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.

Inquiry Based Learning Alternative Assessments

The MTL Department adopts an Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) approach in the design of our Alternative Assessments, providing students with a structured thinking process that encourages curiosity, critical inquiry, and deeper learning. Through IBL, students collaborate in groups, communicate their ideas effectively, and present their findings with clarity and confidence.

To strengthen real-world application of the Mother Tongue Languages, students engage in discussions and research on trending topics or current affairs. They collect authentic data—such as through interviews, surveys, or observations—which allows them to apply the language meaningfully in real contexts. These experiences help students see the relevance of MTL beyond the classroom and develop essential communication skills.

The Alternative Assessment forms one of the Weighted Assessments for Secondary 1 to Secondary 3, offering a dynamic and authentic platform for students to demonstrate their language proficiency, collaborative skills, and ability to engage with real-world issues using their Mother Tongue Languages.

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

To promote inter-school collaboration in the learning of Mother Tongue Languages (MTL) and to make MTL engaging and meaningful, the MTL Department has been organising the annual MTL and Cultural Fiesta for W3 cluster schools since 2008. This long-standing event provides a vibrant platform for students and teachers to connect, fostering the e-21CC competency of Communication, Collaboration and Information Skills (CCI) while deepening appreciation for language and culture.

This year’s Fiesta featured cultural booths with traditional games and interactive audience quizzes, boosting student engagement and strengthening cultural awareness. Creative writing competitions and quizzes on culture and language further injected joy of learning and motivated students to excel in both linguistic proficiency and cultural understanding.

Through these authentic, collaborative and culturally rich experiences, the MTL and Cultural Fiesta inspires students to appreciate their heritage while developing confidence and enthusiasm in using their Mother Tongue Languages.

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

The Chinese Language (CL) Reading and Creative Writing Programme aims to nurture students’ love for language while developing 21st Century Competencies such as communication, collaboration, and critical and creative thinking.

Through the Reading Programme, students read digital novels via the SLS platform and participate in guided discussions to explore characterisation, themes, and literary techniques. These sessions encourage perspective-taking and empathy as students connect textual experiences to real-world contexts.

Authentic engagement continues beyond the classroom, as local authors are invited to share their creative journeys, offering students insight into how ideas and emotions are shaped into literary works.

Students are further empowered to express their own voices through the Creative Writing Programme, producing micro-novels, prose, and poetry. With guidance from teachers, a student editorial team curates and publishes selected works in an anthology—providing hands-on experience in writing, editing, and publishing.

By blending reading, creativity, and authentic application, the programme helps students become confident, expressive, and socially aware communicators in a globalised world.

Tamil Language Department: AI- infused Teaching & Learning

Students built their understanding of how AI can be applied in the use of Tamil Language through a structured reading and creative storytelling programme. They began by engaging with a series of Tamil short stories by reading, analysing, and discussing their themes and language use. Building on this foundation, students then applied their knowledge to either craft an original story inspired by their imagination or re-tell a familiar one using AI tools to produce digital narratives.

Their learning experience culminated in their participation in the AI Storytelling Competition at NUS, organised by the Alagappa Institute, which offered Tamil Language students an exciting platform to explore AI and digital creativity. During the workshop, students honed their skills in using AI-driven applications such as CapCut for photo and video editing, ElevenLabs for generating realistic voiceovers, and Pixabay for curating suitable background music.

Through brainstorming and collaborative planning, participants transformed their ideas into engaging digital stories. This hands-on experience deepened their proficiency in Tamil language and translation, while nurturing teamwork, creativity, and resilience. In the process, students also strengthened key e21CC competencies—including critical, adaptive, and inventive thinking, as well as communication, collaboration, and information skills.

Overall, the experience empowered students to merge technology with storytelling, inspiring them to express their ideas confidently and creatively through innovative digital platforms.

Malay Language Department: Gamification of ML Reading Programme

The Malay Language (ML) Reading Programme is designed to strengthen reading skills and engagement for all learners, including students with Special Educational Needs (SEN). Curated by the ML Reading Programme Team in collaboration with our school counsellors, the programme ensures that learning experiences are responsive to diverse student needs.

Technology and gamification are key features of the programme. Customizable e-books with “Read to Me” functions support dyslexic learners, while text-to-speech tools and AI-generated visuals enhance fluency, comprehension, and story understanding. Speech evaluation tools offer stress-free oral practice, and interactive post-reading activities—such as vocabulary games and crosswords—reinforce learning in enjoyable ways.

A highlight of the programme is The Story Race, an outdoor gamified adventure where students solve story-based puzzles, role-play characters, and complete collaborative tasks. As part of the race, students also interact with the school’s administrative staff, providing real-world opportunities to apply communication skills in an authentic and purposeful context.

With adaptive tools and thoughtfully designed activities, the programme promotes accessibility, confidence, and active participation for SEN students while fostering a love for reading among all learners.

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.