Ask Sandra: New PSLE scoring system

Despite more details being released on PSLE scoring changes, some are still asking how the new system will apply to pupils from affiliated primary schools and those exempt from taking mother tongue for the Primary School Leaving Examination. Senior Education Correspondent Sandra Davie answers parents' queries.

For pupils exempt from Mother Tongue Language, and those studying other languages in lieu of an official MTL, their PSLE result slips will reflect only the scores for the three subjects they have taken - English, maths and science. But they will be a
For pupils exempt from Mother Tongue Language, and those studying other languages in lieu of an official MTL, their PSLE result slips will reflect only the scores for the three subjects they have taken - English, maths and science. But they will be assigned an MTL score for the purpose of Secondary 1 posting. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
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A First, a recap of the new scoring system. Each Standard-level PSLE subject will be scored using eight bands known as Achievement Levels (ALs) - from AL1, the best score, to AL8. The total PSLE score will be the sum of the scores for the four subjects, with possible scores ranging from four to 32.

Foundation Level subjects - for those who are weaker in a discipline - will be graded from AL A to AL C.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on July 31, 2019, with the headline Ask Sandra: New PSLE scoring system. Subscribe