Mother Tongue Languages
Teaching Staff
01/ | Mr Choy Chee Ping HOD Mother Tongue Languages Chinese Literature Chinese Language | 02/ | Mr Zubir Bin Ali Subject Head, Malay Language Malay Language | 03/ | Ms Yasmin Hussein Subject Head, Character & Citizenship Education Malay Language Malay Literature |
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04/ | Mdm Magahletchimi d/o Amarthalingam ST Tamil Language Tamil Language Moral Education | 05/ | Mdm Lim Lan Theen Teacher Chinese Language | 06/ | Ms Lim Meiqi Maggie Teacher Chinese Language Chinese Literature |
07/ | Ms Sii Yiw Ching Molly Teacher Chinese Language Chinese Literature | 08/ | Mdm Zhang Lixia Teacher Chinese Language | 09/ | Mdm Zhu Qingyun Teacher Chinese Language |
10/ | Ms Duan Linxin Teacher Chinese Language Chinese Literature | 11/ | Ms Ravindran Arul Jothi Teacher Tamil Language Tamil Literature | 12/ | Mdm Karpagam Manickavasagam Teacher Tamil Language Tamil Literature |
13/ | Mr Rajamanickam Thandavamurthy Teacher Tamil Language | 14/ | Ms Nurulhuda Binte Ahmad Teacher Malay Language Malay Literature | 15/ | Ms Nur Sherlyn Mohamad Salim Teacher Malay Language Malay Literature |
16/ | Ms Siti Aisah Binte Sak Yok Teacher Malay Language | 17/ | Mr Ganesh Kumar Tamil Language | 18/ | Ms Lee Lay Teng Contract Adjunct Teacher Chinese Language |
Chinese Language
Subjects Offered
- Higher Chinese Language
- Chinese Language (Express)
- Chinese Language (NA)
- Basic Chinese Language (NT)
Overview
Objectives in MTL Teaching:
- To allow students to learn MTL to as high a level as they are able to.
- To recognise the different starting points of our learners and customise MTL teaching for the different group.
The3 Cs in MTL learning: Communication, Culture and Connection.
Communication – A key outcome is for our students to be able to think critically and communicate their ideas confidently, in both written and spoken forms. Proficiency in both MTL and EL will equip them with the tools they need to present their ideas with impact, thereby contributing to confidence-building. It is an essential 21st Century competency that will give our young a competitive edge in a globalised world.
Culture - Culture and language are closely linked. This close relationship makes language a vehicle for the transmission of values and beliefs that are shaped by the culture of the society. MTL education at the national level therefore strengthens bonding within each community, and reinforces the individual’s sense of cultural heritage. For our ablest learners, some of whom will become our future teachers and journalists, MTL is a useful vehicle for achieving a deeper appreciation of culture, history and values, because the essence of much cultural inheritance (namely traditions, customs, philosophy and literature) is best imbibed in its original language form. For the majority, MTL will enable a better understanding of Chinese/Malay/Tamil culture in the context of Singapore and Asia.
Connection - As more Singaporeans seek out opportunities to work or study overseas, proficiency in both MTL and EL, and the knowledge of the cultures associated with these languages, gives them a distinct edge in understanding other mindsets. It facilitates their transition into new environments, and makes it easier for them to understand other cultures in relation to their own.
Curriculum (CL)
The Syllabus Framework is shown below.
Malay Language
Subjects Offered
- Higher Malay Language
- Malay Language (Express)
- Malay Language (NA)
- Basic Malay Language (NT)
Overview
Objectives in MTL Teaching:
- To allow students to learn MTL to as high a level as they are able to.
- To recognise the different starting points of our learners and customise MTL teaching for the different group.
The 3 Cs in MTL learning: Communication, Culture and Connection.
Communication – A key outcome is for our students to be able to think critically and communicate their ideas confidently, in both written and spoken forms. Proficiency in both MTL and EL will equip them with the tools they need to present their ideas with impact, thereby contributing to confidence-building. It is an essential 21st Century competency that will give our young a competitive edge in a globalised world.
