Changes To Primary 5 Science and Math Syllabuses

Since 2020, there have been dramatic shifts to the local primary and secondary syllabuses across various subjects. 2025 saw its first implementation of the new Primary 5 Math syllabus, and the Primary 5 Science syllabus underwent an overhaul in 2023, bringing about drastic changes to how the subjects are taught across classrooms in Singapore. In turn, these changes rationalize how they are approached by both students and teachers.

Here, we’ll be taking a closer look to scrutinize the changes to the current Primary 5 Science Syllabus both major and minor since its implementation in 2023 with the Primary 3 cohort. In addition, we’ll also take a look at the changes made in the Primary 5 Math Syllabus, as well as learning what adjustments are made.

2025 Primary Science Syllabus

Corresponding Syllabus To Each Level

Previously, the Primary Science syllabus had been broken down between the Lower Block (Primary 3 and Primary 4) and the Upper Block (Primary 5 and Primary 6), leaving it up to schools and teachers to cover the topics deemed appropriate and necessary at whichever level they select.

For the cohort taking Science in Primary 3 from 2023 onwards, this is no longer the case. Instead, each level will have their own separate syllabus where it covers specific topics and core themes for that particular year.

Using the previous Upper Block as an example, the core themes taught in P5 Science will be Cycles and Systems. Primary 6 Science will focus exclusively on the core themes of Energy and Interactions instead.

Core Themes and Sequence Now Fixed and Standardized

As seen on the table above, the core themes and sequence are now fixed and standardized as reflected in the current syllabus. While this change provides less flexibility for teachers to utilize engaging teaching and learning approaches, this fixed sequence ensures that students are given ample time to learn each topic with much in-depth understanding.

Compare the Primary Science Syllabus between the previous and current syllabuses:

By having a deeper understanding of the current Primary Science syllabus, the topics taught from Primary 3 to Primary 6 are crucial in making sense of the subject and mastering the content at the appropriate levels. At Edufirst, your child will be taught by experienced tutors as they revise the new Primary Science syllabus together, making sure that the topics are taught using methodologies that can be broken down into simpler concepts at the quickest time possible.

2025 Primary 5 Math Syllabus

Adjustment Of Topics

Based on feedback from teachers and upon reassessing the topics to be taught at the appropriate levels, this year’s Primary 5 Math Syllabus marks some changes in order to maintain content relevance. As such, certain topics have been shifted:

Why The Adjustments?

In light of these changes, the adjustments to the current syllabus is to ensure that students are ready to apply these topics gradually, giving students sufficient time by strengthening their foundations before tackling more complex topics.

Conclusion

By understanding the changes to the Primary Science and Primary Math syllabuses in Primary 5, you will be able to comprehend the rationale behind these changes. Ultimately, these changes serve to benefit students’ learning as they progress from simple to more complex topics with the proper rigour.

At Edufirst, we offer Primary Science tuition and Primary Math tuition to give your child a head start by covering topics aligned with the latest MOE Primary syllabuses. With our team of experienced tutors who are familiar with the latest syllabuses from MOE, they can support your child’s academic learnings and prepare them to manage any topics they find challenging as they prepare themselves towards PSLE Science and PSLE Math by Primary 6.