Score less than 65 marks for Chinese (Mother Tongue), and it is Impossible to Enter Good IP Schools under the new system
This is a totally new era, where all previous PSLE strategies are outdated. Do share this article with your relatives/friends, where we show (using official evidence), that students scoring below 65 for Chinese (Mother Tongue) have virtually zero chance of entering good IP schools.
Since language (especially Mother Tongue) is the hardest subject to improve within a short period of time, students starting from as early as Primary 1 have to take note and adjust to the new PSLE scoring system. The Achilles heel for many students is actually Chinese language (or Mother Tongue), since it is very common for the entire family to be speaking English at home, at work, and with friends.
Our source of official evidence is the Straits Times, where it is indicated that the Official MOE Indicative AL COP range for 2019 PSLE for Express [Integrated Programme (IP)] is 6-9 points. For independent schools (which form the bulk of the best IP schools), the cut off point is 6-8. The same information can be found on Today Online, and Channel News Asia.
| Indicative AL COP range for 2019 PSLE | |||
| Course | Government and Government-aided schools | Autonomous schools | Independent schools |
| Express Integrated Programme (IP) | 7–9 | 7–9 | 6–8 |
| Achievement level (AL) | Marks |
| 1 | 90 and above |
| 2 | 85-89 |
| 3 | 80-84 |
| 4 | 75-79 |
| 5 | 65-74 |
| 6 | 45-64 |
| 7 | 20-44 |
| 8 | Below 20 |
Score under New PSLE System (for child weak in Mother Tongue)
Let us suppose the child scores:
- >90 for English (AL 1)
- >90 for Mathematics (AL 1)
- >90 for Science (AL 1)
- <65 for Chinese/ Mother Tongue (AL 6)
His/her total PSLE Score will be 1+1+1+6=9, which is not good enough to enter Independent IP Schools (requirement of 6-8 points). Independent IP Schools include schools like Raffles Institution, Nanyang Girls’ High School, RGS, HCI, and more. From common sense, the top IP schools’ COP is in fact likely to be on the lower end closer to 6 (or even lower?) rather than 8.
Score under Old PSLE System (for child weak in Mother Tongue)
Under the old PSLE system, the child’s score is likely good enough to enter even the best of IP schools:
- >90 for English (e.g. 91)
- >90 for Mathematics (e.g. 98)
- >90 for Science (e.g. 95)
- <65 for Chinese/ Mother Tongue (e.g. 64)
Estimated PSLE Score = (91+98+95+64)/4 x 3 = 261
The actual old PSLE T-score formula is slightly different (depends on bell curve and relative performance), but nevertheless, the estimated PSLE score of 261 is good enough to enter the best of IP schools like Raffles Girls’ School (RGS), RI, HCI. In fact, it is common knowledge that in the past, many students relatively weak in Chinese managed to enter RI and RGS due to their excellent scores in other subjects. Students in NYGH and HCI tend to have better grasp and mastery of the Chinese language.
A similar effect for students weak only in Math
The above effect is not unique to Chinese/ Mother Tongue. There are many students who excel in languages (English, Chinese), and Science, but are weak in Math for some reason or another.
The exact analysis also applies in this scenario, unfortunately. Basically, in order to enter top IP schools, no subject can be below 65 marks no matter how excellent the other subjects are.
See also:
- New PSLE System favors All Rounders over Specialists
- Express vs Normal Academic for borderline PSLE score
- How to Choose Schools based on PSLE Score: The 10 point gap rule of thumb
Singapore Maths Tuition 