Culture - Culture and language are closely linked. This close relationship makes language a vehicle for the transmission of values and beliefs that are shaped by the culture of the society. MTL education at the national level therefore strengthens bonding within each community, and reinforces the individual’s sense of cultural heritage. For our ablest learners, some of whom will become our future teachers and journalists, MTL is a useful vehicle for achieving a deeper appreciation of culture, history and values, because the essence of much cultural inheritance (namely traditions, customs, philosophy and literature) is best imbibed in its original language form. For the majority, MTL will enable a better understanding of Chinese/Malay/Tamil culture in the context of Singapore and Asia.
Connection - As more Singaporeans seek out opportunities to work or study overseas, proficiency in both MTL and EL, and the knowledge of the cultures associated with these languages, gives them a distinct edge in understanding other mindsets. It facilitates their transition into new environments, and makes it easier for them to understand other cultures in relation to their own.
Curriculum (ML)
The Syllabus Framework is shown below.
Tamil Language
Subjects Offered:
- Higher Tamil Language
- Tamil Language (Express)
- Tamil Language (NA)
- Basic Tamil Language (NT)
Overview
Objectives in MTL Teaching:
- To allow students to learn MTL to as high a level as they are able to.
- To recognise the different starting points of our learners and customise MTL teaching for the different group.
The 3 Cs in MTL learning: Communication, Culture and Connection.
Communication – A key outcome is for our students to be able to think critically and communicate their ideas confidently, in both written and spoken forms. Proficiency in both MTL and EL will equip them with the tools they need to present their ideas with impact, thereby contributing to confidence-building. It is an essential 21st Century competency that will give our young a competitive edge in a globalised world.
Culture - Culture and language are closely linked. This close relationship makes language a vehicle for the transmission of values and beliefs that are shaped by the culture of the society. MTL education at the national level therefore strengthens bonding within each community, and reinforces the individual’s sense of cultural heritage. For our ablest learners, some of whom will become our future teachers and journalists, MTL is a useful vehicle for achieving a deeper appreciation of culture, history and values, because the essence of much cultural inheritance (namely traditions, customs, philosophy and literature) is best imbibed in its original language form. For the majority, MTL will enable a better understanding of Chinese/Malay/Tamil culture in the context of Singapore and Asia.
Connection - As more Singaporeans seek out opportunities to work or study overseas, proficiency in both MTL and EL, and the knowledge of the cultures associated with these languages, gives them a distinct edge in understanding other mindsets. It facilitates their transition into new environments, and makes it easier for them to understand other cultures in relation to their own.
Curriculum (TL)
The Syllabus Framework is shown below.
Programme
Mother Tongue Languages (MTL) Fortnight 2022This year’s theme, titled, “Tradition Arts and Culture” highlights a variety of traditions and customary practices, with special focus on appreciating the beauty of our Mother Tongue languages through the hands-on craft infused cultural activities. The objectives of the programme includes kindling students' interest in their MT language through novel and exciting ways and building teamwork within classmates from different background and learn beyond classrooms and school. The specially curated week-long showcase hopes to inspire joy and most importantly, a culture of care through the celebrations of our customs and traditions. Our Mother tongue teachers have designed creative activities to cater to the interest of different groups and levels of students which include traditional hands-on arts and craft activities, e book creation and engaging and fun language games. CHINESE LANGUAGE ACTIVITIESIn-class experience for Sec 1 CL students - Chopsticks Lantern Cultural Activity An in class arts and cultural experience for students to immerse themselves in the making of lanterns using chopsticks in its most creative manner. Secondary 2 Cl students were given an in-class experience to immerse themselves in the Chinese ink painting and understand the difference between Calligraphy and Ink Painting The art of seal engraving is a cornerstone of Chinese fine arts. Sec 3 CL Students immersed in the experience of carving out their unique seal MALAY LANGUAGE ACTIVITIES In class experience for Sec 1 ML students to immerse themselves in the Malay culture. Students participating in the Wayang Culit workshop and showcasing the traditional Malay Arts shadow puppet showcase performance In-class unique experience for the Sec 3 ML students to immerse themselves and understand more about the different abstracts and creative designs of the Malay delicacies and pastries. TAMIL LANGUAGE ACTIVITIES In-class experience for Sec 1 TL to appreciate the art of flower tying. Flowers symbolize peace and prosperity and play an important part in the decoration of traditional indian ceremonies. A peek at a Sec 3 TL student’s e book creation. An opportunity for students to inspire themselves to become writers of the future and develop their creativity and language use by creating interesting traditional stories and poems through the interactive e-book. 2022 JWSS MTL FORTNIGHT SHOWCASEThe beautiful, colourful and attractive artefacts done by our students for the various hands on activities and photographs of our students in action were displayed as a booth showcase at the Cybercafe with posters on 11 March 2022. |
Mother Tongue Languages (MTL) Fortnight 2021
This year’s theme, titled, “Ties that Bind” showcases a variety of customs and traditions in Singapore, with special focus on our harmonious living environment through the beauty of our Mother Tongue language. The specially curated week-long showcase hopes to inspire joy and most importantly, a culture of care through the celebrations of our customs and traditions.
