What the Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB) Means for Students

In the existing educational landscape, students often have to navigate a system that leaves limited room for flexibility and individualised learning. This is because the traditional approach entails adhering to a fixed curriculum, with students obliged to take classes regardless of their strengths or interests. This can lead to a one-size-fits-all educational experience that may only cater to some students’s diverse talents and passions.

However, Singapore’s Ministry of Education (MOE) is heralding a transformative shift in how students experience learning moving forward. They have introduced the Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB) framework, which significantly departs from the conventional system. This new framework strongly emphasises inclusivity and flexibility, aiming to provide Secondary school students with more opportunities throughout their educational journey.

But what exactly does the Full SBB framework entail, and how will it impact you or your child?

What Does Full SBB Mean?

Commencing from the 2024 Secondary 1 cohort, Singapore’s educational landscape will see the full-scale implementation of the Full Subject-Based Banding framework.

Promising a departure from the traditional educational streaming process, Full SBB represents a fundamental shift in how students engage with their subjects. It seeks to nurture the joy of learning by offering a more diverse range of pathways that cater to individual strengths and interests. Gone are the days of rigid Express, Normal Academic, and Normal Technical streams; instead, students will find themselves in mixed-form classes, fostering interactions with peers who possess varying strengths and interests.

One of the key features of Full SBB is its expansion of Subject-Based Banding beyond the four PSLE subjects. Through this, eligible students will have the opportunity to delve into Humanities subjects at more advanced levels starting from Secondary 2. Additionally, subjects such as Art, Design and Technology, Food and Consumer Education, and Music will be introduced as part of the accompanying set of Common Curriculum subjects at the lower Secondary school level.

How Will the Full SBB Work?

As you would have figured by now, the core of the Full SBB framework lies in the removal of the three streams that we’ve grown accustomed to.

But, under the Full SBB, students’ placements in Secondary schools will still be based on their PSLE Score. However, the striking difference with the implementation of this framework emerges as they start to embark on their Secondary school adventure. For instance, did you know that your child will find themselves amongst classmates grouped into different Posting Groups (PGs) — PG1, PG2, or PG3?

The PSLE Score achieved will determine their initial Posting Group, which will then serve as a guide to determine the subject levels each child will take in Secondary 1.

What does this mean?

At the start of their Secondary school education journey, students will be posted to take subjects at three distinct levels: G1, G2, and G3. PG1 students will predominantly engage with G1 subjects, while PG2 students will focus on G2.

However, this does not mean that your child will remain confined to one fixed stream for the entirety of the Secondary school study. This is because the beauty of Full SBB lies in its adaptability. As students progress through their Secondary school education, they’ll have the opportunity to adjust their subject levels and take the subjects at the three distinct levels based on their evolving strengths, interests, and learning needs.

What Are the Benefits of Full Subject-Based Banding?

The Full SBB framework promises to transform Secondary school education, offering a range of advantages. From enabling customised learning to eliminating traditional streaming labels and introducing mixed-form classes, Full SBB creates an inclusive environment that reduces the stigma associated with rigid streaming. Encouraging exploration of diverse subjects, Full SBB expands students’ knowledge base, enriching their overall educational experience. Furthermore, it equips students with essential future-ready skills such as adaptability and critical thinking, preparing them for higher education and the challenges of tomorrow.

What Does this Mean for Secondary School Students?

With the implementation of Full Subject-Based Banding, secondary school students stand to benefit in several ways:

• More Opportunities: By choosing subjects that align with their strengths and interests, this aspect of customisation opens up more opportunities for students to excel in areas they are passionate about, leading to a more engaging and fulfilling educational journey.

• Reduced Stigmatisation: Traditional streaming labels like Express, Normal Academic, and Normal Technical often come with a certain level of stigma. Full SBB eliminates these labels and introduces mixed-form classes where students from different backgrounds and strengths interact. This inclusive environment reduces stigmatisation, fostering a sense of equality and unity among students.
• Better Subject Mastery: By offering subjects at different levels (G1, G2, and G3) based on students’ strengths and learning needs, Full SBB promotes better subject mastery. Students can learn and study at a pace that suits them, leading to a deeper understanding of the subjects they study.

Prepare for the Future of Education with The Science Academy

At The Science Academy, we understand that the educational landscape is evolving, and the Full Subject-Based Banding framework represents a significant shift in Secondary school education. Therefore, as a Ministry of Education registered tuition centre in Singapore, specialising in Science and Maths, we are committed to helping students excel within the Full SBB framework. Our dedicated team of lower secondary Science tuition teachers, with over 20 years of combined experience, is well-equipped to guide lower Secondary students through their academic journey, especially when it comes to Secondary 1 Science, so that they can excel in their first year in a new environment. Whether you are looking to enrol your child in Maths tuition or Secondary 2 Science tuition, we offer comprehensive support to ensure that students not only adapt to the new framework but also thrive in it. With our expertise and tailored programmes, we’re here to prepare your child for a successful educational journey in this exciting new era!