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Last Updated: 05 Sep 2023

National Elective Tamil Language Programme at the Pre-University Level (NETP-JC)

This is a 2-year programme conducted at the Umar Pulavar Tamil Language Centre for students with aptitude and keen interest in Tamil language and literature. Find out more.

The National Elective Tamil Language Programme (NETP) is a 2-year programme conducted at the Umar Pulavar Tamil Language Centre (UPTLC) at the pre-university level. It aims to:

  • Nurture students to attain a high level of proficiency in Tamil Language.
  • Deepen students’ knowledge in Tamil Literature and culture.
  • Develop students to be effectively bilingual to serve the needs of the community and nation.

NETP students will be awarded a certificate of completion after they have completed the programme. Singapore Citizens may be eligible for the National Elective Tamil Language Programme Scholarship (NETPS).

Who can take it

Students who have obtained at least one of the following grades in the GCE O-Level examination or equivalent results based on IP school’s assessment:

  • At least grade A2 in Tamil.
  • At least grade B3 in Higher Tamil.
  • At least grade B4 in Higher Tamil and at least grade B3 in Tamil Literature.

Course Content

All students enrolled in the NETP offer H2 Tamil Language and Literature (TLL) at A-Level. Students will also have the option to attend H3 TLL lessons as a non-examinable subject. They can subsequently choose to offer H3 TLL as an examinable subject if it is within the 12 AU cap for total examinable subjects at A-Level examination.

H2 TLL comprises:

  • Paper 1: Essay.
  • Paper 2 (E-Exam): Language usage, comprehension, and commentary.
  • Paper 3: Literature paper which requires students to study modern or ancient literature of various genres such as novel, short stories, poetry and drama.

H3 TLL comprises:

  • Paper with 2 components: creative writing and text analysis.
  • Literary text analysis based on any topic.

Programme activities

NETP students will participate in:

  • Modules that last approximately 4 weeks and are conducted on Saturdays during Semester 1 and 2. The duration of each module session is between 2 to 2.5 hours.
  • A one-day camp held locally during the June holidays in JC1.
  • A one- to two-week overseas immersion programme at the end of JC1.
  • Non-examined modular-based lessons and programmes such as literary series, sessions with experts or consultants related to Tamil fields and modules-based assignments.

How to join

To join the programme, you need to complete and submit the online application form to the UPTLC.