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Decoding the PSLE Scoring System and Grading Criteria
The PSLE scoring system and PSLE grading play a crucial role in shaping the academic journey of primary school students in Singapore. The Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) is a pivotal milestone that determines secondary school placement. In recent years, the scoring system underwent significant changes to better reflect individual abilities and reduce unnecessary competition.
Under the new PSLE scoring system, students are graded using Achievement Levels (ALs) instead of T-scores. Each subject is assigned an AL score ranging from AL1 (the best) to AL8. The total PSLE score is calculated by summing the ALs of four subjects, resulting in a score between 4 and 32. A lower score reflects better performance. This shift emphasizes mastery of content over relative ranking among peers, encouraging students to focus on learning rather than competing.
The PSLE grading system uses specific score ranges to assign ALs. For example, AL1 corresponds to marks between 90 and 100, while AL8 represents scores below 20. This clear grading structure provides transparency and consistency in evaluating students’ performance. The total PSLE score is then used to determine eligibility for different secondary school streams, such as Express, Normal (Academic), or Normal (Technical).
This revised system has several benefits. By focusing on absolute performance rather than comparing students, it promotes a growth mindset. Students are encouraged to work on personal improvement without undue stress. Moreover, the simplified scoring system reduces the anxiety associated with minor differences in marks.
Under the new PSLE scoring system, students are graded using Achievement Levels (ALs) instead of T-scores. Each subject is assigned an AL score ranging from AL1 (the best) to AL8. The total PSLE score is calculated by summing the ALs of four subjects, resulting in a score between 4 and 32. A lower score reflects better performance. This shift emphasizes mastery of content over relative ranking among peers, encouraging students to focus on learning rather than competing.
The PSLE grading system uses specific score ranges to assign ALs. For example, AL1 corresponds to marks between 90 and 100, while AL8 represents scores below 20. This clear grading structure provides transparency and consistency in evaluating students’ performance. The total PSLE score is then used to determine eligibility for different secondary school streams, such as Express, Normal (Academic), or Normal (Technical).
This revised system has several benefits. By focusing on absolute performance rather than comparing students, it promotes a growth mindset. Students are encouraged to work on personal improvement without undue stress. Moreover, the simplified scoring system reduces the anxiety associated with minor differences in marks.