Criteria for Student Progression

Under Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB), the progression of students, are guided by a common academic requirement and 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. This eases the transition of a student from primary to secondary school and provides time for students to adjust to the curriculum.
Students who have done well at the end of Semester 1 and/or 2 of Secondary 1, or at the end of Secondary 2 could consider offering subjects at more demanding level (MDL).
At the end of Secondary 2 and Secondary 3, students need to meet the following academic requirement to continue offering subjects at the same subject levels in the following year: 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 may 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.