Philosophy: Language and Literature: Mother Tongue/Language of Instruction

Philosophy
MRSM Language Policy is designed to assist students in acquiring and refining the linguistic
skills in which:
1. All teachers are language teachers.
2. Language is a primary means of learning and communicating.
3. Language acquisition is to be promoted as a partnership between all members of our
community including parents, students, teachers and staff.
4. Mother tongue languages help form cultural and personal identity and should be
respected.
5. The shared experience of learning language creates cohesion among students from
diverse backgrounds and promotes international-mindedness.
6. The learning and acquiring of other languages helps students to become global
citizens.
Students are encouraged to use written language in a myriad of contexts as a means for
expressing themselves powerfully, purposefully and creatively while reflecting on their
learning and their lives, as well as connecting with the world.
School Language Profiles
Aims:
All MRSM teachers, staff, parents and students work to:
1. Enable students to learn and use language confidently in a variety of contexts.
2. Increase students' powers of written and oral communication through intentional
assessment.
3. Promote student understanding and enjoyment of literature.
4. Allow students to explore different perspectives through language.
5. Encourage students to have fun and express themselves through language.
6. Provide support for students who are weak in any of the languages so that they can
overcome their weaknesses.
Language and Literature: Mother Tongue/Language of Instruction

Malay Language (Mother tongue)
a) Malay Language is the medium of instruction at MRSM Tun Mohammad Fuad Stephens
b) The focus of the language of instruction is its application across the subject area and
throughout the trans-disciplinary areas of knowledge
c) It is also a tool for the development of social, emotional and cognitive skills
d) The language of instruction skill can be further developed by challenging students’ level of
understanding and providing good models of effective communication.
Language Acquisition
English as a Second Language (ESL) Instruction
a) Mastery of English as a second language is in line with the National Education Policy
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to produce students who can communicate well, in Malay Language and English
b) English is also important due to its position as a globally accepted international
language
Supporting Mother Tongue
The school acknowledges the importance of supporting and developing the mother tongue as
the foundation of learning. The followings are the actions of supporting and developing
the mother tongue:
i. Promote continuous cognitive development and maintaining cultural identity;

ii. Facilitate the learning of second and third languages;
iii. Ensure that the students remain in touch with, and maintain esteem for their
language and culture;
iv. Enable students to understand and appreciate other cultures through
translation of literary work, and
v. Ensure that during the teaching and learning process students can relate to
their own world view and not feel alienated.
vi. Enable students to access books in their mother tongue in the library
Language Offered
No. Language Student’s Status Remarks

Grade
Language & 1 Malay language Form 1 to Compulsory Mother tongue
Literature as a medium of Form 5
instruction
2 Malay language Form 1 to Compulsory Mother tongue
as a subject Form 5
Language 3 English language Form 1 to Compulsory Second language
Acquisition as a subject Form 5
Language Of Instruction
The primary language of instruction for MRSM is Malay Language (National Language) except
for Mathematics and Sciences which are taught in English. Students develop the fluency and
literacy skills necessary to ensure their ability to communicate effectively as required by the
Malaysian National Curriculum.
1. All announcements, notices, memos and other publications are available in Malay
Language (National Language) and English.
2. Resources support teaching and learning
3. The library also functions as a centre for nurturing passion and talent in language.
2
Second Language
MRSM will support students with limited English proficiency in language acquisition through
various strategies.
1. Language Profile (Language Acquisition)

English
Form 1 Form 2 Form 3 Form 4 Form 5
Phase 1
Phase 2 Phase 2 Phase 2
Phase 3 Phase 3 Phase 3
Phase 4 Phase 4
Phase 5 Phase 5
Language Learning Support
Language support is done not merely in the classroom but beyond the four walls of the
classroom. Teachers are aware that they play a pivotal role in promoting language skills that
are prerequisite for students to attain content knowledge and express their learning in various
ways. Teachers support language learning via the following actions:
a) Teachers provide a platform for interdisciplinary learning between their language

studies and other subjects by incorporating a diverse learning experiences that relate
to the students’ daily lives and the world
b) Teachers give exposure to students on a range of cultural perspectives and
intercultural understanding and appreciation
c) Language learning and assessments are tailored to the students’ level of language
development
d) Various outside-of-classroom language activities are held in order to enable students
to become confident and competent with the spoken and written forms of the language.
e) Additional language programs are held to cater students with low level of language
proficiency (both in language of instruction and second language). These activites are
specifically designed so that students can learn in different ways so as to provide
varied and stimulating learning activities for all.
Ongoing Review Of The Language Policy

This policy will be formally reviewed and revised as needed to adapt to the changes in best
practices and the needs of our learning community.
This policy is available to all stakeholders in the MRSM Learning Community, and the school
leadership welcomes comments and recommendations at any time.
Conclusion
Malay language is the official national language and the main language of education
instruction. Mastery of formal Malay language is important not only for educational purposes
but also as a vehicle promoting national integration and patriotism.
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There will also be a strong emphasis on the learning acquisition and teaching of English as a
second language. Competency in English will put the students in good stead when the use of
English is required in community communication, in specific inter-school communication
locally and in obligatory international communication. Mastery of English will increase
students’ chances in further education.
The ability to use Malay and English comfortably is in keeping with the aim towards instilling
international-mindedness among students.

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Philosophy

School Language Profiles

Language and Literature: Mother Tongue/Language of Instruction

Supporting Mother Tongue

i. Promote continuous cognitive development and maintaining cultural identity;

No. Language Student’s Status Remarks

1. Language Profile (Language Acquisition)

Language Learning Support

a) Teachers provide a platform for interdisciplinary learning between their language

Ongoing Review Of The Language Policy

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