The Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) is a pivotal academic milestone for students in Singapore. Over the years, it has undergone various changes to better reflect students’ abilities and ensure a smoother transition to secondary education. One of the most significant updates is the introduction of the PSLE AL score and the new PSLE scoring system, which replaces the old T-score method. This shift aims to provide a more balanced and holistic assessment of a student’s academic performance.
What is the New PSLE Scoring System?
The new PSLE scoring system was implemented in 2021 to address concerns about the previous T-score method, which placed too much emphasis on fine distinctions between students’ marks. The new PSLE scoring system introduces Achievement Levels (ALs) to grade students, focusing on their mastery of individual subjects rather than their relative performance against peers.
Under the new PSLE scoring system, each subject is scored on a scale from AL1 to AL8, with AL1 being the highest and AL8 the lowest. This system groups students based on their understanding of the subject matter, with each AL representing a range of marks. The final PSLE AL score is the sum of the Achievement Levels across all four subjects, giving a total score between 4 and 32.
What is the PSLE AL Score?
The PSLE AL score is the sum of the ALs a student receives in their four PSLE subjects: English, Mother Tongue, Mathematics, and Science. Each subject is graded according to the new PSLE scoring system, and the total PSLE AL score determines the student’s eligibility for secondary schools.
Here is how the ALs are awarded based on a student’s marks:
- 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
As you can see, a higher PSLE AL score indicates better performance. A student who scores AL1 across all four subjects would have a total PSLE AL score of 4, which is considered excellent. In contrast, a higher total AL score reflects areas that may need improvement.
Differences Between the Old T-Score System and the New PSLE Scoring System
To appreciate the new PSLE scoring system, it’s important to understand how it differs from the old T-score system. Under the T-score system, a student’s score was calculated based on how well they performed compared to their peers. This often resulted in very fine distinctions between students who scored similarly, leading to high levels of stress.
In contrast, the new PSLE scoring system focuses more on a student’s individual understanding of each subject. The use of ALs groups students into broader achievement bands, reducing unnecessary competition. By adopting the PSLE AL score system, the Ministry of Education (MOE) in Singapore aims to encourage students to focus on their learning rather than just outperforming others.
How the PSLE AL Score Impacts Secondary School Placement
Under the new PSLE scoring system, the PSLE AL score is used to determine a student’s eligibility for secondary schools. Secondary schools in Singapore are classified based on cut-off points, and these cut-off points now correspond to the PSLE AL score rather than the old T-scores.
Here’s how the secondary school placement process works with the PSLE AL score:
- Student Performance: Students sit for the PSLE and receive an AL for each subject based on their exam marks.
- Total PSLE AL Score: The total PSLE AL score is calculated by adding the ALs of all four subjects.
- School Choices: Students submit their preferred list of secondary schools, which have specific cut-off points.
- Tie-Breakers: If students have the same PSLE AL score, other factors such as citizenship status and the student’s order of school preferences will be used as tie-breakers.
Achievement Levels and Scoring in Detail
Each subject in the PSLE is graded using the new PSLE scoring system, which assigns an AL based on specific score ranges. Here’s a more detailed look at the Achievement Levels:
- AL1 (90-100 marks): This level represents excellent mastery of the subject. Students in this range have a thorough understanding of the material.
- AL2 (85-89 marks): Students who score within this range demonstrate strong competence but may have a few minor gaps in their understanding.
- AL3 (80-84 marks): These students have a good understanding of most concepts but may have missed certain advanced topics or made errors.
- AL4 (75-79 marks): Students in this range show a reasonable grasp of the subject but may need additional reinforcement in some areas.
- AL5 (65-74 marks): This level indicates an average understanding, where students can grasp the basic concepts but may struggle with more complex questions.
- AL6 (45-64 marks): Students scoring here need improvement in their overall understanding and may need additional guidance.
- AL7 (20-44 marks): This level reflects a significant need for support in learning and comprehending the subject matter.
- AL8 (Below 20 marks): Students in this range need intensive support and may not have grasped the core concepts of the subject.
This new PSLE scoring system ensures that students’ academic strengths and weaknesses are accurately reflected in their PSLE AL score, helping both educators and parents to focus on areas that need improvement.
Conclusion
The PSLE AL score and the new PSLE scoring system marks a significant shift in how academic performance is assessed in Singapore. By moving away from the competitive T-score system and adopting Achievement Levels, the Ministry of Education aims to promote a more balanced and meaningful approach to education. The new PSLE scoring system not only reduces stress but also encourages students to focus on their personal learning journey, ensuring they are well-prepared for their secondary school experience.
