Information about Subject-based Banding at Primary 4

1. What is subject-based banding?

Subject-based Banding (SBB) provides students with the flexibility to take a combination of subjects at either the Standard or Foundation level, depending on individual strengths. This approach moves away from the older one size fits all streaming system (EM1, EM2, EM3). 

In 2019, Full Subject-based Banding was piloted in secondary schools to replace the Express, Normal (Academic) and Normal (Technical) streams. Under the Full SBB, subjects are offered at G1, G2 and G3 levels. As of 2024, all secondary schools in Singapore have fully adopted this model.

This means that if you have a child in Primary 4 now, your child will be banded for the different subjects at the end of the academic year. These decisions will have a direct impact on their journey into secondary education. 

2. How does SBB at Primary 4 work?

During the year, your child would be sitting for Weighted Assessments and the End-of-Year Examination. The results of the Weighted Assessments and the End-of-Year Examination will add up to the overall English Language score which is reflected in the Results Slip in the Report Book. The table below is an example of the assessment weighting distribution of a school in Singapore.

After your child has sat for the End-of-Year Examination, the school will recommend a specific subject combination based on your child’s results. You will then receive an option form to indicate your child’s preferred subjects.

If your child passes the English Language End-of-Year Examination in school, it will be likely that he/she will be offered to take English Language at the Standard level at Primary 5 and for PSLE.

In Primary 5, your child will take his/her preferred subject combination. After the year-end examinations, the school will assess your child’s ability to cope with the subjects. The school will adjust the subject levels if needed with your consultation.

Your child will then take the subject combination recommended by the school and sit for the PSLE.

3. What are the possible SBB combinations?

Schools offer several combinations to cater to different learning paces:

• 4 Standard Subjects (4S)

• 4 Standard Subjects + Higher Mother Tongue (4S 1H) [Higher Mother Tongue only offered to those who do very well for Mother Tongue Language]

• A mix of 3S + 1F or 2S + 2F or 1S + 3F

• 4 Foundation Subjects (4F)

4. How does SBB affect my child’s PSLE score?

Each subject is graded against the Achievement Levels (AL) at PSLE. The table below illustrates how the raw marks are translated into the AL score for Standard and Foundation subjects.

For more information about the AL scoring system and PSLE, please refer to our detailed guide here: https://www.myenglish.com.sg/articles/parents-guide-to-psle-english-and-the-al-scoring-system/

5. Does My English School prepare students for the Standard or Foundation English Language papers?

My English School specifically prepares students for the Standard English Language Papers at the Primary 5 and PSLE levels. Our curriculum is designed to rigorously support students in mastering the components required for the Standard syllabus.

While efforts have been made to ensure the information provided in this document is accurate as of March 2026, the information may contain unintentional errors or omissions. 

For more information about the Subject-Based Banding, please refer to https://www.moe.gov.sg/primary/curriculum/subject-based-banding