Languages

Languages are part of the cultural richness of our society and the world in which we live. Learning languages contributes to mutual understanding, a sense of global citizenship and personal fulfilment.

For our Singaporean Citizens and Permanent Residents, we comply with the Singapore Ministry of Education’s Mother Tongue Language (MTL) Requirements. Please click here to access the school policy on MTL Requirements.

What is the nature of Languages in Grades 7 & 8?

Students will develop the ability to communicate effectively with the use of the language in listening, speaking, reading and writing. They will use the language whenever and wherever possible. Students will also learn the culture of the countries where the language is spoken so that they have a better understanding of the similarities and differences between their own culture and the culture of the language they are learning. In this way, students will have a positive attitude towards the cultures of others.

What is the approach to learning?

In Languages, students will improve their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills using a learner-centered approach that is not restricted to textbooks. Instead, students will be exposed to various types of texts taken from a range of materials. Students will learn the language through diverse activities such as role-plays, oral presentations and language games. Assignments and assessments are varied so that students are aware of their strengths and areas to be improved.

As Foundation IGCSE language teachers, we encourage students to develop lifelong skills:  to appreciate the richness and diversity of other countries, cultures, communities and people;  to communicate effectively in the target language;  to apply linguistic knowledge and skills to understand and communicate effectively;  to understand how language works and how to manipulate it;  to use familiar languages for new purposes and in new contexts;  to use their imagination to express thoughts, ideas, experiences and feelings;  to work independently as well as in pairs and groups;  to actively participate in the classroom and beyond; and  to take advantage of learning technologies in lessons and at home.

What is the subject content?

Please note:

1. The following lists of topics are not exhaustive and may be changed according to students’ level of ability and interest. The topics might not be taught in the order as they appear on the lists. 13

2.

3.

4.

5. Because of the small class sizes, Malay/Indonesian and Tamil will be taught for four periods per week instead of six. For the remaining two periods, students will report to the school library to do self-study. Subject teachers will set meaningful work for the students. Hindi lessons operate under a different arrangement. There are six periods of Hindi lessons per week. Parents pay the Hindi teacher separately and will be informed of the charges by the teacher herself. For Chinese courses, please refer to the Chinese Language Course Routes document (overleaf) for more information on how students progress according to their level of proficiency. For a more detailed explanation on the various examinations, as well as the level descriptors for the Chinese ILR scale referenced in the diagram, please click here. For other Languages, please see the Other Languages Course Routes document.

A.

1st Language

Chinese

The 1 st

Language Chinese course is designed for students who have attained a higher level of Chinese. Students will be prepared to take the IGCSE First Language Chinese examination and the IB Chinese A: Language & Literature (Standard/Higher Level) courses OR Chinese B (Higher Level) course in Grade 11 and 12.

[Basic textbooks: Chinese Made Easy 5; Chinese Made Easy 6]

Grade 7

Uniform and school rules Chinese New Year and Christmas International schools and local schools Volunteer work Teenage BGR (Boy-Girl Relationships) Hollywood films based on Chinese stories Social Media Travel Travel blog (Classical Chinese) Culinary diversity and globalisation Healthy eating habits Urban and rural life Low-carbon living Pollution and global warming Study pressure Comparing Chinese and Western education systems Festivals and celebrations Chinese culinary etiquette Technology

Grade 8

Family relationships Education systems in China Influences of technology on social relationships Relationships in school Different types of leisure activities CCAs in school Paperbacks and Ebooks Inner and outer beauty Lifestyles Food wastage Students’ health care Chinese food culture Reunion dinner Traditional values

B.

2nd Language

Chinese

The 2 nd

Language Chinese course is designed for students who have learned the language for some years and have attained a satisfactory level of competency. Students will be prepared to take the IGCSE Chinese as a Second Language examination and the IB Chinese B (Standard Level) course in Grade 11 and 12.

