MOTHER TONGUE

We aim to develop our students’ preparedness to succeed in the global world and to remain rooted to their culture and heritage. Through the various programmes we have, we allow students to have a greater appreciation of their history, traditions and values. Our students will be engaged in:

• Quizzes

• Discussions

• Storytelling

• Authentic assessment tasks where they collaborate with their peers to co-create videos, blogs and scrap books appropriate to their level

• Authentic learning experience via learning journeys to places of interest

• Understanding of culture and norms through Mother Tongue Fortnight activities

Student Voice

‘Malay lessons have helped me to appreciate the Malay language and culture better. The lessons are always filled with quizzes and meaningful stories from the teacher’s experience. These activities are engaging and make me understand the language better. The quizzes help me understand better as my teachers always explain the answers afterwards.’ – Putera Azfar B Azahari, 3 Adaptability _‘

After Covid-19 measures were eased, our Malay language teachers gave us the opportunity to go for a learning journey to Kampong Glam. We visited many places including the Malay Heritage Centre, and even made traditional kueh. The learning journey has sparked my interest in finding out more about the Malay culture.’_ – Nazzyfa Nazzura Bte Mohd Naser, 3 Independence.

Mother Tongue Languages Information

Please refer to the link below for Frequently Asked Questions on the various Mother Tongue Languages:

https://www.haisingcatholic.moe.edu.sg/join-hsc/faq/permalink/

Higher Mother Tongue Languages

Students with an overall PSLE score of 8 or better, or an overall PSLE score of 9 to 14 and attains AL1/AL2 in MTL or Distinction/ Merit in HMTL will be deemed by MOE to be eligible to take Higher Mother Tongue Language. He/She will receive an “Eligibility Form” from MOE via Parent’s Gateway upon entry to Secondary One.

Higher Chinese Language

Hai Sing Catholic School has the autonomy to offer Higher Chinese to students with an AL1/AL2 in CL or Distinction/ Merit in HCL. Eligible students who meet the school criteria will receive a “Letter of Offer” for Higher Chinese upon entry to Secondary One.

Higher Chinese Language lessons will be held Hai Sing Catholic School during curriculum time.

Higher Malay Language/ Higher Tamil Language

Eligible students who meet MOE’s criteria for Higher Malay Language and Higher Tamil Language will study the subject in an external language centre outside curriculum hours.

Tamil Language

Tamil students will study the subject in an external language centre outside curriculum hours.

Non-Tamil Languages In Lieu (Bengali, Hindi, Gujarati, Punjabi, Urdu)

Non-Tamil speaking students of Indian ethnicity can apply to study Non-Tamil Indian Language (Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Punjabi or Urdu). These language classes are not provided by MOE and are usually conducted outside of school premises and hours. Find out more information from the Board for the Teaching and Testing of South Asian Languages' website: http://bttsal.com/index.php

Third Languages (French, German, Spanish, Japanese, Arabic, Bahasa Indonesia, MSP, CSP)

Secondary 1 students who have applied to read a Third Language will be informed of the outcome via Parents Gateway.

Foreign Languages In Lieu of Mother Tongue Language (French, German, Japanese, Arabic, Burmese, Thai)

For the learning of Foreign Languages and Asian Languages in lieu of an official MTL, you will need to make private study arrangements for your child and ensure that your private education provider can prepare your child for the GCE O-Level examinations at the end of secondary school. There will be MTL requirements for progression to the next level of study. Find out more about the requirements via this link: https://www.moe.gov.sg/post-secondary/admissions/jae/junior-colleges-and-millennia-institute