What is subject-based banding? What are the pros & cons?

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

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