English

Introduction

The English Language (EL) and Literature Department aims to develop students to be confident and effective users of the English Language. Our curricular goals are as follows:

• To develop students to become effective communicators

• To instil critical thinking skills in students so that they become discerning readers

• To explore real-world issues using inquiry through dialogue

Subject Offerings

Lower Secondary

Upper Secondary

Key Programmes

Some department highlights include the following:

1. READ @ CHR

READ@CHR is a school-wide approach which features Extensive Reading (for all levels) and Intensive Reading (for Lower Secondary).

In Extensive Reading, our students are exposed to a wide range of EL literature to broaden their perspectives. Students go on a scheduled visit to LibroHub, the school library, to explore the books available.

In Intensive Reading, Lower Secondary students read resources aligned to the themes for the respective levels during the blended learning days. Some themes covered include Festivals & Cultures, Food & The Heart, Family, Friendship and The Roles We Play in Society. In addition, our Secondary 2 students are given opportunities to share their thoughts on issues that matter to them during morning assemblies as part of the ‘CHR Read’ effort.

Secondary 2 students presenting for ‘CHR Read

Students visit the LibroHub and complete reviews of an article or book which interests them

2. Public Speaking Programmes – S1 CHR Speakers & S2 Storytelling

As part of the department’s effort to build students’ confidence in public speaking and their ability to think on their feet, the Lower Secondary students are involved in the above programmes. ‘CHR Speakers’ gives the Secondary 1 students an opportunity to present their recount of an authentic experience in an engaging manner. ‘CHR Storytelling’ aims to equip our Secondary 2 students with the basic storytelling techniques through personal stories with accompanying photographs.

Secondary 1 participants for CHR Speakers

3. Debate and Discussion for the Upper Secondary Students

Debate and discussion are done as part of the EL curriculum in the Upper Secondary to extend students’ exposure to contemporary and controversial issues. Students are put through a process of preparation, in which they do their research and determine the credibility of the sources, before they present their arguments with justification and evidence in a persuasive and respectful manner. In the process, students are taught to practise active listening, an important skill, so that they can raise meaningful points of interest during the debate session or class discussion.

Secondary 3 students taking part in the intra-class debate

4. Project Work & Presentation

To encourage our students to be active learners and strengthen their ability to work in a team, the department designs our curriculum to include group-based project work which allows rich exchange of ideas to take place.

Stretch Programmes

• Scrabble Competition (National & Zonal)

• Student Journalists & Radio Jockeys: Les Literato & El Viva Voce

• National Schools Literature Festival (NSLF)

• Commonwealth Essay Competition

• YMCA Plain English Speaking Awards (PESA)

Achievements

2023

• Commonwealth Essay Competition
  - 1 Gold Finalist
  - 1 Gold awardees
  - 37 Silver Awardees
  - 20 Bronze Awardees

2022

• Commonwealth Essay Competition
  - 1 Gold Finalist
  - 6 Silver Awardees
  - 18 Bronze Awardees