In Singapore’s Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) scoring system, Achievement Level 1 (AL1) represents the highest level of academic excellence. To attain an AL1 in a subject, a student must achieve a raw mark between 90 and 100. This scoring system, introduced in 2021, categorizes student performance into eight distinct bands, ranging from AL1 (best) to AL8.
The AL system was designed to reduce fine differentiation among students’ scores and to focus on individual performance relative to learning objectives, rather than peer comparison. Each subject’s AL is determined solely by the student’s own achievement. The total PSLE score is the sum of the ALs from all four subjects, with the best possible total score being 4 (i.e., achieving AL1 in all subjects).
For example, if a student scores as follows:
- English Language: AL1
- Mother Tongue Language: AL2
- Mathematics: AL1
- Science: AL2
The total PSLE score would be 6 (1+2+1+2). This cumulative score plays a crucial role in determining secondary school placements, with lower scores generally providing a wider range of options.
Achieving AL1 in a subject not only reflects a student’s strong grasp of the curriculum but also enhances their prospects for admission into top secondary schools. It’s important to note that while academic excellence is significant, holistic development and personal interests should also guide educational choices.