Information on Secondary One Subjects

Compared to taking only 4 examinable subjects in primary schools, a lower secondary school student will be taking up to 10 examinable subjects (depending on their posting group).

Non-Common Curriculum Subjects

1. English Language

2. Mother Tongue Language

3. Mathematics

4. Science

5. G2/G3 Geography

6. G2/G3 History

7. G2/G3 Literature in English

8. G1 Humanities [Social Studies and Humanities Exposure Modules (HEMs)]

Common Curriculum Subjects:

9. Design & Technology (D&T) / Food and Consumer Education (FCE) (rotated semestrally)

10. Art

Students could explore the school website to gain an understanding of the various subjects.

Information on Full Subject-Based Banding (FSBB)

FSBB is part of MOE's ongoing efforts to nurture the joy of learning and develop multiple pathways to cater to the different strengths and interests of our students. FSBB provides students with the flexibility to offer subjects at different subject levels and enhance their access to opportunities throughout their educational journey.

So, with FSBB, what will a Secondary One BDSian’s school experience be like?

1)    Mixed form classes at lower secondary
Secondary 1 students will be grouped into mixed form classes, with each form class comprising students taking subjects at different levels. Mixed form classes present more opportunities for students to interact with other students of different backgrounds, strengths and interests.
2)    Common Curriculum Subjects
In their mixed form classes, students will take a set of subjects at a common level, amounting to about one-third of curriculum time. This would allow students in mixed form classes to spend curriculum time together in these subjects. Secondary One students from all courses will take six common curriculum subjects.

These subjects are:

• Art - examinable

• Design and Technology - examinable

• Food and Consumer Education - examinable

• Character and Citizenship Education - non-examinable

• Music - non-examinable

• Physical Education - non-examinable

Teachers will adopt a range of teaching approaches to meet the different learning needs and pace of their students in the same form class.

3)    Offering subjects at a more demanding level at the start of Secondary One
Eligible students can offer English Language, Mother Tongue Languages, Mathematics and Science at a more demanding level from the start of Secondary One based on students' PSLE Achievement Level (AL) for each subject.

If students qualify to offer a subject at more demanding level, the school will post the Letter of Offers through Parents Gateway. Parents may also wish to obtain the hardcopy form at the General Office. Students and parents have the option to either accept or decline the offer to take the subjects at a more demanding level by 24 December 2025.

4)    Offering subjects at a more demanding level beyond the start of Secondary One
Beyond the start of Secondary One (at Mid-Year and Year-End), the school will assess students’ suitability to offer English Language, Mother Tongue Languages, Mathematics and Science at a more demanding level based on their performance in the specific subjects and their aptitude.

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.

Information on Mother-Tongue Languages
Higher Mother Tongue Language (HMTL)
Students who obtained an AL 1/AL 2 in MTL or at least a merit in HMTL at PSLE, would be eligible to study HMTL at secondary school.

Students who have met the criteria would receive an invitation letter to study HMTL at secondary school. The school will also be contacting you via Parents Gateway (PG) by 30 December 2025 to liaise with you personally on the procedure on accepting the invitation.

Students taking Higher Chinese Language will attend lessons at Bedok South Secondary School during curriculum time.

Students who are eligible for Higher Malay Language or Higher Tamil Language will have to travel to one of the designated centres for their HMTL lesson.

Tamil Language

Bedok South Secondary does not offer Tamil Language. Students who are taking Tamil Language will attend lessons at Bedok View Secondary School. Registration details will be made known to students through Form Teachers in the first week when school reopens.

Third Languages

Please note that third languages courses provided at external centers are over-subscribed every year. Submission of the application form at primary school only indicates an interest to take a third language; it does not guarantee the offer of a third language at Secondary school. MOE will inform the outcome of application via school’s Parents’ Gateway (PG) by late December 2025/ early January 2026.