Mother Tongue

The Quest to…

Empower every Queenstownian to embrace and speak our mother tongue language with pride, fostering a deeper connection to our roots and a richer understanding of our heritage.

Key Approaches

LOWER SECONDARY

Joyful Learner, Cultural Explorer

• Discovering the uniqueness of the language and culture

• Developing the language skills – listening, speaking, reading & writing

• Forming good habits and values

• Building vocabulary

• Appreciating reading a range of texts

UPPER SECONDARY

Proficient Users, Cultural Ambassador

• Developing a stronger cultural identity that is uniquely Singaporean

• Upholding and promoting the language and culture

• Developing critical thinking skills with strong values as the foundation

• Speaking and writing with confidence

• Appreciating literary texts

• Analysing problems and generating solutions to meet different needs

Teaching and Learning Practices

To inspire a love of learning and develop students into active learners and proficient users of their Mother Tongue Language (MTL), cultural appreciation is integrated into lessons, developing a deeper connection to and understanding of students’ cultural heritage. One key event is the MTL Fortnight activities, which offer hands-on, experiential learning that cultivates an appreciation for different cultures. For example, when writing expository essays on the topic of ‘Chinese Tea’, students explore cultural aspects of Chinese medicine, such as sewing a traditional herbal sachet and using dried orange peel to repel insects and energise themselves. This experience is an opportunity for students to reflect on both the process and the cultural significance, and learn that traditional Chinese medicinal practices and values emphasise the importance of well-being and having a harmonious relationship with the environment.

Using e-Pedagogy, teachers tap on a range of multimedia resources to complement traditional classroom learning. The use of ICT tools further promote students’ learning by enhancing their understanding and ecouraging critical thinking: word clouds capture students’ initial thoughts, Padlet allows students to be engaged in meaningful discussions, and spreadsheets support students’ monitoring of their learning. Together, these approaches bring vibrancy and depth to the learning of MTL.

Key Learning Experiences

WHOLE SCHOOL

• Mother Tongue Language (MTL) Fortnight Programme

• MT & Maker Club Programme

• Naanum Oru Padaippaali Writing Competition (National)

• Fiesta Bahasa 2023 (National)

• 1,2,3 Aksi Short Skit Competition (National)

LOWER SECONDARY

• Reading Programme

• Vocabulary Competition (Internal)

• Recitation Competition (Internal & National)

• Author-in-residence (MOE)

• Cultural Performance Exposure Programme

UPPER SECONDARY

• Reading Programme

• Idioms Competition (Internal)

• Broadcast Script writing Competition (Internal & National)

• Intensive MTL Programme

Key Achievements

• Bisikan Pena 2023 (National) – Second Prize

• 1,2,3 Aksi Short Skit Competition (National) – Third Prize

• Naanum Oru Padaippaali Writing Competition (National) – Shortlisted Award