Modern Languages and Islamic Studies

The Mutiara International Grammar School Modern Languages Department offers Bahasa, French, Arabic, Islamiyat and Mandarin Chinese. The department together is informed by a spirit of unity in diversity. The teaching and learning of each language is organised in separate departments, promoting creativity, innovation and a strong awareness of the issues surrounding the different subjects academically and in the wider context.

The Modern Languages Department shares strong aims and objectives which promote confidence in language knowledge and skills for real-world purposes as well as academic ones. The primary use of a language is to communicate orally and on paper; accuracy and rigour are an essential aspect of effective communication. Successful language learning also engenders deeper cultural and social understanding and empathy, this being part of our work in class. Each language department also offers pupils opportunities to practise their language skills in context and learn more about other countries. We believe that modern language skills are a prerequisite in today’s professional job market. Consequently we promote advanced study of languages as a specialisation or alongside any other combination of subjects. It is widely acknowledged that learning a language beyond IGCSE requires skill and determination. It also demonstrates the desire to look beyond the immediate horizon and to experience and attempt to understand another culture.

All pupils who join the School have the option of taking either French, Arabic or Mandarin.  This continues until Year 10, when pupils have the opportunity to opt for any or all of these subjects at IGCSE.  Bahasa is a compulsory subject for Malaysian pupils, until they have passed the national paper.         

At MIGS we aim for all pupils to take the examination at the end of Year 9, freeing up their time to take more IGCSEs.  If a pupil joins the school halfway through Year 9 or higher, they will be expected to be taught Bahasa outside of school time.

Islamiyat is compulsory for all Malaysian Muslim pupils.  They take the subject right until the end of Year 11, and all will take it for IGCSE.

Aims:

The aims are to:

Develop the ability to use the language effectively for purposes of practical communication within the country of residence, where appropriate,
and in all countries where the language is spoken.
Form sound base skills, language and attitudes required for further study, work and leisure.
Offer insights into the culture and civilization of the countries where the language is spoken which may include literature when appropriate.
Encourage fuller integration into the local community.
Encourage positive attitudes towards language learning and towards speakers of other languages.
Provide enjoyment and intellectual stimulation.
Complement other areas of study by encouraging skills of a more general application such as analysis and memorizing.