Mother Tongue Languages

Vision

The Mother Tongue Languages Department aims to empower all Boonlayians to flourish in the future by placing the emerging 21st-Century Competencies at the core of student learning.

Mission

We see Mother Tongue language as a living language – one that is used on a day-to-day basis, hence students are provided with real-life experiences to develop their thinking and communication skills grounded in sound character. Leveraging the usage of innovative pedagogies and tools, we are committed to nurture our students to become active, confident learners and proficient users of their Mother Tongue languages.

Active, Student-Centred Learning

We aim to provide our students with unique learning experiences and various ways to apply their learning.

Interdisciplinary Learning - Mother Tongue & Social Studies Collaboration

Since 2022, the Mother Tongue Languages (MTL) department has collaborated with the Social Studies (SS) Unit to come up with a multi-disciplinary, inquiry-based project as a form of Alternative Assessment. In this project, students are given the opportunity to explore the inclusivity in Singapore through a learning journey, learn about Singapore’s inclusive society, and the government’s effort to instill inclusivity among citizens. The learning experience culminates in a digital artefact which the students showcased during their MTL lessons, on top of completing an Issue Investigation task for SS.

Catering to Students’ Strengths and Needs

As a department, we have carried out Secondary 1 Bridging lessons to ensure a seamless transition for the students from P6 to Secondary One to close their learning gaps. This allows students to build a stronger foundation in the subject, and nurture their strengths, so they are more engaged in learning.

Appreciating our Cultural Heritage

Mother Tongue Fortnight

We aim to provide a balanced MT Fortnight programme that develops students’ interest in learning the language and cultures. Students are exposed to a wide range of activities during the MT Fortnight annually.

Some of the programmes and activities lined up for our students include exposure to Chinese visual arts and traditional games, Malay Language folktales and traditional music as well as learning different forms of Indian traditional art.

Mother Tongue Languages and Cultural Fiesta

In order to promote inter-school collaboration in the learning of MTL and make MTL an interesting language to learn for students, we organise MTL and Cultural Fiesta on a yearly basis, providing a platform for students and teachers of the W3 cluster schools to come together and participate in engaging and meaningful inter-school language and cultural competitions. This motivates students in the cluster to strive towards excellence in their MTL language proficiency and acquire depth in cultural learning. In recent years, we have extended our invitation to the W3 cluster primary schools for the essay writing competition to develop an interest in writing by our younger students.

Click here for our MTL Fortnight & Fiesta e-Booklets - 2023, 2024

Developing Real-World Skills through Authentic Learning Experiences

In the BLS MTL department, we strive to make learning experiences more authentic, so that the learning process becomes more relevant and engaging to the learner, increasing their preparation for the real world.

Chinese Language Department: “Unsung Heroes” Project Work

Aligned with the “Unsung Heroes” theme featured in our curriculum, Secondary One students are granted a unique chance to uncover the untold narratives of those who have significantly contributed to our school community. These unsung heroes include canteen stall vendors, teachers, security guards, IT personnel, and many more. In a collaborative effort, students form teams to identify these unsung heroes within our school, conduct interviews, and craft special reports that shed light on these remarkable individuals, thus enabling us to gain insight into their extraordinary stories. This authentic learning experience fostered empathy among students, enabling them to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the individuals in their immediate surroundings and the things we often take for granted.

Tamil Language Department: Banana Leaf Meal Activity

The TL department curated a delightful banana leaf meal experience for students to learn about the unique traditional dining practice. It was aimed to introduce students to the rich tapestry of tastes in Indian culture, delve deep into the concept and vocabulary of the six essential tastes (அறுசுவை உணவு) and explore the nuances of விருந்தோம்பல் (hospitality) on a profound level, providing a comprehensive and in-depth understanding. The activity was informative and also hands-on, offering students an experiential journey through these tastes as they indulge in the authentic flavours served during the banana leaf meal.

Malay Language Department: Gamification of ML Reading Programme

The Malay Language Reading Programme is designed to enhance reading skills and engagement for all learners, including SEN students. It integrates technology and gamification for an inclusive and immersive learning experience. Key strategies include customizable e-books with "Read to Me" functions to support dyslexic learners, text-to-speech tools for improving fluency and comprehension, and AI-generated visuals to help students visualize and connect with the story. Speech evaluation tools enable stress-free oral practice with automated feedback, while interactive post-reading activities such as vocabulary games and crosswords reinforce understanding in a fun, creative way. The programme’s highlight is "The Story Race," a gamified outdoor adventure where students solve plot-based puzzles, role-play characters, and complete collaborative tasks at checkpoints in a race format. This immersive activity blends physical movement, teamwork, and narrative exploration, creating a dynamic and engaging experience. Designed with inclusivity in mind, the programme ensures accessibility through adaptive tools and activities that balance competition and collaboration, promoting confidence and participation for SEN students. By combining innovative strategies and gamification, the programme fosters a love for reading, builds comprehension, and creates a collaborative learning environment tailored to diverse needs.

Learning and Growing through Participating in Competitions & Events

We believe that small opportunities are the beginning of great achievements. In the BLS MTL department, we actively seek out events, contests, and competitions held to give our students a platform to widen their horizons, test their limits, and realise their potential.