Malay Language

Malay Language

Learning Outcomes

1. Linguistic Competence:

• Students will demonstrate proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in the Malay language.

• Students will be able to understand and effectively communicate in various linguistic contexts, including formal and informal settings.

2. Critical Thinking and Creativity:

• Students will develop critical thinking skills through the application of the POLYA thinking routine in problem-solving activities.

• Students will engage in creative expression through writing, speaking, and other language-related tasks.

3. Cultural Understanding:

• Students will identify and explore the cultures and values inherent in Malay language and culture.

• Students will demonstrate an understanding of cultural practices, traditions, and values associated with the Malay language and culture.

4. Confidence in Language Use:

• Students will gain confidence in using the Malay language in various social and academic contexts.

• Students will demonstrate the ability to express themselves fluently and effectively in Malay.

5. Literacy Skills:

• Students will develop strong literacy skills, including the ability to comprehend and analyse written texts in Malay.

• Students will demonstrate proficiency in in writing coherent and cohesive compositions in Malay.

6. Cultural Awareness and Appreciation:

• Students will appreciate the richness and diversity of Malay culture through exposure to various cultural activities and experiences.

• Students will develop empathy and respect for cultural differences within the Malay-speaking community.

7. Application of Learning:

• Students will apply their language and cultural knowledge in real-life situations, such as interactions with native speakers, cultural events, or travel to Malay-speaking regions.

• Students will demonstrate the ability to transfer their language and cultural skills to other areas of study or personal interests.

These learning outcomes aim to equip students with the necessary linguistic, cognitive, and cultural competencies to become competent and confident users of the Malay language while fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Malay culture and values.

Teaching Approaches

Malay Language (ML) department has implemented a comprehensive and engaging approach to teaching and promoting the Malay language and culture. The key elements and strategies implemented by the Malay department are as follows:

1. Learner-Centered Pedagogies: The ML department employs learner-centered pedagogies, ensuring that teaching methods and materials are tailored to the needs, interests, and abilities of the students. This approach promotes active participation and engagement in the learning process.

2. Four Main Skills Development: The curriculum emphasizes the development of four main language skills: listening, reading, speaking and writing. This holistic approach ensures that students become proficient and confident users of the Malay language in various communication contexts.

3. Teaching and Assessment Strategies: Various teaching and assessment strategies are utilized, including the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Differentiated Instruction, Experiential Learning, Joy of Reading, Assessment for Learning, and the 5W1H method. These strategies cater to diverse learning styles and promote deeper understanding and retention of language concepts.

4. POLYA Thinking Routine: Students are trained in utilizing of POLYA thinking routine, which is a problem-solving approach that encourages critical thinking and systematic problem-solving skills. This routine is applied in various learning activities to enhance students' analytical and problem-solving abilities.

5. MTL Fortnight Programme: The ML department organizes an annual two-week MTL Fortnight Programme aimed at promoting the use and deepening the knowledge of the Malay language and culture among students. This programme offers a wide range of interesting and culturally enriching activities both inside and outside the classroom.

6. Wide-Ranging MTL Activities: The ML Programme includes diverse and stimulating activities designed to engage students in meaningful language and cultural experiences. These activities may include cultural performances, language games, storytelling sessions, language competitions, or visits to culturally significant sites. This initiative provides students with opportunities to deepen their knowledge and use of the language outside of the classroom.

Overall, the ML department's approach encompasses a blend of effective pedagogies, skills-based instruction, cultural immersion, and experiential learning opportunities, creating a vibrant and conducive environment for students to learn and appreciate the Malay language and culture.

Department Programmes

Keeping the objective of stimulating and sustaining our students’ interest in learning Malay in mind, the Malay Language Department has also put in place a range of differentiated enrichment activities designed to expose our students culturally while promoting opportunities for meaningful interaction and collaboration amongst students

Our line up of programmes include:

Mother Tongue Fortnight Activities

Reading Programme

1. Joy of Reading: Emphasizing the joy of reading is a fundamental aspect of our approach. By fostering a love for reading, students are more likely to engage with books willingly and develop a lifelong habit of reading for pleasure.

2. Opportunities for Reading: Creating opportunities for students to read both in and beyond the classroom is essential. This ensures that reading becomes integrated into their daily routine and lifestyle, rather than being confined to specific class times.

3. Sustained Silent Reading (SSR): Implementing Sustained Silent Reading (SSR) sessions during the curriculum is an effective way to encourage uninterrupted reading time. During SSR, students have the chance to immerse themselves in books of their choice without distractions, fostering concentration and enjoyment.

4. Selection of Books: Offering a selection of age-appropriate books recommended by teachers ensures that students have access to materials suited to their reading level and interests. This curated selection increases the likelihood of students finding books that resonate with them and keeps them engaged.

5. Monitoring and Support: Teachers play a crucial role in supporting students' reading habits. By assigning titles tailored to individual students' interests and reading levels, teachers can provide personalized recommendations that cater to each student's needs. Additionally, monitoring students' reading progress through the Student Learning Space (SLS) allows teachers to track their reading habits and offer guidance as needed.

Overall, by incorporating sustained silent reading sessions, providing access to a diverse range of books, and offering personalized support, we're creating an environment that nurtures a love for reading and supports students' literacy development. This approach not only enhances students' reading skills but also cultivates a lifelong appreciation for literature.

Talent Development

Students are given a variety of platforms to display their potential to their fullest. Students are sent as competitors and representatives in school competitions and various prominent inter-school competitions to widen their exposure to the Malay Language.

Participants in External Competition

National Malay Language Ambassadors 'Rakan Bahasa'

Two of our students, Arissa Ariana Binte Mohammad Yazid of 4 Resilience and Naumicka Pramod Haridass of 4 Excellence have been appointed as National Malay Language Ambassadors, ‘Rakan Bahasa’, by the Malay Language Council Singapore.

As Rakan Bahasa or Malay Language Ambassador, their roles are to encourage the use and appreciation of the Malay Language and culture amongst family and friends. As Malay Language Ambassadors, they are actively involved in the activities/competitions and national events to promote the use of the Malay Language and culture.

1. (Left): Naumicka Pramod Haridass

2. (Right): Arissa Ariana Binte Mohammad Yazid

Supporting Your Child in Learning

Student Learning Space Portal - https://learning.moe.edu.sg/
A platform which promotes self-directed and collaborative learning amongst students through allowing students to complete home-based assignments, share journals, tell stories and exchange views on topics of interest and so on.