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How to Calculate Your L1R5 and L1R4 Scores in Secondary School by WRITERS AT WORK

For Secondary school students in Singapore, calculating L1R5 and L1R4 scores is a key part of understanding the post-secondary pathways available after the national examinations. These scores determine admission eligibility for junior colleges (JCs), polytechnics, and the Millennia Institute (MI). For parents, knowing how these calculations work is essential to guide your child towards their academic goals.
In this guide, we explain the process of calculating L1R5 and L1R4 scores, clarify the key differences between them, and provide actionable tips to help your child achieve their desired outcomes. Let’s dive in!

What Are L1R5 and L1R4?

L1R5 and L1R4 are scoring systems used to compute a student’s O-Level results:

  • L1R5: Stands for 1 Language (L1) and 5 Relevant Subjects (R5). It is used for junior college (JC) admissions.
  • L1R4: Stands for 1 Language (L1) and 4 Relevant Subjects (R4). This is used for admission to polytechnics or the Millennia Institute.

The lower the score, the better the performance. These scores determine a student’s eligibility and competitiveness for admission into their desired schools or courses.

 

How to Calculate L1R5 and L1R4 Scores

To calculate these scores, follow these steps:

1. Identify the Grades for Each Subject O-Level grades are assigned points based on the following scale:

  • A1: 1 point
  • A2: 2 points
  • B3: 3 points
  • B4: 4 points
  • C5: 5 points
  • C6: 6 points
  • D7 and below: Not eligible

2. Select the Best Combination of Subjects Choose the combination of subjects that results in the lowest total score. For L1R5, this includes your L1 subject and the 5 best relevant subjects. For L1R4, include your L1 subject and the 4 best relevant subjects.

3. Add the Points Sum the points for your chosen subjects to determine your L1R5 or L1R4 score.

Example Calculation:

A student scores the following grades:

  • English: A2
  • Additional Math: B3
  • Chemistry: A1
  • Social Studies/History: B4
  • Physics: B3
  • Art: A2
L1R5 Calculation:
  • L1: English (A2 = 2 points)
  • R5: Chemistry (A1 = 1), Additional Math (B3 = 3), Physics (B3 = 3), Social Studies/History (B4 = 4), Art (A2 = 2)
  • Total: 2 + 1 + 3 + 3 + 4 + 2 = 15 points
L1R4 Calculation:
  • L1: English (A2 = 2 points)
  • R4: Chemistry (A1 = 1), Additional Math (B3 = 3), Physics (B3 = 3), Art (A2 = 2)
  • Total: 2 + 1 + 3 + 3 + 2 = 11 points

Eligibility Criteria for JCs, Polytechnics, and MI

Junior Colleges (JCs):
To qualify for JC, students need an L1R5 score of 20 points or below, meeting subject-specific criteria such as passing English and Math.
Polytechnics:

Polytechnic admissions use the ELR2B2 system, which includes:

  • EL: English Language
  • R2: Two relevant subjects
  • B2: Two other best subjects

Students need an L1R4 score of 26 points or below to qualify, but competitive courses often require much lower scores.

Millennia Institute (MI):

MI accepts students with an L1R4 score of 20 points or below, provided they meet subject-specific requirements.

Why Accurate Score Calculation Matters

Understanding how to calculate L1R5 and L1R4 scores helps students:

  • Set Realistic Goals: Knowing the score requirements for their desired institutions allows students to aim strategically.
  • Choose Subjects Wisely: Students can select subjects that maximize their scoring potential.
  • Plan Ahead: With clear targets, students can prioritize preparation in weaker areas.

Tips for Achieving Competitive Scores

1. Focus on Strong Fundamentals Building a solid foundation in English and Mathematics is crucial, as these subjects are core components of L1R5 and L1R4.

2. Adopt Consistent Study Habits Regular revision and practice with past-year papers can improve subject performance.

3. Seek Targeted Help Enrolling in tuition programs like those offered at WRITERS AT WORK provides students with tailored guidance to excel in key subjects.

4. Leverage Strengths Encourage your child to focus on subjects they excel in to boost their overall score.

5. Time Management Teach your child to manage their time effectively during exams to avoid losing marks unnecessarily.

How WRITERS AT WORK Can Help

At WRITERS AT WORK, we specialize in helping students achieve their academic goals through:

  • Customized Lesson Plans: Our programs target individual weaknesses and build on strengths.
  • Exam-Oriented Strategies: Proven methods to tackle common challenges in O-Level examinations.
  • Experienced Tutors: Our educators are well-versed in the syllabus and scoring systems.
  • Comprehensive Resources: Students gain access to curated materials, including practice papers and model answers.

Start Early, Start Now

Calculating L1R5 and L1R4 scores is a vital step in helping your child plan for their post-secondary education. By understanding the scoring system and setting clear targets, you can support your child in achieving their desired outcomes. At WRITERS AT WORK, we are committed to guiding students towards academic excellence. Contact us today to learn more about our O-Level preparation programs and give your child the competitive edge they deserve!

Attain Stellar Results With W@W!

English is a compulsory subject which all students must undertake. However, mastering the English language is not something which happens overnight – it takes consistent practice and effort to learn the nuances of the language. Students must read more and practice writing to gradually improve. Cramming for a language subject nearer to the exams is an impossible feat. After all, Rome was not built in a day! Attaining such a skill will have positive implications for not only your child’s education in school, but also employment prospects in future.

At WRITERS AT WORK, we are committed to providing the smoothest learning experience for your child sitting for their English exams. With our carefully curated methods of teaching your child how to write well, your child will learn how to present their thoughts and arguments in a coherent and concise manner. WRITERS AT WORK reinforces your child’s language skills and provides a strong foundation for their academic success, keeping up with all aspects of their progress both inside and outside of the classroom to nurture them holistically. For more information about how WRITERS AT WORK makes a difference, feel free to explore our website, watch our YouTube videos and catch us LIVE on TikTok!

If you are interested in our primary English tuition and secondary English tuition in Singapore, WRITERS AT WORK has expanded to 9 convenient locations. To find the nearest location that suits your needs, please explore our options. If you have any inquiries regarding our range of programs or class schedules, please feel free to contact WRITERS AT WORK!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

1. Which Tuition Centre is Good for English?

WRITERS AT WORK is an excellent option to help your child prepare for their English Language classes at school at any level. WRITERS AT WORK teaches students how to write compositions which are the basic building blocks for all communication, whether it be in school or outside in the workplace.

2. Why is it Important to Attend English Enrichment Classes?

Students will be able to develop important skills such as critical thinking which will serve them well in all areas of life. Students will learn how to incorporate critical thinking and analysis skills when they read comprehension passages and plan their ideas and arguments out for essays.

3. Is it Worth Getting an English Tutor?

If your child needs help in school, it could be worth considering getting an English tutor as English is a compulsory subject at school. English is used in all areas of life and learning how to read critically and write essays are highly important skills which should be learned early.

4. Why Do Students Have Poor Writing Skills?
Students often have poor writing skills as they do not have the knowledge of good exam habits to practise. For example, many students often do not plan their essays, which lead to a poor writing habit of rambling, going off on irrelevant tangents, and forgetting to list all good arguments.

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