Let’s delve into one of the most anticipated and significant milestones in the academic journey of Singaporean students – the PSLE Cut-Off Point for Secondary School in 2023. As the educational landscape continues to evolve, the PSLE (Primary School Leaving Examination) remains a critical examination that shapes the educational paths of our young learners. In this blog, check the PSLE Cut-Off Point system.
How is the Cut-Off Point (COP) determined for each secondary school?
The COP for a school is established based on the PSLE Score of the last student admitted to that school in the previous year. This score range is defined by the PSLE Scores of the first and last students admitted. It’s important to note that these PSLE Score ranges are not predetermined by the Ministry of Education (MOE) or the schools. Instead, they result from the cohort’s PSLE results and school preferences during the S1 Posting Exercise for that particular year. Consequently, COPs may exhibit slight variations from one year to the next.
Why do some schools share the same Cut-Off Point (COP)? How do parents make school choices when multiple schools have identical COPs?
The reduction in possible PSLE Scores, from over 200 aggregates in the previous T-score system to just 29 using Achievement Levels, has led to less differentiation between schools based solely on COPs. This means that students generally have a broader selection of secondary schools to consider. Similar to the previous T-score system, COPs for schools in a given year are not predetermined; they can vary depending on the PSLE results of the cohort and the school preferences expressed during the previous year’s S1 Posting Exercise.
To assist parents in making informed decisions, it is recommended that they explore additional factors beyond COPs. These factors include the schools’ Applied Learning Programme (ALP), Learning for Life Programme (LLP), Co-Curricular Activities (CCA), overall culture, and proximity to their residence. Parents can access valuable information through various resources, such as school websites and MOE’s platforms like SchoolFinder.
Given that the order of school choices serves as a tie-breaker in the S1 posting system, parents and students are encouraged to deliberate their selections on the S1 Option Form carefully. Choosing schools that align well with the student’s learning needs is advisable. Additionally, it’s a good practice to consider at least 2-3 schools where the student’s PSLE Score surpasses the school’s COP. Schools will continue to enhance their Education and Career Guidance (ECG) efforts to guide parents and students, facilitating informed decisions regarding school choices.