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Everything to Know About Full Subject Based Banding (SBB) in Singapore

Everything to Know About Full Subject-Based Banding (SBB) in Singapore’s Education System

Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB), often referred to simply as SBB, is a transformative initiative by Singapore’s Ministry of Education (MOE) designed to replace the traditional streaming system in secondary schools with a more flexible, student-centered approach. It allows students to study subjects at varying levels of difficulty based on their strengths, interests, and learning needs, rather than being locked into rigid streams like Express, Normal (Academic) [N(A)], or Normal (Technical) [N(T)]. This system promotes inclusivity, reduces labeling, and encourages a growth mindset by enabling customized learning paths while fostering social mixing among diverse peers.

History and Timeline of Implementation

The roots of SBB trace back to earlier forms of subject-based banding introduced in the 2000s for select subjects, but Full SBB represents a comprehensive evolution. Key milestones include:

  • 2019-2020: Announcement and pilot launch in 28 secondary schools to test the framework.
  • 2021: First cohort of Primary 6 students experienced the new PSLE scoring system and Secondary 1 (S1) posting aligned with Full SBB principles.
  • 2022-2023: Progressive roll-out to additional schools, building on the pilot’s success.
  • 2024: Full implementation across all 120 mainstream secondary schools (excluding specialized institutions like Integrated Programme schools, NUS High School, or NorthLight School), starting with the Secondary 1 cohort. This marks the complete phase-out of Express, N(A), and N(T) streams.
  • 2026: Changes to eligibility for Higher Mother Tongue Languages (HMTL), based solely on PSLE Mother Tongue Language (MTL) scores rather than overall PSLE performance.
  • 2027: First cohort sits for the new Singapore-Cambridge Secondary Education Certificate (SEC) exams, a common national examination with differentiated papers for each subject level.
  • 2028: Revised admissions criteria for post-secondary institutions (e.g., Junior Colleges, Polytechnics) apply to the first Full SBB cohort.

This phased approach allowed MOE to refine the system based on feedback, ensuring smoother integration.

How Full SBB Works

Full SBB dismantles the old streaming model by posting students to secondary schools via three Posting Groups (1, 2, 3), which roughly map to previous N(T), N(A), and Express streams based on PSLE Achievement Levels (ALs). However, these groups are not streams; they serve primarily for initial school placement and subject level eligibility.

  • Posting Groups:
  • Posting Group 1: AL 23-30 (similar to N(T)).
  • Posting Group 2: AL 21-22 (similar to N(A)).
  • Posting Group 3: AL 4-20 (similar to Express).
    Students are admitted to schools based on these groups, but once enrolled, they join mixed-form classes with peers from all groups.
  • Subject Levels (G1, G2, G3):
  • G1 (General 1): Least demanding, foundational level (equivalent to previous N(T)).
  • G2 (General 2): Intermediate level (equivalent to N(A)).
  • G3 (General 3): Most demanding, advanced level (equivalent to Express).
    Core subjects like English Language (EL), Mother Tongue Languages (MTL), Mathematics, and Science are initially assigned based on PSLE ALs (e.g., AL 5 or better for G3 eligibility). Humanities (Geography, History, Literature) become available at higher levels from Secondary 2, based on Secondary 1 performance and aptitude. Students can adjust levels upward or downward throughout secondary school, with school guidance, to match their progress.
  • Mixed-Form Classes and Common Curriculum:
    Students spend about one-third of their time in mixed-form classes on common subjects: Art, Character and Citizenship Education (CCE), Design and Technology (D&T), Food and Consumer Education (FCE), Music, and Physical Education (PE). These classes use differentiated teaching to cater to varied needs. For leveled subjects, students regroup by G-level for tailored instruction.
  • Progression and Flexibility:
    At lower secondary (Sec 1-2), the focus is on building foundations with options to adjust levels. In upper secondary (Sec 3-4/5), students choose electives like Additional Mathematics, Art, or Computing at suitable G-levels. Eligible students can opt for a fifth year to pace learning or access higher levels, potentially opening more post-secondary paths (e.g., requiring 3+ G3 passes for JC/Poly).
  • Support Mechanisms:
    Schools offer Applied Learning Modules (ApLM) from Sec 2, conducted by polytechnics or vendors, for up to three modules per student. Guidance counselors and teachers provide ongoing support for subject choices and adjustments.

Benefits of Full SBB

Full SBB aims to create a more equitable and motivating educational environment:

  • Personalized Learning: Students tailor their education to strengths, reducing stress and boosting engagement.
  • Social Integration: Mixed classes promote diversity, collaboration, and reduced stereotypes associated with streams.
  • Broader Opportunities: A single SEC certificate (from 2027) lists subjects and levels, expanding access to post-secondary options like JC or polytechnics, regardless of initial PSLE scores.
  • Holistic Development: Encourages lifelong learning, resilience, and peer-to-peer interaction.
  • Equity and Inclusivity: Supports students from varied backgrounds, including those with special needs, by allowing flexible pacing.

Challenges and Considerations

While beneficial, Full SBB presents logistical hurdles:

  • Timetabling and Resources: Managing diverse subject levels requires sophisticated scheduling and more teachers, potentially straining schools.
  • Class Transitions: Upper secondary may see class reshuffles based on subject combinations, disrupting social bonds.
  • Assessment and Readiness: Ensuring students are appropriately leveled demands continuous monitoring to avoid overload or under-challenge.

Early pilots and roll-outs have shown positive outcomes, with schools adapting through professional development.

