Full Subject-Based Banding (FSBB)
Singapore replaced secondary school streaming with Full Subject-Based Banding from 2024. Here's what parents need to know.
What Changed and Why
Singapore traditionally placed Secondary 1 students into one of three courses — Express, Normal Academic (NA), or Normal Technical (NT) — based on their PSLE results. Students in each stream took a largely fixed set of subjects, and moving between streams was uncommon.
From 2024, MOE replaced this system with Full Subject-Based Banding (FSBB). There are no more course labels. Instead, each student takes subjects at one of three levels — G1, G2, or G3 — depending on their individual ability in that subject. A student can take different subjects at different G levels, giving a much more personalised academic profile.
The goal is to reduce the stigma of course labels, allow students to play to their strengths, and provide more pathways between what used to be rigid streams.
The Three G Levels
Previously equivalent to: Express (O-Level standard)
The most academically demanding level. Students taking G3 subjects sit the O-Level papers for those subjects. This is the path for students aiming for A-Level JC programmes.
Students must perform well in PSLE to be recommended for G3 across most subjects.
Previously equivalent to: Normal Academic (NA) standard
The intermediate level. Students can aim for polytechnic diplomas or, with strong G2 results, progress to G3 in Sec 3/4. G2 students may also sit O-Level papers for eligible subjects.
Strong G2 performance can qualify students for polytechnic entry and in some cases JC.
Previously equivalent to: Normal Technical (NT) standard
The foundation level, focused on practical and applied learning. Students who excel at G1 can be considered for G2 subjects in Sec 3/4. G1 students typically progress towards ITE after Sec 4.
The emphasis is on applied and vocational readiness alongside academic fundamentals.
Key difference from streaming
Under streaming, a student was Express, NA, or NT across all subjects. Under FSBB, a student can be G3 in Maths and G2 in English — taking subjects at the level that best matches their actual ability in each area.
Subjects and G Levels
Core subjects like English and Mathematics are taken at G1, G2, or G3. Some subjects are only available at certain G levels. Mother Tongue Language follows a separate framework and is not labelled G1/G2/G3.
| Subject | FSBB Notes |
|---|---|
| English Language | Taken at G1, G2, or G3. All students must take English. |
| Mother Tongue Language | Taken at standard, foundation, or higher level. Not part of G1/G2/G3 labelling. |
| Mathematics | G1 (E-Maths foundation), G2 (E-Maths), G3 (E-Maths + A-Maths option). |
| Science (Combined/Pure) | G1 (Combined Science foundation), G2/G3 (Combined or Pure Sciences). |
| Humanities | Social Studies is compulsory. Elective Humanities (History, Geography, Literature) at G2/G3. |
| Design & Technology / Food & Nutrition | Practical subjects typically available at G1/G2. |
Exact subject offerings vary by school. Check with the specific school or moe.gov.sg.
Moving Between G Levels
Moving up
Students who perform strongly in a subject at their current G level can be considered for a higher G level. Reviews typically happen at the end of Sec 1 or Sec 2. There is no cap on how many subjects can be moved up.
Moving down
If a student is struggling at their current G level, the school may discuss moving them to a lower G level in that subject. This is a pastoral decision made with the student's long-term interest in mind.
How to find out your child's G-level placement
Placements are communicated by the school during the Sec 1 orientation period. If you have concerns, speak to the Form Teacher or Subject Head. MOE encourages parents to treat placements as starting points that can be reviewed — not fixed labels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has streaming been abolished in Singapore secondary schools?
Effectively yes. From 2024, all mainstream government and government-aided secondary schools moved to Full Subject-Based Banding (FSBB). The formal Express, Normal Academic (NA), and Normal Technical (NT) course labels no longer exist. Students no longer carry a stream label — instead, they take individual subjects at different levels based on their ability.
What do G1, G2, and G3 mean?
G1, G2, and G3 refer to the three levels at which subjects can be taken in FSBB. G3 is the most demanding level (equivalent to the old Express standard), G2 is the intermediate level (equivalent to the old Normal Academic standard), and G1 is the foundation level (equivalent to the old Normal Technical standard). A student may take different subjects at different G levels — for example, G3 Mathematics but G2 English.
How are G-level assignments determined?
A student's initial G-level placement is based on their PSLE AL score band and is recommended by MOE. Schools then review and may adjust placements based on the student's individual PSLE subject scores and school-based assessments. Students and parents can discuss placements with the school during orientation.
Can my child move up (or down) G levels?
Yes. One of the key features of FSBB is flexibility. Students can be considered for a higher G level in a subject based on their performance — typically reviewed at the end of Sec 1 or Sec 2. Schools have discretion to allow upward moves when a student demonstrates they can cope with the more demanding level.
Does the G level affect which certificate a student receives at graduation?
All students sit the national O-Level examinations at the end of Sec 4. The G level determines which paper a student sits for each subject. Students who perform well in G1/G2 subjects may still qualify for polytechnic or JC programmes — the pathways depend on the actual grades achieved, not the G level label.
Are all secondary schools now using FSBB?
All mainstream government and government-aided secondary schools implemented FSBB from 2024 (for Sec 1 students entering in 2024). By 2027, all students in the school system will be under FSBB. Specialised schools (like the School of the Arts or Northlight School) follow different frameworks.
How does FSBB affect students who were admitted via DSA?
DSA-admitted students are placed in FSBB like any other student. Their G-level assignments are still based on PSLE scores and school assessment. DSA admission is based on talent area, not academic track — so FSBB applies to them in the same way.
Related Guides
FSBB is a recently introduced framework and details may evolve. Always check moe.gov.sg for the latest official information.