Learning Objective
According to the MOE, Higher Chinese is an additional optional subject catered for students with a higher aptitude and interest in the Chinese language. In order to help raise their overall Chinese standards as well as cultural knowledge, students taking the subject are therefore exposed to more Chinese vocabulary as well as more challenging questions which require higher level of critical thinking skills.
There is also a higher emphasis on writing skills for the Higher Chinese examinations compared to the other Chinese language courses at the Secondary School level (i.e. 40% weightage in Paper 1 for Higher Chinese compared to 30% weightage in Paper 1 for the Chinese Language examinations). It is therefore important to focus on challenging students and developing their critical thinking skills in order to excel in their composition as well as in the language application and comprehension section of the examination.
Teaching Methods
Bilingual Teaching
With predominantly English speaking families in Singapore, the use of English to teach and explain difficult to understand Chinese vocabulary and content to students have proven effective for many students.
Building on Vocabulary and Idioms
Central to the effective learning of the Chinese language is to a strong focus on building on the recognition and understanding of Chinese vocabulary and idioms.
Holistic Learning
Learning of the Chinese language should be meaningful by developing the interest of the language through incorporation of cultural and current affairs elements into the lesson and promoting the use of the language effectively and efficiently in daily life.
Developing Key Examination Skills
Developing Language Application, Composition Writing, Oral and Listening Comprehension skills as well as Critical thinking skills to tackle the more challenging examination questions. Familiarisation of the examination paper format through mock exam practises to reduce examination anxiety and focus the mind on answering the examination questions.
When is Higher Chinese Language Offered?
Higher Chinese is offered to students from Secondary 1 but is basis their result from PSLE. Under the new PSLE Achievement Level (AL) scoring system introduced by MOE from 2021, Secondary Schools offer Higher Chinese to students obtaining:
Criteria for Higher Chinese:
- PSLE score of 8 or better; or
- PSLE score of 9 to 14 and obtaining AL1/AL2 grade in Chinese; or
- Distinction/Merit in Higher Chinese PSLE.
Nonetheless, for students who have not taken the subject in Primary School, there is a higher level of commitment required for the student; getting used to the higher standard of assessment and critical thinking involved as well as a wider range of Chinese vocabulary students are expected to be familiar with.
Should my Child take Higher Chinese Language?
Advantages:
- Bonus Points & Exemption in Junior College - With a “Pass” in Higher Chinese during the 'O' Levels in Secondary School, students will be awarded 2 bonus points for L1R5 and exempted from taking the subject in Junior College. This thus allows students more time to concentrate on their core subjects in Junior College.
- Good Foundation for Future Studies - Students taking Higher Chinese will have developed a mastery of the Chinese Language. This will form a good foundation for students who are aspiring to further their studies in related modules in tertiary or to overseas University in China or Taiwan.
Disadvantages:
- Time Consuming - Taking an additional subject is ultimately spending more precious time for the subject which could have otherwise been used more efficiently on mastering and improving on other core subjects.
- Kill the Interest - Higher Chinese is not meant for all students as it requires a higher level of knowledge and critical thinking. It may therefore be demoralising for students who may not have the aptitude for the language and consequently destroying their interest in the language altogether.
In conclusion, whether to take Higher Chinese as an additional subject in Secondary School ultimately depends on the student’s interest and ability to manage the subject.
Get in touch!
Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions or would like to find out more about the classes offered!