Full Subject Based Banding

Aspect of Full SBB

How will this aspect be implemented?

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

Previously, 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.

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

For G1 students, the criteria to take 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.

Mixed form classes with the provision of a common curriculum

NBSS implemented mixed form classes starting from 2023 Secondary 1 students. They are grouped in mixed form classes, comprising students from different courses of study. 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 take a set of subjects at a common level, amounting to about one-third of curriculum time. This allows students in mixed form classes to spend curriculum time together in these subjects:

• Art

• Character and Citizenship Education

• Design and Technology

• Food and Consumer Education

• Music

• Physical Education

Teachers 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. 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.