Mother Tongue
Vision
Every Juying student, a confident Mother Tongue learner for life — rooted in culture, ready for the future.
Mission
To nurture passionate, adaptable learners who communicate with confidence, connect meaningfully with their heritage, and create with purpose through the mother tongue languages.
The Mother Tongue Language (MTL) Department at Juying Secondary School is committed to making language learning relevant, joyful, and future-ready.
Guided by the principles of Joy of Learning (JoL) and Joy of Teaching (JoT), the department integrates EdTech tools such as Classpoint and SLS, and draws on contemporary issues and current affairs to promote thinking and discussion, nurturing students as confident Communicators in their mother tongue.
Anchored in the 21st Century Competencies (E21CC) framework, the department develops students as Creators through drama-based learning, project work, and inquiry-based approaches that deepen understanding and spark creativity.
Students become Connectors to their cultural roots through a range of intentionally curated enrichment programmes. Annually, the department organises the Chinese Language and Malay Language Performing Arts Appreciation programme, offering students a dedicated platform to experience the richness and beauty of their mother tongue through the performing arts. Complemented by programmes such as Tea Appreciation and the Kampung Buangkok learning journey, these experiences collectively deepen students' appreciation of their cultural heritage and strengthen their sense of identity and belonging.
Adaptability is woven into every layer of the department's work — from differentiated instruction through flipped classrooms and blended learning to customised one-to-one and small group consultations that promote student agency. Intentionally, the department organises meaningful student exchange programmes to allow students to experience MTL in its native environment, where language truly comes alive in authentic, real-world contexts. In 2025, Juying students embarked on a STEM Exchange with Lanya Junior High School in Taiwan and a cultural exchange with SMA Taruna Bakti in Bandung, Indonesia — immersing themselves in the living language, culture, and everyday rhythms of their MTL communities. These experiences gave students invaluable first-hand exposure to how their mother tongue is spoken, celebrated, and woven into daily life beyond the classroom. In 2026, the exchange continued in a deeply reciprocal manner, as students from both Lanya Junior High and SMA Taruna Bakti visited Juying, creating a rich two-way learning experience where our students took on the role of cultural ambassadors — practising their language skills, sharing Singapore's heritage, and forging lasting cross-cultural friendships. Through these exchanges, competitions, and community collaborations, students are equipped not just as language users, but as adaptable, globally aware lifelong learners ready to thrive in an interconnected world.
Program and Activities
CNY
This year's Chinese New Year Celebration took on a fresh dimension, Sec 1 to 3 HCL students initiated to design and set-up booths after school to promote Chinese tradition and cultures. The booths showcase calligraphy, customs and traditions, and well-wishes idioms from JYians — turning celebration into a meaningful cultural showcase.
MTFP
Our Mother Tongue Fortnight offered hands-on modules in cloth painting, paper cutting, calligraphy, cultural dance, Chinese chess and puppet DIY, connecting students with the richness of Chinese culture. Students also built their own MT e-portfolios, capturing their learning and sharing their growth as Creators, Communicators and Connectors.
Guided by the dedication of our teachers and the curiosity of our learners, these experiences reflect a community committed to a culture of joy, excellence and continuous learning--— celebrating the beauty of Chinese language, culture and identity.
Building Bridges Beyond Borders
Our Malay Language Unit proudly hosted students and teachers from Taruna Bakti Junior High School, Bandung, Indonesia, for a two-day Internationalisation Programme. Student ambassadors led the welcoming activities, while visitors experienced Singapore's education system through classroom immersion and hands-on sessions by Mdm Khairiani (FCE), Mdm Rosnah (Science) and our NCDCC students. The programme concluded with performances by the Cultural Dance, Symphonic Band and Choir, with our AVIT students providing technical support and capturing memorable moments.
Mother Tongue Fortnight: Discovering Our Malay Heritage
Secondary 2 students embarked on a Learning Journey to Kampung Buangkok, where they experienced kampung life and explored Malay food culture. They shared Nasi Ambeng, made Abuk-Abuk kuih and crafted traditional Malay potpourri. These authentic experiences deepened students' appreciation of Singapore's multicultural heritage while strengthening collaboration, communication and cultural awareness through the Joy of Learning.
Accolades
National Reading Star Competition (Excellence Award)
Photos
MTFP Secondary 1
MTFP Secondary 2
