Get expert tips, join English masterclass at ST’s PSLE Prep Forum 2026

Explore the PSLE Companion microsite for more insights and tips.

SINGAPORE – When a child struggles with a maths problem, parents often step in to solve it and then explain the solution.

While common during PSLE revision, this approach is unlikely to help the child and may even set him or her back.

“If a child is kind of struggling to understand a problem, explaining will probably not be the best technique,” said Dr Yeap Ban Har, a mathematics expert who frequently conducts workshops on Singapore’s approach to maths for teachers overseas.

He suggests that parents adopt the “scaffolding method”, which involves asking questions to help the child work out each step.

Scaffolding is a common strategy used in schools and parents who are not school teachers may not be aware of it, said the textbook author and former National Institute of Education lecturer.

Dr Yeap will be speaking at The Straits Times PSLE Prep Forum on April 4, where he will share the scaffolding method, as well as other tips and strategies to help parents better support their children in Primary School Leaving Examination maths.

Registration is free for subscribers to ST’s PSLE Companion and $35 for each attendee they bring.

The event will also have a plenary session helmed by Mr Ong Kong Hong, divisional director of Curriculum Planning and Development Division 1 at the Ministry of Education (MOE). It will be moderated by ST senior education correspondent Sandra Davie. Parents will have the chance to ask additional questions during a question-and-answer segment.

Mr Ong will give parents an overview of the current PSLE scoring system that was introduced in 2021, and share insights on what markers look for.

He hopes to help parents understand the changes that MOE has been making to reduce an overemphasis on academic results.

“We want to reduce fine differentiation of students’ exam results from a young age, and to recognise that they have different strengths and interests,” he said.

Mr Ong will also discuss the full subject-based banding system that was fully implemented in secondary schools in 2024.

He said it is intended to give students greater flexibility in learning subjects at a level that suits their strengths, interests and learning needs.

He will also address parents’ questions on topics such as what to consider when choosing a secondary school for their children.

“I want to help parents understand that the best school is not always the same school for all our children,” he said, highlighting that different students flourish in different environments.

A 120-minute English masterclass will run alongside the forum, offering attendees an opportunity to learn from Ms Jennifer Looi, founder of tuition centre English by Jen and assessment book author.

An ex-MOE teacher with 30 years of teaching experience, Ms Looi will guide participants on how to use ST stories to strengthen their English, including vocabulary, sentence structure and descriptive writing.

She said students can expect to become more aware of grammar rules and learn strategies to tackle certain sections of the PSLE English paper.

The registration fee is $55 per person.

Ms Looi said that honing English skills is important for the learning and development of pupils beyond PSLE.

“With new technologies emerging quickly and tools such as large language models becoming more common, students need to be able to read carefully, evaluate information and think for themselves,” she added.

“Developing good English proficiency prepares students not only for academic success, but also for the challenges of a technology-driven and unpredictable world.”

Event details

Registration details

Sign up at str.sg/psle-signup or scan the QR code below before March 31, while vacancies last. For inquiries, e-mail stevents@sph.com.sg.

Correction note: An earlier version of the story said that Ms Jennifer Looi has 30 years of teaching experience at MOE. This is incorrect. Ms Looi’s 30 years of teaching experience includes her private experiences outside of MOE. We are sorry for the error.