In June 2025, Singapore marks a major milestone in education with the full implementation of Full Subject-Based Banding (FSBB) across all secondary schools. This move by the Ministry of Education (MOE) shifts away from traditional academic streaming, placing personalised learning and student-centric development at the forefront of the national curriculum.
What Is Full Subject-Based Banding (FSBB)?
Full Subject-Based Banding allows students to take subjects at different difficulty levels based on their strengths and interests rather than being grouped into fixed academic streams like Express, Normal (Academic), or Normal (Technical). This system redefines how student potential is nurtured by offering a more flexible and inclusive MOE curriculum.
Students are now placed into mixed-form classes where they interact with peers across learning profiles, while still attending certain subjects at levels (G1, G2, G3) that match their abilities. For instance, a student might take English and Science at G3 level but Mathematics at G2, depending on performance and teacher assessment.
FSBB Implementation Timeline and Transition
The nationwide rollout in June 2025 is the final phase of a decade-long transformation. Since 2020, over 120 schools piloted the FSBB model. Now, every secondary school is required to adopt the new approach, which also includes changes to common national examinations and subject combination processes.
Year | Key Milestone |
|---|---|
2020 | FSBB pilot begins in select schools |
2023 | Expansion to over 90% of secondary schools |
June 2025 | Full national implementation |
This shift aligns with the MOE’s larger vision of nurturing a generation of learners who are adaptable, creative, and confident in diverse settings.
How FSBB Supports Personalised Learning
Personalised learning under FSBB means education paths are no longer rigid. Students are offered subject combinations that better align with their abilities, passions, and future aspirations. This model encourages motivation by allowing them to engage more deeply with subjects they excel in or are curious about.
Beyond academics, FSBB schools are also redesigning timetables to include learning modules focused on digital literacy, critical thinking, and character development. This blend ensures that education remains holistic and relevant to future job markets.
Changes to the MOE Curriculum and Exams
With FSBB fully integrated, the MOE curriculum now offers greater modularity. The national exams will also see changes: instead of sitting for different exams based on academic streams, all students will take common national exams, with papers differentiated by subject level.
This approach ensures consistency in academic standards while still catering to individual learning needs. Teachers receive ongoing training to accurately assess and recommend appropriate subject levels for each student, making the system both dynamic and responsive.
Preparing Students and Parents for FSBB
Parents and students need to understand that FSBB is not just about academic customization. It’s a cultural shift in how success is defined in schools. Schools are actively engaging parents through workshops, one-on-one consultations, and school-based orientation programs to help them navigate this new system.
Students are also being introduced to self-directed learning tools and mentorship programmes that promote self-awareness and accountability. The aim is to equip learners not just for exams, but for life.
Conclusion
The launch of Full Subject-Based Banding in June 2025 is more than an education reform—it’s a paradigm shift in how Singapore supports and nurtures its students. By prioritising personalised learning within a robust MOE curriculum, the country is paving the way for a more inclusive and adaptive future in education.
FAQs
What does FSBB mean for my child’s future?
FSBB gives your child the freedom to learn at their own pace and according to their strengths. This supports better engagement and reduces the pressure of traditional academic labels.
Will my child still take national exams?
Yes. All students will continue to take national exams, but these will now be based on subject levels (G1 to G3) rather than academic streams.
How do schools determine subject levels?
Teachers assess student performance, interest, and aptitude to recommend the most suitable level for each subject. These can change over time based on the student’s progress.
Can my child move between subject levels?
Yes. The system is designed to be flexible. Students can move up or down subject levels depending on their development and readiness.
How are schools supporting this transition?
MOE has provided resources, training, and guidelines for schools, while also ensuring that parents are engaged and informed throughout the process.
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