(4) MTL Matters
Find answers to common questions about Mother Tongue Language (MTL) options, lesson venues, and exam arrangements for secondary school students.
MTL Matters
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Mother Tongue Languages
Mother Tongue Languages (MTL) and Higher Mother Tongue Languages (HMTL)
1. What is the venue of HMTL lessons?
Students taking Higher Chinese Language (HCL) will have their lessons in our school.
Students taking Higher Malay Language (HML) will have their once-a-week lesson after school in Anderson Secondary School.
Students taking Higher Tamil Language (HTL) will have their once-a-week lesson after school at Umar Pulavar Tamil Language Centre (UPTLC).
2. Does my child need to take both MTL and HMTL? Does my child need to stay back after school for HMTL lessons?
Students taking HMTL need not take MTL.
Students taking HCL should report to their HCL classes during MTL periods. Sec 1 HCL students will have an extended curriculum of 1 hour on one of the weekdays.
Students taking HML should report to the ML class during MTL periods. Their lessons at the external centre are conducted once a week after school.
Students taking HTL will do self-directed learning during MTL periods. Their lessons at the external centre are conducted once a week after school.
3. Does my child need to sit for his/her CL/ ML/ TL examination at the end of Secondary 4, if he/she is taking HMTL?
No. Students who offer HMTL will sit for the Singapore-Cambridge Secondary Education Certificate (SEC) G3 MTL examination at the end of Secondary 3. They will only sit for the HMTL examination at the Singapore-Cambridge Secondary Education Certificate (SEC) Examination at the end of Secondary 4.
Students who are unable to cope with HMTL learning at the end of Secondary 3 may choose to offer G3 MTL instead of HMTL in Secondary 4 and re-take the G3 MTL examination in the following year. As students are not allowed to sit for the MTL and HMTL examinations in the same academic year, these students will NOT be offered HMTL in Secondary 4.
4. My child is not offered HMTL. Can my child appeal to offer HMTL?
MOE has identified a list of students who are eligible* to take HMTL (HCL/HML/HTL). The school will admit the Secondary 1 students based on this list.
At the end of Secondary 1 and Secondary 2, students who have done well in their MTL and their overall results, and who have met the school’s criteria, will be offered HMTL by the school.
From 2026 onwards, Secondary 1 students who attain AL1/ AL2 in MTL or a distinction/ merit in HMTL in the PSLE are eligible to take HMTL.
Mother Tongue/ Non-Tamil Indian/ Foreign/ Asian/ Third Languages Taken at External Venues
1. What are the venues for external MTL lessons? How will it affect my child’s CCA?
Tamil Language – Guangyang Sec School (designated centre)
Foreign Language as Third Language – MOE Language Centre (Bishan) / (Newton)
Chinese Special Programme as Third Language – MOE Language Centre (Newton) / Changkat Changi Sec School
Malay Special Programme as Third Language – MOE Language Centre (Bishan) / Zhonghua Sec School
External MTL lessons will take precedence over other activities in school, including remedial and CCA. Students are strongly encouraged to choose a CCA that would not affect their external lessons.
2. What will students not taking MTL in school be doing during MTL periods?
Students who are not taking MTL in school will do self-directed learning during MTL periods in the library.
If the students have MTL lessons externally, they will be excused from lessons from 2pm to make their way to the centres.
3. What are the things to note for Foreign Language (e.g. French/ German) in-lieu of MTL?
There is no need to reapply for MTL if approval is granted in primary school.
Vacancy to take lessons at MOELC is limited and priority is given to Third language students. If a student would like to be placed on the waiting list, obtain the application form from the HOD/MTL and re-submit the application.
Students are expected to seek tuition externally and provide proof of attendance to the school periodically, if they do not get a place in the MOELC.
At the end of Secondary 4, students will take the SEC MTL examination.
4. What are the things to note for Non-Tamil Indian Languages (NTIL) - Bengali/ Gujarati/ Hindi/ Punjabi/ Urdu?
The school does not conduct NTIL class during MTL lessons.
Parents should enrol their children in an NTIL centre, e.g. Hindi Society Centre for Hindi lessons. The Board for the Teaching and Testing of South Asian Languages (BTTSAL) oversees NTIL instruction and assessment. The list of NTIL centres can also be found on the official BTTSAL website at bttsal.com.
Maintain regular attendance at the centre.
Results from the centre will be reflected in the report book.
At the end of Secondary 4, students will take the SEC MTL examination.
Others
1) How can I apply for MTL ‘B’ syllabus (CLB/ MLB/ TLB) for my child?
With the implementation of Full SBB and the provision to offer MTL at G1, G2 or G3, the Secondary MTL ‘B’ syllabus will be discontinued from the 2024 Secondary 1 cohort onwards. The school will assess holistically and recommend the MTL at a Less Demanding Level for the student if there is a need.
2) How can I apply for Exemption from MTL/ Change of MTL for my child?
Obtain the application form from HOD/MTL.
Only students entering Singapore system after Primary 1 or students with medical reasons may apply for exemption.
Changing of MTL is not allowed at secondary school level.