Policy Reasons for Non-publication of Top PSLE Scorers

Mr Sitoh Yih Pin asked whether the decision not to publish the top PSLE scorers or the primary schools with the top PSLE scores is a temporary measure and whether there are broader policy reasons behind the decision.

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Mr R Dhinakaran asked what factors tipped the balance in favour of the Ministry's decision not to name the top scorers for the 2012 PSLE examinations.

MOE has reviewed and decided to stop the practice of releasing the names of the top Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) scorers. Instead, MOE provided the media with a list of students from various schools who have performed well in both academic and non-academic aspects and/or have shown resilience and determination in overcoming the odds to excel in their education. The change is aimed at recognising students for their holistic development and all-round excellence, and not just their academic performance only.

Education is a long journey. The PSLE marks the conclusion of one stage of a child's learning journey and the beginning of another. It is important to help our students to develop the disposition to embark on this long journey. We want to encourage them to persevere, to pursue learning along appropriate pathways and help them to succeed in each milestone. We hope parents will join us to encourage their children to develop a love for learning and become life-long learners.

The decision to stop releasing the list of top scorers is not to address PSLE stress per se or to move away from merit. It is to signal and align our practices with the emphasis on holistic development and all-round excellence.

Mdm Speaker, I thank the Minister for the reply. The move to stop publishing the top PSLE scores and scorers is a good one. At the same time, will the Ministry stop publishing the range of aggregate scores that the Secondary 1 cohort students obtain, as they gain admission into each Secondary school, as is currently available on the School Information Services website?

Mdm Speaker, I thank the Member for her support. Today, the entry scores provide some indication or a guide to parents in terms of the schools that their children can apply to. But, as in all measures, we will

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be looking at it together with other issues that are relevant to the posting of Secondary school students.