15 March 2019

While streaming has been replaced by subject-based banding, the changes do not affect Integrated Programme (IP) schools, which allow students to skip the GCE O levels and go straight to their GCE A levels or International Baccalaureate.

National University of Singapore economics lecturer Kelvin Seah said social mixing in school is important, but some parents might prefer that their children interact with peers of similar ability.

National Institute of Education lecturer Jason Tan also said parents hope that the peer influence in IP schools will benefit their children.

The Education Ministry had said that IP schools will continue to have the ability to customise their curriculum to fit their students’ needs, and that subject-based banding will not be implemented in these schools.

In return, IP schools have to make a special effort to recruit students from all backgrounds wisely, using their Direct School Admissions. They must also ensure that students have sufficient inter-school mixing opportunities, such as combining school co-curricular activities, Outward Bound Singapore camps or Values in Action projects.