Mother Tongue Languages
Discover how Damai Secondary School brings Mother Tongue Languages to life through innovative lessons, cultural programmes, and immersion trips.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
