Mother Tongue Languages

Mother Tongue Languages

Department Vision

Empowering Bilingualism Learners: Cultivating Cultural Roots, Fostering Future Leaders

Student Outcomes

Confident Bilingual Communicators: Students develop proficient communication skills in their mother tongue languages, empowering them to express themselves effectively in diverse contexts.
Cultural Stewards: Students love, appreciate, and perpetuate their traditional ethnic cultures, fostering a sense of belonging to their heritage and Singaporean identity.
Global Citizens: Students cultivate cross-cultural literacy and demonstrate kindness and sensitivity towards individuals from diverse backgrounds, preparing them to thrive in an interconnected world.
Future Leaders: Students emerge as compassionate, resilient leaders equipped with 21st-century competencies, ready to contribute positively to society.

The school aims to cultivate students’ interest in their Mother Tongue Language and further develop their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills through various platforms. Programmes are organised to engage students and support learning. These programmes include the Mother Tongue Language Fortnight programmes, language and cultural camps, programmes and activities related to festivals, enrichment classes and theatre exposure programmes.

Key Programmes and Activities

1) MTL Recess Reading Programme with SMS(S)

On 3 September, students from SMS(S) shared with us with their self-created MTL digital books, bringing the stories to life through expressive reading and lively dramatization. The session ended with fun interactive activities that they enjoyed together with our girls, fostering creativity and deeper bonds within the St. Margaret’s Family.

2) P4 Level Camp

The P4 level camp integrates Physical Education (focusing on skill-related fitness components such as coordination, balance, varying speed, pace, power, and agility) with Mother Tongue lessons by introducing students to various traditional ethnic dances. The approach enhances cultural learning and physical fitness simultaneously, as we value diverse ethnic cultures through their traditional dances. Students learn about the artistic expressions of different cultural aspects, including various dance moves, music, and props used in each dance. Each culture has its unique artistic traditions that reflect its rich heritage and values.

Dancing away with umbrellas	Instructor demonstrating some dance moves
Learning about the types of traditional dances	Jumping with joy

3) P5 Local Immersion Trip with Hong Wen School

Our P5 students embarked on an enriching exchange program with Hong Wen School. Students from various cultural backgrounds came together, fostering mutual understanding and respect. This interaction allowed them to appreciate and celebrate their differences, forming bonds that transcend cultural barriers.

Students from Hong Wen School visited our school and SMS(P) students took the lead in sharing our rich heritage. As the visit coincides with our school’s Racial Harmony Day celebration, our students also facilitated multi-racial activities and learning programmes for their Hong Wen friends.

SMS (P) students also visited Hong Wen School. They were engaged in a variety of Chinese Cultural activities. They watched drum and wushu performances by Hong Wen Students. Our students also participated in a Chinese drawing workshop where they explored traditional Chinese art, creating beautiful pieces that reflected their newfound knowledge and appreciation of this art form.

Visiting our Heritage Hub	Traditional Chinese drawing
Chinese painting at Hong Wen School	Drawing a panda

4) P4 CL Learning Journey to Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan Arts & Cultural Troupe

The Primary 4 CL students embarked on a learning journey to the theatre under the Cultural Performance Exposure Scheme (CPES) (“文化随意门”计划). This scheme aims to expose students to Chinese language-related cultural performances by local and foreign performing arts groups. The students watched a performance on one of the famous scenarios in the story of “Journey to the west”. It was an enriching and engaging learning journey for the students as the performance was customised to include aspects of local culture.

Ready to watch performance in the theatre

Students participating in the theatre activities

5) Hari Raya Celebrations

The 2024 Hari Raya celebration began with a stunning exhibition in the school library, featuring beautiful pop-up displays loaned from the Malay Heritage Centre. These exhibitions provided students with an opportunity to learn more about the Hari Raya celebration in Singapore. Malay Language students from P3 to P6 played a crucial role as Malay Language Culture Ambassadors, explaining Malay culture and the significance of Hari Raya to their peers. Additionally, students interacted with the exhibits through interactive questions on iPads. The Hari Raya celebration in the school hall featured a skit titled “Awakening Traditions”. Students learnt about the cultural and religious significance of Hari Raya.

