Starting next year, Primary 5 students will be graded with the new Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) scoring system.
These students will be the first cohort to receive their grades based on the new PSLE scoring system in 2021, which marks them on the basis of their individual performance in subjects, regardless of how their peers have done.

The current T-score system with grades A* to E will be replaced by scoring bands, known as Achievement Levels 1 to 8. The total PSLE score will be a sum of the scores for the four subjects, with possible scores ranging from 4 to 32.

The change is part of the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) efforts to move away from an overemphasis on academic results and provide students with more flexibility and space to develop their strengths and interests. It also aims to encourage families to choose schools based on the child’s learning needs and interests.

For students who are keen to take on Higher Mother Tongue in secondary school, they would need at least an overall PSLE score of 8. This eligibility criteria, MOE said, takes reference from the existing criteria and is intended to ensure students can cope with the higher academic load in secondary school.

MOE added: “Every child’s education journey is unique. The systemic enhancements we are putting in place, including recently announced initiatives such as the reduction of school-based assessment load and the implementation of Full Subject-Based Banding in secondary schools, aim to offer multiple pathways and possibilities for our students with diverse needs to reach their fullest potential, regardless of their starting points.”

Image Credit: Ministry of Education