The Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) is a pivotal assessment for students in Singapore, marking the transition from primary to secondary education. Over the years, the scoring system for PSLE has undergone significant changes, with the most recent being the implementation of the new PSLE scoring system, which introduces the Achievement Level (AL) grading method. This article delves into the details of the PSLE AL score, its implications for students and parents, and how the new PSLE scoring system differs from the previous T-score system.

What is the PSLE AL Score?

The PSLE AL score is a new grading framework that categorizes students’ performance into eight achievement levels (ALs) for each subject. The ALs range from 1 to 8, with AL1 being the best possible score and AL8 the lowest. The system aims to provide a clearer, more standardized understanding of students' capabilities while reducing the competition associated with small score differences.

Here’s a breakdown of the Achievement Levels:

• AL1: 90 marks and above
• AL2: 85 to 89 marks
• AL3: 80 to 84 marks
• AL4: 75 to 79 marks
• AL5: 65 to 74 marks
• AL6: 45 to 64 marks
• AL7: 20 to 44 marks
• AL8: Below 20 marks

The total PSLE AL score is calculated by summing the AL grades across all four subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, and Mother Tongue. This total determines the student’s eligibility and priority for secondary school placement.

The Transition to the New PSLE Scoring System

The new PSLE scoring system was introduced to replace the previous T-score model, which relied on precise numerical scores and percentiles. The change reflects a shift toward recognizing broader academic achievements rather than emphasizing small score differences. By banding scores into achievement levels, the system promotes a balanced approach to academic performance.

Why the Change?

• Reduce Stress and Competition: The AL system minimizes stress by grouping scores into wider bands. Students no longer feel the pressure of achieving specific decimal-point differences.
• Focus on Holistic Development: It encourages students to explore interests beyond academics and engage in co-curricular activities.
• Simplified Scoring: Parents and students can more easily interpret performance levels without the complexities of T-score calculations.

How the New PSLE Scoring System Works

Under the new PSLE scoring system, secondary school posting is determined by the total PSLE AL score. The lower the total score, the better the student's chances of getting into their preferred school.

For example:

• A student with AL1 in all four subjects would have a total score of 4 (1+1+1+1).
• A student with AL3 in two subjects and AL2 in the other two would have a total score of 10 (3+3+2+2).

Tie-Breaking Criteria for Secondary School Posting:

If multiple students have the same total AL score, these criteria are used in order:

1. Citizenship: Singapore Citizens are prioritized over Permanent Residents or international students.
2. Choice Order of Schools: Students who rank the school higher on their list get priority.
3. Computerized Balloting: For cases where all other factors are equal, a computerized balloting system is used.

Benefits of the PSLE AL Scoring System

The new PSLE scoring system offers several benefits to students, parents, and educators:

1. Reduced Focus on Fine Score Margins:
   Unlike the T-score system, where minor differences could significantly affect rankings, the AL system groups students into broader categories, creating a fairer comparison.

2. Encouragement of Holistic Development:
   Students are encouraged to focus on overall learning rather than striving for perfection in every subject. This allows them to explore creative, physical, and social activities.

3. Clearer Understanding of Performance:
   The AL grades provide a straightforward way for parents and students to gauge strengths and areas needing improvement.

4. Alignment with Secondary School Curriculum:
   The new system ensures a smoother transition to secondary school by matching students to schools and streams that align with their academic readiness.