Rigorous process of standardisation key in PSLE marking

Parents get queries on exam addressed by MOE official and maths expert at ST forum

- Elisha Tushara

Are answer scripts for the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) strictly assessed, and do markers accept solutions that may not be in the answer scheme?

These were among questions that parents of pupils sitting the PSLE in 2024 had at The Straits Times Smart Parenting PSLE Prep Forum held on April 6.

Responding to the queries, Mr Ong Kong Hong, the Ministry of Education's (MOE) divisional director of curriculum planning and development division 1, said PSLE markers adopt a rigorous standardisation process.

This is to ensure marking is fair and consistent across all scripts.

"The markers have got to agree how to mark the paper. They actually go through question by question because every student may have a different way of showing the working or answering the question," said Mr Ong.

He added that the answer scheme is updated as markers come across new methods or solutions presented by candidates who arrive at the correct answer.

One parent asked about the importance of drilling keywords in preparation for the exams.

"As long as the concept is correct and you are able to explain, with or without the keywords... I will give you the marks," Mr Ong said.

Another parent, who has a dyslexic child, wanted to know if pupils are penalised for spelling and grammar errors.