Full Subject Based Banding

Full Subject-Based Banding
Kent Ridge Secondary School has implemented Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB) since 2023.

Purpose of Full SBB
Full SBB is part of MOE’s ongoing efforts to nurture the joy of learning and develop multiple pathways to cater to the different strengths and interests of our students.

From 2024, secondary schools will have implemented the following aspects of Full SBB:

Mixed form classes with the provision of a common curriculum; and
Offering of Humanities subjects at a more demanding level from Secondary 2.

Full SBB in Kent Ridge Secondary School

Aspect of full SBB	How will this aspect be implemented?
Mixed form classes with the provision of a common curriculum	Secondary 1 students will be grouped in mixed form classes, comprising students from different posting groups. Mixed form classes present more opportunities for students to interact with other students taking different subject combinations, and with different strengths and interests. In their mixed form classes, students will take a set of subjects at a common level, amounting to about one-third of curriculum time. This would allow students in mixed form classes to spend curriculum time together in these subjects. These subjects are: - Art - Character and Citizenship Education - Design and Technology - Food and Consumer Education - Music - Physical Education Teachers will adopt a range of teaching approaches to meet the different learning needs and pace of their students in the same form class. English Language, Mother Tongue Languages, Mathematics, and Science will continue to be offered at G3, G2 and G1 Level. The criteria for taking these subjects at a more demanding level from the start of Secondary One is based on students’ PSLE AL Score for each subject. Students will be grouped in different classes based on their subject level for each subject.
Offering of Humanities subjects at a more demanding level from Secondary 2	Currently, secondary school students can offer English Language, Mother Tongue Languages, Mathematics and Science at a more demanding level from the start of Secondary One based on students’ PSLE Achievement Level (AL) for each subject. Beyond the start of Secondary 1, students may also offer these subjects at a more demanding level based on their performance in secondary school. Our school will also provide Secondary 2 students the opportunity to take Humanities subjects at a more demanding level, if they meet subject-specific criteria. The criteria for taking Humanities at a more demanding level will be based on students’ aptitude for and interest in these subjects at Secondary 1. They should also possess positive attitude towards learning and strong commitment to offer the subject at a more demanding level.

Aspect of full SBB

How will this aspect be implemented?

Mixed form classes with the provision of a common curriculum

Secondary 1 students will be grouped in mixed form classes, comprising students from different posting groups. Mixed form classes present more opportunities for students to interact with other students taking different subject combinations, and with different strengths and interests.

In their mixed form classes, students will take a set of subjects at a common level, amounting to about one-third of curriculum time. This would allow students in mixed form classes to spend curriculum time together in these subjects.

These subjects are:
- Art
- Character and Citizenship Education
- Design and Technology
- Food and Consumer Education
- Music
- Physical Education

Teachers will adopt a range of teaching approaches to meet the different learning needs and pace of their students in the same form class.

English Language, Mother Tongue Languages, Mathematics, and Science will continue to be offered at G3, G2 and G1 Level. The criteria for taking these subjects at a more demanding level from the start of Secondary One is based on students’ PSLE AL Score for each subject. Students will be grouped in different classes based on their subject level for each subject.

Offering of Humanities subjects at a more demanding level from Secondary 2

Currently, secondary school students can offer English Language, Mother Tongue Languages, Mathematics and Science at a more demanding level from the start of Secondary One based on students’ PSLE Achievement Level (AL) for each subject. Beyond the start of Secondary 1, students may also offer these subjects at a more demanding level based on their performance in secondary school.

Our school will also provide Secondary 2 students the opportunity to take Humanities subjects at a more demanding level, if they meet subject-specific criteria.

The criteria for taking Humanities at a more demanding level will be based on students’ aptitude for and interest in these subjects at Secondary 1. They should also possess positive attitude towards learning and strong commitment to offer the subject at a more demanding level.

For more information on Full SBB, visit
i. MOE Full SBB microsite: https://www.moe.gov.sg/microsites/psle-fsbb/full-subject-based-banding/main.html
ii. Full SBB interactive webpage: https://www.moe.gov.sg/microsites/psle-fsbb/full-subject-based-banding/interactive.html

For more information on how our school will be implementing Full SBB, you can contact us at krss@moe.edu.sg.