Mother Tongue Languages
Discover how Hougang Secondary School's Mother Tongue department builds language skills and cultural pride through immersive programmes, competitions, and enrichment activities.
Head of Department
Ms Cheng Sze Mei Carmen
Subject Head
Ms Yvonne Liew
Teachers
Mr Muhammad Irwan Bin Jamal (ST/Malay Language)
Ms Chen Si Si
Mr Lee Heng Han
Mr Mohamed Hairi Bin Nor Azmi
Mr Leo Sing Ann
Ms Nur Nadzirah Bte Mohamed Hassan
Ms Yu Honghong
Mdm Wang Qingzhen
Ms Lian Bee San
Ms Zhou Shaojuan
Mr Chua Yong Le
Mdm Janisah Binte Johari
Mr Watt Chan Meng
Vision
To nurture in our students a strong foundation in their Mother Tongue Languages and an enduring interest in their culture.
Mission
To be a value-added department that inspires the pupil love for their culture.
Objectives
Our teachers are committed to produce students who are:
Highly proficient in the use of Mother Tongue Languages
Confident and articulate speakers
Rooted in the values and appreciative of their cultural heritage
Programmes/Focus/Events
CNY Celebrations
Mother Tongue Fortnight & Cultural Camp
Cultural Performance Exposure
Other Related Links: https://zbschools.sg/
Chinese New Year Classroom Decoration Competition
The Chinese New Year Classroom Decoration Competition is an exciting event aimed at fostering cultural awareness and celebrating the rich traditions of the Chinese New Year within Hougang Secondary School. The primary objective of this competition is to engage students, teachers, and staff in a creative and educational experience that goes beyond the typical classroom setting. By encouraging participants to decorate their classrooms in accordance with the Chinese New Year theme, we aim to promote cross-cultural understanding, appreciation of diversity, and respect for the Chinese cultural heritage.
Through this competition, we hope to provide a platform for students to learn about the customs, symbols, and significance of the Chinese New Year, all while promoting teamwork and creativity. The event also serves as an opportunity for students to develop essential skills such as research, teamwork, and communication as they collaborate to design and execute their decorative ideas.
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Cultural Performance Exposure Scheme (CPES) Programme 2025
On 27 March 2025, the Secondary 1 students from Hougang Secondary School had the opportunity to watch the engaging stage play Zhou Chu and the Three Monsters, adapted from a historical story set in the Jin Dynasty. This learning experience, part of the Cultural Performance Exposure Scheme (CPES) by the Committee to Promote Chinese Language Learning (CPCLL), aims to expose students to Chinese dramas and Chinese language-related performances by local or overseas arts groups. Additionally, we seeks to foster students’ interest in their cultural heritage and cultivate future Hougang Secondary students who are morally grounded, purposeful, and capable of achieving their goals.
The play tells the tale of Zhou Chu, a young man who lost his parents early in life and grew up without proper guidance. Though brave and strong, he often caused trouble and was feared as one of the “three villains” in his village. Eventually, Zhou Chu turned over a new leaf and became a respected figure in his community.
The interactive performance captivated students, who enthusiastically responded to the actors and took part in the unfolding story. The lively mix of humour, action, and engaging dialogue made the play highly enjoyable. Beyond its entertainment value, the production conveyed meaningful lessons about change, self-reflection, and personal growth. By the end of the show, students left not only laughing but also reflecting deeply on character, values, and redemption.
When the performance began, their eyes were immediately drawn to the actors, and they responded with continuous applause. This showed that the students were captivated by the charm of the play.
The actors frequently interacted with the students through exaggerated expressions and humorous dialogue, creating a lively atmosphere. Students eagerly engaged in the actors’ playful exchanges, responding with laughter and enthusiasm.
Students burst with laughter and excitement as Zhou Chu chased the dragon across the stage and into the audience, making them feel part of the action.
A close-up shows Secondary 1 students’ wide smiles and animated reactions, highlighting how live theatre makes storytelling engaging and memorable.
