Objective
According to the MOE, the intention of Higher Chinese is for students with higher aptitude and interest in the language. This is to help raise their overall Chinese standards as well as cultural knowledge. Students can choose to take Higher Chinese as an optional subject in Primary School (P4/5) and Secondary School. Eligibility to take the subject is basis the criteria below. Comparing Higher Chinese with the Standard Chinese Language subject, the former entails 20-30% words for each chapter for learning. This thus require more hard work and commitment for the subject.
Primary School
Most Primary Schools offer Higher Chinese to students obtaining at least 70% grade for their standard Chinese Language subject in P4/5.
Higher Chinese at the Primary School level focuses more on composition and comprehension and therefore there is no separate listening or oral papers. Moreover, listening and oral will already be tested at their Standard Chinese examinations.
The benefits will however be for those students applying to enter into the Special Assistance Plan (SAP) schools, will be have a posting advantage if they have done well.
All teaching materials, exercises, homework and mock exams are provided according to the level of the students.
A
Secondary Schools offer Higher Chinese to students obtaining:
- An overall PSLE score of 8 or better; or
- An overall PSLE score of 9 to 14 and attained AL1/AL2 in Chinese or Distinction/Merit in Higher Chinese PSLE.
Higher Chinese at the Secondary School level focuses on writing skills hence students will be tested on writing an email and a composition in Paper 1. Thereafter, students will be tested on their comprehension as well as a summary section for their knowledge of Chinese phrases in Paper 2.
The benefits will however be an exemption for the Chinese Language subject when they progress to Junior College.
All teaching materials, exercises, homework and mock exams are provided according to the level of the students.