<![CDATA[Exemption from Mother Tongue]]>Dear Mummies,


My special needs child is due to enter mainstream P1 next year. I am contemplating to exempt him from Mother Tongue. In terms of his MT, he is able to speak and read pretty well but it’s the writing part that is a real challenge and nightmare for him. He takes a long time in mastering the strokes and certain letters he just could not write it out. Since he has learning difficulties, I am thinking of allowing him to just concentrate on English and Maths as I believed there is no luxury of time for him to spend 4-5 days just mastering the stroke well as seen in my elder girl’s educational demands. The weekly 听写 is too much for him and most of the words are too difficult for him even at p1 level.

What is the implication behind this exemption and can I apply before his entry to P1? I see a portion of the application form that requires his MT teacher to write her comments. Seem to be that it is only possible after he enters P1 and with his MT teacher’s recommendation. Pl enlighten me.

Thank you.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/51336/exemption-from-mother-tongueRSS for NodeSun, 05 Jul 2026 09:15:33 GMTFri, 15 Feb 2013 02:54:26 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to Exemption from Mother Tongue on Wed, 11 Mar 2020 10:00:27 GMT]]>

phtthp\" post_id=\"1899151\" time=\"1550744553\" user_id=\"35251:

sardonyx:


The parents are Pinoys. In our circle, Pinoys don't have a hard time getting foreign language in lieu of mother tongue, whether PR or converted SC. Exemption is very hard though. But that's a different thing. Medical condition applies only to exemption. Whereas applying for foreign language concerns the race.

How difficult (or easy), is it for pinoy children to learn French, in lieu of Mother Tongue ? Do they do it at the start of P1, or at the end of P1, or at end of P2 ?

But, even if they learn French in lieu of Mother Tongue, although there isn't any PSLE exam for French at P6, they still need to take GCE O-level (French), and French may not be an easy subject (paper ), to sit for.

Between learn French and Chinese, since China is a super giant Economic power, and French also not an easy subject to learn, might as well ... learn Chinese ?

If they continue with Chinese then they will have to offer it for PSLE or apply for an exemption later which will put them at a disadvantage if they are struggling. Better to learn a language that doesn't count towards your PSLE score 🙂

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1966618https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1966618Wed, 11 Mar 2020 10:00:27 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Exemption from Mother Tongue on Wed, 11 Mar 2020 09:43:43 GMT]]>For Chinese exemption, anyone has a reply from MOE for 2020?


Postscript: DD got rejected. The wait is 3 months.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1966616https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1966616Wed, 11 Mar 2020 09:43:43 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Exemption from Mother Tongue on Thu, 21 Feb 2019 10:22:33 GMT]]>

sardonyx:


The parents are Pinoys. In our circle, Pinoys don't have a hard time getting foreign language in lieu of mother tongue, whether PR or converted SC. Exemption is very hard though. But that's a different thing. Medical condition applies only to exemption. Whereas applying for foreign language concerns the race.
How difficult (or easy), is it for pinoy children to learn French, in lieu of Mother Tongue ? Do they do it at the start of P1, or at the end of P1, or at end of P2 ?

But, even if they learn French in lieu of Mother Tongue, although there isn't any PSLE exam for French at P6, they still need to take GCE O-level (French), and French may not be an easy subject (paper ), to sit for.

Between learn French and Chinese, since China is a super giant Economic power, and French also not an easy subject to learn, might as well ... learn Chinese ?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1899151https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1899151Thu, 21 Feb 2019 10:22:33 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Exemption from Mother Tongue on Thu, 21 Feb 2019 09:01:45 GMT]]>[/quote]

This child who has French in lieu of Mother Tongue : is it because one of her parents, either her (his) Dad or Mom, is a French man or a French woman nationality, that’s why this child can learn French in lieu of Mother Tongue (MT), and not because this child had applied for exemption from MT, since this child had no medical issue (problem) ?[/quote]

