2025 P5-P6 AL Scoring System

Let's deep dive into why the AL Scoring system is making competition tougher for all PSLE students from 2021 onwards?

The new AL (Achievement Level) scoring system replaces the previous T-score, which provided a more granular differentiation of students' scores. Here’s why the new system intensifies competition:

1. Broader Bands Create Tighter Competition:

   • The AL scoring system groups students into 8 wider bands instead of detailed T-scores. This leads to more students achieving the same AL score, especially in the higher bands (AL1 and AL2). This makes school placement more competitive as multiple students vie for the same spots with identical scores.
     

2. Secondary School Cut-Off Points (COP):

   • With schools using PSLE AL scores for admission, the cut-off points are now narrower, and students with the same scores must compete based on other factors, such as DSA or tie-breakers like citizenship.

   • Coupled with the fact that COP across all groups reduced by 1-2 AL points in 2024 alone, many who just nice met the criteria last year is not offered a slot in 2024.
     

3. Increased Pressure to Excel in All Subjects:

   • The system emphasizes consistency across all subjects to secure a lower AL total. For example, a single lower grade in one subject can significantly affect the overall AL score, adding pressure on students to excel uniformly.
     

4. Impact on High-Demand Schools:

   • Popular schools with low cut-off scores see a surge in applications, as students with similar AL scores are grouped together. This results in stiffer competition for these schools.
     

5. Tie-Breaker Stress:

   • In cases where multiple students have the same AL score, factors such as citizenship and choice order of schools come into play. This creates additional anxiety for students and parents during the selection process.
     

Overall, the AL system simplifies scoring but amplifies the competition by clustering students into broader achievement bands, making placements in top schools more challenging. ​

Strategy to Achieve the Lowest Possible Total AL Score in PSLE

Achieving the best AL score (Total 4 AL) requires a mix of discipline, strategy, and effective learning techniques. Here’s a step-by-step strategy with some key secrets for success:

1. Mastery of Core Concepts

• Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly: Ensure your child is familiar with the PSLE syllabus for all subjects (English, Math, Science, and Mother Tongue). Focus on key topics frequently tested.
  

• Target Strengths First: Aim for AL1 in subjects your child excels in, then work on improving weaker subjects.
  

• Use MOE-Approved Resources: Refer to PSLE Math papers and PSLE Science notes that are aligned with the syllabus.
  

2. Subject-Specific Tips

English

• Comprehension and Vocabulary: Expand vocabulary through daily reading and practice comprehension passages.

• Oral and Listening Practice: These are high-weighted components. Regular practice with recordings improves listening skills, while speaking confidently helps in scoring AL1.
  

Math

• Focus on Challenging Questions: Train with difficult PSLE Math questions to develop problem-solving skills. Work on speed and accuracy.

• Math Heuristics: Master common techniques like model drawing, assumption methods, and systematic guessing for hard PSLE Math questions.
  

Science

• Concept Clarity: Revise P5 and P6 Science topics, emphasizing frequently tested areas like energy and adaptations.

• Answering Techniques: Use structured responses for open-ended questions. Practice with PSLE Science questions to avoid missing marks for incomplete answers.
  

3. Effective Study Techniques

• Consistent Revision: Study daily in manageable chunks instead of cramming. Use schedules to ensure equal attention to all subjects.

• Practice Under Exam Conditions: Simulate exams with past PSLE papers to build time management and resilience.

• Error Analysis: Review mistakes and categorize them (e.g., careless errors, conceptual gaps) to avoid repetition.
  

4. Seek Professional Guidance

• Tuition Support: Join a trusted tuition center in Singapore like ours for subject-specific help. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention. Many a times one just need more structured learning which is where our in-house topical notes and teachers are trained to provide students with the needed structure and routine.
  

• Targeted Coaching: Work with tutors who specialize in PSLE scoring system, focusing on achieving AL1 in weaker areas.

5. Secrets to AL1 Success

Consistency is Key

• Perform consistently across all four subjects. Even one subject slipping to AL3 will significantly affect the total score.
  

Work on Speed and Accuracy

• Solve at least 5-10 challenging questions daily for Math and Science. Time yourself to improve speed.
  

Mock Exams

• Take regular mock exams to acclimatize to time pressure and identify weak areas.
  

Use Marking Schemes

• Familiarize yourself with the PSLE marking system. For example, Science requires specific keywords in open-ended questions.
  

Leverage Data

• Research school-specific COP (Cut-Off Points) to understand how low a score is necessary to enter your preferred school.
  

Health and Mindset

• Get enough sleep, eat brain-boosting foods, and stay positive. A calm mind during exams boosts performance.
  

At Elixir Academy, we are committed to helping your child excel in the PSLE scoring system and beyond.

Our tuition programs focus on strengthening foundations in PSLE Math, PSLE Science, and PSLE English to ensure top AL scores. We provide specialized support for tackling PSLE math questions, mastering PSLE science notes, and improving key skills for the new PSLE scoring system.

With experienced tutors and tailored lessons, we prepare students for challenging PSLE math questions, comprehensive understanding of the PSLE syllabus, and high performance in PSLE banding. Whether it’s primary 3 maths, primary 5 maths, or P6 science topics, we guide students to succeed in both academics and beyond.

Located at our Hougang tuition centre, we also help with preparation for the hardest PSLE math questions, efficient use of math heuristics, and answering techniques for PSLE math papers. Let us give your child the advantage they need to excel in the Singapore MOE syllabus and achieve their goals.

Join Elixir Academy today and give your child the edge they need for academic success!