Mother Tongue Languages

Goals

• To nurture students to be proficient users of their Mother Tongue Languages (MTLs) in their daily interaction with others.

• To inculcate moral values and equip students to appreciate the diverse cultures, heritages and traditions of the MTLs.

Lower Sec Programme

• The Lower Secondary programme is designed to cultivate a genuine passion for Mother Tongue Languages among our students. Through meticulously structured lesson activities, we provide comprehensive support to nurture students' enthusiasm in their language learning journey. Our experienced teachers thoughtfully incorporate current affairs and real-world examples into their lessons, facilitating meaningful discussions that extend beyond textbook content. This approach not only enriches classroom discourse but also develops students' social consciousness and cultural awareness, preparing them to be engaged citizens of tomorrow.
  

Upper Sec Programme

• In the Upper Secondary programme, our focus shifts towards developing students into reflective and critical thinkers who can articulate their thoughts effectively in their Mother Tongue Language. Our dedicated team of MTL teachers continuously innovates their teaching approaches, employing diverse pedagogical strategies to empower students with the essential skills and knowledge needed for confident self-expression. The department actively curates and implements enriching programmes that create authentic opportunities for students to apply their language skills in real-world contexts, helping them discover and appreciate the language's cultural richness and practical relevance. Through these carefully crafted learning experiences, we aim to nurture self-directed learners equipped with vital 21st Century competencies, enabling them to become proficient and passionate users of their Mother Tongue Language in an increasingly interconnected world.

Hindi Programme

• Hindi is also available on campus for students who offer it as their MTL. The lessons are provided by The Hindi Society (Singapore), a well-established and reputable organisation that has been offering Hindi language education to students across Singapore since 1989. Classes are taught by qualified and experienced Hindi language teachers who focus on developing strong language skills while fostering a deep appreciation for Indian culture and heritage.
  

MTL Activities and Events

1) Festive Celebrations

• Lunar New Year Celebrations

The school ushered in the Year of the Snake with vibrant festivities that brought our entire school community together. The celebrations began with an exciting interclass decoration competition, where students transformed their classrooms into festive spaces with creative Chinese New Year-themed decorations. Our Secondary 2 to 5 students also showcased their digital creativity by producing heartwarming video greetings for the KC family.

The celebration day was marked by warmth and tradition, as classes gathered for reunion parties while our Upper Secondary students demonstrated their values of service and respect by hosting both our dedicated school support staff and elderly guests from Goodlife! The highlight of the day was a spectacular concert featuring performances by the Mother Tongue Languages department, Chinese Orchestra, Concert Band, and Chinese Drama Club.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, the dynamic Lion Dance performance captivated the audience, while the beloved Labubu mascot delighted everyone with a playful candy shower. In keeping with KC tradition, the celebration concluded meaningfully with class representatives presenting mandarin oranges to their teachers – a gesture symbolising respect and good fortune.

• Hari Raya Celebrations

Our Malay Language Unit transformed the school into a festive celebration of Hari Raya Aidilfitri through an enchanting array of cultural activities. The celebration weaved together tradition and contemporary expression, creating memorable experiences for our entire school community.

Malay Language students engaged in the meaningful tradition of crafting personalised Hari Raya greeting cards, while deepening their cultural understanding by sharing with the entire school their insights about the spiritual significance of Ramadan and the joyous celebration of Hari Raya. The highlight of our festivities was the highly anticipated KC Hari Raya music video – a creative collaboration between our talented Malay Language students and teachers. This signature production not only spread festive cheer throughout the school but also beautifully captured the essence of our community spirit and cultural heritage.

Through these festive celebrations, we not only preserve cherished traditions but also foster a deeper appreciation of Chinese and Malay culture among our diverse student body, embodying the inclusive spirit and bonds that CHIJ Katong Convent holds dear.

2）Mother Tongue Languages Fortnight

The Mother Tongue Languages (MTL) Fortnight, a key initiative by the Ministry of Education, serves as a vibrant platform that extends language learning beyond conventional classroom boundaries. This immersive programme creates dynamic opportunities for students to engage with their Mother Tongue Languages in authentic and meaningful contexts. Through a carefully curated series of cultural activities and interactive experiences, students are immersed in an environment that naturally encourages the practical application of their Mother Tongue.

During Term 1 of 2025, our students immersed themselves in an enriching MTL Fortnight filled with diverse cultural experiences. The programme featured hands-on traditional art workshops where our Chinese Language students explored the intricate techniques of Chinese calligraphy and the delicate artistry of fan painting. Adding a contemporary touch, students engaged in lively interactive sessions with popular YES 933 Radio DJs, who shared insights into Chinese media and broadcasting. The programme was further enriched by memorable performances from renowned local Xinyao (新谣) buskers, who brought Singapore's unique Chinese musical heritage to life. The cultural immersion culminated in an educational journey to the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, where students deepened their understanding of Chinese heritage in the local context. 