The parents are Pinoys. In our circle, Pinoys don’t have a hard time getting foreign language in lieu of mother tongue, whether PR or converted SC. Exemption is very hard though. But that’s a different thing. Medical condition applies only to exemption. Whereas applying for foreign language concerns the race.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1899142https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1899142Thu, 21 Feb 2019 09:01:45 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Exemption from Mother Tongue on Thu, 21 Feb 2019 08:58:05 GMT]]>

sardonyx:


They were not applying for exemption but foreign language in lieu of MT. They are two different things. I only mentioned that she is at the top of the class (by the end of P1) just to emphasize that she has no medical conditions at all.
This child who has French in lieu of Mother Tongue : is it because one of her parents, either her (his) Dad or Mom, is a French man or a French woman nationality, that's why this child can learn French in lieu of Mother Tongue (MT), and not because this child had applied for exemption from MT, since this child had no medical issue (problem) ?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1899141https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1899141Thu, 21 Feb 2019 08:58:05 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Exemption from Mother Tongue on Thu, 21 Feb 2019 05:26:47 GMT]]>

floppy:
In essence, we are in agreement.


Request for exemption is common - I assume all non-native speaking PR or SC would have considered or attempted it at some point (heck, even native speaking SC have considered it at some point). Success in getting an exemption is, however, rare.

Rarer still is getting an exemption before the start of P1. MOE would want you to at least try (and I doubt being top of the class a few months into P1 has any significant relevance on the child’s future performance).
They were not applying for exemption but foreign language in lieu of MT. They are two different things. I only mentioned that she is at the top of the class (by the end of P1) just to emphasize that she has no medical conditions at all.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1899122https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1899122Thu, 21 Feb 2019 05:26:47 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Exemption from Mother Tongue on Thu, 21 Feb 2019 05:14:44 GMT]]>

floppy:
Moonrays84:

Any parent in here have kids being exempted by MTL (no learning disabilities) but taking in lieu language like french?


We are not native speakers of chinese,malay or tamil. Neither from a indian background speaking languages like hindi. So when can we apply for a MT in lieu subject ?
Anyone with experience appreciate if you can kindly share... thanks a lot!

Are you a foreigner, a PR or a SC?

If you are a foreigner, it's not really an issue. Take MTL as additional language learned - great if you can do it, makes no difference if you don't. Unless you are a native French / Spanish speaker, it's unlikely that you will be exempted from taking one of the official MTL in P1 (or you can attend one of the international schools and avoid it altogether). The likelihood of exemption increases if you have not been through a Singapore childcare centre, or are very new to the nation. Otherwise, you would probably stand a better chance of being exempted from P2 onwards.

If you are a PR or SC, you would have to continue with one of the MTL, ie Chinese, Malay, Tamil or a non-Tamil language for a non-Tamil Indian, in P1 as per MOE policy. Children who are PR or SC who have been learning Chinese for an extended period of time are also required to continue with Chinese, though I believe there is some leeway if you are a non-Chinese wanting to do another MTL. The only way for PR or SC to be granted an exemption is if you are joining school mid-stream (from overseas) or has pre-existing medical conditions (learning disabilities).

PR or SC has no other option of avoiding MTL even if your pre-cognition tells you that your child is going to struggle with it. Not being a native speaker before you become a PR or SC has no bearing as MTL is a key component in the nation's social integration policy (p/s: many Singaporean Chinese could also be arguing that they are not native-Chinese speaking 😉 ). Your child will have to attempt it, failed, attempt it again, failed again and so on... until you are finally exempted from it (due medical) or are asked to attempt the foundation course (which really isn't an exemption).


PR.
I do agree with you on above points. We really would like to have him continue on chinese too. He isnt good at writing or talking. (Even english letters he is very unneat so chinese no need to even tell it's not going well. Talking non existent as per his 3 different teachers we have tried) I am just checking on what are my avenues if he cant keep up with it. If he can cope with foundation level even then i wont be bothered to apply for exception. But in case he really can't and since he has no visible learning disabilities i wanted to see what could i do.

