Singapore Secondary Mother Tongue - Malay Language - G2

The Singapore Secondary Mother Tongue - Malay Language G2 syllabus aims to develop students into active and proficient users of the Malay language, focusing on Communication, Culture, and Connection. It builds upon the foundation established in primary school, enhancing listening, speaking, reading, writing, and interaction skills. The syllabus leverages cultural and literary materials to strengthen global and cross-cultural awareness, and encourages language use in authentic situations beyond the classroom.

Curriculum Framework

The G2 curriculum is part of a broader framework encompassing Language Skills, Language Knowledge, and Cultural Values, supported by appropriate pedagogy and assessment methods.

• Language Skills: Focuses on developing competency in six areas: listening, reading, speaking, writing, spoken interaction, and written interaction.
• Language Knowledge: Encompasses Linguistics (phonology, orthography, lexicon, grammar, text knowledge) and Pragmatics (cultural references, registers, varieties, functional purposes).
• Cultural Values: Integrates the learning of positive values and promotes good character development through themes related to relationships, family, and community, interwoven with cultural and contemporary stories.

Key Features

The G2 syllabus incorporates several key enhancements:

• Cultural Infusion: Systematically integrates cultural knowledge and appreciation, covering aspects like Material Civilisation, Behaviour & System, and Values & Philosophies, fostering greater self-awareness and cross-cultural sensitivity.
• Literary Engagement: Increases exposure to literary texts to promote joy of reading and encourage further study of literature at higher levels. Texts are selected and adapted to suit students' cognitive and proficiency levels.
• Contemporary Relevance: Utilizes contemporary issues and current affairs (CI & CA) materials to contextualize learning and demonstrate the relevance of Malay in the real world. Resources are curated based on themes, learning needs, age appropriateness, and proficiency.
• ICT Integration: Incorporates ICT-enabled lessons for greater interactivity and customization, with about 30% of the curriculum comprising non-print digital materials, fostering collaborative learning and future-ready competencies.

Curriculum Differentiation

The G2 course is designed to cater to a specific proficiency level within the broader Mother Tongue program, which includes G1, G3, and Higher Mother Tongue options. This differentiation allows for tailored instruction and learning experiences based on students' diverse needs and learning paces.

Pedagogy

The G2 syllabus emphasizes joyful and meaningful learning experiences, incorporating 21st Century Competencies (21CC), particularly in the domain of Communication, Collaboration, and Information Skills. Teachers employ various strategies guided by the Singapore Teaching Practice (STP), including:

• Learner-Centered Approach: Focuses on individual student needs and utilizes effective questioning to encourage thinking, reflection, and active participation.
• Collaborative Learning: Emphasizes interaction and communication among students through activities like peer review, group presentations, and collaborative writing.
• E-Pedagogy: Integrates technology to enhance language learning, providing access to diverse resources and facilitating blended learning approaches.
• Authentic Materials: Incorporates real-world materials like internet postings, videos, news articles, and brochures to develop critical thinking and improve viewing and reading skills.
• Contextualized Discussions: Connects cultural elements and literary texts to students' own contexts, fostering deeper understanding and appreciation.

Assessment

Assessment is integral to the learning process and is used diagnostically and formatively to monitor progress, address learning gaps, and promote self-directed learning. The G2 syllabus promotes a balanced assessment system, including:

• Variety of Modes: Utilizes various assessment methods beyond traditional pen-and-paper tests, including weighted assessments, speeches, debates, role-play, and online discussions.
• Authentic Tasks: Employs real-world tasks that reflect language use outside the classroom, demonstrating relevance and practicality.
• Self and Peer Assessment: Encourages reflection and metacognition through self-assessment and develops interpersonal skills through peer feedback.