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Last Updated: 18 Feb 2022

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

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

The Tamil Language Elective Programme at the Pre-University Level (TLEP-JC) is a 2-year programme offered in selected junior colleges. It aims to:

  • Nurture promising students to attain a high level of language proficiency in Tamil.
  • Enhance their knowledge in Tamil Literature and Culture.
  • Develop students to be effectively billingual to better serve the needs of our nation. 
TLEP-JC students will be awarded a certificate of recognition after they have completed the programme. Singapore Citizens may be eligible for the Tamil Language Elective Scholarship (TLES).

Who can take it

Students who have obtained at least one of the following grades in the GCE O-Level examination:

  • Grade B3 in Higher Tamil.
  • Grade B4 in Higher Tamil and B3 in Literature in Tamil (full or elective subject).
  • Grade A2 in Tamil.

Students can apply for admission to schools offering the TLEP-JC through the Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE) or Direct School Admission for junior colleges (DSA-JC). They will be eligible to 2 bonus points for admission to the respective junior colleges. Students who are admitted through TLEP-JC are required to remain in the programme regardless of the 2 bonus points had been used. Students who fail to do so may be asked to leave the JC.

Course content

All students enrolled in the TLEP-JC must 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

TLEP-JC students must participate in:

  • A one or two-day camp held locally during the June holidays in JC1.
  • A one to two-week overseas immersion programme at the end of JC1.
  • School-based activities and programmes such as literary lecture series, meet-the-author sessions and school-based projects.

Where to take it

The TLEP-JC is offered at:
  • Anderson Serangoon Junior College
  • National Junior College