SSEF - Secondary & JC Levels
Singapore Sikh Education Foundation
Secondary & JC Levels
The Singapore Sikh Education Foundation (SSEF) offers a structured and progressive Punjabi language programme at the secondary and junior college (JC) levels, ensuring that students continue to develop linguistic proficiency, cultural awareness, and communication skills.
The curriculum follows the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) Mother Tongue Language (MTL) framework and is guided by the Board for the Teaching and Testing of South Asian Languages (BTTSAL).
Secondary and Junior College (JC) Punjabi Language Programme
With the removal of traditional streaming, students in secondary school now take Punjabi at a level that best suits their abilities within the Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB) system. At the junior college level, Punjabi is offered at Higher 1 (H1) level in the Singapore-Cambridge GCE A-Level examinations.
Key Learning Areas:
Advanced Reading and Comprehension
- Understanding complex texts, including newspaper articles, literary pieces, and essays.
- Analysing themes, characters, and cultural context in Punjabi literature.
- Developing critical thinking skills through discussion and interpretation.
Essay Writing and Composition
- Writing narrative, descriptive, argumentative, and expository essays.
- Expanding vocabulary and improving grammatical accuracy.
- Structuring arguments and expressing opinions effectively.
Oral Communication and Listening Skills
- Engaging in structured conversations and discussions on social and cultural topics.
- Enhancing listening comprehension through exposure to authentic spoken Punjabi.
- Developing confidence in expressing ideas clearly and fluently.
Cultural and Literary Appreciation
- Exploring Punjabi poetry, short stories, and historical texts.
- Understanding Punjabi traditions, values, and identity through language learning.
- Strengthening connections to the Punjabi-speaking community.
Assessment Structure (Aligned with MOE & BTTSAL Guidelines)
Students are assessed based on their proficiency level and learning progress through:
School-Based Assessments (SBA): Regular evaluations throughout the academic year to track language competency.
National Examinations:
- Students take Punjabi Language at an appropriate level under the new secondary school Posting Groups system.
- The examination assesses writing, comprehension, listening, and oral communication skills.
Students who demonstrate higher proficiency in Punjabi may be encouraged to take advanced courses in junior college or continue Punjabi studies through external programmes.
Junior College (JC) Level Punjabi Programme
At the pre-university level, Punjabi is offered at Higher 1 (H1) level as part of the Singapore-Cambridge GCE A-Level examinations. This programme is designed for students who wish to further develop their language mastery, critical analysis skills, and cultural understanding.
Key Learning Areas:
Critical Analysis of Texts
- Studying Punjabi prose, poetry, and literary works.
- Analysing themes, historical influences, and cultural significance.
- Developing the ability to interpret and critique written works.
Advanced Writing Skills
- Producing structured essays with clear argumentation.
- Crafting analytical, expository, and literary-based compositions.
- Using advanced vocabulary and refining grammatical precision.
Oral and Communication Proficiency
- Engaging in discussions on contemporary and historical topics.
- Expressing opinions in structured oral presentations and interviews.
- Enhancing confidence in public speaking and formal discourse.
Assessment at the JC Level
- Paper 1: Essay writing (structured arguments and literary analysis).
- Paper 2: Comprehension, summary writing, and text-based analysis.
- Oral Examination: Presentation and discussion on selected topics.
Students who complete the H1 Punjabi programme gain valuable skills in bilingual proficiency, critical thinking, and structured communication, which can support their academic and professional aspirations.
SSEF’s Commitment to Secondary and JC-Level Students
SSEF remains dedicated to supporting students at every stage of their Punjabi language learning journey. By offering a structured curriculum, experienced educators, and engaging learning resources, SSEF ensures that students can develop their language skills with confidence.
Through continuous collaboration with MOE and BTTSAL, SSEF provides students with the academic foundation, cultural knowledge, and practical language skills necessary for success in secondary school, junior college, and beyond.