Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB): Complete Parent Guide

Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB) allows students to take subjects at G1, G2, or G3 levels based on individual strengths, replacing the rigid Express, Normal Academic, and Normal Technical streams. From 2024, all Secondary 1 students are placed in mixed form classes and take subjects at different difficulty levels. The SEC examination is being introduced under Full SBB, and terms like O-Levels and N-Levels may still be used during the transition.

As an educator who has guided families through this transition at Ancourage Academy, I understand the confusion many parents feel. This guide explains everything you need to know about Full SBB and how it affects your child's secondary school journey.

What Is Full Subject-Based Banding?

Full SBB is a system where students take different subjects at different difficulty levels based on their individual strengths, rather than being locked into a single academic stream. A student strong in English but weaker in Mathematics might take English at G3 and Mathematics at G2.

According to MOE's Full SBB microsite, this approach recognises that students have different strengths across subjects and allows them to be stretched in areas where they excel while receiving support where needed.

Key principles of Full SBB:

• Flexibility: Subject levels can change as students progress
• Personalisation: Each student's timetable reflects their individual strengths
• Mixed learning: Students from different posting groups learn together
• Reduced labelling: No more "Express" or "Normal" stream labels

Understanding G1, G2, and G3 Levels

G1, G2, and G3 represent increasing levels of academic demand, mapped from the previous N(T), N(A), and Express standards respectively. These are not streams but subject-level classifications.

A student's initial subject levels are determined by their PSLE Achievement Level (AL) scores, but these are not permanent. Schools can offer students the opportunity to take subjects at higher levels if they demonstrate readiness.

At Ancourage Academy, we provide tuition at all three G-levels: G3 English, G2 English, and G1 English — along with Mathematics, Science, and Chinese at every G-level.

How PSLE Results Determine Posting Groups

Your child's PSLE Achievement Level (AL) score determines their initial posting group, which guides the default subject levels for Secondary 1. However, posting groups are starting points, not fixed categories.

Posting group guidelines based on PSLE AL score:

• Posting Group 3 (AL 4-20): Students typically start most subjects at G3. Students with AL 21-22 may qualify for PG2 or PG3
• Posting Group 2 (AL 21-24): Students typically start most subjects at G2. Students with AL 25 may qualify for PG1 or PG2
• Posting Group 1 (AL 26-30): Students typically start most subjects at G1. Requires AL 7 or better in both English and Mathematics

Within each posting group, students may take specific subjects at higher levels based on their PSLE subject grades. For example, a Posting Group 2 student who scored AL 1-3 for English may be offered English at G3.

Mixed Form Classes Explained

Under Full SBB, your child will be placed in a mixed form class where G1, G2, and G3 students learn together for six Common Curriculum subjects. This replaces the previous system where students were grouped by stream.

The six Common Curriculum subjects taken in mixed form classes:

1. Art
2. Design and Technology
3. Food and Consumer Education
4. Music
5. Physical Education
6. Character and Citizenship Education

For academic subjects like English, Mathematics, Science, and Mother Tongue, students attend classes grouped by subject level (G1, G2, or G3). This means your child might be in a G3 English class but a G2 Mathematics class with different classmates.

Subject Level Flexibility

Your child's subject levels are not fixed for four years — schools can offer students the opportunity to move up or down based on their performance. This flexibility is exactly what Full SBB was designed to provide.

How subject level changes work:

• Moving up: If your child excels in G2 English in Sec 1-2, the school may offer G3 English later
• Support pathway: If a student struggles at G3, they may be offered G2 to build stronger foundations
• School decision: Changes are based on teachers' assessments and school recommendations
• Parent consultation: Schools will discuss level changes with parents

At Ancourage Academy, we help students strengthen specific subjects so they can take them at higher G levels when the opportunity arises.

The New SEC Examination

Students will sit for the Singapore-Cambridge Secondary Education Certificate (SEC) examination under Full SBB. During the transition, families may still refer to O-Levels and N-Levels when discussing subject choices, resources, and post-secondary pathways. This is a single national examination with papers at different G levels for each subject.

Key points about the SEC examination:

• One certificate: All students receive the same SEC certificate
• Multiple levels: Each subject has G1, G2, or G3 papers
• Mix and match: A student might sit for English at G3, Mathematics at G2, and Science at G3
• Clear recognition: The certificate shows the level achieved for each subject

Post-Secondary Pathways Under Full SBB

Students' post-secondary options depend on their SEC results and the G levels achieved, with pathways to JC, polytechnic, and ITE remaining available. The key difference is that requirements are based on subject-level performance rather than stream.

General pathway guidelines:

• Junior College: Typically requires strong G3 results in the subjects used for L1R5
• Polytechnic: Primarily requires G3 results, with up to one subject permitted at G2
• ITE: G1 results accepted for 3-year Higher Nitec courses

For specific entry requirements, check with individual institutions as criteria are still being finalised for the first SEC cohort.

How to Support Your Child Under Full SBB

The best way to support your child is to focus on strengthening their individual subjects rather than worrying about overall "stream" performance. Under Full SBB, targeted improvement in specific subjects can open doors.

1. Identify strengths and gaps: Know which subjects need support and which can be stretched
2. Communicate with teachers: Understand your child's performance in each subject level
3. Consider targeted tuition: Focus on subjects where level-up is possible
4. Encourage effort in mixed classes: Common Curriculum subjects matter for holistic development
5. Discuss pathways early: Help your child understand how subject choices affect future options

Our Secondary programmes at Ancourage Academy support students at every G-level — whether building foundations at G1, strengthening skills at G2, or preparing for the SEC examination at G3.

One parent shared: "Initially I was confused about G1, G2, G3, but after attending the school briefing, I realised Full SBB lets my son excel in English at G3 while getting more support for Mathematics at G2. It's personalised in a way streaming never was."

Common Questions About Full SBB

Is Full SBB better than the old streaming system?

Full SBB offers more flexibility and reduces the stigma of being labelled by stream. Students who are strong in some subjects but weaker in others can now be appropriately challenged and supported in each subject individually. However, it requires more self-management as students navigate different class groupings and subject-level combinations throughout their secondary school journey.

Can my child move from G2 to G3 for a subject?

Yes, subject-level progression is a core feature of Full SBB. Schools regularly assess student readiness and may offer subject-level changes based on consistent performance. If your child performs well in G2 Mathematics over one to two terms, the school may offer G3 Mathematics. Work closely with teachers to understand the specific benchmarks and performance criteria your child needs to meet for progression.

How do I explain Full SBB to my child?

Explain that they will take different subjects at different difficulty levels based on their individual strengths, similar to how adults specialise in different areas. Emphasise that levels can change with effort and improvement, and that their form class will have friends from different subject levels learning together. The MOE interactive story is an excellent visual resource for explaining the system.

Will universities accept the SEC certificate?

Yes, both local and international universities will recognise the SEC certificate when the first cohort graduates. The certificate clearly displays the subject levels achieved for each subject, allowing university admissions officers to assess qualifications appropriately. MOE has been working with universities to ensure smooth recognition of the new certification system.

Related: Choosing Secondary School Singapore | PSLE Scoring System Guide | O-Level Preparation Guide