G1, G2 and G3 Explained: What Every Singapore Parent Should Know

G1, G2 and G3 Explained: What Every Singapore Parent Should Know

G1, G2, G3, Posting Groups, Full Subject-Based Banding… If you're a parent trying to understand Singapore's secondary school system, you're probably wondering what all these terms actually mean.

Not too long ago, things seemed a little more straightforward. After PSLE, students would enter the Express, Normal (Academic) or Normal (Technical) stream.

Parents generally understood what each stream meant, even if they weren't always happy with where their child had been placed.

But things have changed.

Since 2024, Singapore has implemented Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB) across secondary schools, replacing the traditional academic streaming system with a more flexible approach to learning.

Instead of being placed into one academic stream for all their subjects, students can now study different subjects at different levels, known as G1, G2 and G3.

Sounds promising, doesn't it?

But it also raises quite a few questions.

Is G3 the same as Express? Does taking G2 mean your child is academically weaker? Can students move from G2 to G3? And will taking G1 subjects affect their chances of entering a Polytechnic or Junior College?

Let's break it down in a way that actually makes sense.

1. What Exactly Are G1, G2 and G3?

Let's start with the basics.

The letter G stands for General, and the numbers represent three different subject levels.

These levels broadly correspond to the academic standards under Singapore's previous secondary school system.

G1 subjects follow standards broadly equivalent to the previous Normal (Technical) level, while G2 corresponds to Normal (Academic) and G3 to Express.

But there's an important difference between the old system and the new one.

Previously, students were generally assigned an academic stream that determined the level at which they studied most subjects.

Under Full SBB, students have more flexibility.

A student might take Mathematics at G3, English at G2 and another subject at G1, depending on their strengths, interests and learning needs.

This means a child who excels in Mathematics but struggles with English doesn't necessarily have to study both subjects at the same academic level.

And that brings us to the main idea behind the new system.

Students don't have to be equally strong in every subject to be given the opportunity to excel in the subjects they're good at.

2. Why Did Singapore Replace the Old Express and Normal Streams?

Think about your own school days.

You probably knew someone who was brilliant at Mathematics but struggled with languages.

Or perhaps you had a classmate who loved History and Literature but found Science incredibly difficult.

Even adults have different strengths. Some people are naturally good with numbers, while others are better at writing, communicating or solving practical problems.

So why should we expect every student to perform equally well across all their subjects?

This is one of the ideas behind Full Subject-Based Banding.

Under the previous streaming system, a student's overall PSLE performance largely determined the academic course they entered.

While students could sometimes take individual subjects at a more demanding level, the overall structure still separated students into different streams.

Full SBB aims to provide greater flexibility by allowing students to learn subjects at levels that better match their individual abilities and progress.

It also brings students with different academic strengths together in mixed form classes.

The intention is to give students more opportunities to interact, learn from one another and develop beyond their academic labels.

Of course, changing the system doesn't mean academic differences suddenly disappear.

Students will still learn at different paces, and some subjects will remain more demanding than others.

But the new approach recognises that a student's overall examination score shouldn't be the only measure of what they're capable of achieving.

3. Can My Child Take G3 Mathematics but G2 English?

Yes, this is one of the key features of Full SBB.

Let's imagine a student named Daniel.

Daniel is doing well in Mathematics and Science. He enjoys solving problems and usually understands new mathematical concepts quite quickly.

However, English has always been a challenge for him. He struggles with comprehension questions and often finds it difficult to express his ideas clearly in writing.

Under the previous streaming system, his overall academic placement could have influenced the level at which he studied most subjects.

With Full SBB, Daniel may be able to study different subjects at different levels.

For example:

This is an illustrative example. Actual subject combinations depend on the student's eligibility, school offerings and applicable requirements.

In this situation, Daniel can continue challenging himself in Mathematics and Science while learning English at a pace that better suits his current needs.

Rather than being held back in every subject because of difficulties in one area, he has greater flexibility to develop his strengths.

However, parents should remember that taking a subject at a more demanding level isn't automatically the best choice.

A student needs to be able to cope with the subject's pace, content and assessment requirements.

Sometimes, building confidence and mastering the fundamentals at G2 may be more beneficial than struggling continuously at G3.

The goal should be to find the right level for your child to learn and progress, not simply to take as many G3 subjects as possible.

4. What Are Posting Groups 1, 2 and 3?

This is where things can get a little confusing.

You've probably heard of Posting Group 1, Posting Group 2 and Posting Group 3.

You might be wondering whether these are simply the new names for the old Normal (Technical), Normal (Academic) and Express streams.

Not exactly.

Posting Groups are used to facilitate admission into secondary schools based on students' PSLE results.

They also help determine the initial subject levels students generally take when they enter Secondary 1.

Here's the broad relationship:

However, Posting Groups and subject levels are not the same thing.

A Posting Group helps determine a student's entry into secondary school.

G1, G2 and G3 describe the level at which individual subjects are taught.

This distinction matters because students may have opportunities to take certain subjects at more demanding levels, depending on their academic performance, strengths and school recommendations.

For example, a student entering through Posting Group 2 may be eligible to take Mathematics at G3.

