Subject Based Banding

Subject-based banding for primary school

What is Subject-based banding for primary school?

Subject-based banding (SBB) gives your child the opportunity to take a combination of subjects at standard and foundation levels based on their strengths. Learn how it works and how to prepare your child.

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 with.

How does SBB work??

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 their 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 School Examination (PSLE).
Your child’s progression to secondary level depends on their PSLE results.
If your child excels in certain subjects, they can pursue higher level options in secondary school.

What are the subject combinations available?

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 subject
4 foundation subjects

Taking subjects at the foundation level is not a disadvantage for your child. It will help them to build up the fundamentals for the subjects and better prepare them for the progression to secondary school.

Where can I find more information on secondary school courses?

More information on secondary school courses can be found at MOE website https://www.moe.gov.sg/secondary/courses

For more information on full SBB in secondary schools, please click here