PSLE Scoring System Demystified: Understanding Your Child's PSLE AL Score

Confused by the new PSLE scoring system in Singapore? This guide explains the PSLE AL Score, how it works, and how it affects your child's secondary school placement.

The PSLE is a big deal for Singaporean students. It's the final exam of primary school and helps decide which secondary school they'll go to. Knowing about the PSLE score, especially the AL Score, is important for both parents and students. Let's learn more so that you can prepare for the next step.

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What is the PSLE AL Score?

The PSLE AL Score is a number that shows how well a student did on the PSLE. It is based on the student's scores in their four best subjects: English, Math, Science, and Mother Tongue Language. The MOE started using this new scoring system in 2021. It gives a better idea of how well a student did compared to the old system.

(Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/microsites/psle-fsbb/psle/main.html).

How Does the PSLE AL Score Work?

Each PSLE subject is assessed using eight Achievement Levels (ALs), with AL 1 being the highest and AL 8 indicating the need for further support. Your child's score in each subject translates to an AL level. The PSLE AL Score is then derived by adding the ALs of the four best-performed subjects. 

Here's an example:

English Language: AL 2

Mathematics: AL 3

Science: AL 4

Mother Tongue Language: AL 1

Total PSLE AL Score: 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 = 10

Old vs. New PSLE Scoring System: A Shift Towards Individual Achievement

The PSLE scoring system in Singapore has undergone changes to better reflect student learning and reduce unnecessary pressure. Here's a breakdown of the old and new systems:  
(Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/microsites/psle-fsbb/psle/changing-psle-scoring-s...)

Old System (Pre-2021):

• T-Score: This was a single score derived from a student's raw marks and the overall performance of their cohort. Higher T-scores indicated better performance.
• Focus on Competition: Students often compared themselves to peers based on T-score rankings, leading to undue pressure.   
• Limited Differentiation: With a single score, students with similar abilities might receive different grades due to small variations in marks.

New System (Implemented in 2021):

• Achievement Levels (ALs): Subjects are now assessed using eight ALs, ranging from AL 1 (highest) to AL 8 (indicating a need for further support).   
• Emphasis on Individual Growth: Students focus on their learning journey and achieving their personal best in each subject.   
• Wider Scoring Bands: The AL system allows for more students to achieve the same PSLE score, providing them with a wider range of secondary school options.   

Here's a table summarising the key differences:

By shifting to the AL system, the MOE aims to create a more holistic assessment of student learning and reduce unnecessary stress associated with exam scores.

PSLE Score Calculator

Feeling curious about your child's potential PSLE score under the new Achievement Level (AL) system? The Ministry of Education (MOE) offers a helpful PSLE AL Score calculator to give you an idea. This online tool lets you input your child's estimated scores in English Language, Mathematics, Science, and Mother Tongue Language, and it calculates a resulting PSLE score based on the current AL system. While it doesn't predict actual results, it can provide a valuable starting point for discussions about secondary school options. Explore the PSLE AL Score calculator and gain some insights into your child's future academic journey:

(Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/microsites/psle-fsbb/resources/score-calculator.html)