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) Overseas Exchange Programme with Taipei Municipal Wenhua Elementary School

Our school welcomed students and teachers from Taipei Municipal Wenhua Elementary School on 7 and 8 April 2026 for a meaningful overseas exchange programme. This visit provided enriching opportunities for students from both schools to engage in cross-cultural interaction, broaden their perspectives, and develop global awareness in an authentic school setting.

Our Primary 5 students served as buddies to the visiting students, supporting them in lessons and Co-Curricular Activities. Through these shared experiences, students built new friendships, practised communication skills, and gained a deeper appreciation of cultural diversity. The programme also enabled our students to step forward as confident ambassadors of the school, sharing aspects of our culture, values, and learning environment with their overseas peers.

Principal of Wenhua Elementary looking at Hari Raya Exhibition	Introducing themselves to each other
Students playing games in class	Wenhua Elementary students introducing the area around their school

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

Our Primary 4 Chinese Language students had the opportunity to experience a live cultural performance as part of the Cultural Performance Exposure Scheme (CPES), an initiative designed to bring Chinese language learning to life through exposure to performances by local and international arts groups.

Students watched a lively stage adaptation of Journey to the West. Through engaging storytelling, vibrant staging, and interactive elements, the performance brought this classic tale to life in an accessible and captivating way.

This immersive experience sparked curiosity and deepened students’ appreciation of Chinese performing arts, allowing them to connect traditional literature with meaningful cultural learning in an enjoyable and memorable way.

Learning about CL theatre show and phrases

Students participating in the theatre activities

5) Hari Raya Celebrations

In celebration of Hari Raya, the school organised a series of enriching learning experiences designed to deepen students’ understanding of the festival and its significance in Singapore’s multicultural context.

The school library was transformed with an engaging exhibition featuring pop-up displays on loan from the Malay Heritage Centre. Students explored the displays and responded to interactive iPad-based questions, allowing them to discover key aspects of Hari Raya in an active and engaging manner. This hands-on experience encouraged curiosity and personal reflection on cultural traditions.

The celebration continued in the school hall with a meaningful performance that illustrated the importance of Hari Raya. Through the storyline and enactment, students gained insights into the values and practices associated with the festival, bringing their learning to life in an impactful and memorable way.

Students sharing about the festival	Completing activities on iPad
Looking at the exhibits	Enjoying the assembly together

6) Mother Tongue Language Fortnight

During Mother Tongue Fortnight, students explored how culture and values are closely intertwined through a range of engaging and hands-on learning experiences across different levels.

Students were immersed in cultural enrichment activities that deepened their appreciation of traditions across different communities. Primary 2 students were introduced to the kompang, experiencing its rhythms and learning about its role in Malay cultural celebrations. Primary 3 students explored the agal villakku, the traditional Indian oil lamp, gaining insights into its cultural and religious significance. Primary 4 students engaged in bamboo slip making, discovering how traditional writing materials were used in the past.

During recess, upper primary students took on the role of station masters, facilitating various activity stations for their peers and lower primary students. They shared and demonstrated traditional cultural activities across Malay, Tamil, and Chinese communities, creating meaningful opportunities for interaction, peer learning, and cultural appreciation. Through these meaningful experiences, students not only acquired knowledge but also developed a greater appreciation of the values, traditions, and cultural diversity that shape our world.

Guessing the spices through the sense of touch	Murukku Making
Playing Congkak	Learning Kompang

7) Rakan Bahasa

We are delighted to announce that two of our girls have been appointed as Rakan Bahasa (Malay Language Ambassadors) for 2026. They will represent our school in this prestigious role.

Two of our girls have been appointed as Rakan Bahasa 2026

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).

Observing the old houses in the past	Going on live at FM100.3
Watching the interactive exhibitions	A glimpse into the small living spaces of the past

9) Chinese New Year Celebrations

The school came alive with festive cheer as Chinese New Year was celebrated through a series of engaging and meaningful learning experiences across all levels. In the classrooms, Primary 1 and 2 students created their own “Snap” card games featuring the 12 Chinese zodiac animals, while Primary 3 and 4 students designed festive red packets showcasing their creativity. Primary 5 and 6 students took on a more intricate craft, creating horse origami that reflected patience and precision.

The celebrations extended beyond the classroom during recess, where students participated in interactive iPad games and hands-on festive activities, immersing themselves in the joy of the occasion.

The highlight of the celebration was a vibrant concert featuring interactive games and a lively fashion show, where students showcased festive outfits and joined in the celebratory atmosphere. Through these shared experiences, students came together to celebrate Chinese New Year in a meaningful and joyful way, strengthening their appreciation of cultural traditions.