Impact on Curriculum, Exams, and Post-Secondary Pathways

  • Curriculum: Emphasizes common experiences in non-academic subjects while allowing leveled depth in academics. Electives expand from Sec 3, including HMTL for eligible students.
  • Exams: The SEC replaces O/N-Levels with level-specific papers, similar to PSLE’s standard/foundation distinction.
  • Post-Secondary: From 2028, admissions focus on SEC results, enabling broader access (e.g., Polytechnic entry with G2/G3 mixes).

Schools Involved

By 2024, all mainstream secondary schools (e.g., Orchid Park Secondary, Ang Mo Kio Secondary) have adopted Full SBB, with the final 24 schools joining in January 2024.

How to survive SBB?

“How to survive SBB (Subject-Based Banding)” is something many students (and parents) are wondering about as Singapore shifts fully into this new system. Let me break it down into practical steps you can use:

🎯 Understand the System Clearly

Full SBB means no more rigid Express/NA/NT streams. Instead:

  • G1 = Normal Technical level
  • G2 = Normal Academic level
  • G3 = Express level

Students can take each subject at the level they are best suited for, and even move up or down over time. The first step to “surviving” is knowing what G1, G2, and G3 actually mean for Mathematics and other subjects. (MOE Guide)

No More Rigid Streams

In the past, students in Secondary schools were placed into Express, Normal (Academic), or Normal (Technical) streams. This meant your child’s overall placement determined the level for all subjects.

With Full SBB, this rigid system is gone. Instead, students are placed into Posting Groups 1–3 at admission (based on PSLE results), but for each subject, they can take it at a different level depending on their ability.

What Do G1, G2, and G3 Mean?

  • G1 (Normal Technical level)
    Equivalent to the old Normal Technical syllabus. Designed to support students who need more foundational learning.
  • G2 (Normal Academic level)
    Equivalent to the old Normal Academic syllabus. Suitable for students who can handle a broader curriculum with moderate rigor.
  • G3 (Express level)
    Equivalent to the old Express stream. The most advanced subject level, preparing students for higher academic progression, including Junior College and Polytechnic.

What This Means for Mathematics

Your child could, for example:

  • Take Mathematics at G3 if they are strong in the subject
  • Take Science at G2 if they need more support
  • Take Humanities at G1 if that is a weaker area

This allows each child to learn at the right pace while still having opportunities to move up as they improve.

Moving Between Levels

One of the greatest benefits of Full SBB is flexibility:

  • Students are not fixed to one level forever.
  • If your child performs well, the school may recommend moving up a level (e.g., from G2 Math to G3 Math).
  • If a subject proves too challenging, they may also move down a level to better match their learning needs.

Why Parents Should Pay Attention

  1. Customisation: Every child has a unique profile — SBB recognises strengths and areas for growth.
  2. Future Pathways: Performance at G1, G2, or G3 in different subjects still allows access to Polytechnic, JC, or ITE depending on results.
  3. Math is Critical: Mathematics remains a gateway subject for many courses. Supporting your child to reach the highest level possible in Math (ideally G3) keeps more doors open for future studies.

How Parents Can Help Their Child Survive and Thrive in SBB

  • Know your child’s placement: Understand whether they are at G1, G2, or G3 for each subject.
  • Encourage steady growth: Focus on progress, not comparisons.
  • Seek support early: If your child is struggling in Math, tuition or school consultations can help prevent them from slipping behind.
  • Keep options open: Aim to keep Math at the highest manageable level, as it affects many post-secondary pathways.

✅ Key takeaway for parents:
Full SBB is not about lowering standards — it is about giving your child the chance to shine in subjects they are strong in and receive support where they need it. For Mathematics, knowing whether your child is at G1, G2, or G3 — and helping them progress to higher levels when ready — is the first step to thriving under this new system.

🧠 Build a Growth Mindset

SBB is flexible — your starting level doesn’t determine your end-point. Surviving (and thriving) means:

  • Treating a G1 or G2 placement as a starting point, not a limitation.
  • Taking feedback positively — it’s easier now to switch up to a higher level subject if you improve.
  • Comparing yourself only with your own progress, not friends in other G-levels.

📚 Master the Basics

Math under SBB is cumulative. Whether you’re at G1, G2, or G3:

  • Make sure your number sense, algebra basics, and problem-solving strategies are solid.
  • Focus on conceptual understanding, not just memorising procedures.
  • Use small, daily practice — 15–20 mins a day — to keep skills sharp.

👩‍🏫 Ask for Help Early

One danger of SBB is students (or parents) waiting too long before seeking support.

  • If you find a topic confusing (e.g., algebra or geometry), ask your teacher or tutor immediately.
  • Tuition (especially small-group or one-to-one) can help you strengthen weak areas and push you up a level when you’re ready.
  • Parents: stay in touch with teachers to understand whether a level upgrade or downgrade might be recommended.

🗓 Manage Workload & Transitions

Because students may take different subjects at different levels, timetables and homework can get tricky. Survive by:

  • Organising a subject calendar so you don’t fall behind in your weaker subjects.
  • Preparing early for transitions — e.g., if you are aiming to move from G2 to G3 in Math, start working at G3 level before the school makes the change.

💡 Use SBB as an Advantage

Think of SBB as giving you control:

  • You can excel in your stronger subjects (e.g., Math at G3) while still progressing steadily in weaker ones (e.g., Humanities at G2).
  • Your post-secondary options (Poly, JC, ITE) depend on your best-fit combination, not just one stream label.

✅ Quick Survival Checklist

  • Understand G1, G2, G3 expectations
  • Build strong Math foundations
  • Ask for help early
  • Use growth mindset: placement ≠ destiny
  • Manage time & workload
  • Aim to upgrade when ready

Section of Helpful Authoritative Clickable Links

For more in-depth information on Full Subject-Based Banding, explore these official and reputable sources:

SBB Math Tuition Bukit Timah | Subject-Based Banding

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