[Basic Textbook: Chinese Made Easy 4]

Tamil

Students will be prepared to sit for the GCE ‘O’ level Higher Tamil, Tamil or B Syllabus Tamil examination and the IB Tamil B (Standard) course in Grade 11 and 12.

[Basic Textbook: Tamil Sudar Express 1A, 1B, 2A & 2B (Course and Work Book)]

 Hindi Students will be prepared to sit for the IGCSE Hindi as a Second Language examination and the IB Hindi B (Standard level) course in Grade 11 and 12.

Grade 7

Family relationships Role Models Festival and traditional food Language learning experience Leisure activities Holiday and travel Technology Integrating technology in education

Grade 8

Friendship Stress Service Learning Journey Diet and health Sports and health Environmental issues Low carbon life

C.

Foreign Language

Chinese

The Foreign Language Chinese course is designed for students learning Chinese as a foreign language but who are not experienced enough for the 2 nd Language Chinese class. Students will be prepared to take the IGCSE Chinese (Mandarin) examination and the IB Chinese B (Standard Level) course in Grade 11 and 12.

[Basic Text: Chinese Made Easy 3]

 Malay/Indonesian Students of Malay will be prepared to sit for the IGCSE Malay Foreign Language Examinations and the IB Malay B (Standard) course in Grade 11 and 12.

Foreign Language students of Indonesian will be prepared to sit for the IGCSE Indonesian Foreign Language Examinations and the IB Indonesian B (Standard) course in Grade 11 and 12.

Native speakers of Indonesian will be prepared for the IB Indonesian A: Literature (Standard / Higher Level) courses in Grade 11 and 12.

Spanish

This course is designed for students learning Spanish as a foreign language. Over the two years, students will develop their ability to use the language effectively for purposes of practical communication, and to develop a solid grounding for future studies of the language at IGCSE level and beyond.

Grade 7

Transitions Comparing school systems Identity What makes you who you are? Architecture Sustainable living Passions across the Globe Cultural interests in other countries Plastic Pollution Mitigating against plastic pollution

Grade 8

 Majulah Singapura

Living in Singapore  Malaysia, Truly Asia

The importance of travel  Yesterday

The influence of the past  Wellbeing

Living a balance lifestyle  People that Matter

Who inspires you?

D. Home Language Programme

The Home Language Programme is designed for students who have a linguistic or cultural connection to a language other than English that is not currently taught in school as part of the mainstream curriculum. Students can study their Home Language at either a first or second language level. Students will be given an appropriate benchmark assessment at the end of Grade 8. This course is very flexible and is tailored towards individual students. Currently we offer Thai, Korean, Japanese, French, Vietnamese, Russian, Italian and German under this programme; however, we are open to offering more options. Additional fees are payable for this programme. The curriculum is as follows:

First Language

Grade 7

Unit 1: Culture and Identity How can we form and shape our identities? Learning about being a teen in your home culture.

Unit 2: Literature study –my world at school we live in? Introduction to novel study

Grade 8

Unit 1: Society around me –novel study How do societies deal with social issues?

Unit 2: Mass media: What is the relationship between media What does Literature tell us about the world

and society?

Unit 3: Naturalistic poetry –poetry study What does literature teach us about the

Unit 3: Man’s impact on the environment How can language be powerful?

Unit 4: Poetry from my Home Country How does literature model our own experiences?

Second Language

Grade 7

Unit 1: Identities: How are families of different cultures similar? What is it like to be an integral part of an extended family?

Unit 2: Transitions How is the education and learning process similar or different to other contexts?

Unit 3: Around us –community and environment How does where I live influence how I live?

Unit 4: Technology in Education How does technology enable learning? natural world?

Unit 4: Graphic novels or plays How do texts reflect their contexts?

Grade 8

Unit 1: Well-being How is wellbeing different across cultures?

Unit 2: Social Engagement: How do we interact with our own community

Unit 3: Sharing the planet What environmental issues present challenges to the world and how can we overcome these?

Unit 4: People that matter Why is it important for people and cultures to construct narratives about their experiences?