What is subject-based banding? What are the pros & cons?
Subject-based banding (SBB) for primary school gives your child the opportunity to take a combination of subjects at standard and foundation levels based on their strengths.
Students can take a mix of standard and foundation subjects through SBB at P5 and P6. This would allow your child to:
- Stretch their potential in subjects they are strong in
- Build up their understanding in subjects they need more help with
How it works
Primary 4
- Your child sits for the school exams
- School recommends a subject combination based on their exam results at the end of the year
- You will need to fill up an option form to indicate your child’s preferred subject combination
Primary 5
- Your child takes their preferred subject combination
- School assesses your child’s ability to cope with the subjects at the end of the year
- Adjustments to the subject levels are made if needed
Primary 6
- Your child takes the subject combination recommended by the school and sits for the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE)
- Your child’s progression to secondary school level depends on their PSLE results
- If your child excels in certain subjects, they can pursue higher level options in secondary school
Subject Combinations
If your child passes 3 or more subjects in Primary 4, your child will be offered the 4 standard subjects:
- English Language
- Mother Tongue Language
- Mathematics
- Science
Higher Mother Tongue Language may also be offered if your child passes 4 subjects and does very well for Mother Tongue Language.
Students who pass 2 subjects or less will be offered the following choices:
- 4 standard subjects
- 3 standard subjects + 1 foundation subject
- 2 standard subjects + 2 foundation subjects
- 1 standard subject + 3 foundation subjects
- 4 foundation subjects
Having your child take foundation level subjects is not a disadvantage. It will assist students in strengthening the fundamentals of the topics and better preparing them for secondary school.
Resource:
https://www.moe.gov.sg/primary/curriculum/subject-based-banding