Apart from exploring our mini museum in the learning hive, our MTL Fortnight teachers have also designed targeted activities for different groups and levels of students which includes poetry writing, colouring, video making and level-wide song dedication.
MTL Fortnight Opening Ceremony – Our vice-principals, Mrs Lau and Mr Chan cutting the ribbon to officiate the opening of MTL Fortnight 2021. The cutting of the ribbon symbolizes the 'opening' of something new, much like when a ribbon is cut from a nicely packaged gift before unwrapping. It builds anticipation with the promise of something exciting for everyone to ignite and immerse in our upcoming Mother Tongue Languages activities!
Exploring Our Mini Exhibition in the Learning Hive - We have the luxury of seeing these exhibitions in the comfort of our own school! | The Chinese Showcase – Uncover the dos and don’ts behind a cultural experience namely housewarming and wedding. |
The Malay Showcase – The intricate paraphernalia behind a cultural event in the Malay society. | The Indian Showcase – Elegant and extravagant, the Indian cultural elements in this showcase highlights its meaningful significance. |
Chinese Language Quiz – Students fervently attempting the quiz while experiencing the showcase. | Chinese Auspicious culture – An in-class experience to discover the wonders of Chinese Auspicious Culture - |
Chinese Auspicious culture – A student designing an angbao with auspicious words and symbols | In-class experience for Sec 1 ML students - Secondary 1 to Secondary 3 students partake in different cultural activities to immerse themselves in the Malay culture. Secondary 1 students were given an in-class experience to analyse the interrelationship between flowers and Malay culture through songs, drawings and poetry. They identified various types of flowers that help to preserve the Malay culture whilst learning about its preservation in modern day, urban environment. |
A peek at decorative motifs in ML culture for Sec 2 students - Secondary 2 students took part in a mindfulness session through colouring of Hari Raya greeting cards. The greeting cards, which reflected decorative motifs, allowed students to identify features in Malay heritage such as orchids, ketupat and batik. Students took the chance to show their use of flamboyant cultural colour palette in a level-based competition, which promised them exciting prizes. | Origami folding session for Sec 3 ML students - Secondary 3 students engaged in an origami-folding session related to Malay cultural costumes and outfit. The students folded intricate pieces of the Malay headgear, Tanjak, while learning the value of patience and embodying the traditions embodied in the practice of creating. |
TL Show and Tell – Students eagerly sharing about the traditional costume in the Indian society | |
Rangoli Art – Having a go at Rangoli Art, a type of decoration usually drawn on the ground or sidewalk in front of a house. | |
We hope that our students have gained a deeper insight into their own culture and learn to appreciate them better. May these activities also raise our awareness on values and practicality of conversing in our own MTL in a real world context |
Chinese New Year Celebration 2021
On 11 Feb 2021 (Thursday), the MTL Department organised the annual Chinese New Year Celebration on New Year’s Eve.
This was indeed a unique experience for all JWSS staff and students. Even though we were not able to celebrate in the hall like previous years due to the pandemic, but it was still memorable as we were able to celebrate in class with meaningful classroom activities. Some of the activities that were done include: making of sky lantern, writing wishes for our COVID-19 frontliners, donating items for the hampers which were given to school cleaners and the elderly from the NTUC Health Senior Activity Centre (Taman Jurong).