Criteria for Student Progression

Under Full Subject-Based Banding (FSBB), the criteria for student progression aligns to the broader efforts by MOE to:

• give students greater ownership of their learning according to their readiness, strengths, interests, and learning needs, and

• encourage students to develop a growth mindset and an intrinsic motivation to learn for life.

All students generally progress to the next year of learning, guided by a common academic requirement that applies at the end of Secondary 2 and Secondary 3.

• Secondary 1 students will progress to Secondary 2 as the lower secondary curriculum is a two-year block. This eases the transition of a student from primary to secondary school and provides time for students to adjust to the curriculum.

• Secondary 1 and Secondary 2 students who have done well could consider offering subjects at more demanding level (MDL). To offer a subject at MDL, refer to the respective eligibility criteria.

• At the end of Secondary 2 and Secondary 3, students need to meet the academic requirement to offer subjects at the same subject levels in the following year.

  • Academic Requirement: Pass^ (a) EL and 2 subjects, or (b) at least half the total number of examinable subjects* offered.

  • Students who do not meet the academic requirement are to offer fewer subjects and/or offer subjects at a less demanding level (LDL).

^ ‘Pass’ refers to subject overall mark of at least 50%, regardless of subject level.

* ‘Examinable subjects’ do not include CCE, PE and lower secondary Music.