Mother Tongue

Confident Communicators, Discerning Readers, Culturally Informed Learners

Student Outcomes

We envision our students to be:

•   Confident Communicators

•   Discerning Readers

•   Culturally Informed Learners

Our students develop confidence in using their Mother Tongue to express ideas clearly and engage meaningfully with others. They grow as discerning readers who can understand texts thoughtfully and appreciate different perspectives. Through learning experiences that connect language with culture and contemporary issues, students also become curious and creative inquirers who value their linguistic and cultural heritage. Together, these outcomes nurture students who communicate with empathy, think critically, and appreciate the richness of their Mother Tongue languages.

Curriculum

The Mother Tongue curriculum at CHIJ Secondary seeks to develop students’ proficiency and confidence in listening, speaking, reading and writing in their respective languages. Lessons are designed to build strong communication skills while deepening students’ appreciation of their language and cultural heritage. Through discussions on current affairs, oral presentations and collaborative activities, students learn to express their ideas clearly and engage thoughtfully with texts and perspectives.

Teachers adopt interactive and student-centred pedagogies to support meaningful learning. A discussion-based approach is frequently used to encourage students to articulate their thoughts and share their perspectives. Through guided discussions, group tasks and peer interactions, students are given regular opportunities to express their opinions and engage in meaningful conversations in their Mother Tongue. The use of EdTech further enriches the learning experience, enabling students to interact with language through digital platforms and engaging learning tools.

Beyond language acquisition, the curriculum aims to cultivate curiosity, cultural awareness and confidence. Through collaborative discussions, authentic communication tasks and reflective learning, students develop critical thinking skills while strengthening their ability to communicate effectively in their Mother Tongue. These experiences support students’ growth as confident communicators who appreciate both the linguistic and cultural dimensions of language.

Signature Programmes 

One of the department’s key programmes is the annual Mother Tongue Fortnight, which celebrates the richness of language and culture through a variety of interactive activities. Students participate in hands-on experiences such as cultural crafts, language games, quizzes and creative challenges that bring the language to life. Through these activities, students gain deeper insights into the traditions, values and cultural practices associated with their Mother Tongue.

Another important platform for learning is students’ participation in language competitions at the school, zonal and national levels. These include essay writing, speech competitions, cultural quizzes and video creation contests. Students have opportunities to showcase their language proficiency, creativity and confidence while working collaboratively with their peers. The process of preparing for these competitions strengthens communication skills, presentation abilities and digital literacy.

The department also organises learning journeys and cultural experiences that extend learning beyond the classroom. Through exposure to authentic contexts and cultural settings, students develop a stronger connection with their language and heritage. These experiences nurture curiosity, creativity and pride in their Mother Tongue, while encouraging students to see language as a living and meaningful part of their daily lives.

Our Students

Mother Tongue Language Camp

Wayang Kulit workshop

Tamil Learning Journey

Tea Appreciation

Achievements & Accolades

2025

Achievements

2025 Pertandingan Sahibba (Malay Scrabble Competition) by Cheng San CC 4th and 5th Place

2025 Mesra 60 for 60 connecting Generations