The Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) is a pivotal assessment in Singapore’s education system. Taken by Primary 6 students, it determines their placement into secondary school streams. Success in the PSLE isn’t just about hard work—it’s about smart planning and understanding the system, especially the newer AL PSLE scoring format and how it aligns with the PSLE schedule.
What is the AL PSLE Scoring System?
The Achievement Level (AL) system replaced the traditional T-score in 2025. Each subject is scored from AL1 (best) to AL8 (lowest), and the sum of the four subjects’ AL scores forms the student’s total PSLE Score. Here’s a brief overview:
| AL | Score Range |
|---|---|
| AL1 | 90 – 100 |
| AL2 | 85 – 89 |
| AL3 | 80 – 84 |
| AL4 | 75 – 79 |
| AL5 | 65 – 74 |
| AL6 | 45 – 64 |
| AL7 | 20 – 44 |
| AL8 | Below 20 |
The goal for many students is to achieve an AL PSLE score that opens the door to their preferred secondary school track, such as Express or Normal (Academic/Technical).
How the AL PSLE Affects Secondary School Posting
The new system aims to reduce excessive competition by creating broader scoring bands. A student with an AL score of 4 is considered among the top achievers. The AL PSLE also makes it easier for students to focus on mastering each subject without obsessing over decimal points.
Understanding the PSLE Schedule: A Month-by-Month Guide
The PSLE schedule typically runs from August to October, starting with oral exams, followed by listening comprehension, written papers, and finally, the marking days. Knowing this timeline helps students and parents prepare in a systematic manner. Here’s a general look:
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| August | Oral Examinations |
| September | Listening Comprehension |
| Late September to October | Written Papers |
| Mid October | Marking Days |
| November | Results Release |
This detailed breakdown of the PSLE schedule enables effective planning, particularly when integrating it with revision strategies tailored to the AL PSLE framework.
Subject-Wise Breakdown in AL PSLE
Each subject in the AL PSLE tests key skills:
- English: Grammar, comprehension, and composition.
- Math: Problem-solving and application.
- Science: Process skills and conceptual knowledge.
- Mother Tongue: Listening, writing, and oral communication.
Understanding what each AL band requires for each subject helps target revision more effectively.
Preparing for Math with the PSLE Schedule in Mind
Start with topics that carry higher weightage and frequently appear in past papers. Allocate more time for problem sums and heuristics during the initial months. Align this plan with the PSLE schedule for maximum efficiency.
Mental Preparation: Reducing Stress Around AL PSLE
Stress can derail preparation. Practice mindfulness, schedule breaks, and don’t compare scores with peers. The AL PSLE system rewards consistent effort, so focus on progress rather than perfection.
Mistakes to Avoid When Following the PSLE Schedule
- Ignoring oral and listening comprehension early on
- Overloading revision the week before papers
- Not practicing time-bound mock papers Avoid these to stay on track with the PSLE schedule and hit target AL scores.
Conclusion
Mastering the AL PSLE scoring system and strategically using the PSLE schedule can transform the preparation journey. While the stakes may seem high, informed planning and steady effort lead to success. Understand the scoring, follow the schedule, and support your child through every step—because every AL counts, but balanced preparation counts more.
FAQs
Q1: What does AL in PSLE stand for?
AL stands for Achievement Level, which ranges from AL1 to AL8 in each subject.
Q2: When is the PSLE typically held?
The PSLE schedule runs from August (oral exams) to October (written exams and marking days).
Q3: How is the PSLE score calculated under AL?
The AL PSLE score is the sum of the ALs from all four subjects, with a lower total being better.
Q4: Is it better than the old T-score system?
Yes, because it reduces stress from micro-scores and encourages mastery of subjects.
Q5: Can you prepare differently using the PSLE schedule?
Absolutely. Aligning your study plan with the PSLE schedule allows for targeted preparation and better time management.
