Singapore Secondary 1 Tamil Language G2

This information is based on the 2021 Ministry of Education (MOE) syllabus, implemented for the 2021 Secondary One cohort.

Curriculum Overview

The Secondary 1 Tamil Language G2 curriculum aims to develop students into active and proficient Tamil language users. It focuses on three broad objectives:

• Communication: Enhancing students' listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, as well as spoken and written interaction.
• Culture: Developing an understanding and appreciation of various cultural and literary materials to strengthen global and cross-cultural awareness.
• Connection: Creating opportunities for students to use Tamil in authentic situations beyond the classroom.

Curriculum Framework

The curriculum framework is built upon the following components:

• Language Skills: Developing competency in six language skills: listening, reading, speaking, writing, spoken interaction, and written interaction.
• Language Knowledge: Understanding linguistics (phonology, orthography, lexicon, grammar, and text knowledge) and pragmatics (cultural references, registers, varieties, and functional purposes).
• Cultural Values: Learning about Tamil heritage, traditions, culture, and values through themes like family, community, and cultural stories.

Key Features and Enhancements

The 2021 curriculum includes these key features and enhancements:

• Deliberate Infusion of Cultural Knowledge: Systematic incorporation of cultural elements like material civilization, behavior & systems, and values & philosophies to foster communication skills, cultural connection, and appreciation of Tamil culture in the local context.
• Greater Exposure to Literary Texts: Increased proportion of literary texts at lower secondary levels to promote joy of reading and encourage further study of literature.
• Use of Contemporary Issues and Current Affairs: Contextualizing learning with contemporary issues and current affairs materials to demonstrate the relevance of Tamil in the real world.
• Greater Integration of ICT: Utilizing ICT-enabled lessons and resources like video stimuli, language games, and interactive lesson packages to enhance interactivity and customization. Approximately 30% of the curriculum consists of non-print digital materials.

Curriculum Differentiation

The curriculum offers different courses (G1, G2, G3, and Higher Mother Tongue) to cater to students' diverse learning paces and needs.

Curriculum Time

The weekly curriculum time for G2 Tamil Language depends on the number of subjects offered at the upper secondary levels. The document provides a range but not a specific number of hours.

Pedagogy

The curriculum emphasizes joyful and meaningful learning experiences, incorporating 21st Century Competencies. Key pedagogical approaches include:

• Learner-Centered Mindset: Focusing on students' current language skills and prior knowledge.
• Collaborative Learning: Utilizing collaborative learning theories and communicative approaches to encourage interaction and teamwork.
• Effective Use of E-Pedagogy: Integrating technology and blended learning approaches to enrich learning experiences.
• Incorporation of Authentic Materials: Using real-world materials like internet postings, videos, and news articles to develop critical thinking skills.
• Contextualized Discussion on Culture and Literary Texts: Connecting cultural elements and literary texts to students' own contexts and lives.
• Learning Beyond the Classroom: Encouraging participation in community-based language events and promoting lifelong learning.

Assessment

Assessment is integral to the learning process and is used to improve teaching and learning. Key aspects of assessment include:

• Clarity of Purpose: Aligning assessment methods with learning outcomes.
• Variety of Assessment Modes: Utilizing various assessment modes, including national examinations, school-based standardized assessments, formative assessments, and alternative assessments like speeches and debates.
• Authentic Assessment: Designing assessment tasks that reflect real-world language use.
• Encouraging Reflection: Promoting self-assessment and peer-assessment to develop metacognitive skills and ownership of learning.
• Lifelong Learning: Emphasizing that national examinations are a checkpoint in lifelong learning, not the end goal.