That doesn't mean the student has changed their Posting Group.

It simply means they're studying Mathematics at a more demanding subject level.

Parents should therefore avoid treating Posting Groups as permanent labels that define their children's academic potential.

5. Can Students Move from G2 to G3?

Yes, students may have opportunities to take subjects at a more demanding level as they progress through secondary school.

However, this isn't an automatic promotion.

Schools will consider factors such as students' academic performance, learning progress, suitability and their ability to cope with the demands of the more advanced subject.

For example, a student who has been performing consistently well in G2 Mathematics may be considered for G3 Mathematics at an appropriate point in their secondary school education.

But here's something parents should think about before encouraging their child to move up.

Just because a student qualifies for a more demanding subject level doesn't necessarily mean they should take it immediately.

Imagine a student who scores very well in G2 Mathematics but has to spend several hours every evening just to keep up with the syllabus.

Moving to G3 could introduce additional demands that affect their confidence, workload and performance in other subjects.

On the other hand, a student who consistently finds G2 Mathematics manageable and enjoys more challenging questions may benefit from studying at G3.

The decision should involve a conversation between the student, parents and school.

Rather than focusing only on whether your child can move up, it may be more useful to ask whether the change will genuinely support their learning.

6. Is G3 Much Harder Than G2?

G3 is generally more academically demanding than G2, but the difference isn't simply that G3 students receive more homework or sit for harder examination papers.

The subjects are designed with different syllabus requirements and expectations.

Take Mathematics, for example.

At any subject level, students need to build numerical understanding and problem-solving skills.

However, the breadth and depth of the syllabus, as well as the complexity of the questions, will differ.

A student studying G3 Mathematics may encounter more demanding algebraic concepts and problems requiring several steps of reasoning.

Similarly, students taking G3 Science subjects may be expected to demonstrate deeper conceptual understanding and apply their knowledge to more complex situations.

This is why parents should be careful when comparing grades across different subject levels.

Scoring well at G2 doesn't mean a student will automatically achieve the same result at G3.

The standard of assessment is different.

Likewise, a student who is finding G3 difficult shouldn't automatically be viewed as less capable.

They may simply need more time, better learning strategies or stronger foundational knowledge to cope with the subject.

7. Is Taking G1 or G2 a Disadvantage?

This is a concern some parents have, particularly when thinking about their child's future education.

It's understandable.

Parents naturally want to keep as many options open for their children as possible.

However, it's important to avoid thinking of G1, G2 and G3 as labels describing a student's overall intelligence or potential.

These are subject levels designed to accommodate different learning needs.

A student who takes G2 English may be perfectly capable of excelling in G3 Mathematics.

Similarly, a student who studies certain subjects at G1 may have strengths in other academic, technical or practical areas.

That said, subject-level choices can affect eligibility for certain post-secondary pathways.

For example, students hoping to enter Junior College generally need to satisfy admission requirements involving G3 subjects.

Polytechnic admission requirements also specify which subjects and levels can be used to calculate the relevant aggregate score.

This means parents should consider their child's longer-term academic goals when making decisions about subject levels.

The aim isn't necessarily to pursue G3 in every possible subject.

It's to find a balance between realistic academic expectations, personal strengths and future options.

8. How Will G1, G2 and G3 Affect the 2027 SEC Examinations?

Another major change is coming in 2027.

Singapore will replace the separate GCE N-Level and O-Level examinations with the Singapore-Cambridge Secondary Education Certificate (SEC).

Under the new system, graduating students will sit for national examinations at their respective subject levels.

Instead of receiving separate N-Level or O-Level qualifications, students will receive a common SEC certificate reflecting the subjects and levels they have taken.

Will the examination standards change?

No. According to the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB), the overall examination standards will remain the same.

G1, G2 and G3 will retain standards corresponding to the previous N(T)-Level, N(A)-Level and O-Level examinations respectively.

This means students taking G3 subjects should still prepare for examination demands comparable to the current O-Levels.

How will the grades work?

The grading systems will differ according to subject level.

Students taking subjects at different levels will receive grades according to the respective grading systems.

For certain post-secondary admission calculations, grades may be mapped from a more demanding level to a less demanding level using official conversion rules.

However, these mappings are used for specific admission purposes and do not change the original grade awarded.

If you would like to understand the SEC changes in greater detail, you can also read our guide:

Goodbye O-Levels? Understanding the 2027 SEC Examinations

9. Will My Child Still Be Able to Enter Junior College or Polytechnic?

Yes. The familiar post-secondary pathways remain available under the new system, although admission requirements are being revised.

From the 2028 admission exercise, Junior College admission will use the L1R4 aggregate instead of the previous L1R5.

The qualifying gross aggregate threshold will change from 20 points under L1R5 to 16 points under L1R4.

Students will still need to meet the relevant subject requirements, and actual entry into individual Junior Colleges will depend on their admission criteria and competition for places.

For Polytechnic Year 1 admission, students will have greater flexibility to use one G2 subject in their ELR2B2 calculation from the 2028 intake.

The other four subjects must generally remain at G3 for the revised calculation, and students must satisfy the relevant course requirements.

