Mother Tongue Languages

Explore how the MTL Department builds language skills and cultural appreciation through engaging programmes, activities, and celebrations.

Last updated 24 July 2026

Vision

A community of passionate MTL learners who have the global mindset and yet stay rooted

Mission

To build a conducive environment for the teaching and learning of MTL and establish a team of competent teachers.

Key Programmes

Applied Learning Programme (ALP) -Bilingual Literature apprecIation Student’s Series (BLISS)

Our ALP-BLISS in Mother Tongue Languages (MTL) aims to help students see the relevance of learning MTL by applying reasoning and argumentative skills to construct meaning and opinions linking to societal concerns in the real world. During BLISS lessons, we equip our pupils with 21st-century skills to think critically, examine problems, gather information, and make informed decisions. In the process, students also become more confident speakers and learners who are able to use MTL more effectively.

Three school scenes: kids sharing a tablet, a group in colorful traditional costumes, and a boy using a tablet at a desk.

Literature Appreciation- Reading Circle

The Reading Circle, a component of the SOAR lesson extension and BLISS programme, fosters a love for literature among P4 and P5 Higher Progress students. Through the programme, students are introduced to Singaporean literature and learn various literary appreciation techniques. These include analysing themes, understanding character development, exploring literary devices, and interpreting symbolism.

A speaker presents to a seated audience of children in a hall, with a projected Chinese illustrated slide on screen.

MTL Fortnight activities

Mother Tongue Languages (MTL) Fortnight aims to create an immersive environment for learning and appreciating Mother Tongue Languages and Cultures. MTL teachers conduct workshops and cultural activities for students to participate in authentic cultural experiences as part of MTL fortnight activities. These learning opportunities stimulate the appreciation of the Mother Tongue Culture and promote interest in the learning of the Mother Tongue languages.

Cultural Celebrations and Activities

Every year, the MTL Department will organise activities to create an immersive experience leading up to Lunar New Year, Hari Raya Puasa and Deepavali. By experiencing different cultural activities, the MTL Department aims for students of all races to learn more about the various cultures. The activities also promote cultural awareness amongst the different ethnic groups and bring about a greater understanding and appreciation each other’s culture.

Nine photos of school children doing cultural activities including lantern making, Chinese painting, storytelling, and board games.

Cultural Celebrations and Activities

Each year, the MTL Department organises activities to create an immersive experience leading up to Lunar New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, and Deepavali. By participating in these cultural activities, students of all races gain a deeper understanding of various cultures. These activities also promote cultural awareness among different ethnic groups, fostering greater appreciation and understanding of each other's traditions.

Chinese New Year Celebrations

Four photos of students celebrating Chinese New Year with calligraphy, a lion dance, and group photos with decorations.

Hari Raya Puasa Celebrations

Four photos from a Hari Raya school event showing busking, a photo booth, a P1 dance performance, and a large group finale.

Deepavali

External Competitions and Activities

Students have the thrilling opportunity to participate in various external competitions, where they can sharpen their communication skills and embrace the excitement of healthy competition. These activities offer invaluable experiences, enabling students to showcase and apply their language skills in dynamic and diverse settings.

A student stands by a balloon arch at a Chinese speech competition, and receives an award on stage.

Students in uniforms playing Scrabble at tables in a hall; four students pose holding a certificate.

Four school children in grey uniforms stand together in a library with a plant mural on the wall behind them.

School-Based Learning Packages

The MTL Department prides itself on creating in-house writing, comprehension, and oral packages to cater to the needs of our students. In class, teachers use varied strategies to engage the students and make the Mother Tongue languages fun and interesting.

Conversational Chinese and Malay

Selected P3 students attend weekly Conversational Chinese and Malay (CCM) lessons, delivered through face-to-face sessions and the SLS platform. This programme aims to strengthen Singapore's multi-racial cohesion by providing students with a basic understanding of a third language. These skills can be valuable for economic or other purposes in adulthood. By sharing their newfound knowledge with peers, students enhance social cohesion within the school community

Students sit at blue desks facing a teacher and a projected screen in a classroom with ceiling fans.

Four cartoon children in uniforms play around a yellow treehouse, climbing a ladder, reading, and playing guitar.