In the ever-evolving landscape of Singapore’s educational system, a seismic shift is on the horizon. For generations, Singaporeans have been intimately familiar with the well-trodden path from primary to secondary school, marked by the defining feature of streaming. But the winds of change are blowing, and the Ministry of Education (MOE) is set to reshape this journey.
The Evolution of Education in Singapore
The pivotal year is 2024, when MOE will usher in a transformation that will reverberate through the halls of secondary schools. Streaming, with its Normal Academic (NA), Normal Technical (NT), and Express distinctions, will be relegated to the annals of history. Instead, students will be grouped in mixed-form classes, allowing them to choose subject levels that align with their aptitudes and interests. This new framework will be delineated as G1, G2, and G3, with ‘G’ signifying ‘General.’
The End of Streaming Levels
In a decisive move announced by Minister for Education Chan Chun Sing in Parliament, streaming as we know it will vanish from secondary schools starting 2024. The rationale is simple but profound: students will now share classrooms, transcending the restrictive boundaries of streaming.
The subjects, too, will shed their old hierarchies, embracing the more inclusive designations of G1, G2, and G3. As Minister Chan elaborated, these levels are “broadly mapped” from the previous Express, NA, and NT standards. This paradigm shift will empower students to chart their academic course according to their unique strengths and learning preferences.
The Dawn of Full Subject-Based Banding
The winds of change do not stop at the removal of streaming. Full Subject-Based Banding (SBB) is set to flourish, expanding its reach to 90 schools in 2023 and aiming for implementation in every secondary school by 2024, according to MOE’s ambitious vision.
SBB, a departure from the “stream-based paradigm,” offers flexibility that enables students to shape their own learning journeys. Piloted in 2020 with resounding approval, it has instilled confidence in students and empowered them to pursue their passions. This year, three secondary schools—Crescent Girls’ School (CGS), Tanjong Katong Girls’ School (TKGS), and Tanjong Katong Secondary School (TKSS)—will join the SBB fold, opening the door for students admitted to these schools to explore G2 and G3 subjects.
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However, this flexibility comes with its own demands, as accommodating diverse teaching styles will necessitate more resources. Nonetheless, this shift signifies a promising stride forward for Singapore’s education system, offering students a more tailored and adaptable learning journey while fostering greater social cohesion. With these transformations, the hope is that students will continue to reap the benefits of an evolving educational landscape.
