Full Subject-Based Banding (FSBB)

What is FSBB?

With FSBB, we are moving towards one secondary education with many subject bands to better meet our students’ learning needs. This is part of the broader shift in our education system to recognise the strengths and interests of our children, to help them build their confidence and develop an intrinsic motivation to learn for life.

At Punggol Secondary, starting from 2023, all Secondary One students from all streams will be placed in the same mixed form class and take six non-academic subjects together. Known as common curriculum subjects, they include Art, Physical Education, and Food and Consumer Education. For subjects like English Language, Mathematics and History, students will attend lessons in different classes based on their ability for each subject.

What are the benefits of FSBB?

• Customise learning to the students' interests and strengths

• Help students build confidence and an intrinsic motivation to learn for life

• Facilitate access to post-secondary pathways that cater to students with different strengths

• Reduce stigmatisation associated with streaming and strengthen social mixing

How will FSBB be implemented in PSS in 2023?

Mixed Secondary 1 form classes with students of different academic abilities will be created. This will create opportunities for students of different backgrounds and academic courses to learn and interact together. This enables students taking different subject combinations, and with different strengths and interests, to build meaningful friendships and learn to value different perspectives.

What are the subjects offered at Secondary 1 in 2023?

Students in the same form class will learn a common curriculum of six subjects:

• Art

• Character & Citizenship Education (CCE)

• Design & Technology (D&T)

• Food & Consumer Education (FCE)

• Music

• Physical Education (PE)

The six common curriculum subjects would each have a single syllabus for all students at lower secondary levels.

For other subjects (English Language, Humanities, Mathematics, Mother Tongue Languages and Science), students will attend classes with others taking the subject at the same subject level, regardless of their course of study.

For students posted to N(A) or N(T) course, they have the flexibility to take subjects (i.e. EL, MTL, Math, Sci) at a more demanding level, if they meet the eligibility criteria as follows:

How will the school support students?

We will be planning exciting activities for Secondary One students in the first week of school and throughout the year to build class identity. Through these activities, we aim to help students know one another better and form friendships regardless of their academic courses.

Teachers will provide additional academic and socio-emotional support for students who may face some initial difficulties when making the transition to take subjects at a more demanding level.

For more information on how the school will be implementing FSBB, you can contact us at punggol_ss@moe.edu.sg