中三母语文化营
后港中学于2025年5月29日主办了以“代代传承的传统草药”为主题的中三母语文化营。通过让学生亲身体验中医和传统马来草药疗法的同时，也鼓励他们有意义地运用母语，并进一步理解了传统草药在当代社会中的文化意义。
文化营先于学校礼堂以嘉年华的形式展开，学生可在各种中医和马来传统草药的展摊中体验传统疗愈文化。接着，学生到各个教室参与学习制作草药香囊，并能够将这些香囊带回家。最后，学生回到礼堂参与了“新空下”新谣音乐分享会，文化营就在悠扬悦耳的新谣音乐中结束了。
学生认识中医穴位的分布及其疗效
学生通过闻香学习分辨各类草药
老师说明多种草药的功效与应用
我来示范如何制作香囊！
你要我帮你称多少药？
看我这样子，像不像中医在抓药？
Mother Tongue Language (MTL) Fortnight 2025 Overview
The MTL Fortnight is an annual program designed to create an immersive environment for students to learn and appreciate Mother Tongue Languages and Cultures. It aims to make MTL learning engaging and relevant by offering a range of activities that bring language and culture to life.
The program seeks to broaden students' horizons by providing opportunities for them to explore and experience their own cultural traditions. Through diverse cultural activities, students can deepen their understanding of their heritage, values, and cultural identity.
Ultimately, the MTL Fortnight aims to deepen students’ interests in learning mother-tongue languages, doing so in a fun setting outside of traditional classroom activities. We believe that stimulating students’ interests in the languages and cultures are key to getting students motivated in learning.
Program Organization and Activities:
The MTL Fortnight is organized within a designated two-week period, one week in Semester 1 and the other in Semester 2. The programme includes a range of activities to achieve its objectives. Some of the planned activities include:
Language and Cultural Workshops: Various workshops are conducted to provide students with hands-on experiences related to language and culture. These workshops can cover aspects such as traditional art, music, dance and culinary practices.
Communication Competitions: Activities like debates, speeches, and recitation contests are organized to encourage students to actively use their mother tongue language and to improve their communication skills.
Interactive Productions: Creative projects such as audio drama production allow students to collaborate, use their language skills and express themselves in culturally meaningful ways.
Cultural Appreciation: Students are encouraged to reflect on their cultural identity and share personal stories related to their heritage. This fosters a deeper connection to their roots and a sense of belonging.
In summary, the MTL Fortnight serves as an immersive platform for students to learn and appreciate their Mother Tongue Languages and Cultures. Fun and engaging activities are curated to stimulate students’ interests, motivating them to learn more.
2025 Mother Tongue (Chinese Language) Fortnight Programme
4月7日至4月11日和7月21日至25日这两周，后港中学母语部进行了全校母语双周活动，这次活动是课堂教学延申，旨在让学生在提供的各种活动中善用母语，沉浸式体验学习华文的乐趣，了解传统文化的博大精深,蕴含的价值观。从而使学生在潜移默化中爱上华文, 并做到寓教于乐，乐学善用。
From 7–11 April and 21–25 July, the Mother Tongue Department of Hougang Secondary School conducted our annual Mother Tongue Fortnight. This programme serves as an extension of classroom learning, providing students with opportunities to use their Mother Tongue in authentic contexts while deepening their appreciation for the richness of traditional culture. Through hands-on experiences and engaging activities, students were able to enjoy learning Chinese in meaningful and enjoyable ways, nurturing both competence and cultural pride.
该活动包含一系列活动以实现其目标。部分计划活动包括：
1.制作体验与文化欣赏——沉浸式体验，加深对传统文化遗产的理解和欣赏。如：剪纸，漆扇，中一造纸，月饼制作，中四中国结制作，穿汉唐服装拍照。
2.在游戏中体验传统文化的博大精神，如：中二的闯关游戏，投沙包投壶游戏，
3.提高学生有效地使用母语，提高沟通能力，如：中四的辩论赛，
4.在实践与欣赏中了解传统文化，做到寓教于乐。如：卡拉OK 与看电影
A wide range of activities was organised to achieve these goals. Highlights include:
1.Experiential Learning and Cultural Appreciation
Students immersed themselves in traditional cultural heritage through activities such as paper cutting, lacquer fan making, paper making, mooncake making, Chinese knot tying, and photo-taking in Han and Tang dynasty costumes.
