Education in Singapore has gone through several changes over the years. One of these changes comes in the form of subject-based banding, a concept that was introduced back in 2019.
This program is tailored for primary school students who need personalised learning for specific subjects. But can subject-based learning actually help your child learn better? Here’s a guide to subject-based banding in primary school:
What Is Subject-Based Banding (SBB)?
SBB was implemented by the Ministry of Education (MOE) as an initiative to help struggling students. These students would usually do well in certain subjects but might face challenges in others.
The goal of SBB is to allow students to learn at their own pace while being able to progress into the next semester. For example, your child is allowed to take subjects at a standard level if deemed appropriate.
This means that if your child excels at Mathematics but struggles in English, they can be placed in standard-level maths class while continuing English at the foundation level. This will help them build fundamentals in subjects they are weak at without neglecting the rest.
How Does SBB Work?
The primary education system has 4 core subjects; English Language, Mother Tongue Language, Mathematics and Science. Upon completion of primary 4, students can take different subject combinations at the foundation or standard levels in primary 5 and 6.
According to the MOE, here’s how the subject combinations work:
| Primary 4 Examination | Subject Combination |
| Your child will be offered 4 standard subjects if they pass 3 or more subjects *Higher Mother Tongue Language may also be offered if your child passes 4 subjects and does very well for Mother Tongue Language.* | English Language Mother Tongue Language Mathematics Science |
| Students who pass 2 subjects or less | 4 standard subjects 3 standard subjects + 1 foundation subject 2 standard subjects + 2 foundation subjects 1 standard subject + 3 foundation subjects 4 foundation subjects |
The SBB Process
The SBB process takes place throughout primary 4 to 6. Here’s a rundown of what your child will go through:
- Primary 4: Your child will be recommended a subject combination at the end of the year. The combination will be based on your child’s examination results. You will also be required to fill up an option form to indicate your child’s preferred subject.
- Primary 5: The school will assess your child’s performance with their subject combination. By the end of year, adjustments will be made to their study plan if necessary.
- Primary 6: Your child takes the subject combination and sits for the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE). Their progression to secondary school will be based on their PSLE results.
Children who excel in certain subjects will be eligible for higher level options in secondary school.
What to Expect From the Future
With the success of SBB at the primary level, the MOE are starting to roll out “Full SBB” across secondary schools in Singapore. This initiative will see the expansion of SBB into the secondary school curriculum.
Students will have even more flexibility in tailoring their education to their strengths and needs. Not to mention the opportunity to interact with peers of different interests. On top of this, the Express, N(A) and N(T) streams will no longer be in effect.
Students can then take subjects at three different levels; G1, G2 and G3 which correspond to the current streams of Normal (Technical), Normal (Academic), and Express, respectively. Refer to the table below (image source, MOE):
Conclusion
SBB is a great initiative for those who struggle in certain subjects. While it may be seen as another form of streaming, it offers a more flexible and personalised learning experience.
Just remember to help your children throughout the process because a little parental guidance goes a long way.
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