MOTHER TONGUE
Explore how Hai Sing Catholic School helps students connect with their culture through Mother Tongue programmes. Find details on Higher Mother Tongue, Third Languages, and external language centres here.
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 who attain 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
Higher MTL Centre Allocations and Schedules
Designated Higher Malay Centre | Tanjong Katong Secondary School Lessons are held weekly on Tuesday, from 2.45pm to 5.45pm. Students will also have to attend EMAS workshops on selected Thursdays. |
Designated Higher Tamil Centre* *Parents/Guardians may apply for admission to other TL Centre if you have valid reasons for doing so (e.g. ease of travel etc.). | Pasir Ris Crest Secondary School Lessons are held weekly on Monday or Tuesday or Thursday, from 3pm to 6pm. The detailed schedule will be sent via PG. All Tamil students are required to report to and complete their registration at the TL Centers of their choice during the afternoons of the first week of the school term. This is to facilitate the arrangement of TL classes and timetable. |
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.
Third Languages (French, German, Spanish, Japanese, Arabic, Bahasa Indonesia, MSP, CSP)
Third Language programme Allocations and Schedules
Designated Language Centre for French, German, Spanish, Japanese, Arabic, Bahasa Indonesia | MOE Language Centre Bishan Lessons are held once a week. For more information on Third Languages, please click on the following link. Successful applicants will be able to complete their registration through a dedicated link. This registration link will be published here once it is available. |
Designated Language Centre for Chinese Special Programme | Changkat Changi Secondary School Lessons are held once a week from 3pm to 6pm. 2024 Timetable: Sec 1 Sec 2 Sec 3 Sec 4 Tuesday Monday Wednesday Thursday Successful Applicants may check out the following link to complete your registration: |
Designated Language Centre for Malay Special Programme | Tampines Secondary School Lessons are held every Thursday, from 3pm to 6pm. Successful Applicants may check out the school’s website to complete your registration: |
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