Mother Tongue Languages
Learning Outcomes
The department aims to cultivate a love for Mother Tongue languages (Chinese, Malay, and Tamil) by fostering lifelong learning and encouraging practical application of language skills beyond the classroom environment. Through diverse programmes, including ICT-integrated lessons and cultural exposure, all Mother Tongue units provide opportunities for students to showcase their talents, enhance academic learning, and develop language skills. This comprehensive approach enables students to attain a commendable level of proficiency and competency in their Mother Tongue, empowering them to excel academically, appreciate their cultural heritage, and gain a broader global perspective. Ultimately, this enriches their understanding of the world around them and prepares them to become well-rounded individuals who can contribute meaningfully to society.
Approach
The department is committed to providing a comprehensive and engaging learning experience across Chinese, Malay, and Tamil languages. Whilst focusing on essential language skills, each unit designs diverse programmes that immerse students in the rich cultural heritage of their respective languages. The Chinese Language unit emphasises cultural experiences, the Malay unit promotes active learning and proficiency through exposure to ethnic traditions, and the Tamil unit employs hands-on learning, differentiated experiences, and shared activities like the reading programme and theatre experience. All units extend learning beyond the classroom through language camps, competitions, and cultural events, fostering collaboration, peer learning, and a deeper appreciation for linguistic and cultural diversity.
Our Signature Programmes and Activities
Chinese Language
Cultural Performance Exposure Scheme (CPES) (“文化随意门”计划)
The Cultural Performance Exposure Scheme is an initiative by the Committee to Promote Chinese Language Learning, which aims to expose students to Chinese language-related cultural performances by local and foreign performing arts groups. It seeks to cultivate an appreciation of the performing arts, particularly local traditions, and deepen students' understanding of Singapore's cultural diversity.
Our Secondary 1 Higher Chinese and Secondary 2 students had the opportunity to watch a drama performance titled "周处除三害" and learnt important values such as responsibility, perseverance and self-awareness in the process. This unique experience was well-received by the students as they enjoyed interacting with the casts and fostered a greater appreciation for the performing arts.
Higher Chinese Language Programme
Bendemeer Secondary offers an enriching and holistic learning experience through our Higher Chinese Language (HCL) syllabus. Apart from the teaching of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, different learning experiences are also introduced to allow students to appreciate Chinese culture and heritage.
The Secondary One HCL students had Chinese calligraphy lessons where they learned how to write Chinese couplets and proudly displayed them around the school during the Chinese New Year celebrations. Students also learned the art of Chinese painting and paper cutting. Through these cultural lessons, students were able to show appreciation for Chinese culture and deepen their interest in learning the Chinese language
Chinese New Year Celebrations
Bendemeer Secondary's Chinese New Year celebration brings together staff and students for a vibrant cultural experience. The event features student performances including dance, songs, and martial arts, alongside special appearances by the God of Fortune and a lion dance. To deepen cultural appreciation, level-specific activities are organised: Secondary One students explore global Chinese New Year celebrations, Secondary Two students design couplets and participate in community giving, while Secondary Three students research traditions and customs. This comprehensive approach not only showcases talents but also fosters a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and community engagement.
Mid-Autumn Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival celebration at Bendemeer Secondary offers students an in-depth exploration of the festival's cultural significance, origins, and customs. Through level-specific hands-on activities, students engage creatively with the festival: Secondary One students craft moon-related proverb bookmarks, Secondary Two design festival poetry posters, and Secondary Three present on traditions and festive foods. These creative works are showcased in the school foyer, allowing the entire school community to appreciate and learn from the students' efforts, thereby fostering a broader understanding of this important cultural festival.
Malay Language
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Tamil Language
This is what we have
Our Talent Development Programme
The Mother Tongue Department actively promotes language proficiency and creativity across Chinese, Malay, and Tamil languages. The Chinese Language unit publishes an annual student literary compilation, showcasing students' finest written works. Malay Language students are taught essay and poetry writing skills for examinations and competitions like Pena Emas and Gen-G publications. Tamil Language students, mentored by dedicated teachers, consistently excel in prestigious inter-school competitions at cluster and national levels, winning numerous accolades in creative writing, language, and cultural contests. These initiatives collectively demonstrate the department's commitment to enhancing students' language skills and fostering a deep appreciation for their respective mother tongues and cultures.
Our Achievements
Chinese Language
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11th National Chinese Challenge (Secondary School Category)
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22nd National Secondary School Chinese Creative Writing Competition: Second Prize Award Winner (Lower Sec Category)
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38th National Secondary School Cross Talk Competition
Malay Language
Our students' writings were featured in the Gen-G Newspaper
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Guruku Sayang (5 February 2024)
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Lawatan ke Muzium Bukit Chandu (29 April 2024)
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Menolong Seorang Kawan (30 September 2024)
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Manusia (9 January 2023)
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Miskin (26 January 2023)
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Satu Pengajaran (6 February 2023)
Tamil Language
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2024 Dance in Navarasam: 1st runner-up
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2024 Drama in Navarasam: 2nd runner-up
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2024 S5 Cluster Tamil Drama Festival
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2023 Naanum Oru Padaipaali (Budding Artistes): Winner