Mother Tongue Languages

Teaching Staff

Mr Chow Chee Wai
Head of Department (Mother Tongue)

Mdm Wang Jing Xuan Kay
Subject Head (Chinese Language)

Mr Zubir Bin Ali
Subject Head (Malay Language)

CHINESE

MALAY

TAMIL

Mr Chng Tsu Pang

Mdm Lee Lay Teng

Mdm Lim Lan Theen

Ms Molly Sii

Ms Sun Jiaxi

Mrs Wee-Sim Keng Hoi

Mdm Zhu Qingyun

Mr Zhou Wenjia

Ms Yuan Xuelian

Ms Nurulhuda Binte Ahmad

Mdm Siti Aisah Binte Sak Yok

Ms Yasmin Hussein

Ms Nur Sherlyn

Ms Karpagam Manickvasagam

Ms Magahletchmi A

Mr Rajamanickam Thandavamurthy

Mdm Ravindran Aruljothi

Chinese Language

Subjects Offered

Higher Chinese Language
Chinese Language (Express)
Chinese Language (NA)
Basic Chinese Language (NT)

Overview

Objectives in MTL Teaching:

To allow students to learn MTL to as high a level as they are able to.
To recognise the different starting points of our learners and customise MTL teaching for the different group.

The 3 Cs in MTL learning: Communication, Culture and Connection.

Communication – A key outcome is for our students to be able to think critically and communicate their ideas confidently, in both written and spoken forms. Proficiency in both MTL and EL will equip them with the tools they need to present their ideas with impact, thereby contributing to confidence-building. It is an essential 21st Century competency that will give our young a competitive edge in a globalised world.

Culture - Culture and language are closely linked. This close relationship makes language a vehicle for the transmission of values and beliefs that are shaped by the culture of the society. MTL education at the national level therefore strengthens bonding within each community, and reinforces the individual’s sense of cultural heritage. For our ablest learners, some of whom will become our future teachers and journalists, MTL is a useful vehicle for achieving a deeper appreciation of culture, history and values, because the essence of much cultural inheritance (namely traditions, customs, philosophy and literature) is best imbibed in its original language form. For the majority, MTL will enable a better understanding of Chinese/Malay/Tamil culture in the context of Singapore and Asia.

Connection - As more Singaporeans seek out opportunities to work or study overseas, proficiency in both MTL and EL, and the knowledge of the cultures associated with these languages, gives them a distinct edge in understanding other mindsets. It facilitates their transition into new environments, and makes it easier for them to understand other cultures in relation to their own.

Curriculum

The Syllabus Framework is shown below.

Malay Language

Subjects Offered

Malay Language (Express)
Malay Language (NA)
Basic Malay Language (NT)

Overview

Objectives in MTL Teaching:

To allow students to learn MTL to as high a level as they are able to.
To recognise the different starting points of our learners and customise MTL teaching for the different group.

The 3 Cs in MTL learning: Communication, Culture and Connection.

Communication – A key outcome is for our students to be able to think critically and communicate their ideas confidently, in both written and spoken forms. Proficiency in both MTL and EL will equip them with the tools they need to present their ideas with impact, thereby contributing to confidence-building. It is an essential 21st Century competency that will give our young a competitive edge in a globalised world.

Culture - Culture and language are closely linked. This close relationship makes language a vehicle for the transmission of values and beliefs that are shaped by the culture of the society. MTL education at the national level therefore strengthens bonding within each community, and reinforces the individual’s sense of cultural heritage. For our ablest learners, some of whom will become our future teachers and journalists, MTL is a useful vehicle for achieving a deeper appreciation of culture, history and values, because the essence of much cultural inheritance (namely traditions, customs, philosophy and literature) is best imbibed in its original language form. For the majority, MTL will enable a better understanding of Chinese/Malay/Tamil culture in the context of Singapore and Asia.

Connection - As more Singaporeans seek out opportunities to work or study overseas, proficiency in both MTL and EL, and the knowledge of the cultures associated with these languages, gives them a distinct edge in understanding other mindsets. It facilitates their transition into new environments, and makes it easier for them to understand other cultures in relation to their own.

Curriculum

The Syllabus Framework is shown below.
ML Curriculum.png

Tamil Language

Subjects Offered

Higher Tamil Language
Tamil Language (Express)
Tamil Language (NA)
Basic Tamil Language (NT)

Overview

Objectives in MTL Teaching:

To allow students to learn MTL to as high a level as they are able to.
To recognise the different starting points of our learners and customise MTL teaching for the different group.

The 3 Cs in MTL learning: Communication, Culture and Connection.

Communication – A key outcome is for our students to be able to think critically and communicate their ideas confidently, in both written and spoken forms. Proficiency in both MTL and EL will equip them with the tools they need to present their ideas with impact, thereby contributing to confidence-building. It is an essential 21st Century competency that will give our young a competitive edge in a globalised world.

Culture - Culture and language are closely linked. This close relationship makes language a vehicle for the transmission of values and beliefs that are shaped by the culture of the society. MTL education at the national level therefore strengthens bonding within each community, and reinforces the individual’s sense of cultural heritage. For our ablest learners, some of whom will become our future teachers and journalists, MTL is a useful vehicle for achieving a deeper appreciation of culture, history and values, because the essence of much cultural inheritance (namely traditions, customs, philosophy and literature) is best imbibed in its original language form. For the majority, MTL will enable a better understanding of Chinese/Malay/Tamil culture in the context of Singapore and Asia.

Connection - As more Singaporeans seek out opportunities to work or study overseas, proficiency in both MTL and EL, and the knowledge of the cultures associated with these languages, gives them a distinct edge in understanding other mindsets. It facilitates their transition into new environments, and makes it easier for them to understand other cultures in relation to their own.

Curriculum

The Syllabus Framework is shown below.

Programme

Chinese Language Unit

In pursuance of an immersive environment for the learning of Chinese Language, our unit plan and conduct a wide range of activities for the MTL Fortnight Programme annually. The activities include Introductory Martial Arts, Sec One One Day Camp, Carving of Stone Seals etc. Our students participate actively to learn and understand the immense knowledge and practices behind these traditions. In addition, we organise cultural learning journeys for students to acquire knowledge and information about our Chinese traditions beyond the confines of the classrooms.

Malay Language Unit

The Malay Language Unit carries out a variety of programmes every year to enhance students' knowledge about the language and ignite their passion for the culture. The Malay Language Unit strives to encourage Malay Language students to discover and treasure the rich heritage in a constantly evolving world.

Annual MTL Fortnight activities enable students to have hands-on experience in various cultural elements such weaving Ketupat (traditional rice-based delicacy) and Silat (traditional martial arts). W3 Cluster promotes the lively use of Mother Tongue Language through cultural tours and competitions such as debates and essay writing. The Malay Unit clinched the Top 3 position in the MTL Fiesta for three consecutive years since 2013. Malay Language teachers also work together with the Mother Tongue department in celebrations such as Mid-Autumn Festival in supporting and celebrating the different cultures and traditions in Singapore.

Tamil Language Unit

To imbue a sense of passion towards Tamil Language and Culture, Tamil Unit engages Tamil students in a wide range of platforms. The Annual MTL Fortnight Programmes provides the students with the opportunity to experience the Tamil culture and to enrich their knowledge about the language. Our students also participate in actively W3 cluster activities and external competition to build their competency in their language skills. We are indeed proud to have attained the Top 3 position in the MTL Fiesta organized by Boon Lay Secondary School since 2013. Our students have also secured the 2 ^ndprize in dance and drama and 3 ^rdprize in Poetry at the Navarasam Cultural Fiesta.