Singapore JC Subject List - Japanese (H2)

This entry details the Japanese (H2) subject offered at Junior Colleges (JC) in Singapore. It draws information from the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB) syllabus documents and student experiences.

Overview

The H2 Japanese syllabus aims to develop students' ability to understand and communicate in Japanese across various registers. It also aims to provide insights into Japanese culture and society, build a foundation for future studies or work involving the language, and foster positive attitudes towards language learning and cultural understanding.

Assessment

The H2 Japanese course is assessed through five components:

• Component 1: Speaking (20%): A 20-minute oral examination consisting of a 3-minute presentation on a chosen topic related to Japanese society or cultural heritage, followed by a topic conversation and a general conversation with the examiner. Candidates may use a cue card and illustrative materials but not a script.
• Component 2: Reading and Writing (20%): A 1 hour 45 minute written examination involving two passages in Japanese on related themes. Candidates answer comprehension questions and complete a summary/comparison task, all in Japanese.
• Component 3: Essay (15%): A 1 hour 30 minute written examination. Candidates choose one essay question from five provided, each relating to a specific topic area. The essay, written in Japanese, should be between 650-1000 characters. The essay topics change annually.
• Component 5: Listening (20%): A 1 hour 15 minute examination assessing comprehension of spoken Japanese through various question types, including short factual items and extended pieces.
• Component 7: Coursework (25%): Candidates submit coursework in Japanese, totaling approximately 4000 characters. This can be two short pieces (1000 characters each) and one long piece (2000 characters) or two long pieces (2000 characters each). The coursework should relate to the topic areas and involve research and personal reflection.

Curriculum

The H2 Japanese curriculum covers a wide range of topics related to Japanese society, culture, and contemporary issues. These include human relationships, family, generation gap, young people, patterns of daily life, urban and rural life, the media, food and drink, law and order, religion and belief, health and fitness, work and leisure, equality of opportunity, employment and unemployment, sport, free time activities, travel and tourism, education, cultural life/heritage, war and peace, the developing world, scientific and medical advances, technological innovation, environment, conservation, pollution, and contemporary aspects of Japan.

Learning Experience

Classes are typically held twice a week at the Ministry of Education Language Centre (MOELC). Lessons are discussion-based and involve group work. Students come from various JCs, forming a diverse learning community. The course emphasizes self-directed learning, requiring discipline and resilience.

Prerequisites

An 'A' grade in O-Level Japanese is highly recommended. Prospective students must also take a diagnostic test to assess their aptitude for H2 Japanese.

Opportunities

Students may be eligible for the Japanese Language Elective Scholarship (JLES), which includes an Overseas Study cum Immersion Programme. Other opportunities include the Japanese Speech Contest, corporate visits, and local immersion programmes.