Full Subject Based Banding
Discover how Full Subject-Based Banding lets students learn at levels that suit their strengths. Mixed form classes and flexible subject levels support every student's growth throughout secondary school.
Full Subject-Based Banding
Posting Groups
Students will be posted to Secondary 1 through three Posting Groups – Posting Group 1, 2, and 3.
Posting Groups will only be used for:
Facilitating entry into secondary school.
Guiding the subject levels students offer at the start of Secondary 1.
They do not define students’ identities, nor influence learning experiences and access to post-secondary pathways.
Mixed Form Classes in Lower Secondary
Prior to Full SBB implementation, students are arranged in stream-based form classes and interact with peers of similar profiles.
With Full SBB, students will be placed in mixed form classes in lower secondary.
More opportunities for students to interact with other students of different strengths.
Students will take six common curriculum subjects with their form class classmates:
These subjects take up approximately one-third of curriculum time, giving students time to interact with classmates of different strengths and interests.
Subject Levels under Full SBB
Students can offer different subjects at different subject levels (i.e., G1, G2 or G3) according to their strengths, interests and learning needs, throughout their secondary school journey.
These subject levels, G1, G2 or G3, are mapped from the standards of N(T), N(A) and Express subject levels respectively.
Offering Subjects at More Demanding Levels
For English Language, Mother Tongue Languages, Mathematics and/or Science, students can offer them at the start of Secondary 1 at a more demanding level if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Students can offer Humanities subjects at a more demanding level from Secondary 2 onwards, based on their results in Secondary 1.
Secondary 1 Mid-Year and End-Year Junctures (Second and Third Intakes)
School-based assessment eligibility criteria for offering EL, MTL, MA and SCI at a more demanding level
From Secondary Two, students will also be able to offer Humanities subjects (Geography, History, and Literature in English) at a more demanding level. The criteria for taking Humanities at a more demanding level will be based on students’ aptitude for and interest in these subjects at Secondary One.
Students who accept the offer will need to attend bridging sessions to help them cope and bridge the gaps in their learning. Students have a choice to accept/reject the offer.
Offering Subjects at Less Demanding Levels
Eligible students may offer some subjects at a less demanding level from Secondary 1.
Students who offer subjects at a less demanding level may subsequently offer the subject at a more demanding level as they gain greater competence and confidence in the subject.
Students can offer to take subjects at a less demanding level based on the following considerations:
Subject Level Flexibility Throughout Secondary Education
Beyond the start of Secondary 1, students may adjust their subject levels across their secondary school journey.
E.g. Students can also offer English Language, Mathematics, Science and/or Mother Tongue Languages at a more demanding level from Secondary 1 Semester 2.
Articles on FSBB
Explore articles and resources on Full Subject-Based Banding.
“I am able to mix with friends of other streams”: Full subject-based banding ditches pigeonholing
The Straits Times
Hear from principals and students about full subject-based banding at ST forum
The Straits Times
Teachers, students adapt to full subject-based banding that caters to diverse interests, strengths
The Straits Times
Secondary school students to have one common national exam period from 2027
The Straits Times
Find Out More About Full SBB
Access the MOE Full Subject-Based Banding microsite for more information and resources.
