The Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) is a significant milestone in Singapore’s education system. Over the years, the Ministry of Education (MOE) has introduced various changes to improve the examination framework. One of the most impactful changes was the introduction of the new PSLE scoring system
What is the PSLE AL Score?
The PSLE AL score is a new way of evaluating students’ performance in the PSLE. Under this system, students receive an Achievement Level (AL) for each subject based on their marks. The ALs are ranked from AL1 to AL8, with AL1 being the highest score (90-100 marks). This method provides clearer grading and reduces the pressure to achieve marginally higher scores within narrow bands.
The Achievement Levels (AL) Explained
Here is a breakdown of the Achievement Levels:
- AL1: 90-100 marks
- AL2: 85-89 marks
- AL3: 80-84 marks
- AL4: 75-79 marks
- AL5: 65-74 marks
- AL6: 45-64 marks
- AL7: 20-44 marks
- AL8: Below 20 marks
The PSLE AL score for each subject reflects the student’s absolute performance instead of comparing them with their peers, which was a hallmark of the old T-score system.
The New PSLE Scoring System Explained
The new PSLE scoring system uses these Achievement Levels to provide a more meaningful assessment. Previously, the T-score system calculated a student’s total score based on how well they performed compared to other students. This led to an intense focus on outscoring peers, often causing unnecessary stress among students.
In contrast, the new PSLE scoring system assesses students on an absolute basis. It groups students into broader bands, where a single point difference in marks no longer significantly impacts their overall results. The total PSLE AL score is the sum of the AL scores across all four subjects.
For example, a student scoring AL2 in English, AL1 in Mathematics, AL3 in Science, and AL4 in Mother Tongue would have a total AL score of 10 (2 + 1 + 3 + 4). The lower the total AL score, the better the student’s performance.
Why Was the New PSLE Scoring System Introduced?
The Ministry of Education introduced the new scoring system to:
- Reduce Competition Pressure: The AL score aims to lessen unhealthy competition by grouping students into broader achievement bands, unlike the T-score system, which created significant pressure to score marginally higher.
- Encourage Holistic Learning: The system emphasizes meaningful learning instead of rote memorization or excessive focus on minor differences in scores.
- Increase Transparency: The AL system provides a clearer understanding of student performance without the complexity of T-score calculations.
Differences Between the Old T-Score System and the New PSLE Scoring System
Old T-Score System
- Scores were calculated based on a student’s relative performance compared to their peers.
- Emphasized minor differences in marks, creating competition stress.
- Produced aggregate scores that were often hard to interpret for parents and students.
New PSLE Scoring System
- Assesses students based on absolute performance in each subject.
- Encourages consistent, broader bands to relieve pressure.
- Total PSLE score is the sum of ALs in the four subjects, resulting in scores ranging from 4 (best) to 32 (lowest).
How to Calculate the PSLE AL Score
Calculating the PSLE AL score involves summing up the AL scores achieved in each of the four subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, and Mother Tongue. Each subject has a corresponding AL band based on the student’s marks.
For example, if a student achieves the following:
- English: AL2 (85-89 marks)
- Mathematics: AL1 (90-100 marks)
- Science: AL3 (80-84 marks)
- Mother Tongue: AL4 (75-79 marks)
The total PSLE AL score would be 10 (2 + 1 + 3 + 4).
How Does the New PSLE Scoring System Affect Secondary School Placements?
The PSLE AL score is a crucial factor in determining a student’s eligibility for secondary schools. Each school sets specific cut-off points (COPs) based on the total AL scores of applicants. In cases where two students have the same total AL score, certain criteria come into play to break the tie:
- Choice Order of Schools: If two students have the same AL score, the one who listed the school higher on their preference list is given priority.
- Affiliated School Advantage: Students from primary schools affiliated with secondary schools may receive bonus points to improve their placement chances.
- Higher Mother Tongue: Students who take Higher Mother Tongue receive additional considerations.
Conclusion
The introduction of the new PSLE scoring system and the PSLE AL score signifies a pivotal change in Singapore’s education landscape. By shifting from relative comparison to a focus on individual achievements, this system aims to reduce pressure, encourage holistic growth, and support students in their journey toward a more balanced learning experience. As parents and students, understanding how the AL system works and planning strategically for secondary school selection are key to making the most of this new approach.
