What changes with Foundation subjects?
Subject levels at P4
At the end of P4, the school recommends Standard or Foundation for each subject. Pick a level for each one to see what it changes, in MOE’s rules. Facts only, no advice. Your picks stay on this device.
New to this? Read the short guide first →
Step 2 Your result
With these subject levels, the PSLE Score can be
| Subject | PSLE grade | In S1, Posting Groups 1 and 2 |
|---|
| Posting and S1 | From MOE’s rules |
|---|
All five mixes side by side
| Mix | PSLE Score | Posting Groups |
|---|
What this result assumes
Facts from MOE, re-read on 12 October 2026. At the end of P4 the school recommends a subject combination and you state your choice on an option form. MOE lists mixes with Foundation subjects for a child who passes 2 or fewer subjects in the P4 exams. Standard subjects are graded AL 1 to 8. Foundation subjects are graded AL A, B or C, which count as AL 6, 7 and 8 in the PSLE Score. Posting Groups follow MOE’s table, updated 1 October 2026. From S1, students in Posting Groups 1 and 2 can take a subject at G3 or G2 with AL 5 or better. They can take it at G2 with AL 6, or AL A in a Foundation subject. A score range shows what the rules allow, not what your child will get. It never recommends a mix: ask the school. Your picks stay on this device.
Step 3 What next
What PSLE Score and Posting Group do these marks give?Read the guideLearning support in primary school →How the choice is made, P4 to P6
- End of P4: the school recommends a subject combination from the school exam results. You fill in an option form with your preferred combination.
- P5: your child takes the preferred combination. At the end of P5 the school checks how your child is coping, and adjusts subject levels if needed.
- P6: your child takes the combination the school recommends and sits the PSLE.
MOE: “Taking subjects at the foundation level is not a disadvantage for your child.” Questions for the school are in the learning support guide. Write notes before you meet the teacher with the learning needs log and teacher meeting sheet.
Common questions
Is a Foundation subject a disadvantage?
MOE says taking subjects at the foundation level is not a disadvantage. It helps a child build the basics before secondary school. Ask the school how it would work for your child.
Can subject levels change after P4?
Yes. At the end of P5 the school checks how your child is coping and can change subject levels for P6. In secondary school, a child who does well in a subject can take it at a more demanding level.
Who decides the subject levels?
At P4 the school recommends a combination and you state your choice on the option form. In P6 your child takes the combination the school recommends.