Singapore-Cambridge GCE A-Level Examination MOE Press Releases 23 September 2002

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The report, "British schools want A-level system replaced", published in The Sunday Times dated 22 Sep 2002, highlights the current controversy over the marking of British A-levels and calls to replace the A-level exams with another examination system.

2. In Singapore, students offer the Singapore-Cambridge A-level examination which is a separate examination, conducted jointly by MOE and the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES). The Singapore-Cambridge A-level has its own set of question papers. The setting, marking and grading of the examination scripts are subject to stringent quality control procedures and are closely monitored by UCLES and MOE to ensure that grades awarded reflect accurately the performance of students.

3. MOE has assumed greater control of the Singapore-Cambridge GCE A-level examination from 2002. Our A-level examination papers are based on syllabuses that are designed for Singapore's educational needs. MOE and UCLES are responsible for the setting of standards and the awarding of grades. This means that Singapore students offer a set of examination papers which meet A-level standards but are separate and different from those offered by students in the UK. The grading of our A-level examination, jointly undertaken by MOE and UCLES, is also a separate process from that of British A-levels.

4. Measures have been put in place to ensure that grades obtained by Singapore students in the GCE examinations reflect student achievement accurately.

5. The marking of scripts is done by experienced examiners and is closely monitored by the Chief Examiner and his assistants to ensure that standards are maintained. At the grading meeting, officials from MOE and UCLES will set standards based on the Chief Examiner's recommendations as well as statistical evidence. Rigorous checks and quality control are carried out at UCLES and at MOE to ensure that the integrity of the examination is maintained.

6. How well an examination is implemented is a separate issue from whether an examination meets the educational needs of a country. The current Singapore-Cambridge A-level examination has been well implemented and enjoys a high level of confidence among schools and the public.

7. Whilst MOE has taken over greater control of the A-level examination, it is also reviewing the JC curriculum to assess if it continues to meet the needs of our education system. This is part of the review being undertaken by the Committee on Junior College and Secondary Education, chaired by Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam. The Committee will issue a public consultation document soon.