Subjects Taken in Primary School
Optional Examinable Subjects
Higher Mother Tongue Language
Higher Mother tongue Language, as the name implies, is the study of our Mother Tongue Language at a higher and more in-depth level. Pupils may opt to do this subject as an additional subject to the core four subjects that they are already taking. The Higher Mother Tongue Language is only available for Primary 5 and Primary 6 pupils.
In Higher Mother Tongue Language, pupils would learn more about their Mother Tongue, with more focus on writing, reading and comprehending skills. Lessons would be conducted weekly on an afternoon for the interested pupils.
Higher Mother Tongue Language is an examinable subject at the Primary School Leaving Examinations. It is different from the Mother Tongue Language examinations in that it does not have the listening and oral components. Instead, pupils would be given a grade based on their essay-writing skills and comprehension skills. Although the grade would not count towards the aggregate score, a grade of Distinction, Merit, Pass or Ungraded would be reflected on the candidate’s certificate.
Social Studies
Social Studies is a subject that pupils in the Gifted Education Programme have to take up as an additional compulsory examinable subject. In Social Studies, pupils would learn about the various humanities and also about National Education. Social Studies is a subject that is taken up by Primary 4 Gifted Education pupils all the way till their graduation from primary school.
The topics covered in the Social Studies syllabus include basic Geography and basic History knowledge. Weather and climatic studies, topographical map reading, industries and energy consumption would be taught in the Social Studies lessons. Basic History knowledge that is pertinent to Singapore is also taught. World War 2 and its impact on Singapore, merger and separation with Malaya, founding of modern Singapore are all topics that would be covered under the wide umbrella of Social Studies.
Social Studies is an examinable subject at the Primary School Leaving Examinations. It is a special paper that is set only for the Primary 6 Gifted Education pupils. Concepts that they have learned, including those mentioned above, would be tested in this examination. Although the grade would not count towards the aggregate score, a grade of Distinction, Merit, Pass or Ungraded would be reflected on the candidate’s certificate.
Compulsory Non-Examinable Subjects
Physical Education
Physical Education is an important out-of-class lesson for all levels. Physical Education is a subject that would accompany a child from his young primary school years all the way to his junior college years. Physical Education is important to the well-being of children and is needed to keep our children fit and healthy.
At lower primary levels, pupils would generally be taught basic psychomotor skills such as running, jumping, skipping and such. Pupils would also play simple games that would require these skills so as to raise the pupils’ interests in physical education and to put to practical use the skills learned.
At upper primary levels, pupils would learn more about games. This may range from soccer to hockey, depending on the facilities that each primary school has. The pupils would be exposed to a variety of sports and games in their upper primary levels.
The National Physical Fitness Award (NAPFA) test is a physical test that would assess pupils’ physical abilities. The test is conducted in two parts, with the first being a five station test and the latter being a jog or run. The five station test comprises sit-ups, standing broad jump, sit-and-reach, inclined pull-ups and shuttle run. The second test is the 1.6 kilometres jog or run. Pupils would be required to complete the run within a stipulated time limit in order to successfully pass the test. Awards ranging from Gold to Bronze would be awarded to pupils who have successfully passed their NAPFA test.
Civics and Moral Education
Civics and Moral Education is a subject that inculcates in pupils good habits and character. From a young age, pupils in primary schools would be taught to be responsible and to be civic-minded. Pupils would be taught to differentiate the right from the wrong and to make moral judgment in their daily lives with the help of what they have learned.
Music
In an effort to develop all-rounded pupils, primary school pupils would be educated in basic music. All primary school pupils are expected to be able to play the recorder and to read basic notes from a score. The recorder has been chosen as it is an instrument that is relatively easy to play and is suitable for children of a young age.
Art
In art lessons, pupils would be taught to draw and colour. Pupils would be taught to differentiate colours and to identify the properties of different colours and the messages that the different colours bring about. Pupils would also be taught to appreciate art and to construct three-dimensional art pieces from material such as plasticine and clay.
Health Education
Health Education is a subject that would be taught in the lower primary years. In Health Education lessons, the young pupils would be taught how to keep their health in check. Health Education covers a wide range of essential knowledge, ranging from maintaining healthy teeth to keeping good eyesight. Health Education could be said to be important in disseminating important health information to the young pupils.
