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 at FC level?

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.

The course aims to form a sound base of the skills, language and attitudes required for further study, work and leisure:

● Offer insights into the culture and civilisation of the countries where the language is spoken ● Develop a fuller awareness of the nature of language and language learning; ● Encourage positive attitudes toward language learning and towards speakers of other languages and a sympathetic approach to other cultures and civilisations; ● Provide enjoyment and intellectual stimulation; ● Complement other areas of study by encouraging skills of a more general application (e.g. analysis, memorising, drawing of inferences).

What is the approach to learning?

In Languages, students will improve their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills using a learnercentred 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.

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 may not be taught in the order as they appear on the lists. 2. FC students will be placed in different IGCSE Language classes according to their language choices and, in the case of Chinese, their proficiency levels. 3. IGCSE Chinese, Malay and Indonesian examinations take place in the earlier part of Grade 10: the oral examination is in March, and the written examination occurs in May.

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4. FC students who are Singaporeans or Permanent Residents whose government-approved Mother Tongue Language is Chinese are required to take the IGCSE examination, except if: i. they have an exemption from the MoE which means do not have to study Chinese; or ii. they have already obtained at least a C6 grade in their GCE(O) Chinese examinations. iii. Because of the small class sizes, Malay/Indonesian and Tamil will be taught for two periods per week instead of three. For the remaining one period, students will report to the school library to do self-study. Subject teachers will set meaningful work for the students.

A. 1st Language Pathway (Chinese, Indonesian) The 1st 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 are encouraged to continue with IB Chinese Language A: Language & Literature (Higher/Standard Level) or ChineseMandarin B (Higher Level) in Grade 11 and 12.

Topics studied are: Comparing Chinese and Western culture, Media and communication, Migration, Computers & The Internet, Health.

For FC students who are aiming to take Indonesian A as part of the IB Diploma, their language ability will be consolidated and developed further.

Topics studied are: Education, Traditional and Modern Culture, Media, Environment, History of Indonesia, Literature.

B. 2nd Language Pathway (Chinese, Tamil and Hindi)

The 2nd 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 are encouraged to study IB Chinese-Mandarin B (Standard/Higher Level) in Grades 11 and 12.

For Tamil, students’ learning will be differentiated so that they are prepared to sit for the GCE ‘O’ Level Higher, Express or B Syllabus Tamil examination, and the IB Tamil B (Standard Level) examination in Grades 11 and 12

For Hindi, students will be prepared to sit for the IGCSE Hindi as a Second Language examination and the IB Hindi B (Standard Level, or Higher Level based on demand) in Grades 11 and 12.

Topics studied for all languages in this pathway are: School Life, Volunteer work, Social Media, Health related to Food and Drink, Fast Food Culture, Travelling, Leisure.

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The Foreign Language Chinese course will prepare students to take the IGCSE Chinese (Mandarin) Foreign Language examination and the IB Chinese-Mandarin B (Standard Level) in Grades 11 and 12. [Basic Textbook: Easy Steps to Chinese 5]

The Foreign Language Spanish and Indonesian courses build on a foundation already acquired over a number of years prior to the start of this course. During this FC course, students will further develop their ability to use the language effectively for purposes of practical communication and to prepare them for the IB Spanish or Indonesian B (Standard and Higher Levels) in Grades 11 and 12.

FC students studying Malay as a Foreign Language are prepared to sit for the IGCSE Malay as a Foreign Language examination in which they will be examined on their ability in speaking, reading and writing.

Topics studied for all languages in this pathway are: Regional/Cultural Differences and Language Expression, My Choices and Future Life, Different Childhoods Around the World, Influence of Cultural Beliefs/Taboos, Creative Expression.

E. Pre-Ab Initio Pathway (Spanish, and based on demand: French/Japanese/Indonesian)

FC students who have been approved to study an ab initio course (i.e. for beginners) as part of the IB Diploma in Grades 11 and 12 will instead follow a self-study course assigned by the school. Whilst all four communicative skills are self-studied, their progress is monitored and regular assessments are set by a teacher.

Topics self-studied are: Greetings, Describing Myself, Family and pets, Food, School, My House, Fashion and Shopping for Clothes, My Town and Giving Directions, Holidays and Outings, Party Time, Daily Routine, Teenage Life, Future Plans, Friendships and Relationships, Health, The Environment, Technology and Social Networks, Target-Language Countries, Immigration and Racism, Cinema, Music

H. Home Language Program First or Second Language

Students whose language is not taught within the school curriculum are able to learn their first language on the Home Language Programme (additional fees apply). We currently offer French, Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean, Italian, Russian,Thai and German; however, additional languages can be offered upon request. The student will follow either a first or second language programme of study to prepare them for either Language A or Language B at IB. If necessary, students may also do School Supported Self-Taught when they get to Grade 11.

The topics covered for First Language are: Media around the world, World Literature, Poetry from different cultures, Plays from my culture and Stylistic Analysis.

The topics covered for Second Language are: Experiences, Identities, Sharing the Planet, Social Organisation and Human Ingenuity.

External Assessment:

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Examinations

IGCSE First Language Chinese

IGCSE Chinese as a Second Language

Papers

Paper 1 Reading, Directed Writing and Classical Chinese Paper 2 Writing Paper 1 Reading & Writing Paper 2 Listening Component 3 Speaking

IGCSE Chinese (Mandarin) - Foreign Language IGCSE Spanish - Foreign Language IGCSE French -Foreign Language IGCSE German-Foreign Language

IGCSE Malay as a Foreign Language Paper 1 Listening Paper 2 Reading Paper 3 Speaking Paper 4 Writing

Paper 2 Reading & Directed Writing Paper 3 Speaking Paper 4 Continuous Writing

GCE ‘O’ Level Higher Tamil

GCE ‘O’ Level Tamil Paper 1 Essay Paper 2 Language Usage & Comprehension 45% 55%

Paper 1 Essay Paper 2 Language Usage & Comprehension Paper 3 Oral & Listening 30% 35% 35%

GCE ‘O’ Level B Syllabus Tamil Paper 1 Essay Paper 2 Comprehension Paper 3 Oral & Listening Paper 1 Reading & Writing

IGCSE Hindi as a Second Language Paper 2 Listening

Weighting

50% 50%

60% 20% 20%

25% 25% 25% 25%

33% 33% 33%

20% 30% 50% 67% 33%

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