Modular German Programme

1. What are the benefits of learning a foreign language?

Learning a foreign language can help you better understand another culture. It can also help you become more prepared and confident when interacting with people with a different way of life, whether in Singapore’s multicultural society or when traveling overseas. Knowing an additional language could also lead to more opportunities in both your school and working life.

2. Why is the Ministry of Education offering French and German instead of other languages? Will there be other languages offered in the future?

Currently only French and German are available. MOE will explore the possibility of offering other languages in the future

3. Who can apply for Modular French/German?

The Modular French/German programme is open to all secondary school students.

4. Am I guaranteed to get a place if I apply?

There are a limited number of vacancies for Modular French/German. If there are more applications than vacancies, selection will be done via computerised balloting, with students being prioritised based on citizenship. As students are expected to display good conduct when attending lessons, to be eligible, applicants must have a conduct grade of 'Very Good' or better, or its equivalent, as reflected in their latest available  semestral report.

5. Can I attend both Modular French and Modular German lessons at the same time?

You may only sign up for only one language for a particular school term, but you may sign up for the other language during a different school term.

6. What happens if I submit more than one application?

You should apply for only one language. If you submit more than one application for that language, only your most recent application will be considered.

7. I have learnt French/German before. Can I skip modules? Are there more advanced modules?

Modules will be rolled out progressively starting with Module 1. If higher level modules are offered during that term, you can sign up for them directly if you have prior learning of the language. However, you must go for a placement interview if you sign up directly for higher level modules.

8. I have completed Module 1. However, some time has passed, and I am not sure if I remember everything I have learned. Can I still sign up for Module 2?

You may be asked to go for a placement interview if half a year or more has passed since you completed your last module.

9. Where will the lessons be held?

Modular French lessons will be held at the Alliance Française de Singapour (AFS). Modular German lessons will be held at the Goethe-Institut Singapore (GIS).

10. The lesson day/time clashes with another of my commitments. Will there be lessons on other days of the week?

Conduct of the modules is determined by AFS/GIS. As more modules are rolled out progressively, there will be lessons conducted on more days of the week.

11. I was successful in my application, but due to a change in my schedule, I am unable to make it for the assigned lesson day. Am I able to request for a class transfer?

Please contact AFS/GIS directly regarding class transfers. Class transfers are possible up to two weeks after the start of class. However, if the class is full, you will be placed on a waitlist and transfer is not guaranteed.

12. Are there any penalties for not completing a module?

If selected, you should be committed to completing the module. As  places are limited, accepting a spot means another student has foregone the opportunity — it is therefore important that you honour that commitment.

In the case that you are unable to complete a module, you will not receive the certificate of completion and will not be able to progress to the next module. We will also inform your secondary school of the non-completion.

If you have any extenuating circumstances, your case may be considered on an individual basis.

13. Is there a minimum attendance required? What happens if I miss a lesson?

You should be committed to attending all the lessons, as most of the learning occurs through class activities. There will be no make-up lessons available if you miss a lesson.

If you miss more than two lessons, you will not receive the Certificate of Participation at the end of the module.

14. Do I have to be in my school attire when I attend Modular French/German classes?

Modular French/German is an MOE programme. You should be in your school attire when attending Modular French/German classes, even if the classes are conducted outside of your school.

15. Will there be students from other schools in my Modular French/German class?

As Modular French/German classes are open to students from all secondary schools, it is likely that there will be students from other schools in your Modular French/German class.

16. Do I have to pay any lesson fees?

The lesson fees for Modular French/German are fully subsidised by MOE. You will only have to pay for the cost of transportation, textbooks, and other lesson materials. The booklist will be made available to selected students closer to the lesson date. The cost of textbooks ranges from $40 to $70.

17. Are there any exams? Will the marks or grades be reflected in my school report book?

Your teacher will conduct various forms of assessment to check your learning. Such assessments could take the form of written tests. However, the results from these assessments will not be reflected in your school report book. The results of these assessments may be considered when you sign up for subsequent modules.

18. Will I receive a certificate for completing a module?

You will receive a Certificate of Participation for a module if you have attended at least 6 out of 8 lessons.

19. Are there any certificates or qualifications I can earn?

If you complete Levels 1 – 6 (the highest level) for Modular French/German, you should be ready to sit for the A1 level of the Diploma in French Language Studies (DELF) for French or the Goethe-Zertifikat for German. These are qualifications from France’s Ministry of Education and the German Federal Foreign Office, which are widely recognised internationally.