A Parent’s Guide to Understanding Full Subject-Based Banding (FSBB)

By WR!TERS@WORK

As Singapore’s education system continues to evolve, the introduction of Full Subject-Based Banding (FSBB) in secondary schools marks a significant shift towards a more flexible and personalised learning journey for every student. By 2024, secondary school students will no longer be streamed into the traditional Express, Normal (Academic), or Normal (Technical) courses. Instead, FSBB will provide students with opportunities to learn subjects at varying levels of difficulty, catering to their unique strengths and interests.

What is Full Subject-Based Banding (FSBB)?

FSBB replaces the previous streaming system that divided students based on their PSLE scores. Under FSBB, students will be placed in mixed-ability form classes, where they can take subjects at different levels — G1, G2, and G3 — corresponding to different degrees of difficulty:

• G1 is equivalent to the Normal (Technical) level,
• G2 to the Normal (Academic) level, and
• G3 to the Express level.

FSBB is a grouping system that focuses on meritocracy, allowing greater mobility for students to adjust their study load accordingly based on their academic journey in secondary school. Students will be able to take subjects at the appropriate level for their abilities, allowing them to excel where they are strong and receive more support where they need it.

What’s New?

The FSBB system promotes inclusivity and flexibility, giving students more freedom to shape their academic experience. From 2024, students will receive a common secondary school certificate, without the previous distinctions of streams like Express or Normal. This move is part of the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) goal to nurture the diverse talents of students and reduce the social stigma sometimes associated with streaming.

In addition, students will benefit from co-curricular and enrichment activities in mixed-ability groups, promoting peer interaction and collaboration among students of different learning strengths.

How FSBB Benefits Your Child

One of the biggest benefits of FSBB is its personalised approach to learning. With the ability to take subjects at different levels, students can focus on areas where they excel, while receiving support in subjects that may be more challenging. The new system also ensures students have greater flexibility to adjust their subject levels during their secondary school years, based on their performance and interest.

Preparing for the Transition

Parents play a crucial role in helping children navigate this new system. Keep the lines of communication open with your child and their teachers to stay informed about their progress. Encourage your child to explore subjects and discover their strengths through the diverse range of subjects available under FSBB.

At WRITERS AT WORK, we understand that English is a critical foundation for all secondary school subjects, especially for the ELR2B2 grading system for entering tertiary education. Our curriculum is designed to give students the skills they need to excel in English, no matter the subject level they choose. Whether your child is aiming for G1, G2, or G3 English, we are here to support them every step of the way.

Full Subject-Based Banding is an exciting development in Singapore’s education landscape, offering students more opportunities to grow according to their abilities and interests. As we move away from streaming, parents and educators alike have a role to play in ensuring that every child’s unique talents are nurtured.

For more information on how WRITERS AT WORK can help your child excel under FSBB, feel free to get in touch with us today!

Attain Stellar Results with WRITERS AT WORK!

English is a compulsory subject which all students must undertake. However, mastering the English language is not something which happens overnight – it takes consistent practice and effort to learn the nuances of the language. Students must read more and practice writing to gradually improve. Cramming for a language subject nearer to the exams is an impossible feat. After all, Rome was not built in a day! Attaining such a skill will have positive implications for not only your child’s education in school, but also employment prospects in future.

At WRITERS AT WORK, we are committed to providing the smoothest learning experience for your child sitting for their English exams. With our carefully curated methods of teaching your child how to write well, your child will learn how to present their thoughts and arguments in a coherent and concise manner. WRITERS AT WORK reinforces your child’s language skills and provides a strong foundation for their academic success, keeping up with all aspects of their progress both inside and outside of the classroom to nurture them holistically. For more information about how WRITERS AT WORK makes a difference, feel free to explore our website, watch our YouTube videos and catch us LIVE on TikTok!

If you are interested in our primary English tuition and secondary English tuition in Singapore, WRITERS AT WORK has expanded to 9 convenient locations. To find the nearest location that suits your needs, please explore our options. If you have any inquiries regarding our range of programs or class schedules, please feel free to contact WRITERS AT WORK!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

1. How Do I Find the Best English Tutor?

Start by seeking recommendations from family and friends. Next, research online and read the reviews of tuition centres to find suitable candidates. A good idea is to drop by the tuition centre and let your child participate in a trial lesson to find a good tutor.

2. What is the Purpose of An English Tutor?

An English tutor’s role is to help your child reach their full potential in mastering the English language. Since children have varying academic skills and capabilities, it is important that the tutor is able to identify the child’s strengths and weaknesses and provide them with tailored assistance.

3. What Skills Should an English Tutor Have?

A tutor should have a discerning eye for strengths and weaknesses of the student, patience to deal with different students, the requisite qualifications and experience, and they should be up to date on the relevant changes in the Singaporean English syllabus.

4. What are Some Important Skills in English?

Mastering English involves understanding basic rules like grammar and sentence structure, as well as developing more advanced skills such as inference and synthesis, which are needed for tackling more complex exercises as the student progresses.