2.Experiencing Traditional Culture Through Games
Secondary 2 students participated in obstacle course games and beanbag toss games, designed to convey the spirit of traditional culture through play.
3.Strengthening Language Use and Communication Skills
Secondary 4 students showcased their linguistic abilities during Chinese debate competitions, sharpening their speaking and critical-thinking skills.
4.Edutainment Through Cultural Appreciation
Activities such as karaoke sessions and movie screenings allowed students to learn about traditional culture in fun and engaging ways, reinforcing the joy of learning.
Mother Tongue Fortnight successfully provided students with opportunities to learn through play, apply their knowledge, and develop a lasting interest and appreciation for their Mother Tongue and cultural heritage.
Traditional Wear Photobooth - 穿越汉唐千年前 靓丽潇洒走一回
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Traditional Wear Photobooth - 漆扇制作 非遗传承 惊喜连连
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Chinese Traditional Food Booth - Moon cakes live station 月饼制作 - 沉浸中的愉悦 品赏中的喜悦
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Chinese Paper Cutting - 剪纸
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Traditional Games Booth - 传统游戏摊位投壶/投沙包
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I Can See Your Voice 卡拉OK我来唱/Movie Day看电影
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Secondary 1 Paper Making - 造纸术与造纸 - 我是小小造纸家
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Secondary 2 Breakthrough Game - 中二闯关游戏 - 你行我也行
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Mother Tongue (Malay Language) Fortnight Programme
HS Mother Tongue Fortnight celebration this year brought a lively array of traditional activities, performances, and interactive sessions that truly engaged students in the richness of our cultural heritage. Each activity was filled with opportunities for students to deepen their appreciation for their Mother Tongue languages and to connect with cultural traditions in meaningful ways. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights!
School Wide Activities
The Malay Language (ML) Unit organised a series of enriching activities aimed at deepening students’ appreciation and understanding of the Malay language and culture. A variety of interactive booths were set up, allowing students to experience traditional practices firsthand.
At the traditional games booth, students learned and played batu seremban and congkak, two well-loved heritage games that promote concentration, strategy, and fine motor skills. They also had the opportunity to learn ketupat weaving. Ketupat weaving offered students a meaningful hands-on experience that connected them to an important aspect of Malay culture.
The Origami gasing is a simple yet engaging activity that combines creativity with cultural appreciation. As students fold and assemble the paper top, they develop fine motor skills, focus, and patience. The process also encourages spatial awareness and problem-solving as they figure out how each fold contributes to the final shape. Beyond the hands-on benefits, creating an origami gasing helps students connect with a traditional game in a fun, meaningful way, fostering appreciation for cultural heritage while enjoying a playful, hands-on craft.
Additionally, students had the chance to participate in a roti kirai making activity, where they observed the process of preparing the lace-like crepe and tried making their own under the guidance of teachers.
Students also had the opportunity to immerse themselves in festive cultural experiences by putting on traditional baju kurung and enjoying a variety of traditional Malay kuehs and delicacies during the mini Hari Raya celebrations in class. Through this hands-on experience, they gained a deeper understanding of the customs and practices observed during Hari Raya, appreciating the values of togetherness, gratitude, and respect that are central to the celebration.
Through these meaningful and experiential activities, students gained greater insight into traditional Malay customs and values, fostering a deeper sense of cultural pride and appreciation for their Mother Tongue.
During the Mother Tongue Fortnight too, students from different levels took part in a range of enriching activities. The Secondary 1 Malay Language students had the opportunity to delve deeper into the art of batik, exploring its creative designs and cultural significance. The Secondary 2 students explored various places in Singapore that hold historical significance for the Malay community, deepening their appreciation of local heritage. The Secondary 3 students learnt about bedak sejuk and other forms of traditional healing, gaining insight into cultural practices passed down through generations. Meanwhile, the Secondary 4 students delved into the symbolic meanings behind selected idioms and discovered the beauty of the Malay language through its creative and expressive forms.
