The Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) is an important exam in Singapore’s education system. Over time, it has changed to better reflect how students learn and perform. One of the biggest changes is the new PSLE scoring system, which replaces the old T-score system. This article explains the new PSLE AL score system and how it affects students and their secondary school placements.
What is the New PSLE Scoring System?
The Ministry of Education (MOE) in Singapore introduced the new PSLE scoring system to replace the old T-score system. The new system, starting in 2025, aims to reduce stress and competition while focusing more on each student’s individual progress.
Instead of comparing students to one another, the new system uses Achievement Levels (ALs) to measure each student’s performance in a subject. These ALs reflect how well a student did, rather than how they did compared to their peers.
Understanding the PSLE AL Score
The PSLE AL system has eight Achievement Levels, with AL1 being the best and AL8 being the lowest. Here is a breakdown of the ALs and their corresponding score ranges:
- AL1: 90 – 100
- AL2: 85 – 89
- AL3: 80 – 84
- AL4: 75 – 79
- AL5: 65 – 74
- AL6: 45 – 64
- AL7: 20 – 44
- AL8: Below 20
Each student gets an AL score for every subject, and their total PSLE AL score is the sum of the ALs in the four subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, and Mother Tongue.
How is the PSLE AL Score Used for Secondary School Placement?
The new PSLE scoring system helps students get a fair chance at entering their preferred secondary schools. The total PSLE AL score, which ranges from 4 to 32, is used for school admissions.
Here’s how it works:
- Students are ranked by their total AL score.
- Students can list their preferred schools, with the highest choice having priority if spots are limited.
- If students have the same score and want the same school, tie-breakers like citizenship and computer balloting are used.
Key Benefits of the New PSLE Scoring System
- Less Stress and Competition:
The old system ranked students against each other, which caused a lot of pressure. The new system reduces stress by focusing on personal performance rather than competition. - Encourages Mastery of Subjects:
The AL system encourages students to truly understand the material, rather than stressing over small differences in their marks. Students with similar levels of understanding are grouped together. - Easier School Selection:
With the new system, it’s clearer what scores are needed for different schools, so students and parents can make better-informed decisions about school choices.
Challenges and Things to Think About for Students and Parents
- Understanding the New Scoring System:
Parents and students may need some time to adjust to the new system. It’s important to understand how the scores work and how they impact school placements. - Choosing the Right Secondary School:
Since there are no fine distinctions between scores, students and parents should focus more on finding a school that fits their learning style, values, and future goals, rather than just aiming for a specific score. - Handling Tie-breaker Situations:
Since the new system groups students into broader categories, tie-breakers like citizenship and computer balloting are more important. Students should think carefully about how they rank their school choices.
Final Thoughts on the New PSLE Scoring System
The switch to the new PSLE scoring system marks an important change in Singapore’s education. By using Achievement Levels instead of comparing students to each other, the new system aims to create a more balanced and less stressful environment for students.
Instead of comparing students to one another, the new system uses Achievement Levels (ALs) to measure each student’s performance in a subject. These ALs reflect how well a student did, rather than how they did compared to their peers Parents and students may need some time to adjust to the new system. It’s important to understand how the scores work and how they impact school placements.
The AL system encourages students to truly understand the material, rather than stressing over small differences in their marks. Students with similar levels of understanding are grouped together.
Understanding the new system helps students and parents make better decisions about schools and ensures a smoother transition to secondary education. While there may be challenges in adjusting to the new system, the long-term benefits of less stress, better learning outcomes, and clearer school choices make it a positive change for the future.
