Mother Tongue Department

Approach

At Meridian, our approach to Mother Tongue Language learning is built on three key principles that strive to drive student success:

We See - Every child carries the promise of growth. We recognize their unique potential and nurture their strengths in language learning.

We Steer - Through engaging activities and cultural experiences, we guide students to explore their Mother Tongue with curiosity and purpose, equipping them with essential communication skills for the future.

We Shape - We develop confident language users who positively influence others, embracing both their cultural heritage and 21st century competencies.

In alignment with MOE's Mother Tongue Languages curriculum, we emphasize core language skills through a progressive approach, integrating technology and 21st century competencies. Our teachers employ differentiated instruction, ensuring every child progresses while maintaining their joy of learning.

We believe in strong parent partnerships, sharing regular updates and practical tips for home-based language activities through our engagement sessions.

Together, we nurture passionate Mother Tongue Language learners who appreciate their cultural roots and are ready to thrive in an interconnected world.

Key Department Programmes

1. Festive Celebrations

Through immersive celebrations of Chinese New Year, Hari Raya and Deepavali, students experience the rich traditions and cultural practices that make these festivals meaningful in our multicultural society.

2. Reading Programme

From 2025, we have enhanced our Mother Tongue reading programme with dedicated curriculum time for reading. Primary 1 and 2 students will embark on a 30-minute weekly reading journey where stories come alive through:

• Interactive storytelling sessions

• Guided reading discussions

• Creative response activities

• Engaging digital story platforms

This structured yet engaging approach makes reading enjoyable while building strong language foundations. The programme will progressively extend to all primary levels by 2029, in line with the new Mother Tongue Language curriculum.

3. MTL Fortnight and Cultural Camp

Our annual MTL Fortnight brings language and culture to life through interactive workshops, cultural performances, and hands-on activities. These immersive experiences deepen students' appreciation of their cultural heritage while fostering a natural love for their Mother Tongue.

4. High-Ability Learners Programme  

Our High-Ability Learners Programme provides enriched learning experiences for students who demonstrate strong aptitude in their Mother Tongue. We adopt and curate purposeful learning strategies to develop confident and competent communicators.  Through Inquiry-based learning, collaborative projects, enrichment courses and creative activities, students build confidence in their Mother Tongue while deepening their appreciation of the language.

5. Conversational Chinese and Malay

Our 20-hour Conversational Chinese and Malay (CCM) Programme enables Primary 3 students to explore a third language through interactive learning. Students develop basic conversation skills while gaining meaningful insights into another culture, fostering cross-cultural understanding and friendship.

Highlights

• 2024 (Partnership)

In 2024, our Mother Tongue Language learning journey extends beyond classroom walls. Through collaboration with different partners in the educational landscape, our students experience language learning in authentic settings. From overseas virtual exchanges with Nanjing ShangYuan Elementary School for our HAL students to collaborative projects with Pasir Ris Crest Secondary School during MTL Fortnight Cultural Camp, these connections bring our languages and cultures to life.

• 2023 (MTL Fortnight)

In 2023, we launched our Mother Tongue Fortnight programme with an exciting series of activities in our Mother Tongue Language Room.

Our Primary 3 students participated in a traditional games competition, immersing themselves in the cultural heritage of various ethnic groups whilst learning the values of teamwork and sportsmanship. Building on this experience, our high-ability learners further honed their creativity by designing their own traditional games during Higher Mother Tongue lessons.

Our Primary 4 students embarked on an exciting inquiry-based learning to explore Singapore’s vibrant tourist attractions. Through collaborative research and engaging presentations, they had the opportunity to share their perspectives and showcase their creativity. This project emphasized the inclusion of students' voices, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones and build confidence in public speaking.

For enquiries on the school’s Mother Tongue Department, please email:
Mdm Anna Lim (Head of Department)