I saw the in lieu subjects links above too. Hence was curious on whether its do-able in my case. We are originally from Srilanka and language we speak is Sinhalese.

Thank you to all the mommies and daddies for your input.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1899119https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1899119Thu, 21 Feb 2019 05:14:44 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Exemption from Mother Tongue on Thu, 21 Feb 2019 04:01:19 GMT]]>In essence, we are in agreement.


Request for exemption is common - I assume all non-native speaking PR or SC would have considered or attempted it at some point (heck, even native speaking SC have considered it at some point). Success in getting an exemption is, however, rare.

Rarer still is getting an exemption before the start of P1. MOE would want you to at least try (and I doubt being top of the class a few months into P1 has any significant relevance on the child’s future performance).

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1899106https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1899106Thu, 21 Feb 2019 04:01:19 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Exemption from Mother Tongue on Thu, 21 Feb 2019 03:29:50 GMT]]>Exemption is rare. But getting an approval for FL in lieu of mother tongue is very common for non Chinese, even for PR and converted SC.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1899090https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1899090Thu, 21 Feb 2019 03:29:50 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Exemption from Mother Tongue on Thu, 21 Feb 2019 03:22:47 GMT]]>

floppy:
sardonyx:

Those Filipinos who are taking French are PR and citizens already


Perhaps you can share if the pinoys fall into the following categories:
1) Joining school midstream; or
2) Having medical conditions; or
3) Non-native speakers and have attempted MTL in P1, but have recommendations from school to be exempted from MTL subsequently; or
4) Non-native speakers who are new PR / SC, and have never studied one of the official MTL locally or overseas.

No one says PR and SC can't be exempted, but exemption without even attempting it in P1 is rare.

One got the approval a few months after the beginning of the school year during P1. They are PR and no medical conditions at all. In fact she is first honor in the class.

The others are SC already and applied for FL during P2. They let their child try Chinese first. No medical conditions. They got the approval as well.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1899087https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1899087Thu, 21 Feb 2019 03:22:47 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Exemption from Mother Tongue on Thu, 21 Feb 2019 03:11:21 GMT]]>

phtthp:
https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/article/from-mandarin-to-french/


https://www.frenchstudio.sg/learning-french-lieu-mother-tongue-language/
As per second article:[quote]How to Proceed ?

Step 1 – Speak to both your child’s Chinese teacher and the school’s Principal about applying for authorisation to learn a non-official language in lieu of Mother Tongue. They will provide you with the necessary MOE application form
...[/quote]Hence, my earlier comment:
\"No one says PR and SC can't be exempted, but exemption without even attempting it in P1 is rare.\"

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1899082https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1899082Thu, 21 Feb 2019 03:11:21 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Exemption from Mother Tongue on Thu, 21 Feb 2019 02:59:42 GMT]]>https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/article/from-mandarin-to-french/


https://www.frenchstudio.sg/learning-french-lieu-mother-tongue-language/

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1899081https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1899081Thu, 21 Feb 2019 02:59:42 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Exemption from Mother Tongue on Thu, 21 Feb 2019 02:56:33 GMT]]>

sardonyx:
Those Filipinos who are taking French are PR and citizens already

Perhaps you can share if the pinoys fall into the following categories:
1) Joining school midstream; or
2) Having medical conditions; or
3) Non-native speakers and have attempted MTL in P1, but have recommendations from school to be exempted from MTL subsequently; or
4) Non-native speakers who are new PR / SC, and have never studied one of the official MTL locally or overseas.

