Mother Tongue
Explore how the Mother Tongue Languages Department builds students' language skills and cultural appreciation through enriching programmes in Chinese, Malay, and Tamil.
The Mother Tongue Languages (MTL) Department aims to nurture students who are confident communicators with a deep appreciation of their language, culture, and heritage. Through authentic learning experiences, the department seeks to develop students’ language proficiency, cultural awareness, and communication skills.
The department promotes language learning beyond the classroom through reading programmes, cultural immersion activities, experiential learning, and the purposeful use of ICT. Students are provided with opportunities to experience their Mother Tongue as a living language that is relevant to daily life.
To enrich students’ general knowledge and cultivate reading habits, the MTL Reading Programme is conducted weekly. Short and meaningful articles are curated and shared with students to encourage reading for enjoyment and learning.
Chinese Language Unit
The Chinese Language Unit aims to deepen students’ appreciation of Chinese language, culture, and traditions while strengthening their communication and literacy skills.
The unit organises a range of cultural and language-based programmes to provide authentic learning experiences. During the Chinese Language Mother Tongue Fortnight, students participate in activities such as calligraphy, traditional games, and level-specific cultural experiences themed around using Chinese in daily life.
Festive celebrations such as the Lunar New Year Celebration involve the entire school community. Activities include card-making and classroom decoration competitions, Values-in-Action initiatives to appreciate school cleaners and support needy students, as well as recorded performances and interactive quizzes prepared in collaboration with Aesthetics CCAs.
To extend learning beyond the classroom, Secondary 3 students take part in the Cultural Performance Exposure Scheme, engaging in interactive drama experiences that immerse them in historical and cultural contexts.
The unit also develops students’ oral communication skills through a Professional Learning Team Project, which includes an oral conversation lesson package supported by ICT tools to enhance engagement and collaborative learning.
Through these experiences, students build confidence in using the Chinese language, develop cultural understanding, and apply language skills meaningfully in authentic contexts.
Talent Management and Achievements (Chinese Language)
The Chinese Language Talent Management Programme aims to stretch students with strong language aptitude and nurture excellence.
Students are prepared for and supported in various competitions, including the National Secondary School Chinese Creative Writing Competition, National Chinese Challenge, National English–Mandarin Translation Competition, and National Pen Calligraphy Competition.
Students demonstrate creativity, critical thinking, and media literacy. Notable achievements include:
Secondary 3 Higher Chinese students clinching Third Prize at the 13th National Chinese Short Film Competition for an original short film addressing bullying and peer support.
A Secondary 1 student receiving a Merit Award at the National Schools Chinese Stiff Pen Calligraphy Competition.
Malay Language Unit
The Malay Language Unit aims to foster students’ appreciation of the Malay language and culture while developing confidence in communication and written literacy.
During the Malay Language Mother Tongue Fortnight, students participate in authentic cultural experiences such as traditional games and the preparation of traditional Malay delicacies. These activities allow students to experience the Malay language and culture in engaging and meaningful ways.
The unit also implements a Professional Learning Team Project that leverages ICT tools through an e-pedagogy package on narrative writing. This approach supports students in improving written expression and confidence in communication.
Students develop greater cultural awareness, improved language proficiency, and enhanced confidence in both spoken and written Malay.
Tamil Language Unit
The Tamil Language Unit aims to deepen students’ understanding of Tamil language, culture, and values through customised and experiential learning.
During the Tamil Language Mother Tongue Fortnight, students participate in level-specific activities designed to immerse them in Indian culture:
Secondary 1 students engage in puppet-making based on Indian epics and perform short puppetry scenes.
Secondary 2 students learn traditional Indian dance steps, explore their historical significance, and perform what they have learnt.
Secondary 3 students take part in traditional Indian games, learning about their cultural values and practices.
The unit also supports students through a Talent Management Programme, preparing them for competitions such as the North Zone Tamil Literacy Character Fancy Dress and Speech Competition, Vodcast Competition organised by Mediacorp (Tamil News), Video Making Competition by UPTLC, and Quotes Recital by Periyar Community Service Singapore.
Students develop confidence, creativity, and cultural appreciation while applying their language skills in authentic and competitive platforms.