Mother Tongue Languages

Overview

In line with MOE’s direction, we strive to develop all Kent Ridgeans to be learned persons in their mother tongue language, culture and values by equipping them with a repertoire of language skills, through the love for the language grounded in values.

Programmes

Academic Programme:

Level	Subjects
Lower Secondary	- Higher Mother Tongue (HMTL) - Mother Tongue (Express) - Mother Tongue (NA) - Basic Mother Tongue (BMTL)
Upper Secondary	- Higher Mother Tongue (HMTL) - Mother Tongue (Express) - Mother Tongue (NA) - MTL B Syllabus - Basic Mother Tongue (BMTL)

Enrichment Programmes:

Level	Subjects
Secondary 1	Mother Tongue Fortnight and Cultural Camp Conversational Chinese/ Malay (CCM) Cultural Programme Exposure Scheme MTL Translation Activities
Secondary 2	Mother Tongue Fortnight and Cultural Camp Conversational Chinese/ Malay (CCM) Cultural Programme Exposure Scheme MTL Translation Activities
Secondary 3	Mother Tongue Fortnight and Cultural Camp Conversational Chinese/ Malay (CCM) Cultural Programme Exposure Scheme MTL Translation Activities
Secondary 4	Mother Tongue Fortnight and Cultural Camp Cultural Programme Exposure Scheme Mother Tongue Language Intensive Revision

Mother Tongue Language Fortnight (MTLFN):
To create an immersive environment for the learning of MTL, we designate two consecutive weeks each year for MTL Fortnight, during which a wide range of activities related to CL/ML/TL language and culture are conducted for students.

Language and Cultural Camps:
The objectives of these camps are to provide an immersive environment for students to learn and use MTL in a more in-depth manner, and to appreciate their respective MTL cultures through hands-on tasks such as drama, performances and storytelling.

Language and Cultural Camps

Cultural Performance Exposure Scheme (CPES):
An initiative by the Committee to Promote Chinese Language Learning (CPCLL), CPES (“文化随意门”计划) aims to expose students to Chinese dramas and Chinese language-related performances by local arts groups and overseas arts groups specially invited by Esplanade to join in local arts festivals.

Competitions:
Students with the interest and ability are identified and trained to take part in competitions, so as to enhance and enrich their learning. These include Zaobao Pro Challenge, Create your own Newspaper, Dubbing Competition, Translation Competition, Reading Star 2024.

Competitions

Conversational Chinese/ Malay (CCM):
CCM is introduced as an enrichment programme for non-Chinese / non-Malay students who are interested in learning Chinese / Malay Language and its culture. Communication through languages enhances social interaction. CCM provides these students with the platform to communicate with their counterparts, and to better understand and appreciate Chinese / Malay cultures and values. It will also help students to enhance their rapport with Chinese- / Malay-speaking friends

MTL Translation Activities:
The school translation programme develops students' bidirectional translation skills between English and their Mother Tongue Language (Chinese or Malay), supporting 21st Century Competencies. Students learn to navigate challenging tasks while mastering appropriate language registers in both formal and casual contexts. Throughout the year, students participate in translation competitions and an Amazing Race at Changi Airport where mixed groups complete translation tasks and solve riddles. Through these engaging activities, students develop effective cross-cultural communication skills in both languages.

Malay Ambassador Programme (Rakan Bahasa):
In collaboration with the Bulan Bahasa Committee, the school selects two Rakan Bahasa (Malay Language Ambassadors) annually to serve as ambassadors for the Malay language. This programme aims to enrich students' love and appreciation for the Malay language while developing their leadership skills. The appointed Rakan Bahasa participate in various language promotion activities throughout the year, helping to foster a vibrant Malay language learning environment within the school community.