The MTL department aims to create a vibrant learning culture through sound pedagogy and innovative approaches. Inventive thinking, effective communication and ICT skills are infused into the curriculum to enable our students to stay relevant and adaptable in this dynamic changing world.
Enrichment Programmes
To promote multi-cultural literacy and deepen students’ knowledge of language and culture, the MTL department also organises a number of special events and programmes throughout the year. Some of the annual events conducted within the institute include Mother Tongue Cultural Week, Creative Essay Writing Competition, Inter-class Debate Competition, learning journeys and overseas cultural exchange programmes. In particular, the Malay unit held the annual Inter-schools National Scrabble Competition in June. In September, the Chinese unit also coordinated a cultural exchange trip to China,. In November, the Tamil unit organised an enrichment activity for script writing and drama acting skills.
Achievements
The MTL department also encourages and trains students to take part in external competitions to develop talents and level up students’ Chinese proficiency. These external events participated include Oratorical Competitions, Poetry Recitation Contest, Debate Competition and Bilingual Translation Competition.
Some of the major award highlights in 2009 include:
· 1st prize for the 2nd Chinese Bridge-Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign High School Students at national and international level (second consecutive year)
· 2nd prize for Tamil Oratorical Competition for Junior Colleges and Centralised Institute
· 2nd prize for YMCA Mandarin Speaking Awards
· 3rd prize for 10th Chan Soo Sen Cup Chinese Impromptu Speech Competition (second consecutive year)
· Merit awards for National Broadcast Journalist Competition (third consecutive year)
Front row, from left: Mr S. Senguttuvan, Mr Yeo Meng Choon, Mr Tay Yong Sng, Mr Wong Chong Lum (HOD), Mr Abdul Nasser O T Ahmed Mitten, Mr Rashasegaran s/o Vaiyapuri, Mr Liu Jian Jun
Back row, from left: Mrs Tan Suew Tee, Ms See Hui Chen, Ms Lee Xuan Man, Ms Siti Mardiana Abdul Hamid, Ms Nur Illiana Mohamad Malek, Mdm Marnee Suhiat, Mdm Norlila Bt Abdul Ghani, Ms Zhou Ping, Ms Min Yue, Ms Leow Mei Leng, Ms Zaibah Mohammed Amin
A teacher is one who inculcates moral values, imparts professional knowledge and resolves doubts --- Han Yu (Song Dynasty, 768-874 B.C.)
“We aim to provide our students with a common direction for developing language proficiency and cultural depth. It is our mission to develop independent and life-long learners who appreciate and preserve their own cultural heritage and values. Opportunities are provided to embrace diversity in the hope of promoting racial harmony.”
- Wong Chong Lum (HOD MT)
Everyone is gifted in one way or another and I believe that one would shine given the right opportunity and guidance. In MI, this is where we as educators provide opportunities for learning and nurture talents for success. I envision our MI students to graduate with a strong love for learning, a critical thinking mind and one who is able to uphold values dear to their heart, and I see the Chinese language as an important avenue in achieving these aims. The Chinese language is like a window of opportunities for students to discover the beauty within and to provide perspectives of the world beyond.
- Mdm Leow Mei Leng (SH, Chinese Language)
As a team, we aim to imbue our students with a deep sense of love and pride in the Malay Language. Our flexible instructional programme aims to equip students with necessary tools and skills to develop themselves to become highly effective listeners and communicators. We envision our students to stay relevant and adaptable in this dynamic landscape of the 21st century.
- Zaibah M Amin (SH, Malay Language)
“Tamil with its wonderful monosyllables, is one of the most concise of languages. The Tirukkural is an example of the condensation of thought that is possible in Tamil.” - Dr. Winslow
More than inculcating students with knowledge and literacy skills, the Tamil Unit provides MI students a platform to express their cultural identity. Tamil is not only taught as an academic subject in the classrooms but also as an avenue to bring the best out of students as we prepare them to be global citizens. To this end, we offer students a range of experiences which is not just confined to the classroom, but through avenues like learning journeys and exchange programmes. We are confident that we can drive students forward in their quest for excellence.
- Abdul Nasser (Senior Teacher, TL / CIP Coordinator)