No one says PR and SC can't be exempted, but exemption without even attempting it in P1 is rare.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1899080https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1899080Thu, 21 Feb 2019 02:56:33 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Exemption from Mother Tongue on Thu, 21 Feb 2019 02:50:59 GMT]]>Chinese is the weakest subject for my son. He is 11yrs (P5) now. When he was 2 years old, we moved to in a non-Chinese speaking country and he was back in Singapore for good only at 9 years old (Primary 3). Thus I would say he spent the bulk of his childhood not exposed to Chinese. Despite this, I did not try to exempt him for Chinese at P3 as I think it is a very important language to pick up, and the best time to learn is when kids are young. Though I am Chinese myself, I hardly speak mandarin with him at home as my Chinese is not strong. But from young, I exposed him to Chinese assessment books bought in Singapore, and guided him based on these books. I did not buy MOE Chinese textbooks to teach, and I don’t know what is the syllabus too, back then and even now. He is now coping well in an SAP primary school. His oral and compo is the most challenging part. I only help him in oral when exam is approaching - reciting the model passages with him. I have to rely on google translate and pleco very frequently. Compo is outsourced to tuition. And Paper 2 is solely dependent on school teachers. They will struggle initially, but with perseverance, they will adapt and close the gap.

I would say if your child has no major learning disabilities/special needs, you should let them learn Chinese in Singapore. It will help them better integrate with the community when they are older and open many doors when they start working.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1899079https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1899079Thu, 21 Feb 2019 02:50:59 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Exemption from Mother Tongue on Thu, 21 Feb 2019 02:40:55 GMT]]>Those Filipinos who are taking French are PR and citizens already

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1899076https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1899076Thu, 21 Feb 2019 02:40:55 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Exemption from Mother Tongue on Thu, 21 Feb 2019 02:18:14 GMT]]>for some kids who are not severely impaired, they would have to take MT at a foundation level in secondary school.

I think it's called MT-B or something like that...when my daughter was in p4, there were about 8 or 9 of them who are exempted...that's excluding other classes and levels.

there are kids who look perfectly fine, but they have learning needs. daughter was referred to school counsellor but she said my girl is not serious enough :slapshead: this was the reason why I had to bring her to see a doctor for a referral to NUH.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1899073https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1899073Thu, 21 Feb 2019 02:18:14 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Exemption from Mother Tongue on Thu, 21 Feb 2019 02:13:28 GMT]]>

Moonrays84:
Any parent in here have kids being exempted by MTL (no learning disabilities) but taking in lieu language like french?


We are not native speakers of chinese,malay or tamil. Neither from a indian background speaking languages like hindi. So when can we apply for a MT in lieu subject ?
Anyone with experience appreciate if you can kindly share... thanks a lot!
Are you a foreigner, a PR or a SC?

If you are a foreigner, it's not really an issue. Take MTL as additional language learned - great if you can do it, makes no difference if you don't. Unless you are a native French / Spanish speaker, it's unlikely that you will be exempted from taking one of the official MTL in P1 (or you can attend one of the international schools and avoid it altogether). The likelihood of exemption increases if you have not been through a Singapore childcare centre, or are very new to the nation. Otherwise, you would probably stand a better chance of being exempted from P2 onwards.

If you are a PR or SC, you would have to continue with one of the MTL, ie Chinese, Malay, Tamil or a non-Tamil language for a non-Tamil Indian, in P1 as per MOE policy. Children who are PR or SC who have been learning Chinese for an extended period of time are also required to continue with Chinese, though I believe there is some leeway if you are a non-Chinese wanting to do another MTL. The only way for PR or SC to be granted an exemption is if you are joining school mid-stream (from overseas) or has pre-existing medical conditions (learning disabilities).

PR or SC has no other option of avoiding MTL even if your pre-cognition tells you that your child is going to struggle with it. Not being a native speaker before you become a PR or SC has no bearing as MTL is a key component in the nation's social integration policy (p/s: many Singaporean Chinese could also be arguing that they are not native-Chinese speaking 😉 ). Your child will have to attempt it, failed, attempt it again, failed again and so on... until you are finally exempted from it (due medical) or are asked to attempt the foundation course (which really isn't an exemption).

