Programme Overview
What we do
Evolving Education in Singapore
Singapore’s education landscape has undergone significant changes in recent years, moving towards a more holistic and student-centric approach. The emphasis is now on nurturing self-directed and self-motivated learners who develop a love for learning beyond academic achievement. Rather than focusing solely on grades, the system is evolving to equip students with critical thinking skills, resilience, and adaptability, ensuring they are well-prepared for an ever-changing world.
This shift is reflected in new assessment practices, the removal of mid-year exams, subject-based banding, and greater emphasis on character development and applied learning. By fostering lifelong learning mindsets and intrinsic motivation, Singapore’s education system aims to produce well-rounded individuals who can thrive in diverse environments.
The Singapore Sikh Education Foundation (SSEF)
Structure and Educational Programmes
The Singapore Sikh Education Foundation (SSEF) is committed to providing structured Punjabi language education in Singapore, ensuring that students develop strong linguistic skills while staying connected to their cultural heritage.
SSEF caters to students from kindergarten to pre-university levels, offering a well-rounded curriculum that prepares them for national examinations.
SSEF Punjabi School
SSEF’s Punjabi School offers a comprehensive programme designed to prepare students for key national examinations, ensuring that they meet the required academic standards while strengthening their language skills. The curriculum covers:
At the primary level, SSEF focuses on developing literacy skills, oral proficiency, and cultural knowledge in Punjabi. The curriculum aligns with the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) guidelines and prepares students for the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) in Punjabi.
At the secondary level, students refine their language skills to achieve proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking Punjabi. The programme is structured to prepare students for the GCE ‘O’ Level Examination, equipping them with advanced literacy and critical thinking skills.
At the pre-university level, SSEF prepares students for the GCE ‘A’ Level Punjabi Examination, providing them with an in-depth understanding of the language, literature, and cultural discourse.
At the pre-university level, students can opt to take Punjabi Language as part of their curriculum, which is examined at the Higher 1 (H1) level in the Singapore-Cambridge GCE A-Level examinations.
SSEF Kindergarten
SSEF Kindergarten adopts a playful, immersive, and child-centric approach, creating a dynamic and engaging learning environment where young learners naturally develop their Punjabi language skills. Through interactive storytelling, hands-on activities, music, and movement, children are encouraged to explore, express, and engage with the language in a fun and meaningful way.
- Nursery 2 (N2) – Introduction to Punjabi through storytelling, songs, and interactive activities.
- Kindergarten 1 (K1) – Basic vocabulary, sentence structures, and early writing skills.
- Kindergarten 2 (K2) – Preparation for primary education with a focus on reading, writing, and conversation.
Recognition of Punjabi Language in National Examinations
Since 1989, Punjabi has been officially recognised as an examinable Mother Tongue Language in Singapore’s PSLE, GCE ‘O’ Level, and GCE ‘A’ Level examinations. This recognition ensures that students can attain formal certification in Punjabi, enhancing their bilingual proficiency and academic qualifications.
Standardisation of Assessment through BTTSAL
SSEF’s Primary and Secondary Punjabi Language Programmes are administered under the Board for the Teaching and Testing of South Asian Languages (BTTSAL), which standardises curriculum and assessment for Non-Tamil Indian Languages (NTIL) in Singapore.
Key Responsibilities of BTTSAL:
- Standardisation of Examinations: Ensures consistency in assessment for Punjabi and other NTIL subjects.
- Curriculum Development: Provides guidance on best teaching practices and curriculum updates.
- Examination Integrity: Oversees the administration of school-based examinations such that the results are recognised by all primary and secondary schools in Singapore.
Member Organisations of BTTSAL:
- Bangla Language and Literary Society (Singapore)
- Bangladesh Language and Cultural Foundation
- Singapore Gujarati School Limited
- DAV Hindi School
- Hindi Society (Singapore)
- Singapore Sikh Education Foundation (SSEF)
- Urdu Development Society (Singapore)
Commitment to Academic Excellence and Cultural Preservation
SSEF remains dedicated to preparing students for success in national examinations while fostering a lifelong appreciation for the Punjabi language and culture.
Through structured programmes, expert educators, and collaboration with BTTSAL, SSEF ensures that students receive a high-quality education that supports both academic achievement and cultural identity.
