Mother Tongue Languages

Aims and approach:

The Mother Tongue Languages department aims to nurture students who are competent language users and confident communicators with a sense of pride in their unique culture, literature, and values. Through learning their Mother Tongue Languages, students develop a strong sense of belonging to Singapore.

Our approach to teaching and learning Mother Tongue Languages involves:

1. differentiated instruction in language skills to effectively develop communication abilities for students with different learning profiles;

2. integrating culture, literary texts, and values alongside current affairs to provide a relevant, culturally rich learning experience;

3. leveraging technology to support students’ self-directed learning, exploration, and teacher feedback; and

4. collaborating with community partners to offer out-of-classroom learning experiences, allowing students to see the relevance of Mother Tongue Languages in everyday life.

Key programmes:

Mother Tongue Languages (MTL) Week

The annual MTL Week provides students with opportunities to immerse themselves in activities that deepen understanding of their unique cultures and foster language appreciation, including learning journeys to culturally rich places and hands-on experiences with traditional arts and performances.

Mask painting activity during MTL Fortnight

Learning silat during MTL Fortnight

Learning Journey to Little India during MTL Fortnight

Mother Tongue Languages (MTL) Reading Programme

The MTL Reading Programme develops language appreciation through diverse literary experiences. Students explore various genres, engaging in meaningful discussions about language’s role in communication and society whilst sharing examples of effective writing. The programme culminates with Secondary 2 students creating book review videos, demonstrating their enhanced appreciation and analytical skills.

Fun with Languages

As part of the Secondary 1 curriculum, students spend an hour each month learning simple vocabulary from other Mother Tongue Languages. This fosters a better understanding and appreciation of the other common languages in Singapore.

Festive Celebrations

The many cultural festivals celebrated in Singapore testament our harmonious, multiracial society. We celebrate Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, and Deepavali annually to share joy among students from diverse backgrounds. During these occasions, students learn about various cultures, traditions, and practices whilst joining celebrations with their peers and teachers.

Celebrating Deepavali

Celebrating Hari Raya Puasa

Celebrating the Chinese Lunar New Year

Mass Lo Hei Session during CNY celebration

Media Literacy Programme

The Media Literacy Programme provides a platform for students to take on the role of news reporters, developing key skills in interviewing, reporting, information gathering, presentation, and video production.

School-based Competitions

Through a range of school-based competitions, students have the opportunity to uncover their hidden talents, sharpen their skills, and express themselves creatively — from essay writing and e-book creation to producing engaging book review videos.

CPES / CPEF

The Cultural Performance Exposure Scheme (CPES) / Cultural Performance Exposure Fund (CPEF) is a programme by the Chinese/Malay/Tamil committee to promote Mother Tongue Language learning. The funding provides opportunities for students to experience and be immersed in local cultural performances, enriching their learning and fostering love for their Mother Tongue Language beyond school.

Tamil Language Elective Programme (TLEP)

TLEP is a two-year programme offered to all Secondary 3 Tamil Literature students. It aims to:

1. nurture capable and enthusiastic students to attain a high level of language proficiency and competency in Tamil;

2. enhance their knowledge and understanding of Tamil literature and culture; and

3. develop students to be effectively bilingual to better serve the needs of our nation.

Highlights and achievements:

Create Your Own Newspaper Competition 2025

1. First Placing: Sik Yong Zhen, Qiu Liyi, Wang Tianqi, Ee Jing Yi, Ong Zi Xuan

Young Reporter News Challenge 2025

1. Bronze Award: Wong Wen Xi, Cadense Choong Yu Cheng, Tan Wen Xuan

2. Commendation Award: Wong Zi Xuan, Gu Jiachang, Chung Hiang Yang

8th Text Recital Competition for Primary and Secondary Schools

1. Gold Award: Aleyna Ng

2. Bronze Award: Wong Zi Xuan, Zhu Yixuan, Zhang Zilin, Beh Boon Jie

Script It Right Chinese Radio Drama Script Writing Competition 2025

1. Merit Award: Koh Zhi Xin

Writing competition: Saya Boleh Mengarang 2025

1. Second Place: Umyma Binte Mohamed Zahir

2. Gold Award: Taveesh Sairam, Arissa Sofia Khairudin, Nur Natasha Nabila

3. Bronze Award: Sto Domingo Ashrie Jed Rubio, Sarah Alysha Binte Mohamed Aidil, Nur Ariana Binte Abdul Aziz, Muhammad Faiz Bin Mustaffa

Oratorical competition: Saya Boleh Berpidato 2025

1. Fourth place: Nurul Nayli Iman Binte Mohammad Herman

2. Silver Award: Nur Jannah Binte Ahmad Zakie

3. Bronze Award: Hail bin Kosnan, Suria Hadhirah binte Shahroom Noor

Public Speaking Competition 2025

1. Second Prize: Aditi Suresh Babu, Govindaraju Prabhayini, Roshini Devi Sivakumar

Tamil Mozhi Vizha 2025 Translation Competition

1. Second Prize: Kumaresan Sowmitha, Pandian Anisha, Balaji Kanishka

Tamil Mozhi Vizha 2025 Speech Competition

1. Second Prize: Karthikeyan Parasmai

Tirukkural Vizha 2025 Literary Competition

1. First Prize: Hari Hara Suddhan Raghav

Tamil Youth Festival Digital Games Competition

1. Third Prize: Ramkumar Jaswant, Kumaresan Sowmitha

Winners of the public speaking competition

Winners of the mengarang and pidato competition

Winners of the Script it Right competition

Winners of the Tamil Mozhi Vizha 2025 Translation Competition