Programmes in Place to Stretch Students with Aptitude in English Language

We thank Lin Yuefeng for sharing his views on the English and Mother Tongue Language curriculum in schools ("There should be Higher English Language lessons", July 17).

The learning of the English Language (EL), like the Mother Tongue Language (MTL), is an integral part of our school curriculum. The EL curriculum is designed to cultivate students' language skills to provide them with a strong foundation for learning and to hone effective communication and emerging 21st century competencies.

Schools have the flexibility to design language learning experiences to challenge and engage students who are proficient in the English language. For example, students can participate in school-based English language and literary activities and programmes such as debates to further develop their interests. Those with a passion and flair for the language can consider schools that offer the Applied Learning Programme (Languages) to be exposed to more opportunities to apply their learning to real-world contexts. Students can also offer English Language and Linguistics, or apply for the English Language Elective Programme (语文特选课程) at selected junior colleges.

In addition, starting from 2027, students will only have one written exam sitting for their MTL subject in September, along with the EL written exam. This will help distribute the exam load for students.

MOE will continue to work closely with schools to provide holistic and engaging learning experiences to foster students' appreciation for language learning and ensure that they are appropriately supported and challenged in their language learning journey.

Ms Patricia Chan
Director, English Language & Literature Branch
Ministry of Education

已推出课程让学生提高英文水平

谨答复《联合早报·交流站·青年视角》于7月17日刊登的林岳锋同学投函《应该有高级英文课程》：

我们感谢林同学就学校的英语和母语课程提出看法。

英文和母语的学习，都是学校课程不可或缺的一部分。英文课程旨在培养学生的语言技能，为他们的学习打下坚实的基础，并磨练有效的沟通能力和新兴的21世纪技能（21st Century Competencies）。

学校可灵活设计语言学习体验活动，以挑战和吸引精通英文的学生。例如，学生可以参加学校的英文和文学活动、辩论等项目，进一步发展他们的兴趣。热爱英文且有天分的学生，可以考虑申请在语言方面推出应用学习项目（Applied Learning Programme）的学校，以便有更多机会学以致用。学生也可选修英文与语言学课程，或申请一些初级学院的英文语文特选课程。

此外，从2027年开始，学生只须在9月参加一次母语笔试，以及英文笔试。这将有助于分散学生的备考负担。

教育部会继续与学校密切合作，提供全面和生动有趣的学习体验，培养学生对语言学习的兴趣，并确保他们在语言学习过程中，得到适当的支持和挑战。

曾玉珊
教育部 课程规划与发展司（英语处）司长

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