16 Sept 2014

What is Subject-Based Banding (SBB)?
• SBB was implemented from 2008
• Every child will be encouraged to do the subjects at the level that best meets his abilities

What is Subject-Based Banding (SBB)?
• Introduced as a refinement to the streaming process to help each child realize his potential, based on his interests and strengths.

Why introduce SBB?
• To provide more flexibility to pupils with different strengths and abilities that vary across subjects.
• To encourage greater interaction among pupils with different strengths.

Why introduce SBB?
“We recognise different abilities... and help each student to proceed at a pace that he can manage.”
Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam
Minister for Education
2006

PSLE scores
• The PSLE scoring system remains unchanged.
• The raw mark for each subject is converted to a transformed score (T-score).
• The T-score reflects the pupils’ standing relative to other pupils on a common scale.

PSLE scores
• The Aggregate Score is the sum of the Tscore in all subjects.
• Each subject carries equal weighting.
• The PSLE score takes into account the content and demand of each subject.

How does SBB work in MPS?
• Adhere closely to MOE guidelines
• Provide choice and flexibility to pupils
• To ensure that pupils take subjects which BEST meet their abilities

Selection Criteria
• Based on Merit
Overall performance and performance in various subjects
• Teacher availability
• Number of pupils being offered the options

OPTION 1 – 4S1H
If child…
• Passes in all 4 subjects
• Achieves overall 60% and above
• Performs very well in
Mother Tongue – 80% and above
4S1H combination
(4 Standard Subjects
+ Higher Mother Tongue)
English Language
Mathematics
Science
Mother Tongue
Higher Mother Tongue

OPTION 2 – 4S
If child…
• Passes all 4 subjects
4S combination
(4 Standard Subjects)
English Language
Mathematics
Science
Mother Tongue

OPTION 3 – 3S1F
If child…
• Passes in 3 subjects
• Fails in Mother Tongue
3S1F combination
(3 Standard Subjects + 1
Foundation Subject)
English Language
Mathematics
Science
Foundation Mother Tongue

OPTION 4 – 3S1F
If child…
• Passes in 3 subjects
• Fails in Mathematics
3S1F combination
(3 Standard Subjects + 1
Foundation Subject)
English Language
Science
Mother Tongue
Foundation Mathematics

OPTION 5 – 4F
If child…
• Fails in all subjects
4F combination
(4 Foundation Subjects)
Foundation English
Foundation Mathematics
Foundation Science
Foundation Mother Tongue

OPTION 6 – 3F1S
If child…
• Fails in 3 subjects
• Passes Mother Tongue
3F1S combination
(3 Foundation Subjects + 1
Standard Subject)
Foundation English
Foundation Mathematics
Foundation Science
Mother Tongue

Educational Support
Support
Structured
Remediation
Programme
Enrichment
Programme
Objective
To help students who are in the low progress group
Leadership
Programme
Differentiated
Remediation
Programme
Time Frame
Mondays
To build interest and higher order skills in all students in Eng, Maths and Sci subjects (problem solving, creative writing, investigative skills)
To build self and peer leadership skills, personal leadership, discipline and self-confidence
To stretch the high progress students and middle progress students
Wednesdays
Fri 10 Oct 2014
Fri 31 Oct 2014
Term 4 (after school)

Important Dates
P4 SA2 (Main Papers) Mon 27 Oct 2014 – Thu 30 Oct 2014
Release of SBB Option Forms and Report Books to parents
Mon 10 Nov 2014
Submission of Option Forms to
Form Teachers
Mon 10 Nov 2014 – Tue 11 Nov 2014
Meeting with Year Head
(if requesting for change of option)
Tue 11 Nov 2014

6 Tips on Preparing Your Child For Exams
• Be prepared!
Be well versed with the 4 P's - "Preparation
Prevents Poor Performance". The most effective way of reducing stress brought on by tests and exams is to be well prepared.
• Plan a home timetable.
Help your child write down the topics they have to cover. Guide them in allocating appropriate number of hours for revision.
Source: http://www.wikihow.com/Help-Your-Child-Prepare-for-Exams

6 Tips on Preparing Your Child For Exams
• Practice, Practice, Practice!
Encourage your child to do more practices on their weaker areas eg. multiplication tables, whole numbers, fractions, grammar, etc.
• Have regular breaks.
A short break is a good idea every 60 or 90 minutes. Eg. a brisk walk is a great way to recharge the batteries.
Source: http://www.wikihow.com/Help-Your-Child-Prepare-for-Exams

6 Tips on Preparing Your Child For Exams
• Eat to improve concentration.
Feed the body and you feed the mind.
Make sure they eat healthily and regularly and don't let them skip meals. Omega 3 fish oils are said to be an aid to concentration.
• Rest the mind.
Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep. Give them time to wind down if they’ve been studying in the evening. Let them watch a bit of TV, have a warm drink and a read before trying to go to sleep.
Source: http://www.wikihow.com/Help-Your-Child-Prepare-for-Exams