Subject-Based Banding (Sec) – For Normal (Academic) and Normal (Technical) Courses

What is Subject-Based Banding (Sec)?

Subject-Based Banding (Secondary) [SBB (Sec)] is one of many pathways for students to nurture their    aptitudes and enhance their access to opportunities throughout their educational journey. SBB (Sec) allows your child to take specific subjects at more demanding level starting from Secondary 1 if he/she is found suitable to do so. If he/she is in the N(A) or N(T) course, he/she may be able to take some subjects at Express or N(A) Level to allow him/her to stretch himself/herself and acquire deeper competencies in his/her area(s) of strengths.

How does Subject-Based Banding (Sec) work?

N(A) and N(T) students are eligible to take some subjects (English Language, Mathematics, Science and Mother Tongue Languages) at more demanding level starting from Secondary 1 if they have performed well in these subjects at the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE):

N(A) and N(T) students who scored A* or A in a PSLE  Standard subject can take the subject at the Express Level; and

N(T) students who scored at least C in a PSLE Standard subject or 1 in a PSLE Foundation subject can take it at N(A) Level.

Beyond the start of Secondary 1, other N(A) and N(T) students who do well in school-based examinations may be considered to take more demanding level subjects if found suitable to do so by the school.

If your child is eligible to take subjects at a more demanding level, you will receive the offer letter via Parents Gateway and your child’s smbss email account. Please indicate whether your child wishes to ACCEPT or REJECT the offer by 28 December 2020.

Note: Do purchase the correct books required for the higher level subjects if your child decides to take up the SBB offer.