Mother Tongue Languages

Department Focus

In Damai Secondary School, the Mother Tongue Languages (MTL) teachers adopt various teaching pedagogies and infuse ICT components into daily MTL lessons. In addition, teachers leverage on Differentiated Instruction (DI) strategies to support students in their learning. The department strives to equip students with crucial language and 21CC competencies to widen their horizons and enable them to tap into opportunities in the regional and global environment in the future. The MTL department seeks to adopt innovative teaching and learning strategies to build a solid foundation for students in learning MTL as well as cultivate a strong interest in their respective Mother Tongue languages and cultures.

Curriculum

In Damai Secondary School, the MTL teachers adopt various teaching pedagogies and infuse ICT components into daily MTL lessons. The department strives to equip students with crucial language and cultural competencies to widen their horizons and enable them to tap into opportunities in the regional and global environment in the future.

Syllabus Link

• G1, G2, G3 and Higher Mother Tongue Languages Syllabus

Signature Programmes
Mother Tongue Language (MTL) Fortnight Activities

The MTL Fortnight activities aim to create an engaging environment which encourages the use and learning of Mother Tongue languages beyond the classroom, while deepening students’ knowledge and passion for their language and culture.

Damai Secondary School conducted a range of activities related to MTL and cultures for the students to participate in. Among these activities were hands-on sessions such as traditional arts and crafts, performing arts appreciation and vlogging.

[MTLF] Kampung House	[MTLF] Basket Weaving	[MTLF] Angklung dan Genderang	[MTLF] Dikir Barat
[MTLF] Clay Making	[MTLF] Fan Painting	[MTLF] Xin Yao	[MTLF] Opera Face Changing

Conversational Chinese/Malay (CCM) Programme

The CCM programme aims to strengthen social cohesion among the different races in Singapore and equip students with a foundational grasp in the respective languages to enable them to engage with their counterparts in the region. It also helps students to enhance rapport with their friends of different races in the community.

[CCM] Lessons	[CCM] Games

Reading Programmes
This year, Damai Secondary School participated in the Reading Ambassadors’ Programme, organised by the department to promote Chinese Language Learning (CPCLL). The programme supports the school in fostering a strong Chinese reading culture through curated book collections and meaningful reading activities both in and beyond the classroom.

As part of our Reading Programme, the selected secondary one class was assigned one book to read for the year. Teachers reinforced the book’s content through class discussions, online games and a variety of interactive activities, creating an engaging and enriching reading experience. Students also took part in a reading competition at the end of the programme, applying their understanding of the book in a fun and challenging way.

Pertandingan Bahas 4PM Peringkat Menengah 2024

In February 2024, three Secondary 3 students participated in the annual Malay Debate Competition organised by the Malay Youth Literary Association (4PM). The students prepared themselves for the topics and trained hard. Their efforts bore fruit as one of them, Nabilah Maisarah (302), received the Excellent Debater award.

[Reading Programme] Online Escape Room	[Reading Programme] Group Work

The Cultural Performance Exposure Scheme (CPES)

The Cultural Performance Exposure Scheme (CPES) is an initiative by the department to promote Chinese Language Learning (CPCLL). It has been established since 2009. The objective is to enhance students' interest in Chinese language and culture through attendance at Chinese cultural performances at public performing arts venues.

This year, the secondary one and two students attended a Chinese drama performance，The Legend of The Monkey King, performed by the Singapore Focus Theatre.

[CPES] The Legend of The Monkey King	[CPES] The Legend of The Monkey King Interaction

Competitions and Achievements

• Campus Super Reading Star Competition 2025 校园超级阅读明星比赛

• National Chinese Language Challenge 2025 华文大比拼

• National Secondary School Chinese Creative Writing Competition 2025 新蕾奖

• Pertandingan Cipta Kata 2025

• Pertandingan Menulis Cerpen Bisikan Pena 2025

• Pertandingan Sahibba 2025

• Suzhou Chinese Calligraphy Competition 2025 苏州市中小学硬笔书法大赛

• Young Reporter News Challenge Competition 2025 我来报新闻挑战赛

Pertandingan Cipta Kata	Pertandingan Sahibba
Young Reporter News Challenge	National Chinese Language Challenge

Competition	Achievement
Pertandingan Cipta Kata 2025	2nd Place (Team): Rafiqah Binti Shallahudin (201) Iman Iliyah Binti Suhirmi (202)
National Secondary School Chinese Creative Writing Competition 2025 新蕾奖	3rd Prize: Xu Tianyue (201)

Highlights of 2025

Indonesia Bina Bangsa School 培民学校 Educational Visit 2025

This year, Damai Secondary School had the pleasure of hosting teachers from Bina Bangsa School for an educational visit and teaching pedagogy exchange. The session provided a valuable platform for both schools to share insights on effective teaching practices and classroom strategies. The visit not only deepened professional understanding but also, strengthened collaboration among educators across different educational contexts. It was a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the spirit of lifelong learning and build connections which inspire continued growth in teaching and learning.

Bina Bangsa School Educational Visit	Bina Bangsa School Educational Visit Sharing

Suzhou Immersion Programme 2025

From 1 to 6 June 2025, a group of secondary three students took part in the China Immersion Programme to Suzhou and Shanghai for a six-day educational and cultural experience. Students had the opportunity to attend Xinghai Experimental School in Suzhou, where they joined in lessons alongside their local buddies, gaining first-hand insights into China’s education system and forming meaningful cross-cultural friendships.

Beyond the classroom, students visited Suzhou’s Tongli Ancient Town and the Silk Museum, learning about the city’s rich heritage, before heading to Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower to witness the blend of tradition and modernity. Through exploring cultural landmarks, tasting local delicacies and participating in tea appreciation, students developed greater cultural awareness, independence and teamwork. The trip was a memorable journey of discovery, connection and growth.

Suzhou Immersion Trip	Suzhou Immersion Trip Sharing
Xinghai Experimental School Immersion Visit	Xinghai Experimental School Immersion Visit Sharing