Mother Tongue Department

Objectives

At SACSS, the Mother Tongue Department is committed to nurturing confident, culturally-aware communicators who appreciate the richness of their heritage languages. We strive to develop students' proficiency in Mother Tongue languages whilst fostering deep cultural understanding and cross-cultural literacy. Through authentic learning experiences that connect classroom knowledge to real-world applications, we aim to cultivate lifelong learners who can engage meaningfully with their communities and contribute positively to Singapore's multicultural society. Our comprehensive approach ensures students develop both linguistic competence and cultural pride, preparing them to be effective global citizens.

Approach

• Creative Expression: Students showcase their learning through art projects, reading exhibitions, and public performances that celebrate their linguistic and cultural achievements.

• Competitive Excellence: We encourage participation in national competitions including text recitation, creative writing, and cultural performances to benchmark skills against high standards.

• Cultural Immersion: Students experience their heritage cultures through hands-on workshops, traditional arts, cultural performances, and interactions with community members and local authors.

• Cross-Cultural Understanding: We promote inclusivity through programmes with international students, interfaith sessions, and celebrations that highlight cultural diversity.

• Interactive Learning: Students engage through mystery-solving games, role-play activities, and collaborative discussions that make language learning enjoyable and develop critical thinking.

• Community Engagement: Students apply their language skills through meaningful community service, elderly engagement programmes, and cross-cultural bonding activities that develop empathy and social responsibility.

• Technology Integration: We use educational technology and multimedia resources to enable personalised learning and engagement with authentic materials.

Programme/s (short paragraphs OR bulleted points)

Chinese Language 第8届课文朗诵比赛 8th National Chinese Text Recitation Competition

On 26 July 2025, our talented team achieved remarkable success at the 8th National Chinese Text Recitation Competition, securing 1st Runner-up position! Selected from over 2,500 students across more than 200 schools nationwide, our students impressed the judges with their expressive delivery and seamless teamwork, earning a Gold Award and securing a coveted spot among the Top 5 National Finalists.

第23届 新蕾奖 23rd Xin Lei Jiang National Secondary School Chinese Creative Writing Competition

From nearly 500 entries submitted by 83 schools across the nation, we are delighted to announce that our student Xu Xin Yue won 3rd Prize in the Upper Secondary Category, demonstrating exceptional creative writing skills and literary talent.

2025世界书香日 2025 World Book Day

On 8 April 2025, all Secondary 2 Chinese G3 and G2 students participated in the World Book Day event organised by the Committee to Promote Chinese Language Learning (CPCLL). We had the privilege of hosting renowned local author Ms 黄旭辉, who guided students through her science fiction novel 《不可思议的打印机》 and shared insights into the joys of reading and writing. Students engaged in thought-provoking discussions with the author about artificial intelligence and its potential impact on our future world.

谁是推理王 Who is the One?

On 21 April 2026, our students participated in an innovative mystery-solving activity through role-play and deductive reasoning. Using materials provided by CPCLL, students received player handbooks and case report videos to understand story backgrounds and suspect motivations. Like professional detectives, they returned to crime scenes, analysed evidence step by step, discussed clues collaboratively, and worked together to uncover the truth. This engaging approach made Chinese language learning both enjoyable and memorable.

Cultural Performance Exposure Scheme (CPES)

This annual programme broadens students' appreciation of Chinese language and culture by providing opportunities to experience authentic performances beyond the classroom setting. These cultural exposures enrich their learning experience and help students recognise the practical relevance of the language beyond textbook knowledge.

SACSS Chinese Department Reading Day

On 1 August 2025, all Secondary 1 Chinese Language students gathered for an enriching Reading Day celebration. Teachers and students explored the captivating story "My Boyfriend is a Mermaid《我的男友是人鱼》", discovering the magic of literature and the power of imagination through shared reading experiences.

Secondary 2 Chinese Language Text Reading Competition

In 2025, students from 2G3 Chinese Language classes demonstrated enthusiastic participation in inter-class reading competitions. These events showcased their Chinese reading proficiency whilst building confidence and fostering healthy academic competition amongst peers.

Lower Secondary Chinese Reading Assignment Outstanding Work Exhibition

Students demonstrated creativity and critical thinking through diverse reading assignments including handicrafts, artistic drawings, and informative reading posters. These activities successfully nurtured genuine interest in Chinese literature whilst allowing students' passion for the language to flourish naturally.

Malay Language Chinese New Year Staff and Student Values in Action (VIA)

During Chinese New Year celebrations, our 4G1 students demonstrated exceptional leadership by organising interactive Bingo games and meaningful bonding sessions with elderly residents from Sunlove Activity Centre. This community service initiative helped students forge new friendships whilst expressing gratitude and respect for senior community members through genuine interaction.

Mother Tongue Fortnight

Our comprehensive Mother Tongue Fortnight programme immersed students in authentic Malay culture through diverse hands-on activities including podcast workshops, herbs and spices discovery sessions, and traditional arts training. Students participated enthusiastically in Dikir Barat and traditional Malay costume workshops, developing confidence, teamwork skills, and deeper cultural appreciation. They successfully showcased their newly acquired knowledge and skills to the entire school community through vibrant performances during the Hari Raya concert.

Hari Raya Concert

Our Hari Raya concert celebrated unity and diversity in collaboration with International Friendship Day. The event featured outstanding student performances including graceful Malay dance and spirited Dikir Barat presentations that highlighted rich cultural heritage. A specially produced video by our teachers emphasised the importance of cross-cultural relationships. Through these performances, students effectively demonstrated how embracing diverse traditions strengthens our shared school community.

Malay Language Unit Values in Action (VIA)

In partnership with Smiles Salam, our Secondary 4 Malay Language students led a meaningful community outreach initiative. Students took responsibility for distributing iftar meals to those in need and organising successful food donation drives for neighbourhood residents. They also supported a pop-up grocery store, ensuring essential supplies reached community members with dignity and respect. This collaboration enabled our senior students to practise core values whilst developing empathy and social responsibility.

Break Fast Session (Collaboration with International Relations Committee)

Our G1 students hosted a meaningful iftar session for international students, parents, and school leaders, promoting cross-cultural understanding and community bonding. Students shared valuable insights about Ramadan's significance and the spiritual meaning of iftar, emphasising values of reflection and togetherness. A highlight of the evening was the introduction of nasi ambeng, where students explained how this communal dish symbolises unity and collective harmony. Through this initiative, students gained confidence in sharing their cultural heritage whilst strengthening our school's inclusive spirit.

Competitions and Programmes

Our students actively participate in various prestigious competitions including the Pena Emas Writing Competition, Rakan Bahasa Programme, and TeeVers Audio-drama Competition. Through consistent participation in these events, students maintain familiarity with high standards of Malay language excellence whilst developing competitive skills and cultural knowledge.