INTRODUCTION

English is taught as a second language in all Malaysian primary and secondary schools in line with its status as a second language. Students are taught the English language to enable them to use the language in everyday life, to further their studies and for work purposes. To this end, a general English language syllabus has been developed in line with the way English is used in everyday life. Students are taught to use the language for interpersonal purposes, for informational purposes and for aesthetic purposes.

With globalization, Malaysians will need to be proficient in English as a medium for communicating with people from other countries. The use of English in ICT has also been
included to enable students to access knowledge on the Internet and to network with people both locally and overseas. The continuing emphasis on science and technology has made it essential for students to access information on science and technology in English. This requires them to listen to, read and present the information orally and in writing in the medium of English. To this end, an English for Science and Technology Syllabus has been developed.

AIMS
The English for Science and Technology Syllabus aims to provide students with the language basis to access and understand materials on science and technology and to express ideas and concepts in English.

OBJECTIVES
As emphasis is placed on accessing content, hence the ability to read and comprehend materials in English is the main priority. The English for Science and Technology curriculum enables learners to:
i. Obtain information by reading and understanding different text types in science and technology in English;
ii. Obtain information by listening to and viewing texts on science and technology in English from audio-visual and electronic sources such as talks and television programmes;
iii. Access and understand information on the Internet and other electronic media;
iv. Present information on science and technology at an appropriate level in both the written and spoken form;
and
v. Think critically and give their points of view on issues pertaining to science and technology.