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 IGCSE level?

Students will develop their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in order to communicate effectively using the language they are studying. 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 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.

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. IGCSE Chinese (1st, 2nd and Foreign Language) and Malay Foreign Language examinations take place in Semester 1 of Grade 10: the oral examination is in March, and the written examination occurs in May.

3. 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.

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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 the I.B. Chinese Language A: Language & Literature (Higher/ Standard Level) OR Chinese-Mandarin B (Higher Level) in Grade 11 and 12.

Grade 9 Chinese family and parenting, Friendship, Integrity, Preserving Our Culture, Hometown, Environmental Issues, Different types of leisure activities, Sports, Social media, School life, Inner and outer beauty. Grade 10 Comparing Chinese and Western culture, Media and communication, Migration, Computers & The Internet, Health.

B. 2nd Language Chinese/Hindi

The 2nd Language Chinese and Hindi courses are 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 or Hindi as a Second Language examination and the IB Chinese or Hindi B (Higher / Standard Level) in Grades 11 and 12.

Grade 9 Education, School Activities, Family, Movies, Differences and Similarities between Chinese/Indian and Western Culture, Internet and Communication, Modern Technology and Lifestyle, Cultural Diversity. Grade 10 School Life, Volunteer work, Social Media, Health related to Food and Drink, Fast Food Culture, Travelling, Leisure activities.

C. Foreign Language Chinese

The Foreign Language Chinese course is designed for students learning Chinese as a foreign language. Students will be prepared to take the IGCSE Chinese (Mandarin) - Foreign Language examination and the I.B. Chinese-Mandarin B (Standard Level) in Grade 11 and 12.

Grade 9 Chinese celebrity, Technology and media, Chinese festival, Learning Chinese, School life, Future career. Grade 10 Party, Food & Drink, China, Spring festival, Reunion dinner.

D. Foreign Language Spanish, Malay and Indonesian

The Foreign Language Spanish, Malay and Indonesian courses are designed to build on a foundation that students have already acquired prior to the start of this course. During these courses, students will further develop their ability to use the language effectively for the purposes of practical communication and to prepare them for the IB Language B (only Standard course available for Malay) in Grades 11 and 12.

Grade 9 Technical Innovation and Negative Interactions, The Media and our Decisions, Travel and Cultural Celebrations, Culture through Food, Community Service Grade 10 Regional/Cultural Differences and Language Expression, My Choices and Future Life, Different Childhoods Around the World, Influence of Cultural Beliefs/Taboos, Creative Expression.

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In Grades 9 and 10, students are prepared to sit for the IGCSE Bahasa Indonesia examination (aimed at students for whom Bahasa Indonesia is a language of everyday use) in which they will be examined on their ability in listening, speaking, reading and writing. For all students of Grades 9 and 10, their proficiency of Indonesian will be consolidated and developed further to prepare them to join the Indonesian A course as part of the IB Diploma Programme.

Grade 9 Free time, The world we live in, Travel and Cultural Celebrations, Health and fitness, Education and training

Grade 10 Traditional culture, Modern Culture & Family, Influence of Cultural Beliefs/Taboos, Indonesian History, Literature.

F. Tamil

Students will be prepared to sit for the GCE ‘O’ Level Higher, Express or B Syllabus Tamil examination depending on the students' ability, and the IB Tamil B (Standard Level) examination in Grades 11 and 12.

Grade 9 Relations (Family and Friends), Community and Country (Historical Moments), Tradition and Culture (Harvest Festival), Imaginary World (Olden stories), Tradition and Culture (Tamil Nadu), The World and Us (Sports), Tradition and Culture (Courageous Women)

Grade 10 Relationship (Responsibilities in a family), Community and Country (Total Defence), Tradition and Culture (Lifestyles of Tamil people), Community and Country (Challenges and Achievements), The World and Us (Economics), Community and Country (Singapore in the Global Stage), The World and Us (International Days- Water day etc.), Tradition and Culture (Literary Works).

G. Home Language Programme

The Home Language Programme is a specialised programme offered to students who have a linguistic or cultural connection to a language other than English. Depending on their level of language, the student’s Home Language can either be studied at a first or second language level. Language courses in the Home Language Programme are specifically tailored to the needs of the students, and therefore the examination will be based on their ability. Students will be given an appropriate benchmark assessment at the end of Grade 10. Past examinations have included the Foreign Language IGCSE French examination, and the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) level 2. Additional fees apply for this programme.

What is the nature of assessment?

Internal Assessment throughout the course will be based on class activities, class work, homework and tests.

External Assessment:

Examinations

IGCSE First Language Chinese Paper 1 Reading, Directed Writing and Classical Chinese Paper 2 Writing 50% 50%

Papers Weighti ng

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IGCSE Chinese as a Second Language

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

IGCSE Malay as a Foreign Language

IGCSE Bahasa Indonesia

GCE ‘O’ Level Higher Tamil

GCE ‘O’ Level Express Tamil

GCE ‘O’ Level B Syllabus Tamil

IGCSE Hindi as a Second Language Paper 1 Reading & Writing Paper 2 Listening Component 3 Speaking

Paper 1 Listening Paper 2 Reading Paper 3 Speaking Paper 4 Writing

Paper 1 Listening Paper 2 Reading & Directed Writing Paper 3 Speaking Paper 4 Continuous Writing Paper 1 Reading & Understanding Paper 2 Reading & Writing Component 3 Speaking & Responding Paper 1 Essay Paper 2 Language Usage & Comprehension Paper 1 Essay Paper 2 Language Usage & Comprehension Paper 3 Oral & Listening 30% 35% 35%

Paper 1 Essay Paper 2 Comprehension Paper 3 Oral & Listening Paper 1 Reading & Writing Paper 2 Listening 60% 20% 20%

25% 25% 25% 25%

25% 25% 25% 25% 45% 40% 15% 45% 55%

20% 30% 50% 67% 33%

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