Roti Kirai Making Booth Activity
Art & Crafts Booth On Origami Gasing
Exploration of Batik Activity
Mini Raya Celebrations in Class
Traditional Games Booth – Batu Seremban
Ketupat Weaving Activity
HS MTL Reading Programme
Reading Programme (EL write-up):
The Mother Tongue Language (MTL) Reading Programme at Hougang Secondary School aims to nurture a culture of reading and instil a lifelong appreciation for the Mother Tongue languages among students. The programme is designed to enhance students’ language proficiency, critical thinking, and reflective abilities through exposure to authentic, meaningful, and engaging texts.
Students explore a wide variety of reading materials, including contemporary articles, short stories, poems, and excerpts from novels. These texts are carefully selected to match students’ interests, linguistic levels, and current social issues relevant to Singapore and the region. Leveraging their Personal Learning Devices (PLDs), students also access online resources such as Berita Harian and Lianhe Zaobao to stay informed about contemporary topics and practise reading authentic materials.
Reading sessions are conducted regularly during curriculum time with structured activities that focus on comprehension, vocabulary development, and higher-order thinking skills. As part of post-reading reflection, students share their perspectives during sessions such as GREAT Moment, where they relate the themes and values in their readings to the school’s GREAT values
Through this integrated approach, the MTL Reading Programme not only strengthens students’ mastery of their Mother Tongue languages but also develops independent, thoughtful, and values-driven learners who can connect language learning to real-life experiences and character growth.
Reading Programme (ML write-up):
Program Membaca Bahasa Ibunda (MTL) di Sekolah Menengah Hougang bertujuan untuk memupuk budaya membaca serta menanamkan apresiasi sepanjang hayat terhadap bahasa ibunda dalam kalangan pelajar. Program ini dirancang untuk meningkatkan kecekapan berbahasa, kemahiran berfikir kritikal dan reflektif pelajar melalui pendedahan kepada bahan bacaan yang autentik, bermakna dan menarik.
Pelajar-pelajar berkongsi pengalaman bermakna semasa sesi GREAT Moment, mengaitkan kisahnya dengan nilai sekolah.
Pelajar didedahkan kepada pelbagai bahan bacaan, termasuk artikel kontemporari, cerpen, puisi dan petikan daripada novel. Bahan-bahan ini dipilih dengan teliti agar sesuai dengan minat, tahap kecekapan bahasa dan isu semasa yang relevan dengan konteks Singapura serta rantau ini. Dengan menggunakan Peranti Pembelajaran Peribadi (PLD), pelajar turut mengakses sumber dalam talian seperti Berita Harian dan Lianhe Zaobao untuk mengikuti perkembangan isu-isu semasa dan melatih kemahiran membaca bahan autentik.
Permainan selepas membaca meningkatkan pemahaman dan menjadikan pembelajaran lebih menyeronokkan!
Sesi membaca dijalankan secara berkala dalam waktu kurikulum melalui aktiviti berstruktur yang menekankan pemahaman, pengayaan kosa kata, dan kemahiran berfikir aras tinggi. Sebagai sebahagian daripada refleksi pasca bacaan, pelajar berkongsi pandangan mereka dalam sesi seperti GREAT Moment, dengan mengaitkan tema dan nilai daripada bahan bacaan kepada nilai-nilai GREAT.
Melalui pendekatan bersepadu ini, Program Membaca Bahasa Ibunda bukan sahaja memperkukuh penguasaan bahasa pelajar, malah membentuk pelajar yang berfikiran matang, reflektif dan berteraskan nilai, serta mampu menghubungkan pembelajaran bahasa dengan pengalaman hidup dan pembangunan sahsiah mereka.
Bagi Program Membaca Bahasa Melayu, elemen gamifikasi telah diperkenalkan untuk meningkatkan pengalaman membaca. Pelajar mengambil bahagian dalam cabaran membaca, memperoleh mata dan membuka kunci ganjaran berdasarkan pencapaian bacaan mereka. Pendekatan ini memupuk persaingan yang sihat dan menjadikan pembacaan lebih menarik.
