Mother Tongue Languages
Discover how the Mother Tongue Languages department builds confident communicators through an enriched curriculum, cultural programmes, and activities that deepen students' appreciation of their heritage.
CURRICULUM
The Mother Tongue Languages Department aims to develop confident and effective communicators. Through the infusion of cultural and values education, we aim to nurture students who appreciate their cultural heritage and are able to connect with wider communities across Asia and the world.
The Mother Tongue Language curriculum focuses on listening, speaking, reading, writing and interaction skills.
The Malay Literature curriculum aims to develop Reflective Readers and Critical Learners through the ability to read, understand, and respond critically to literary works while fostering interest in literature as a Promoter of Asian Literary Heritage.
It also seeks to cultivate appreciation for the contributions of Malay literature to cultural development as well as nurturing an independent interest in reading a variety of literary works.
ENRICHMENT
Mother Tongue Fortnight
At our school, MTL Fortnight is incorporated into the curriculum and organised around annual themes. These themes shape a range of meaningful activities that extend beyond learning in the classroom, such as calligraphy, drama, traditional games, storytelling, and cultural performances.
Purpose of MTL Fortnight in Our School
Immersive Learning: Provide students with opportunities to engage in authentic, hands-on experiences that go beyond daily lessons, allowing them to see the practical and creative use of their MTL.
Cultural Appreciation: Enable students to explore and connect with cultural practices and traditions linked to their MTL, nurturing respect for their heritage and that of others.
Promoting MTL: Spark students’ enthusiasm for learning their MTL by presenting it in a fun, relevant, and meaningful contexts that encourage continued use and interest.
Through this theme-based approach, MTL Fortnight enriches classroom learning, deepens cultural understanding, and nurtures a genuine, lifelong passion for Mother Tongue Languages.
2022 Theme: Music
2023 Theme: Traditional Games
2024 Theme: Drama
2025 Theme: Herbs & Spices
MTL Fortnight 2024: Drama
Cultural Performance & Art Programmes
The Cultural Performance Exposure Fund (CPEF), supported through the Committee to Promote Chinese Language Learning (CPCLL) and the Malay Language Learning and Promotion Committee (MLLPC), aims to enrich students’ learning and appreciation of Mother Tongue Languages (MTLs) by exposing them to authentic cultural performances. Through funding and support for local and international performing arts groups, the scheme provides students with immersive experiences in the arts beyond the classroom, while also supporting the development of cultural performing arts in Singapore.
Keppel Nights 2025 Theatre Show - Yusof Portrait of a President
Pesta Raya 2024: Bawang Putih Bawang Merah @ Esplanade
Malay Literature Enrichment
Malay Literature is a subject offered in our school that provides students with rich and meaningful opportunities to engage with the beauty of Malay literary works. Yearly Malay Literature enrichments, Malay Literature and MLEP Camps and Seminar allows for students to explore their personal interest in Malay Literature through diverse platforms. In addition, students have avenues to collaborate with peers from other schools, broadening their perspectives and enriching their appreciation of the subject.
June 2025 - Secondary 3 ML Literature Camp
ACHIEVEMENTS
Malay Literature Theatre Performance: Dari Pena ke Panggung
🎭 ‘Dari Pena ke Panggung’ is a biennial theatre performance organised by Curriculum Planning and Development Division (CPDD). Schools that offer Malay Literature are invited to showcase students’ talents by staging a theatre performance based on poems or prose from their literature text ‘Pahlawan Panggung’. This platform not only nurtures creativity and artistic expression, but also deepens students’ appreciation of Malay literature through performance.
2019 - Malay Literature Performance Dari Pena Ke Panggung (Participation)
2021 - Malay Literature Online Performance Dari Pena Ke Panggung (HonorableMention)
2024 Nanyang Youth Chinese Literature Award ( 3rd )
The biennial Nanyang Youth Chinese Literature Award, co-organized by the Confucius Institute, Nanyang Technological University and Singapore Centre for Chinese Language aims to promote interest in writing among local students, to develop their creativity and writing skills, and to encourage young people with a passion for Chinese literary writing to continue honing their craft.
