PSLE Results in 2012

Debated in Parliament on 4 Feb 2013.

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Heng Swee Keat provided the 2012 PSLE median aggregate scores, noting a range from 160 to 240, with the highest rising to 247 when including Gifted Education Programme students.
He explained that the disparity in scores stems from multiple complex factors such as student motivation, parental involvement, and socio-economic backgrounds, rather than admissions based on academic merit.
The Minister emphasized that all primary schools, including those with lower median scores, have students in the top 10% nationally and should not be judged solely by test scores.

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Hri Kumar Nair

Mr Hri Kumar Nair asked the Minister for Education with respect to the 2012 PSLE results (a) what are the highest and lowest median T-scores recorded by Primary schools (including and excluding students in the Gifted Education Programme students respectively); and (b) given that students are not admitted into Primary schools based on academic merit, what accounts for the disparity, if any, in the median T-scores.

Heng Swee Keat

For the 2012 PSLE, the lowest median aggregate score recorded by a Primary school was 160 while the highest median aggregate score was 240. If we include Gifted Education Programme (GEP) students, the highest median score would be 247.

There are many complex factors that could affect a student’s PSLE aggregate score. Individual motivation, discipline, effort, learning difficulties and academic aptitude of the student all play a role. Parents' commitment to their children's education and amount of home supervision is also important. International studies show that in all countries, students' test scores are correlated with the socio-economic and educational background of parents.

We have 187 Primary schools, spread across the island, each with its own catchment of students. Given the complex factors that affect students' performance and the spread of students, we see a range of students' test scores across our schools. We should, however, interpret the highest and lowest median with caution. The school that had the lowest median also has several students who were in the top 10% of the PSLE cohort. In fact, all Primary schools, even those with lower median aggregate scores, have students who scored in the top 10% nationally for PSLE.

Beyond test scores, our schools, including those with lower median scores, provide opportunities for students to develop themselves. Schools, in their own ways, excel in co-curricular activities and provide academic and other support for the students' overall development. It is important that we move away from

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judging a school by just its test scores.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Heng Swee Keat provided the 2012 PSLE median aggregate scores, noting a range from 160 to 240, with the highest rising to 247 when including Gifted Education Programme students.
He explained that the disparity in scores stems from multiple complex factors such as student motivation, parental involvement, and socio-economic backgrounds, rather than admissions based on academic merit.
The Minister emphasized that all primary schools, including those with lower median scores, have students in the top 10% nationally and should not be judged solely by test scores.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

PSLE Results in 2012 | PAPERCUTS

PSLE Results in 2012

Debated in Parliament on 4 Feb 2013.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Heng Swee Keat provided the 2012 PSLE median aggregate scores, noting a range from 160 to 240, with the highest rising to 247 when including Gifted Education Programme students.
He explained that the disparity in scores stems from multiple complex factors such as student motivation, parental involvement, and socio-economic backgrounds, rather than admissions based on academic merit.
The Minister emphasized that all primary schools, including those with lower median scores, have students in the top 10% nationally and should not be judged solely by test scores.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Full Transcript

Hri Kumar Nair

Heng Swee Keat

Page: 144

judging a school by just its test scores.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Heng Swee Keat provided the 2012 PSLE median aggregate scores, noting a range from 160 to 240, with the highest rising to 247 when including Gifted Education Programme students.
He explained that the disparity in scores stems from multiple complex factors such as student motivation, parental involvement, and socio-economic backgrounds, rather than admissions based on academic merit.
The Minister emphasized that all primary schools, including those with lower median scores, have students in the top 10% nationally and should not be judged solely by test scores.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

PSLE Results in 2012

Summary

Questions Identified

Full Transcript

Hri Kumar Nair

Heng Swee Keat

Summary

Questions Identified

PSLE Results in 2012

Summary

Questions Identified

Full Transcript

Hri Kumar Nair

Heng Swee Keat

Summary

Questions Identified