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#Primary

16 articles about Primary.

Learning maths · 11 min read

Common Reasons for Getting Percentage Change Wrong, and the Correct Method (with Compound Change Examples)

Questions on percentage increase and decrease are often answered wrongly, mostly because students identify the wrong "original quantity" or confuse percentage points with percentages. This article explains the formula for percentage change, how to calculate two successive changes, and how primary to Form 6 students and parents can practise, with several worked examples of calculating percentage change, and introduces Sprout Classroom's free maths course.

Learning maths · 7 min read

Why do we "flip and multiply" when dividing by fractions? Explaining the reasoning with diagrams

Children often ask: why do we flip the divisor and multiply when dividing by a fraction? This article uses diagrams and step-by-step demonstrations to explain the reasoning behind "dividing by a fraction is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal", and brings together common mistakes and practice methods. It is suitable for Primary 5 to Primary 6 students and parents to read together.

Learning maths · 10 min read

Mixed numbers and improper fractions: what they mean and how to convert between them, with pictures

Can never tell mixed numbers and improper fractions apart? Following the Education Bureau primary maths curriculum, this guide uses pie charts and a number line to explain what each one means, sets out the steps for turning improper fractions into mixed numbers and back, explains why mixed numbers must become improper fractions before multiplying or dividing, and lists common mistakes and ways to practise, for parents and students to read together.

For parents · 6 min read

What is TSA Maths? What Primary 3, Primary 6 and Secondary 3 students are assessed on, and how

The Territory-wide System Assessment (TSA) in Maths is held in Primary 3, Primary 6 and Secondary 3. Based on the HKEAA quick guides and an Education Bureau circular, this article sets out what each level covers, how long each sub-paper is, the question types and the 2027 dates, and explains why the TSA has nothing to do with secondary school places and needs no extra drilling.

Finding a tutor · 8 min read

Does online tutoring work? Breaking down the conditions for effective online maths learning

Is online tutoring as effective as face-to-face? This article analyses the conditions for effective online maths learning across three areas: interaction, equipment and self-discipline. It also explains how factors such as age, materials, subject, English, school suspensions and the DSE affect effectiveness, and offers practical advice for Hong Kong students from Primary 1 to Secondary 6 and their parents.

For parents · 9 min read

Primary maths word problems: four steps to read, draw, set up and check

When children do primary maths word problems, they often say 'I don't understand the question'. It's usually not that they can't calculate, but that they haven't turned the words into maths. This article provides a four-step method: read the question, draw a diagram, set up the equation, and check. It also explains how parents can help, when to step back, and common difficulties for Primary 1 students and word problems.

Finding a tutor · 9 min read

How to tell whether a maths tutor is right for you: a practical checklist for teaching experience, methods and trial-lesson performance

Parents and students want to know how to judge whether a tutor is suitable. This article sets out the teaching experience and methods you can ask a tutor about, and the things worth watching for in a trial lesson. It also explains what to consider at different stages from primary to secondary school, and the differences between tutoring formats, to help you make a sound choice for maths in Hong Kong.

Finding a tutor · 16 min read

How to check a tutoring centre's licence: a practical guide for parents verifying tutoring school registration details

Parents who want to confirm whether a tutoring centre is registered with the Education Bureau can start by understanding the Education Bureau's school registration system, where tutoring schools fit within registration documents, and how to verify registration with the Education Bureau before and after enrolling. This article also explains the definition of a school under the Education Ordinance, temporary registration, licence applications and tenancy considerations, as well as what to look out for in courses, teaching staff and fees.

For parents · 12 min read

Helping Your Child with Homework at Home: Practical Steps and Guidance Methods for Parents (Covering Chinese, English and Maths, and District Resources)

When children run into difficulties with homework, parents want to help but do not know where to start. This article sets out practical steps for accompanying children with homework at home, guidance methods for when a child does not understand something, and explains when community resources such as after-school care may be worth considering. It also covers how to handle Chinese, English and maths homework, tests, dictation and secondary school interview preparation, and mentions district resources in Tsuen Wan, Tai Po, Kwun Tong and Kowloon Bay.

For parents · 13 min read

What are the allocation exams? Primary 5 and Primary 6 allocation and secondary school places timeline

The allocation exams are not a territory-wide public examination, but internal assessments carried out by primary schools under the Secondary School Places Allocation System. This article uses a timeline to explain the three allocation rounds in the second term of Primary 5 and the first and second terms of Primary 6, the adjusted scores, the rank order list and how they relate to allocation bands. It also explains subject weightings, the Physical Education assessment, special arrangements for special educational needs, and the flexible handling and re-sit arrangements during the pandemic. It also explains the difference between the Territory-wide System Assessment and the allocation exams, and reminds readers to rely on announcements from the Education Bureau and schools.