Singapore parents of primary school children must understand the PSLE grading system. This is important as it significantly influences the children’s academic future.
This is so as the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) is pivotal in determining secondary school placements.
In 2021, the Ministry of Education (MOE) Singapore made a landmark change by introducing the Achievement Levels (AL) system to replace the T-score system.
This new approach is designed to provide a more comprehensive assessment of a student’s capabilities, focusing on a holistic evaluation rather than just academic prowess.
This PSLE grading system aims to shift focus from relative performance between students to their individual mastery of the core subjects.
We have crafted this guide to demystify the new PSLE scoring system and explain what this change means for your child’s educational journey. Read on to gain valuable insights.
The PSLE Grading System – Achievement Levels
The previous T-score system primarily focused on ranking students based on academic performance, often leading to intense competition and high-stress levels.
The new AL scores attempt to address these concerns and encourage a more balanced development of young learners. This system is the foundation of subject-based
Under the new PSLE grading system, students are assessed across four core subjects:
- English Language
- Mother Tongue Language
- Mathematics
- Science
The AL system assigns students a grade between AL1 (highest proficiency) and AL8 (lowest) for each core subject above.
The total score is the sum of the four ALs, with the best possible score being 4 (all AL1s) and the worst being 32.
This shift was designed to reduce the competitive pressure on students and encourage a focus on their learning and progress.
In other words, there is focus and appreciation of students’ strengths and recognition of weaknesses in different subjects.
This new scoring system forms the foundation of the subject-based banding education system for Primary and Secondary schools in Singapore.
Subject-Based Banding (SBB) in Primary Schools
In tandem with the AL PSLE grading system, Subject-Based Banding (SBB) allows students in Primary 5 and Primary 6 to take subjects at either the Standard or Foundation level based on their strengths.
At the end of Primary 4, schools recommend a subject combination for each student, which may include a mix of Standard and Foundation subjects.
For example, a child who is strong in English but weak in Math may take Standard English but Foundation Math. This system allows students to play to their strengths while receiving extra support.
Here’s a simplified table mapping the AL levels to the corresponding raw mark ranges:
The PSLE allows students to demonstrate their abilities. According to MOE, less than half of the cohort scores AL 1-4 for Standard subjects, so the upper AL bands have narrower ranges. This approach balances reducing differentiation between students and ensuring meaningful secondary school posting outcomes.
AL Grading System and Secondary School Placement
Under the new system, posting to secondary school will be based purely on merit. If more than one student has the same PSLE score, three tiebreakers will be used to determine the deserving student:
- Singapore citizenship: Top priority is given to Singapore citizens, followed by Permanent Residents and international students.
- School choice order: The student ranked the school higher on their list is prioritised.
- Computerised balloting: If both tiebreakers do not achieve the desired results, balloting will determine who is to be admitted.
Use of Higher Chinese Language (HCL) for admission to SAP schools
Students who achieve Distinction, Merit, or Pass in HCL and obtain a PSLE Score of 14 or better (i.e. PSLE Score ≤ 14) will receive an advantage in the posting to SAP schools.
In cases where multiple students with the same PSLE Score apply for places in the same SAP school, priority will be given to those with better HCL grades. This priority will be considered before the tie-breakers for the Secondary 1 posting.
Tips to Guide Your Child Through the New AL System
Foster a Growth Mindset
Encourage your child to view challenges as opportunities for growth. The new PSLE scores are much less finely differentiated, helping children understand that their efforts and progress are valued instead of fixating on their mistakes.
Recognise Their Strengths
Please help your child discover their strengths and interests. Through Subject-Based Banding, they can focus on subjects they are passionate about, enhancing their overall learning experience.
Be Communicative
Maintain open communication with your child’s teachers and school counsellors. They can provide insights into your child’s progress and suggest appropriate paths based on their abilities.
Manage Expectations
While the new AL scores of this new PSLE grading system aim to reduce stress, it’s important to manage your own and your child’s expectations. Remember that each child’s journey is unique; the ultimate goal is holistic development.
How Joyous Learning Can Help
At Joyous Learning, we provide comprehensive English, Math, and Science programmes to support your child in excelling under the new AL grading system and SBB framework. If your child is working to strengthen their skills in standard-level courses, our tailored programmes can guide them toward academic success.
Join our primary school tuition programmes to ensure your child is fully prepared for the PSLE. Let Joyous Learning be your partner in this important educational journey!
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