The Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) is a nationwide exam that all students in Singapore must sit at the end of their six years of primary education. The PSLE results have a significant impact on a student’s future educational pathway, as they determine which secondary school and which type of curriculum the student will pursue. To better foster holistic development and reduce excessive competition, Singapore’s Ministry of Education (MOE) introduced the new Achievement Level (AL) scoring system in 2021, replacing the long-used T-score system.
I. Overview of the AL Scoring System
1.1 Limitations of the Old T-Score System
In the old T-score system, a student’s results were calculated based on their performance relative to their peers. This meant that a student’s score depended not only on their raw score but also on the overall performance of other students in the same cohort. This relative ranking approach created intense competition because even a one-point difference could significantly affect a student’s final ranking. Such an environment placed considerable pressure on students and parents, prompting them to invest extensive time and resources in chasing higher scores.
1.2 Introduction of the New AL System
To address these issues, MOE introduced the AL scoring system with the aims of:
- Reducing excessive competition: By using wider score bands, students become less fixated on every single mark.
- Emphasizing individual progress: Encouraging students to focus on their own learning journey and improvement rather than competing with others.
- Enhancing the quality of education: Promoting improved teaching methods that focus on students’ understanding and application of knowledge.
1.3 Basic Structure of the AL System
Under the AL system, the raw score for each subject is categorized into one of eight Achievement Levels, from AL1 (highest) to AL8 (lowest). Each level corresponds to a specific score range. Students are assigned an AL based on their raw score in each subject. The overall PSLE score is the sum of the ALs for four subjects (English, Mother Tongue, Mathematics, and Science), giving a total range of 4 to 32 points.
II. AL Levels and Raw Score Ranges
2.1 AL Level Breakdown
Below is the correspondence between AL levels and raw scores:
| AL | Raw Score Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 90-100 | Excellent |
| 2 | 85-89 | Very Good |
| 3 | 80-84 | Good |
| 4 | 75-79 | Upper-Middle |
| 5 | 65-74 | Average |
| 6 | 45-64 | Lower-Middle |
| 7 | 20-44 | Weak |
| 8 | Below 20 | Very Weak |
2.2 Significance of the Level Breakdown
- Wider scoring bands: Each AL covers a reasonably wide range of marks, reducing the focus on minor score differences.
- Clear standards: Students need only to concentrate on meeting the requirements for the next AL, rather than worrying excessively about how they compare with others.
- Encouraging learning: This categorization encourages students to develop a balanced performance across all subjects.
III. How the AL System Works
3.1 Subject Scoring
Each subject is assigned an AL based on the student’s raw score, and this process is done independently to ensure fair assessment in every subject.
Example:
- English: 88 marks → Falls within the 85-89 range → AL2
- Mathematics: 92 marks → Falls within the 90-100 range → AL1
- Science: 76 marks → Falls within the 75-79 range → AL4
- Mother Tongue: 83 marks → Falls within the 80-84 range → AL3
3.2 Calculating the PSLE Total Score
The PSLE total score is the sum of the ALs across the four subjects.
Calculation:
- English: AL2
- Mathematics: AL1
- Science: AL4
- Mother Tongue: AL3
- Total score: 2 + 1 + 4 + 3 = 10
3.3 Interpreting the Results
- Score range: 4 (highest) to 32 (lowest).
- Lower is better: A lower overall PSLE score indicates better overall performance.
- Balanced development: Encourages students to do well in all subjects rather than excelling in just one subject.
IV. Secondary School Placement
4.1 Placement Based on Total Score
Secondary school admissions are primarily determined by the student’s PSLE total score. Schools will typically provide a reference range of previous intake scores to help students and parents decide.
4.2 Tiebreakers
When multiple students have the same total score, the following factors are considered in order:
- Citizenship: Singapore citizens have priority over Permanent Residents, who in turn have priority over international students.
- School choice order: The order in which students list their preferred secondary schools.
- Computerized balloting: If the first two factors cannot break the tie, a computerized random ballot is used.
4.3 Importance of School Choice Order
Under the new AL system, the order of school choices can be a critical deciding factor:
- Deliberate selection: Students should carefully consider their top-choice school and rank it highest in their applications.
- Strategic application: Parents and students should balance the student’s interests, the school’s reputation, and realistic admission chances.
Example:
- Student A: Total score 10, lists a certain secondary school as first choice.
- Student B: Total score 10, lists the same school as second choice.
Outcome: Student A will be prioritized over Student B for admission.
4.4 Expanding the Range of Choices
- More opportunities: Students can apply to different types of secondary schools, such as Special Assistance Plan (SAP) schools, autonomous schools, or independent schools.
- Interest-driven: Students may choose schools offering specialized programs in areas such as the arts, sports, or science.
V. Advantages of the AL System
5.1 Reduced Academic Stress
- Less impact from minor score differences: Students need not worry excessively about losing or gaining a single mark.
