Singapore’s education landscape is shifting towards a more flexible, student-centric approach. With full Subject-Based Banding (SBB) now implemented across all secondary schools, the Ministry of Education (MOE) aims to help students learn at their own pace, develop soft skills, and respect diverse abilities.

In a recent interview with CNA, Education Minister Chan Chun Sing emphasized that MOE’s focus goes beyond just academic results:

“The results are not for comparison. The results are more for us to better understand ourselves, so that in the next step of our learning journey, we are sited in a more appropriate environment.” (CNA, 13 Feb 2025)

This shift moves away from the traditional emphasis on grades and instead encourages students to focus on their own learning journey rather than competing with peers. But what does this mean for parents, and how can they best support their children in this evolving system?

Subject-Based Banding: A More Flexible Learning Journey

Under Subject-Based Banding, students take subjects at different levels based on their strengths:

• General 3 (G3) – Previously Express
• General 2 (G2) – Previously Normal (Academic)
• General 1 (G1) – Previously Normal (Technical)

While students are initially assigned a default subject level based on their PSLE scores, they have the opportunity to progress to more advanced levels if they excel in a subject. This means a student may start secondary school with mostly G2 subjects but gradually take on more G3 subjects over time.

This model embraces individual learning paces and reduces academic labeling, encouraging students to focus on personal progress rather than rigid streaming systems.

What This Means for Parents

MOE’s evolving policies emphasize learning beyond grades, urging parents to:

1. Avoid unnecessary pressure – “We don’t want a situation whereby the parents keep telling the kid that you must always strive for G3 regardless of your interests and abilities.” (CNA, 13 Feb 2025)
2. Support self-directed learning – With varied subject levels and independent study time, students need guidance in managing their workload effectively.
3. Recognize the importance of soft skills – “Not everything important in life can be measured, and just because something can be measured does not mean it is the most important.” (CNA, 13 Feb 2025)

The shift towards flexibility means that students may need additional support in specific subjects to move up levels or keep up with learning expectations. This is where Zipply can help.

How Zipply Supports Your Child’s Learning Journey

At Zipply, we believe in personalized learning that aligns with MOE’s direction. Our platform provides parents with convenient access to suitable tutors who:
✔ Tailor lessons to each student’s learning pace
✔ Strengthen subject understanding to help students progress to higher levels
✔ Cultivate a love for learning beyond just exam performance

Whether your child is aiming to transition from G2 to G3 or needs support in adapting to self-directed learning, Zipply ensures they receive the right guidance.

Addressing Elitism and the Need for Inclusivity

Minister Chan also acknowledged concerns about elitism and the alumni system, pointing out that while strong alumni networks foster school spirit, they should not come at the expense of inclusivity. He emphasized that:

“As long as you’re born in Singapore – you may not have an equal chance, and there may never be a situation where everybody has an equal chance to succeed – but you will have the best chance.” (CNA, 13 Feb 2025)

Singapore will never be a fully equal society, but we must work together to create a more inclusive education system where every child, regardless of background, has access to opportunities. Schools are already taking steps to broaden access, such as Anglo-Chinese School (Primary)’s move to Tengah, and MOE remains open to working with other institutions to serve more diverse communities.

At Zipply, we share MOE’s commitment to embracing diversity beyond academics. We believe every child has unique strengths, and our goal is to help students unlock their potential in a way that suits their learning style.

As Singapore’s education system evolves, Zipply remains committed to empowering students beyond academics—helping them build confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love for learning.

📌 Read the full CNA article here.

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