阅读计划（Reading Programme）
通过阅读，培养学生的学习兴趣。学生可以获取课堂之外的知识和信息，提高语言和思维能力，培养学生的逻辑思维、判断力、分析能力。为今后的学习、工作和生活打下坚实的基础。
通过阅读，在校内举办各种活动，激发学生学习的兴趣。
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校园早报
推动和鼓励学生利用晨读或业余时间阅读课外书以及网上《校园早报》，丰富和扩大学生们的知识面，增加阅历和见识。
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GREAT MOMENT
GREAT 是我们后港中学五项核心价值观的首字母缩写，分别代表：
• 感恩（Gratitude）：培养学生对他人和社会的感激之情，学会珍惜生活中的每一个机会。
• 尊重（Respect）：强调尊重他人、尊重不同意见，建立和谐的人际关系。
• 同理心（Empathy）：鼓励学生站在他人立场上理解和关怀，促进情感交流和社会责任感。
• 适应力（Adaptability）：帮助学生培养应对变化和挑战的能力，适应不断变化的环境。
• 诚信（Trustworthiness）：树立诚信为本的价值观，鼓励学生言行一致，建立个人和集体的信任。
为了加深学生对这些核心价值观的理解，我校在每个偶数周的早晨开展以华语进行的分享和心得交流活动。在这些活动中，学生们不仅能深入探讨每项价值观的实际意义，还能通过分享个人体验和反思，将这些价值观有意识地融入到日常的学习与生活中。通过这种互动式的学习方式，学生们能够在实际情境中更好地理解和践行学校的核心价值观，从而提升个人素质，培养全面发展的能力。
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20周年的校庆，本部门第一次推出华文作文集
为了配合20周年的校庆，本部门第一次推出华文作文集，让学生记载在学校的点点滴滴，同时也借这一个机会让已经毕业的学生回顾一下在学校的时光。作文集的出版旨在发表学生的佳作，鼓励他们积极以华文创作，同时带动本地校园华文写作的风气。
封面标题为后中家作，从谐音来说，可以说是回来后港中学这个大家庭坐坐，也将佳作记录下来，成为后中这个大家庭的“家”作。借着校庆的主题，“ 后中-我的家”，希望后港的莘莘学子都能秉着一日后中人，终身厚忠人的精神，体现出后港中学的价值观之一: 饮水思源, 带着感恩的心，造福身边每个人。
Malay Language
Curriculum/Subject Offered
Secondary 3 Exp: Malay Lit (Elective)
Programmes and Activities
1. Academic Programmes
Applied Learning Programme
Reading Programme (Secondary 1 to 5)
GREAT Moment Sharing (Secondary 1 to 5)
MT Fortnight Programme (Secondary 1 to 3)
Virtual Video Showcase (Secondary 1 and 2)
Sharing & Presentation of opinions through Video Production (Secondary 3)
2. Enrichment Programme
Toastmasters cum Debate Workshop (for Secondary 2 & 3)
Script-Writing Workshops (for Malay Lit students)
Words Go Round Workshop (for Malay Lit Students)
Dramatisation E-Dari Pena ke Panggung (for Malay Lit Students)
3. Competitions
Essay Writing Competition Pena Emasku
4PM Debate Competition 2021
Rentas Pentas 2021- A Malay Language and Cultural Competition
HS MALAY LANGUAGE PROGRAMME/ACTIVITIES
ML Scrabble 2023 @ Pei Hwa Secondary School
On 17 October 2023, 2 teams of Secondary 2 and Secondary 3 ML students took part in the N3 ML Scrabble organized by Pei Hwa Secondary School. While both teams walked away with certificates of participation, the Secondary 2 achieved second place overall with Muhammad Ismail Bin Jumadi from 2E winning second in the individual category.
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Malay Literature Dari Pena Ke Panggung (DPKP) 2023
Literature In Malay students did a dramatisation showcase of a poem entitled ‘Tidak Senang Dengan Duduk-Duduk’ on 7 September 2023. The DPKP dramatisation which is held at the Republic Cultural Centre, Studio at Republic Polytechnic, is aimed to deepen students’ understanding of the literary texts and to provide an avenue to interpret and adapt the text into a theatrical performance.