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Last Updated: 22 Feb 2022

Chinese Language Elective Programme at Secondary Level (CLEP-Sec)

This 2-year programme in selected secondary schools is for students with aptitude and keen interest in Chinese language and literature. Learn about the programme and how to join.

The Chinese Language Elective Programme at Secondary Level (CLEP-Sec) was introduced in 2020. It is a 2-year programme offered in selected secondary schools, and aims to:

  • Nurture promising students to attain a high level of language proficiency in Chinese.
  • Enhance their understanding of Chinese literature. 
  • Develop students to be effectively bilingual to better serve the needs of our nation.
CLEP-Sec students will be awarded a certificate of recognition after they complete the programme. Singapore Citizens may be eligible for the Chinese Language Elective Scholarship (CLES).

Who can take it

Students who scored at least an 'A2' grade in Chinese Language, or 'B3' grade in Higher Chinese, in their Secondary 2 examinations.

Integrated Programme (IP) schools can admit IP students directly into the CLEP-Sec based on the student's examination results for relevant subjects.

Programme content

All students enrolled in the CLEP-Sec must offer:

  • Literature in Chinese at O-Level in full or elective for O-Level students.
  • School-based Chinese Literature for Integrated Programme (IP) students.

Programme activities

CLEP-Sec students will participate in:

  • A one or two-day camp to be held locally during the June holidays in Secondary 3.
  • A one to two-week overseas immersion programme at the end of Secondary 3.
  • School-based activities and programmes such as literary lectures, meet-the-author sessions, enrichment workshops and project work competition.

Best Improvement Award

The Best Improvement Award is set up and sponsored by the Committee to Promote Chinese Language Learning. It will be presented to 1 Singapore Citizen student each from Secondary 3 and Secondary 4 in all CLEP-Sec schools.

Students will be considered for the award if they:

  • Show improvement in Chinese Language subjects.
  • Display passion in the learning of Chinese Language.
  • Contribute actively to CLEP.
  • Possess good character.
Awardees will each receive a cash award of $500.

Where to take it

CLEP-Sec is offered at:

  • Anglican High School
  • Chung Cheng High School (Main)
  • Dunman High School
  • Hwa Chong Institution
  • Maris Stella High School
  • Nanyang Girls' High School
  • Nan Chiau High School
  • Nan Hua High School
  • Temasek Junior College

Admission to CLEP-JC

The CLEP is also offered at the junior college (JC) level as a separate 2-year programme. 

All CLEP-Sec students are encouraged to continue with the programme. IP students can reapply for the programme after Year 4, while O-Level students can apply for schools offering CLEP-JC through the Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE).

Students who apply through JAE and are selected for CLEP-JC are eligible for 2 bonus points for admission to the respective schools. Students who are admitted to CLEP-JC are required to remain in the programme regardless of whether they had utilised the 2 CLEP-JC bonus points. Otherwise, they may be asked to leave the JC. 

CLEP-Sec scholars who are successfully enrolled in the CLEP-JC may renew their scholarship for another 2 years from JC 1 to JC 2. This is subject to the scholar meeting the scholarship renewal criteria and their school's recommendation.

Learn more about CLEP-JC.