Information on Full Subject Based Banding

Information on Full Subject-Based Banding (FSBB)

FSBB 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. FSBB provides students with the flexibility to offer subjects at different subject levels and enhance their access to opportunities throughout their educational journey.
So, with FSBB, what will a Secondary One BDSian’s school experience be like?

1)    Mixed Form Classes at Lower Secondary

Secondary 1 students will be grouped into mixed form classes, with each form class comprising students taking subjects at different levels. Mixed form classes present more opportunities for students to interact with other students of different backgrounds,  strengths and interests.

2)    Common Curriculum Subjects

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. Secondary One students from all courses will take six common curriculum subjects.

These subjects are:

• Art - examinable

• Design and Technology - examinable

• Food and Consumer Education - examinable

• Character and Citizenship Education - non-examinable

• Music - non-examinable

• Physical Education - non-examinable

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

3)    Offering subjects at a more demanding level at the start of Secondary One

Eligible 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.

If students qualify to offer a subject at more demanding level, the school will post the Letter of Offers through Parents Gateway. Parents may also wish to obtain the hardcopy form at the General Office. Students and parents have the option to either accept or decline the offer to take the subjects at a more demanding level by 24 December 2024.

4)    Offering subjects at a more demanding level beyond the start of Secondary One

Beyond the start of Secondary One (at Mid-Year and Year-End), the school will assess students’ suitability to offer English Language, Mother Tongue Languages, Mathematics and Science at a more demanding level based on their performance in the specific subjects and aptitude.

Students will also be able to offer Humanities subjects (Geography, History, and Literature in English) at a more demanding level from Secondary Two. The criteria for taking Humanities at a more demanding level will be based on students' aptitude for and interest in these subjects at Secondary One.