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Bedok South Secondary School

Full Subject Based Banding (FSBB)

Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB) nurtures the joy of learning by providing flexible pathways for students' strengths and interests. Secondary students now learn each subject at the level that best caters to their individual strengths, interests and learning needs.​

Last updated 12 August 2026
Three BDS students interact with a hands-on human anatomy organ puzzle set up on a table in the school hall.​
BDS showcasing their varied interests during Passion Day.

Introduction​

Full SBB aims for students to:​

1. Have greater ownership of their learning according to their strengths, interests, abilities, talents and learning needs​

2. Develop a growth mindset and an intrinsic motivation to learn for life​

3. Have more opportunities to interact with friends of different strengths, interests, abilities and talents​

4. Have more options for post-secondary pathways, while ensuring they have strong fundamentals and can thrive in their chosen pathway

The BDS FSBB Experience

1. Mixed form classes upon entering secondary school ​

At lower secondary, students will take six common curriculum subjects with peers from their form class. These subjects are Art, Character & Citizenship Education, Design & Technology, Food & Consumer Education, Music and Physical Education. These subjects take up approximately one-third of curriculum time, giving students time to interact with classmates of different strengths and interests.​


BDS students sit in a circle on an indoor sports hall floor, collaborating to build a tower structure out of plastic straws and cardboard.​
Secondary 1 BDS students interacting in their mixed form classes during orientation.

3. Greater flexibility to offer subjects at various subject levels ​

For other subjects (English Language, Mother Tongue Languages, Mathematics and/or Science), the subject level at the start of Secondary 1 is based on students’ PSLE Score and indicated by Posting Groups. Beyond the start of Secondary One, eligible students can take some subjects at a more or less demanding level (i.e. G1, G2 or G3) according to their strengths, interests and learning needs, at appropriate junctures if they meet the eligibility criteria. Students can offer eligible subjects at a more demanding level as they gain greater competence and confidence in the subject. The school will advise students accordingly based on holistic considerations.​

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Students will also be able to offer Humanities subjects (Geography, History, and Literature in English) at a more demanding level from Secondary Two. The criteria for taking Humanities at a more demanding level will be based on students' aptitude for and interest in these subjects at Secondary One.​

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At upper secondary, students will continue to have flexibility to offer subjects at different subject levels. Students may offer elective subjects (e.g. Principles of Accounts, Art, Design & Technology) at a subject level suited to their strengths, interests and post-secondary aspirations. From 2027, students will sit for the new Singapore Education Certificate (SEC) examinations, with different papers for each subject level.​

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For more information on Full SBB, visit https://go.gov.sg/moe-fsbb

4. Supporting your child​

These are some things you can do to support your child through their secondary school journey:​

  • Connect with them: Create opportunities outside of school that would help you and your child recognise their interests, skills, strengths, learning styles and aspirations.​

  • Support them to learn for life: Stay open to the possible education and career pathways that are available and be flexible in discussing these pathways with them. Encourage them to take ownership of their goals and plans.