The Achievement Level (AL) system for the Primary School Leaving Examinations (PSLE) in Singapore, implemented by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB), is a unique grading mechanism designed to provide an accurate reflection of each student’s understanding and capabilities. The system facilitates the seamless progression of students through the Singaporean education system, ensuring that their knowledge, abilities, and overall academic performance are recognized and nurtured accordingly.
Under this system, the performance of students in the PSLE is categorized into eight Achievement Levels (ALs), which range from AL1 to AL8. The ALs provide a standardized measurement of academic achievement, allowing educators and parents to quickly and effectively understand a student’s academic standing.
| Achievement Level (AL) | Score Range | Performance Description |
|---|---|---|
| AL1 | 90 – 100 | Excellent understanding of subject matter and skills |
| AL2 | 85 – 89 | Very good understanding of subject matter and skills |
| AL3 | 80 – 84 | Good understanding of subject matter and skills |
| AL4 | 75 – 79 | Adequate understanding of subject matter and skills |
| AL5 | 65 – 74 | Some understanding of subject matter and skills |
| AL6 | 45 – 64 | Minimal understanding of subject matter and skills |
| AL7 | 20 – 44 | Very minimal understanding of subject matter and skills |
| AL8 | 0 – 19 | Lack of understanding of subject matter and skills |
AL1 represents the highest level of achievement and is reserved for those students who demonstrate a deep and comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. This level signifies the students who score between 90 and 100 marks in their examinations. These students showcase excellent subject matter understanding, a significant level of knowledge, and superior abilities in the relevant skills as set out in the SEAB MOE syllabus.
The subsequent levels, AL2, AL3, and AL4, are indicative of a very good, good, and adequate understanding of the subject matter, respectively. AL2 is assigned for scores between 85 and 89, AL3 for scores between 70 and 84, and AL4 for scores between 65 and 69. Each of these levels denotes varying degrees of proficiency, each one slightly less comprehensive than the one preceding it.
The remaining levels, AL5, AL6, AL7, and AL8, are for students who demonstrate some understanding, minimal understanding, very minimal understanding, and a lack of understanding, respectively. AL5 corresponds to scores between 60 and 64, AL6 corresponds to scores between 45 and 59, AL7 corresponds to scores between 20 and 44, and AL8 is for scores below 20.
Each of these levels serves a specific purpose within the education system, informing teachers, parents, and students about academic performance. The goal of the PSLE and the SEAB MOE examination process is to ensure that all students, regardless of their AL, are provided with the resources and support they need to improve and progress in their educational journey.
The AL system is designed to motivate students towards higher academic achievement, setting clear expectations and standards for performance. It’s part of a broader approach by SEAB and MOE to maintain high educational standards, monitor student performance, and create a conducive environment for learning.
Understanding the AL range and what each level signifies is key to interpreting PSLE results and developing appropriate educational strategies for subsequent academic progression. Every student, parent, and educator needs to familiarize themselves with the AL system for better performance evaluation and to set realistic academic goals.
