The Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) has long been pivotal in a student’s educational journey in Singapore. It is a benchmark for assessing their academic abilities and determining their secondary school placements.
However, over the years, there has been a growing recognition that the intense focus on PSLE scores can lead to unnecessary stress and competition among students. To address these concerns and promote holistic development, the Ministry of Education (MOE) in Singapore introduced significant changes to the PSLE scoring system in 2021.
PSLE Scoring System: A Paradigm Shift
The new PSLE scoring system represents a significant departure from the traditional T-score system, which ranked students based on their relative performance compared to their peers. Instead, the revamped system aims to place greater emphasis on individual achievement and learning objectives. Here are the key features of the new PSLE scoring system according to MOE:
1. PSLE Scores using Achievement Levels
Students will be scored by Achievement Levels based on their individual performance in the PSLE subject, regardless of how their peers have done. Each Achievement Level will reflect how well students have done relative to learning objectives of the curriculum.
Your child’s PSLE Score will be the sum of the Achievement Levels of their four PSLE subjects (English, Math, Science and Mother Tongue). PSLE Scores can range from 4 to 32, with 4 being the best possible total score.
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With 29 possible PSLE Scores, students’ examination scores are less finely differentiated, and more students will have the same PSLE Score. Today, more schools with the same cut-off points, and students will have a wider range of schools to choose from depending on their strengths and interests, unique school programmes, and CCAs.
2. Achievement Levels (ALs)
Achievement Levels (ALs) are the scoring bands used for in the PSLE Scoring system.
Each PSLE subject will be scored using 8 ALs. Students who perform similarly will be placed in the same AL for each subject.
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3. Presentation of P5 Results in Holistic Development Profile (HDP)
To ease the transition, students in Primary 5 (P5) and Primary 6 (P6) receive school-based examination results in Achievement Levels. This helps students and parents become familiar with the new scoring system before the actual PSLE.
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4. Scoring for Foundation Level Subjects
Students taking Foundation level subjects are also scored using Achievement Levels, with AL A (highest) to AL C (lowest). These ALs for Foundation level subjects will be mapped to AL 6 to AL 8 of Standard level subjects to derive an overall PSLE Score for S1 Posting.
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5. Mother Tongue Language Exemption and Asian Language/Foreign Language
Under the new scoring system, students exempted from MTL, due to extenuating circumstances, will be assigned an MTL score so they have a PSLE score comprising four subjects, for the purposes of S1 Posting. The same approach is taken in today’s T-score system. Their assigned MTL score will:
Take reference from peers with similar scores for English, Mathematics, and Science.
Maintain parity of treatment with students who take Foundation MTL (who will score between AL 6 to 8)
Hence, students will receive an assigned MTL score between AL 6 to 8 in PSLE.
Click here to find out how a student’s MTL score is assigned.
6. Use of Higher Chinese Language (HCL) for SAP School Admission
Students who obtained Distinction/Merit/Pass in HCL and a PSLE Score of 14 or better (i.e. PSLE Score ≤ 14) at PSLE will be eligible for posting advantage to SAP schools.
If multiple students with the same PSLE Score apply for places in the same SAP school, those with better HCL grades will be allocated a place ahead of other students. This applies before the tie-breakers for S1 posting.
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Secondary School Course and Subject Eligibility
The new system also impacts eligibility for secondary school courses and subject offerings.
Secondary school course eligibility under the AL system
Until 2023, your child will continue to be placed in a secondary school course – Express, Normal (Academic) or Normal (Technical) – based on their PSLE Score.
For students who are not eligible for Express, Normal (Academic) or Normal (Technical) courses, they would be offered the option to retake the PSLE. Alternatively, they could progress to Assumption Pathway School (APS) or NorthLight School (NLS), with their principal’s endorsement, for a more experiential and hands-on learning approach.
Higher Mother Tongue Language (HMTL) in secondary school
For your child to take HMTL, your child should meet the following criteria:
(i) An overall PSLE Score of 8 or better
OR
(ii) An overall PSLE Score of 9 to 14 (inclusive); and attain
- AL 1 / AL 2 in MTL or
- Distinction / Merit in HMTL
The eligibility criteria is intended to ensure that your child will be able to cope with the higher academic load. It takes reference from the criteria under the T-score system.
Schools also have the flexibility to allow students who do not meet the above criteria to take HMTL, if they are assessed to have exceptional ability in MTL and are able to take HMTL without affecting their performance in other subjects.
MTL at a Less Demanding Level
Mother Tongue Language (MTL) ‘B’ (for S1 cohort entering secondary school in 2023 and before)
Students facing exceptional difficulties in MTL have the option to take MTL ‘B’ at Secondary 1 instead of taking MTL at the Express or N(A) level. For your child to be eligible for MTL ‘B’, your child should meet the criteria in the table below.
Eligibility Criteria for MTL ‘B’ at Secondary 1
Students in Express or Normal (Academic) course with:
(i) AL 7 or 8 in Standard MTL
OR
(ii) AL B or C in Foundation MTL
Schools continue to have the discretion to offer MTL ‘B’ to students who face exceptional difficulties in MTL but do not meet the eligibility criteria to take MTL ‘B’ at Secondary 1 based on their PSLE results.
Beyond Secondary 1, as students progress in secondary school, they can also take up MTL ‘B’ if they are assessed to be suitable by their schools.
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Third Language in Secondary School
For your child to take a third language in secondary school, your child should meet the respective criteria:
Foreign Languages (FL)
(French, German, Japanese and Spanish)
- Students must obtain a PSLE Score of 8 or better
- For Japanese, students must have passed Chinese Language (CL)/ Higher Chinese Language (HCL) at PSLE
- Students must be Singapore Citizen (SC), Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR), or a child of a SC/SP
Asian Languages (AsL)
(Arabic and Bahasa Indonesia)
- Students must obtain a PSLE Score of 24 or better
- For Bahasa Indonesia, students must not have offered Malay Language (ML)/ Higher Malay Language (HML) as their Mother Tongue Language at PSLE
- Students must be SC or SPR, or a child or a SC/SPR
Special Programmes
[Malay Special Programme M(SP) and Chinese Special Programme C(SP)]
- Students must obtain a PSLE Score of 24 or better
- For M(SP), students must not have offered ML/HML as their Mother Tongue Language at PSLE
- For C(SP), students must not have offered CL/HCL as their Mother Tongue Language at PSLE
Taking subjects at a more demanding level under Subject-Based Banding
For students posted to the N(A) or N(T) course, they have the flexibility to take subjects at a more demanding level, if they meet the SBB-Sec eligibility criteria as follows:
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Benefits of the New PSLE Scoring System
The introduction of the new PSLE scoring system brings several benefits for students, parents, and educators alike:
- Reduced Stress: The broader score range and emphasis on individual achievement reduce the pressure and competition associated with high-stakes exams, fostering a more relaxed learning environment.
- Holistic Development: The system aligns with MOE’s focus on holistic development, encouraging students to pursue their interests and passions beyond academics.
- Fairness: The system recognises each student’s unique strengths and provides equitable opportunities for diverse school choices based on their abilities and preferences.
- Specialized School Placements: Including HCL and options for different language levels better cater to students with varied linguistic abilities, ensuring a suitable placement in secondary schools.
Conclusion
The 2021 PSLE scoring system changes significantly shift Singapore’s education landscape. The new system aims to create a more nurturing and inclusive educational environment by emphasising individual achievement, reducing competition, and promoting holistic development. These changes align with the MOE’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals who can thrive academically and in life. As a parent or student, it’s essential to understand these changes and embrace the opportunities they bring for growth and development.
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