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Dazhong Primary School

Mother Tongue Language

Explore how Dazhong Primary School builds bilingual skills through cultural programmes, festive celebrations, and enriching Mother Tongue Language activities.

Last updated on 1 October 2026

Mother Tongue Languages

Vision:

Developing effective bilingual communicators

Mission:

To nurture high-potential learners who can exercise metacognitive reflections on their own learning and seek self-improvement, to become proficient users of their respective MTLs.

Key Approaches:

·       Engage: Students are engaged to learn actively as they enjoy and learn optimally with their teachers and peers in seamless Blended Learning experiences.

·       Excite: In the MTL classrooms, students’ learning will be activated, so that they are excited, aware and eager to learn.

·       Empower: Students are empowered to own and self-direct their MTL learning based on their readiness and interest. They can also use and apply acquired MTL content and skills to serve and advocate for the causes they believe in and lead their peers, school and the community to be part of the movement. All of which are anchored on strong school and CCE values.

Milestone Programmes

1. Mother Tongue Fortnight Programme (MTFP)

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During our annual Mother Tongue Fortnight Programme, students engage in a vibrant two-week exploration of language, culture, and identity through activities such as drama and traditional experiences, thoughtfully aligned with festive celebrations where appropriate.

Anchored in the development of Emerging 21st Century Competencies (E21CC) and Character and Citizenship Education (CCE), these experiences strengthen students’ communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills, while fostering civic literacy, global awareness, and cross-cultural understanding. More importantly, students develop a deeper appreciation of their heritage, growing into confident bilingual communicators who take pride in their cultural identity.

2. Mother Tongue Cultural Camp

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The Mother Tongue Cultural Camp provides a focused and immersive platform for students to actively experience and apply their Mother Tongue Languages beyond the classroom. Unlike classroom-based programmes, the camp places students in an authentic, interactive environment where they engage directly with cultural practices and traditions.

Aligned with Emerging 21st Century Competencies (E21CC) and Character and Citizenship Education (CCE), the programme emphasises experiential learning. Students develop confidence in using their MTL, while strengthening collaboration and adaptive thinking skills through hands-on participation. Through activities such as performing arts, traditional games, and cultural dances, students gain deeper insights into both their own and others’ cultures, fostering cross-cultural appreciation, empathy, and a stronger sense of identity.

3. Conversational Chinese and Malay (CCM) Programme

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The Conversational Chinese and Malay (CCM) Programme is a non-examinable enrichment programme that equips students with basic Mandarin or Malay for everyday communication, with a focus on speaking and listening skills. Conducted in our school and supported by the Singapore Student Learning Space (SLS), it provides opportunities for students to learn the mother tongue of their peers and engage in authentic conversations across cultures.

Through these meaningful interactions, students apply their learning in real-life contexts, strengthening Emerging 21st Century Competencies (E21CC) such as communication and collaboration, while deepening their civic literacy, global awareness, and cross-cultural understanding. The programme also fosters mutual respect, a shared sense of identity, and the formation of meaningful friendships across diverse communities.

4. Cultural Performance Exposure Scheme (CPES)

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The Cultural Performance Exposure Scheme (CPES) is a Ministry of Education (MOE) initiative that enriches students’ learning of Mother Tongue Languages through authentic cultural experiences beyond the classroom. Supported by language promotion committees such as the CPCLL, MLLPC and TLLPC, the scheme provides opportunities for students to attend a variety of performances, including theatre, storytelling, poetry recitation and traditional arts by local and overseas groups.

Through CPES, students are exposed to the richness and beauty of their Mother Tongue Languages in meaningful and engaging contexts. These experiences deepen their appreciation of culture and heritage, spark their interest in language learning, and build confidence in using the language. Ultimately, the programme aims to nurture students who value their cultural identity and are motivated to further develop their Mother Tongue proficiency.

Festive Celebrations

1. Chinese New year Celebration

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Our Chinese New Year (CNY) celebration offers students meaningful opportunities to experience the richness of culture, heritage, and community through performances, traditional activities, and interactive booths.

Designed to develop Emerging 21st Century Competencies (E21CC) and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), students strengthen their communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills, while deepening civic literacy, global awareness, and respect for diversity.

Through strong collaboration with the Aesthetics, ICT, and ALP Departments, the celebration also promotes the school’s Greenovator vision. Sustainability-focused initiatives such as the Green Challenge and CNY Reel Challenge encourage students to take action and advocate for environmental responsibility, while fostering a culture of care, inclusivity, and shared identity.

2. Hari Raya Celebration

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Our Hari Raya celebration offers students meaningful opportunities to explore and appreciate Malay culture through activities such as traditional costumes, craftwork, and performances.

Through these experiences, students develop E21CC by strengthening their communication, collaboration, and cross-cultural understanding, while nurturing key values of respect, empathy, and curiosity. The programme promotes cultural appreciation and acceptance, encouraging students to learn about diverse traditions and fostering a strong sense of unity within the school community.

In line with the school’s Greenovator vision, students also adopt sustainable practices, such as using recycled materials in their craftwork, growing into responsible and culturally aware individuals.

