New PSLE system may not reduce emphasis on results

I refer to the report “New grade bands to replace PSLE T-score” (July 14) and the letter “New PSLE system may be unfair to some students” (July 16).

As the letter stated, a pupil with a better and more consistent performance could be allocated to the Normal (Academic) stream, whereas another who performed better only in certain subjects could get the opportunity to go to the Express stream.

Besides the possibility of misallocation, I am concerned about the tie-breaker elements that will decide the posting of pupils with the same Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) score, which will range from four to 32.

Computerised balloting could elevate competition and stress among parents and pupils as they seek to do better in the areas they can improve. So the new scoring system may not reduce emphasis on results.

Also, the first tie-breaker, citizenship status, could lead to social exclusion and unhappiness among Singapore’s non-resident and permanent resident population. An inequality in educational opportunities could threaten the social fabric that previous generations have strived to maintain.

It is not easy to reform the PSLE scoring system. Any solution can have a ripple effect on other fields closely interlinked with education.

While the efforts to shift primary education to a more holistic approach are clear, a larger reform that goes beyond the score is required for a transition to an even better system that empowers and develops the next generation.