- Lower competitiveness: Focus on personal improvement, minimizing unnecessary comparisons with peers.
5.2 Encourages Holistic Development
- Balanced subject performance: The AL system emphasizes achieving a good level in every subject, reducing the risk of over-concentrating on a single subject.
- Cultivation of comprehensive skills: Encourages development of critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.
5.3 Improved Quality of Education
- Better teaching: Teachers can focus more on the quality of instruction and students’ understanding, rather than merely on exam techniques.
- Personalized learning: Schools can more effectively support students of varying abilities and interests.
5.4 Alignment with Future Education
- Consistent scoring method: The AL system is aligned with the grading methods used in secondary school and the O-Level exams, helping students transition smoothly to the next stage of learning.
VI. Other Important Considerations
6.1 Foundation Subjects and AL Scoring
Students who need additional assistance in certain subjects may opt to take foundation-level subjects. These subjects have a different AL scoring system to reflect their difficulty level.
| Foundation AL Level | Raw Score Range | Counts as in PSLE Total |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 85-100 | AL6 |
| 2 | 70-84 | AL7 |
| 3 | 50-69 | AL8 |
| 4 | 30-49 | AL9 |
| 5 | Below 30 | AL10 |
Note: When calculating the overall PSLE score, foundation ALs must be converted to the standard AL scale.
Example:
A student scores 80 in Foundation Mathematics, which is Foundation AL2. This converts to AL7 in the total calculation.
6.2 SAP Schools and Higher Mother Tongue
Special Assistance Plan (SAP) schools aim to promote bilingualism, especially in Chinese. For students applying to SAP schools:
- Bonus points for Higher Mother Tongue: Students who take Higher Mother Tongue at PSLE and perform well may receive bonus points for SAP school admissions.
- Bonus point mechanism:
- MERIT or DISTINCTION in Higher Mother Tongue can earn 1 or 2 bonus points, respectively.
- Scope of impact: These bonus points apply only to SAP school admissions and do not affect the PSLE total score or admissions to non-SAP schools.
6.3 Students with Special Educational Needs
- Individualized support: Schools and the Ministry of Education provide tailored support and resources for students with special educational needs to ensure fair evaluation under the AL system.
VII. Comprehensive Examples
7.1 Example: Student E’s Results
- English (Standard): 72 marks → AL5
- Mathematics (Standard): 88 marks → AL2
- Science (Standard): 81 marks → AL3
- Mother Tongue (Higher): 70 marks → Higher Mother Tongue MERIT
Calculating the PSLE total:
- English: AL5
- Mathematics: AL2
- Science: AL3
- Mother Tongue (assume a standard-level score of 80): AL3
- Total: 5 + 2 + 3 + 3 = 13
Applying to SAP schools:
- Higher Mother Tongue bonus points: +1 point (MERIT)
- Adjusted total (for SAP school application): 13 – 1 = 12
Outcome:
Student E’s adjusted total is 12 for SAP school applications, improving their admission chances.
7.2 Example: Student F’s Results (with Foundation Subjects)
- English (Standard): 60 marks → AL6
- Mathematics (Foundation): 75 marks → Foundation AL1 (counts as AL6)
- Science (Standard): 50 marks → AL6
- Mother Tongue (Foundation): 65 marks → Foundation AL2 (counts as AL7)
Calculating the PSLE total:
- English: AL6
- Mathematics: AL6 (foundation conversion)
- Science: AL6
- Mother Tongue: AL7 (foundation conversion)
- Total: 6 + 6 + 6 + 7 = 25
Outcome:
Student F can consider secondary schools that offer additional support and align with their interests and capabilities.
VIII. Conclusion
The new PSLE Achievement Level system represents a significant shift in Singapore’s educational philosophy. It aims to:
- Reduce stress on students: By introducing broader score bands, reducing fixation on every mark.
- Promote holistic development: Encouraging students to balance performance across all subjects, cultivating diverse skills.
- Enhance education quality: Focusing more on students’ understanding and application of knowledge rather than mere grades.
8.1 Advice for Students
- Focus on the learning process: Emphasize grasping knowledge, developing critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- Aim for balanced development: Allocate effort across all subjects to avoid neglecting any one area.
- Choose suitable schools: Carefully consider your interests, abilities, and the strengths of each school when selecting preferences.
8.2 Advice for Parents
- Offer support and encouragement: Pay attention to your child’s learning journey and emotional well-being, and provide necessary help.
- Be realistic about grades: Understand the purpose of the AL system and do not overemphasize scores.
- Communicate proactively: Maintain regular contact with teachers and schools to stay informed about your child’s progress and needs.
8.3 Future Outlook
The introduction of the AL system is intended to nurture future citizens equipped with critical thinking, innovation, and a sense of social responsibility. By minimizing unnecessary competition and stress, students can grow in a healthier environment, better prepared for further education and for life.
For further questions, please consult your child’s teachers or visit the official MOE website for the latest information.