3. Deepavali Celebration

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Our Deepavali celebration offers students meaningful opportunities to explore the values of light, hope, and togetherness through classroom activities and interactive recess booths. Students engage in creative tasks such as rangoli designs, diya colouring, and greeting card creation, deepening their appreciation of the festival.

The programme supports CCE by fostering respect, empathy, and a sense of belonging, while promoting appreciation of cultural diversity. Through collaboration with the CCE, ICT, and ALP Departments, students also take part in sustainability initiatives like the Green Challenge, growing as responsible Greenovators and Ace Leaders who contribute to a caring and inclusive community.

Stretch Programmes

1. Picture Book Creation Enrichment Programme for P3 and P4 High Ability Learners

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In addition to offering the Higher Mother Tongue curriculum from Primary 3 to Primary 6, the Picture Book Creation Enrichment Programme is designed to stretch Primary 3 and Primary 4 high-ability learners beyond the core curriculum, developing them into high-potential learners.

Through the creation of sustainability-themed digital picture books in both audio and non-audio formats, students engage in inquiry-based learning and design thinking as they explore real-world environmental issues. This authentic learning experience strengthens their language proficiency, particularly in narrative writing and persuasive communication.

The programme also develops key 21st Century Competencies, including critical thinking, collaboration and civic literacy, while nurturing students to become Greenovators who are aware of environmental challenges, take action and advocate for change.

It culminates in a showcase where students present their work to an authentic audience, demonstrating their growth as confident and effective bilingual communicators.

2. Mother Tongue Competitions

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The Mother Tongue Language Department provides a wide range of competition platforms for students to develop their potential, showcase their talents and learn through meaningful experiences. Students participate in key Chinese Language competitions such as the National Calligraphy Competition organised by Fo Guang Shan and the Text Recital Competition by the Committee to Promote Chinese Language Learning (CPCLL), alongside Malay Language competitions like Sahibba (Scrabble), Lensa Bahasa, Katapella, Cerpen writing and OpS Baca, as well as Tamil Language competitions in areas such as spelling, storytelling, literature and the performing arts, offering opportunities for learners of all readiness levels to excel.

Through these diverse opportunities, our school remains committed to nurturing every student as a high-potential learner, empowering them to grow in confidence, creativity and cultural appreciation across all Mother Tongue Languages.

Support Programme

Mother Tongue Support Programme (MTSP)

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The Mother Tongue Support Programme (MTSP) provides targeted support for students identified in Primary 2, with intervention carried out in Primary 3 and 4. Conducted by trained school teachers, the programme adopts a small-group approach of 8 to 15 students to ensure focused attention and personalised learning.

MTSP aims to strengthen students’ oracy and literacy skills, building a strong foundation in speaking, reading and writing. Through engaging and interactive lessons, students are encouraged to become active learners, develop confidence in using their Mother Tongue, and apply the language meaningfully in real-life contexts.

Guided by the belief that every child can learn, the programme offers a supportive and enjoyable learning environment that addresses individual learning needs while fostering positive attitudes towards Mother Tongue Languages. Ultimately, MTSP seeks to nurture confident and effective bilingual communicators who are able to use their Mother Tongue with purpose and confidence.

Mother Tongue Reading Programme

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Aligned with the school’s vision and mission, the department implemented the MTL Reading Programme, comprising a series of structured and engaging reading activities throughout the year for all students. The programme aims to:

  1. Excite, engage and nurture students’ love for Mother Tongue Languages, building a strong foundation for lifelong learning

  2. Develop students’ self-directed learning habits through regular reading of MTL story books

  3. Cultivate critical reading skills and empower students to recommend and share meaningful reads with their peers

  4. Broaden students’ language proficiency while strengthening their Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Emerging 21st Century Competencies (E21CC)

  5. Develop student leadership by encouraging them to serve as reading advocates for peers and younger students

  6. Strengthen students’ connection to Asian heritage, fostering deeper cultural awareness and appreciation as responsible and informed citizens.

MTL Reading Programme Booklet

Students actively engage in reading tasks through the MTL Reading Programme Booklet, taking ownership of their learning and expressing creativity beyond the classroom. With parental support, they further deepen their learning by sharing reflections and recommendations on Padlet, fostering a vibrant reading culture at school and at home.

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MTL Reading Activities
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Avid Reader Sharing

Students take the stage during Thursday morning assembly to conduct bilingual book sharing in both their Mother Tongue Language and English. Through these engaging presentations, they confidently share their reading experiences, captivate their peers, and inspire a school-wide passion for reading.

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Parent Volunteer Storytelling

As part of World Book Day, Parent Volunteers are invited to share stories with students in their Mother Tongue Languages. Through lively storytelling, they spark curiosity and imagination while creating meaningful connections that help stories resonate deeply with students.

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Post-PSLE Storytelling Activity

P6 students collaborate in groups to deliver engaging storytelling sessions for P1 and P2 learners. Through lively performances, they spark excitement and nurture a love for reading, inspiring the next generation of avid readers.

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