The Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) is a pivotal national examination in Singapore, administered by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and serves as a transition from primary to secondary education. This examination assesses a student’s mastery of the primary school curriculum, including subjects such as English Language, Mother Tongue Language, Mathematics, and Science.

The PSLE adopts an Achievement Level Scoring (AL Scoring) system that operates on an 8-point scale, ranging from AL1 to AL8. Each subject is scored based on this scale, with AL1 representing the highest achievement level and AL8 the lowest. The student’s Total PSLE Score is then calculated by adding up the AL scores from the four subjects.

A student’s academic performance, measured by their Total PSLE Score, forms the basis for secondary school admissions. Each secondary school sets a cut-off point that serves as the minimum Total PSLE Score required for admission. Students, then, indicate their school choices, and school placements are decided according to these choices, the cut-off points, and the vacancies available.

The new scoring system aims to reflect a student’s individual abilities and potential, rather than ranking them against their peers. This emphasis on academic achievement is complemented by a focus on holistic education, encompassing non-academic areas and holistic development as well.

The PSLE serves as an educational milestone marking the conclusion of a student’s primary education journey and the commencement of their secondary education journey. This transition is an integral part of the education system in Singapore, facilitating the continuity of a student’s education and their advancement to more challenging curricula.

The PSLE also shapes the educational pathways available to students, with their Total PSLE Score determining their eligibility for various courses in secondary school. Beyond just academic progression, the PSLE supports students in realizing their educational goals and potential, empowering them to make informed decisions about their future education prospects.

As such, the PSLE results are calculated based on a scoring system that values both academic and non-academic aspects of a student’s primary school experience, creating an education framework that promotes a holistic approach to learning. By understanding how the PSLE result is calculated, students, parents, and educators can better navigate the national education standards, supporting the development of students’ learning competence and contributing to their overall learning success.

1. The Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) is a national examination in Singapore.
2. The results of the PSLE determine the secondary school to which students will be posted.
3. The Ministry of Education (MOE) introduced a new scoring system in 2021 called Achievement Level (AL) scoring.
4. The AL scoring system is on an 8-point scale for each subject (English Language, Mother Tongue Language, Mathematics, and Science).
5. Each level corresponds to a range of marks, with AL1 being the highest and AL8 being the lowest.
6. The AL scores for all four subjects are added up to generate the total PSLE Score. The lower the total PSLE Score, the better.
7. The total PSLE Score determines the secondary school to which a student can be admitted.
8. Each secondary school in Singapore sets a cut-off point for admission.
9. Students are allocated to secondary schools based on their school choices, their total PSLE Scores, and the vacancies available.
10. The MOE values holistic development, encouraging students to engage in non-academic areas.
11. The PSLE is an assessment of a student’s mastery of the primary school curriculum, not a full measure of a child’s abilities or potential.

The Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) in Singapore is a significant milestone in a student’s academic journey. The results of this national examination are instrumental in determining the secondary school to which students will be posted. But, how exactly is the PSLE result calculated? To answer this, we need to delve into the mechanics of the scoring system.

As of 2021, the Ministry of Education (MOE) has introduced a new scoring system to reduce excessive competition and stress among students. Rather than focusing on achieving the highest score possible, the new system aims to encourage students to do their best and recognize that every child’s learning pace and academic abilities vary.

The PSLE scoring system now follows an Achievement Level (AL) scoring system. Each subject—English Language, Mother Tongue Language, Mathematics, and Science—is scored on an 8-point scale, with AL1 being the best. Each level corresponds to a range of marks. For example, a score of 90 and above earns an Achievement Level 1 (AL1), whereas a score of 85-89 gets an Achievement Level 2 (AL2), and so on, up to Achievement Level 8 (AL8) for a score below 20.

Once the AL scores for all four subjects are determined, they are added up to generate the total PSLE Score. The lower the total PSLE Score, the better, as it signifies higher achievement levels across the subjects.

The total PSLE Score is instrumental in determining the secondary school to which a student can be admitted. Each secondary school in Singapore sets a cut-off point, which is the maximum PSLE Score a student can have to qualify for admission. Students are then allocated to secondary schools based on their school choices, their total PSLE Scores, and the vacancies available.

	Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE)
1	National examination in Singapore
2	Determines the secondary school students will attend
3	Scoring system introduced by the MOE in 2021 called Achievement Level (AL) scoring
4	AL scoring on an 8-point scale for each subject
5	Each AL corresponds to a range of marks; AL1 is the highest and AL8 is the lowest
6	Total PSLE Score calculated by adding AL scores of all subjects
7	The lower the total PSLE Score, the better
8	Total PSLE Score determines the secondary school admission
9	Each secondary school has a cut-off point for admission
10	School allocation based on student’s school choice, total PSLE Score, and school vacancies
11	MOE encourages holistic development, including non-academic areas
12	PSLE assesses mastery of the primary school curriculum, not a complete measure of a child’s abilities or potential

It’s worth noting that while academic achievement is a critical aspect of the PSLE, the MOE also places value on holistic development. Therefore, students are also encouraged to engage in non-academic areas like sports, arts, and community service, which play a vital role in the development of well-rounded individuals.

Finally, the PSLE isn’t a full measure of a child’s abilities or potential. It’s merely an assessment of their mastery of the primary school curriculum. Different children excel in different areas, and while the PSLE is an important examination, it’s not the only pathway to success. There are numerous paths to success in life, and it’s crucial to remember that every child can develop their unique strengths and talents, irrespective of their PSLE results.