This is an important distinction.

Taking a combination of G2 and G3 subjects does not automatically prevent a student from entering Polytechnic.

However, the particular combination matters.

Parents should check the latest Ministry of Education admission requirements before deciding which subject levels best support their child's intended pathway.

It's also worth discussing these decisions with the school's teachers or education and career guidance counsellors.

10. How Should Parents Support Their Children Under Full SBB?

With the changes to Singapore's secondary school system, it can be tempting to focus heavily on subject levels.

Parents might worry about whether their child should move from G2 to G3, whether they're taking enough G3 subjects or whether their subject combination will affect future opportunities.

These are valid concerns.

But it's also important to remember that learning doesn't become less challenging simply because students have more flexible subject combinations.

A student who struggles with algebra at G2 still needs help understanding algebra.

A student taking G3 Chemistry still needs to develop strong conceptual understanding and examination answering skills.

And a student who moves to a more demanding subject level may need time to adjust to the increased expectations.

Here are three things parents can focus on.

Understand your child's strengths and weaknesses

Instead of looking only at the overall report card, pay attention to individual subjects.

Is your child consistently struggling with Mathematics but performing well in Science?

Do they understand the concepts but lose marks because of examination techniques?

Are their difficulties related to foundational knowledge from previous years?

Understanding the reasons behind their performance can help you decide what support they actually need.

Avoid comparing subject levels with other children

It can be difficult when you hear that a friend's child is taking G3 Mathematics while yours is taking G2.

However, comparing subject levels doesn't tell you everything about a student's abilities, learning needs or future potential.

A subject level that allows one student to thrive may be overwhelming for another.

The more useful question is whether your child is making progress and developing confidence in what they're learning.

Focus on understanding rather than memorisation

Regardless of whether your child is taking G1, G2 or G3, the ability to understand and apply concepts remains important.

For subjects such as Mathematics and Science, students need to do more than simply remember formulas or reproduce worked examples.

They should be able to explain why a method works and recognise when to apply it.

These skills take time to develop, but they can make a meaningful difference when students encounter unfamiliar examination questions.

11. Does Your Child Need Different Tuition for G1, G2 and G3?

The short answer is that tuition should be appropriate for your child's subject level and learning needs.

A G2 Mathematics student and a G3 Mathematics student may share some foundational topics, but they should not automatically be given identical worksheets and examination preparation materials.

Their syllabus requirements and assessment expectations may differ.

Similarly, students preparing for G3 Chemistry or Physics need practice that reflects the demands of their respective subjects.

At Gavin's Tuition, we believe that teaching should begin with understanding where a student is struggling.

Sometimes, a student needs help with foundational concepts. At other times, they understand the content but have difficulty applying it to examination questions.

Simply assigning more questions without identifying the underlying problem may not produce meaningful improvement.

Our approach emphasises conceptual understanding, progressive practice and examination answering techniques, helping students develop confidence as they work towards their academic goals.

Frequently Asked Questions About G1, G2 and G3

Is G3 the same as Express?

G3 is broadly equivalent to the previous Express standard. However, students are no longer placed into separate Express and Normal streams under Full Subject-Based Banding.

Is G2 the same as Normal (Academic)?

G2 corresponds to the previous Normal (Academic) standard. The difference is that students may now take different subjects at different levels instead of following one academic stream for most subjects.

Is G1 the same as Normal (Technical)?

G1 corresponds to the previous Normal (Technical) standard. It is designed to provide an appropriate subject-level curriculum while recognising students' different learning needs.

Can a Posting Group 2 student take G3 subjects?

Yes, subject to eligibility, performance, school offerings and the relevant requirements. Posting Group 2 students may have opportunities to take certain subjects at G3.

Can students change their subject levels after Secondary 1?

Students may be able to adjust subject levels at appropriate points during their secondary education, based on their performance, learning progress and school guidance.

Is it better to score well at G2 or struggle at G3?

There isn't a universal answer. The better choice depends on the student's learning needs, ability to cope with the syllabus and intended post-secondary pathway.

Parents should consider both academic progress and future admission requirements before deciding.

Will students still take O-Level examinations in 2027?

From 2027, the Singapore-Cambridge Secondary Education Certificate (SEC) will replace the separate N-Level and O-Level examinations. Students will sit for examinations at their respective G1, G2 or G3 levels.

Final Thoughts: The Right Subject Level Matters More Than the Highest One

For parents who grew up with the Express and Normal streaming system, G1, G2 and G3 may take some getting used to.

But the idea behind Full Subject-Based Banding is relatively straightforward.

Students have different strengths, and their education should provide opportunities to develop those strengths without being restricted entirely by their overall academic performance.

That doesn't mean subject levels no longer matter.

They still influence what students learn, how they're assessed and which post-secondary pathways may be available to them.

However, choosing the most demanding subject level isn't always the best decision for every student.

Sometimes, learning at a suitable pace and developing strong foundations can be more valuable than struggling through a syllabus that a student isn't yet ready for.

As parents, the goal shouldn't simply be to push our children towards G3 in every subject.

It should be to help them become confident, capable learners who understand what they're studying and are prepared for the opportunities ahead.

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