Singapore JC Subject List - Chinese Language (H1)

The H1 Chinese Language syllabus aims to develop students into engaged learners, building upon their existing language skills and knowledge from primary and secondary school. The curriculum emphasizes communication, collaboration, information skills, civic literacy, global awareness, cross-cultural skills, and critical and inventive thinking.

Learning Objectives:

• Communication, Collaboration and Information Skills: Students develop persuasive communication skills in Chinese, leveraging ICT resources for self-directed and collaborative learning. They learn to express and exchange views on general topics, connecting issues across multiple contexts. H1 students will be able to read and analyze various texts, including functional texts, authentic texts, essays, and literary works. They will also learn to write coherent essays in narrative, argumentative, and expository styles. MTL 'B' students will focus on reading functional and authentic texts and writing simple functional texts and basic narrative essays.
• Civic Literacy, Global Awareness and Cross-Cultural Skills: Students develop an appreciation for the culture and history of the Chinese community, fostering respect for diverse cultural backgrounds. They also learn to recognize, analyze, and evaluate the impact of local and global issues, developing a sense of moral values, good character, and civic responsibility.
• Critical and Inventive Thinking Skills: Students hone higher-order thinking skills, developing multi-dimensional perspectives and critical thinking abilities. They learn to develop key understandings from knowledge gained, assess options, and make sound decisions.

Syllabus Framework:

The syllabus framework revolves around three broad themes: Culture, Relationship, and Change. These themes provide context for language skill development and encourage deeper understanding of issues through different perspectives.

• Culture: This theme explores how culture shapes identity and can be learned. It examines how beliefs, values, and cultural backgrounds influence behavior. Discussions may cover various aspects of culture, including customs, traditions, beliefs, lifestyles, arts, sports, popular culture, cultural diversity, and multiculturalism.
• Relationship: This theme explores the interconnectedness of everything, emphasizing the importance of relationships and connections. Students examine different types of relationships at personal, national, and global levels, including relationships with the environment and events. Discussions may cover topics such as human beings and the environment, social cohesion, relationships in the virtual world, fake news, generation gaps, and community service.
• Change: This theme explores the inevitability of change and its impact on individuals, societies, and the environment. Students examine the causes and consequences of change, exploring how to embrace and adapt to change. Discussions may cover topics such as the SMART nation initiative, technological disruption, preservation of traditions, and resistance against globalization.

Curriculum Time:

The recommended curriculum time is 4 hours per week, preferably scheduled in double periods to facilitate more engaging learning experiences.

Pedagogy:

The syllabus encourages a shift in pedagogical practices towards integrated language skill teaching and a stronger focus on key understandings. Teachers are encouraged to use differentiated instruction, thematic learning, and effective questioning techniques to deepen learning and cater to diverse learning needs. The use of authentic materials and ICT is also emphasized to provide real-world context and enhance learning. The Singapore Teaching Practice (STP) is recommended as a reference for effective teaching and learning strategies.