers ended up demoralising her, as she had little success with them.

“With the actual PSLE paper, I can gauge more accurately how my child will fare. If she can do very well, there’s no need to worry. But if she’s not doing so well, then we’ll know what to expect,” said Mrs Tay, 40.

Madam Juliana Johari, 42, who has two sons, one in Primary Five and another in Secondary One, was nonchalant about the announcement as “the questions are already out there anyway”. But, given their release, she felt that it was important that teachers go through the solutions in class. “Some parents may not be able to coach their kids. I’m just worried for those kids who are struggling — they may feel disheartened,” said she added.

However, both parents were quick to point out that the past year papers could bring on additional pressure for children. “(The PSLE) is important, but the children already have enough external pressure and self-pressure, measuring up against their peers,” said Mrs Tay.