Meanwhile, our Malay Language students embarked on an inspiring journey of appreciating Malay traditions and culture with the theme "Tracing Our Heritage, Preserving Our Culture". This carefully chosen focus illuminates the vital importance of Singapore's Malay heritage, specifically highlighting the historical landmarks and sites that have shaped our Malay community's identity. Through an engaging tapestry of activities spanning two weeks, students were empowered to discover, appreciate, and take pride in their Malay cultural legacy. A signature of this year's programme was our specially curated learning journey for Secondary 4 and 5 students. This immersive experience took students through the heart of Singapore's Malay cultural district, where they explored the storied streets of Kampong Glam, the vibrant Arab Street, and the majestic Sultan Mosque. These historic sites serve as living classrooms, offering students unique insights into the Malay community's enduring influence on Singapore's multicultural fabric.

Beyond the MTL Fortnight, it is our hope that students will continue to embrace and apply their Mother Tongue Languages and cultural knowledge in their daily lives, keeping the spirit of our heritage alive for generations to come.

3) Cultural Exposure through Drama 

We endeavour to bridge the gap between our students’ language learning and cultural appreciation by bringing professional performances directly to our students. The Cultural Performance Exposure Scheme (CPES) ("文化随意门"计划), an initiative by the Committee to Promote Chinese Language Learning, enriches our students' cultural literacy through exposure to high-calibre Chinese theatrical productions. In 2025, our students will have the privilege of experiencing 'Partial Eclipse of the Heart' (《逆光》), an engaging production by the renowned local theatre company, The Theatre Practice (实践剧场).

Similarly, to deepen students’ appreciation of the Malay Language and culture, a theatre outing was arranged for our Secondary 4 and 5 students in 2024 to watch the performance Bawang Putih Bawang Merah. This experience not only exposed students to the richness of Malay storytelling traditions but also aimed to spark greater interest and love for learning the language beyond the classroom.

4) Literary Publications

Every year, the MTL department launches a fresh edition of our signature Chinese and Malay literary publications – 《淡墨清香》, as well as Karya & Coretan, which feature dynamic showcases of students’ creativity and innovation. 《淡墨清香》captures a repertoire of articles compiled from students’ exemplary essays, creative writing competition, as well as reflections from student activities. Karya & Coretan features a diverse collection including essays, emails, poetry, digital posters, and infographics. 

In both publications, each piece of work reflects the unique voices, perspectives, and talents of students across all levels and streams, and is a celebration of their imagination, critical thinking and literacy. Through this platform, we aim to empower our students to express themselves boldly, explore new ideas, and leave their mark on an ever-evolving creative landscape.

5) Sec 1 Higher Chinese Language Learning Journey to Jewel Changi Airport

In April, our Secondary 1 Higher Chinese students stepped beyond their textbooks to experience Jewel Changi Airport firsthand, bringing their classroom learning to life. This innovative learning journey transformed Singapore's iconic landmark into an immersive Chinese language classroom.

Through carefully designed tasks, students explored the magnificent Rain Vortex, verdant Canopy Park, and vibrant retail spaces while honing their Chinese language skills. They engaged in authentic writing exercises inspired by their multi-sensory experiences, bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world application.

This experiential learning approach not only deepened students' understanding of their textbook material but also kindled their enthusiasm for Chinese language learning. By connecting classroom concepts with tangible experiences, students discovered that language learning extends far beyond traditional boundaries, enriching their appreciation for both Chinese language and Singapore's architectural marvels.

Participation in External Competitions

In the MTL Department, we recognise that excellence often begins with a single moment of opportunity. We actively seek out diverse external platforms that challenge our students to push beyond their comfort zones and showcase their linguistic talents. By carefully curating these enriching experiences, we empower our students to discover new strengths, develop confidence in their mother tongue, and transform their potential into commendable achievements. Our commitment goes beyond academic excellence; we aim to nurture confident communicators and cultural ambassadors who will carry forward their linguistic heritage with pride and purpose.

• Participation in 2025 Chinese Creative Writing Competition（“新蕾奖”全国中学生华文创作比赛） 

• Participation in 2025 National Chinese Challenge（“华文大比拼”）

• Piala Cendekia Sahibba 2025 (National Malay Scrabble Competition) – East Zone 3rd place

• Participation in Rakan Bahasa (Malay Language Ambassadors) 

• Participation in 2025 Peraduan Saya Boleh Mengarang Peringkat Nasional