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1899071https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1899071Thu, 21 Feb 2019 02:13:28 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Exemption from Mother Tongue on Thu, 21 Feb 2019 02:11:43 GMT]]>

sardonyx:

Hi...as i read can be rejected too. would you kindly share with me at what age (p1,2 ,3...?) They applied for this exemption.

Once exempt do they have to take a PSLE french test or something?[/quote]

Some already applied before they entered P1, some let their child try Chinese class first. French is not included in the PSLE. There are no exams in Foreign Language in Primary School. But in secondary school, it is already graded.[/quote]


Thank you very much for the clarification. I will call MOE and ask may be.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1899070https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1899070Thu, 21 Feb 2019 02:11:43 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Exemption from Mother Tongue on Thu, 21 Feb 2019 01:31:14 GMT]]>[/quote]


Hi…as i read can be rejected too. would you kindly share with me at what age (p1,2 ,3…?) They applied for this exemption.

Once exempt do they have to take a PSLE french test or something?[/quote]

Some already applied before they entered P1, some let their child try Chinese class first. French is not included in the PSLE. There are no exams in Foreign Language in Primary School. But in secondary school, it is already graded.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1899066https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1899066Thu, 21 Feb 2019 01:31:14 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Exemption from Mother Tongue on Thu, 21 Feb 2019 01:26:03 GMT]]>

sardonyx:
Moonrays84:

Any parent in here have kids being exempted by MTL (no learning disabilities) but taking in lieu language like french?


We are not native speakers of chinese,malay or tamil. Neither from a indian background speaking languages like hindi. So when can we apply for a MT in lieu subject ?
Anyone with experience appreciate if you can kindly share... thanks a lot!

Most Filipino friends that I know are taking French in lieu of mother tongue. I didn't realize that we could be rejected too.

Hi...as i read can be rejected too. would you kindly share with me at what age (p1,2 ,3...?) They applied for this exemption.

Once exempt do they have to take a PSLE french test or something?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1899063https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1899063Thu, 21 Feb 2019 01:26:03 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Exemption from Mother Tongue on Wed, 20 Feb 2019 15:51:44 GMT]]>

Moonrays84:
Any parent in here have kids being exempted by MTL (no learning disabilities) but taking in lieu language like french?


We are not native speakers of chinese,malay or tamil. Neither from a indian background speaking languages like hindi. So when can we apply for a MT in lieu subject ?
Anyone with experience appreciate if you can kindly share... thanks a lot!
Most Filipino friends that I know are taking French in lieu of mother tongue. I didn't realize that we could be rejected too.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1899042https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1899042Wed, 20 Feb 2019 15:51:44 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Exemption from Mother Tongue on Wed, 20 Feb 2019 14:20:40 GMT]]>Any parent in here have kids being exempted by MTL (no learning disabilities) but taking in lieu language like french?


We are not native speakers of chinese,malay or tamil. Neither from a indian background speaking languages like hindi. So when can we apply for a MT in lieu subject ?
Anyone with experience appreciate if you can kindly share… thanks a lot!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1899028https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1899028Wed, 20 Feb 2019 14:20:40 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Exemption from Mother Tongue on Wed, 20 Feb 2019 12:15:32 GMT]]>

phtthp:
If you were to turn backwards just one page, you would have noticed (read) that Janet's child had gained chinese exemption in P4 May, way before even reaching P6

i should have sought help earlier when she was in p2...back then i thought she was just slow.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1899000https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1899000Wed, 20 Feb 2019 12:15:32 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Exemption from Mother Tongue on Wed, 20 Feb 2019 08:46:21 GMT]]>If you were to turn backwards just one page, you would have noticed (read) that Janet’s child had gained chinese exemption in P4 May, way before even reaching P6

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1898984https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1898984Wed, 20 Feb 2019 08:46:21 GMT