Hari Raya exhibition in the school library	Student ambassadors explaining about the Malay culture
Students participating in interactive exhibition using iPads	Hari Raya performance in the Hall

6) Mother Tongue Language Fortnight

During MT Fortnight, students learnt about how cultures and values are tied in together. For example, P6 students learnt about a historical figure and engaged in a hands-on activity to design their own kite. They not only learnt about the importance of perseverance but also had the opportunity to demonstrate their creativity.

Additionally, students also delved into the fascinating world of spices, exploring the diverse array of flavors and aromas used in different cultures. Utilizing their five senses, they embarked on a sensory journey to discover the unique characteristics of various spices. This immersive approach encouraged students to appreciate the richness of cultural diversity.

Through these activities, students not only gained valuable knowledge but also developed a greater appreciation for the values and different cultures that shape our world.

Recess Activity : Spice Exploration	Learning to play the Indian drum
Bunga Rampai (Mixture of flowers) activity	Designing traditional kites

7) Rakan Bahasa

We are delighted to announce that two of our girls have been appointed as Rakan Bahasa (Malay Language Ambassadors) for 2025. They will represent our school in this prestigious role.

Two of our girls have been appointed as Rakan Bahasa 2025

As Rakan Bahasa, they will serve as cultural ambassadors, inspiring their peers to embrace and appreciate the richness of Malay language and heritage. Through various activities and initiatives, they will play a vital role in promoting Malay cultural traditions and fostering a deeper connection to the language, not only within our school community but also among their friends and families.

8) P3 to P5 Higher Chinese Language Learning Journey

P3 and P4 HCL students embarked on a Learning Journey at Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall, delving into the rich tapestry of traditions and heritage. Through this journey, they gained a deeper understanding of the rich history, heritage, and cultural significance of the Chinese community in Singapore, while also gaining insights into the socio-cultural diversity of the nation.

Meanwhile, P5 HCL students ventured into the world of journalism at Singapore Press Holdings, unraveling the complexities of news reporting. They grasped the power of words and the ethical responsibilities associated with media communication, reinforcing their commitment to integrity and accuracy.

Both experiences sparked curiosity and expanded horizons, enriching their educational journey at SMS(P).

P3 and P4 HCL students taking a walk around the museum	P3 and P4 HCL students trying out Chinese Opera Costumes
P5 HCL students watching a live radio broadcast	P5 HCL students’ learning journey at SPH

9) Chinese New Year Celebrations

Amidst the festive spirit, the school welcomed Chinese New Year, commencing celebrations with recess activities, including engaging iPad games and lively card-matching challenges. The day’s highlight unfolded in a vibrant concert, where students joyously sang and danced to the lively tunes of Chinese New Year songs. As the festivities peaked, students concluded the day with Chinese New Year decorations and craft hands-on activities.

In alignment with our school theme, “A Heart of Thanksgiving to Love and Serve,” a group of P5 students embraced the role of gratitude ambassadors. Venturing beyond the school walls, they generously gifted oranges and Chinese New Year cards to our neighbours. Public bus drivers who serve the bus-stops outside SMS(P), were also surprised to receive tokens of appreciation from teachers. Their joy was evident as they accepted these thoughtful gifts. The act of extending warm wishes for the festive season left a lasting impact not only within the school community, but also with the school’s partners. This heartwarming gesture strengthened the bond between the school and its extended community, fostering a spirit of appreciation and goodwill.

Performance by the P3 students	Students crafted own CNY 3D cards
Students wishing Mattar MRT staff Happy CNY	Students presenting CNY gifts to our neighbours!