English Language and Literature
Explore how the English Language and Literature department builds skilled readers and communicators through engaging programmes like ELLE, the Reading Programme, and the National Schools Literature Festival.
Aims and approach:
The English Language and Literature department aims to nurture discerning readers and effective communicators who appreciate the literary arts.
The approach to the teaching and learning of English Language and Literature involves:
contextualising a wide variety of multimodal texts in an integrated, process-oriented and spiral-progressive curriculum;
promoting active learning processes that facilitate learning-focused interactions, metacognition and meaning-making in the classroom; and
providing meaningful and effective feedback to enhance students' learning experiences.
Key programmes:
English Language Reading Programme
The programme aims to expose students to a wide genre of texts and cultivate healthy reading habits in students. It comprises the following activities to enthuse students to pick up a book to read:
Silent reading time every Monday of Term 1 and 3 allows students to focus on reading English Language books
Book displays, activities and competitions in the library
Reading magazines for different streams and levels that complement classroom teaching and learning
English Language and Literature Experience (ELLE)
On 18 August 2025, our school transformed into a thrilling detective playground under the captivating theme of ‘Mystery’. Students showcased their literary talents through poetry writing, flash fiction, book cover design, and book review competitions in the weeks leading up to the main event.
The day reached its climax as English teachers arrived dressed as Cluedo characters whilst students donned costumes of beloved mystery novel characters. The highlight was ‘The Manor Mystery’, an exhilarating school-wide escape room adventure where students hunted for clues and solved language puzzles to unmask a fictional culprit. English subject representatives organised additional recess activities, ensuring a day filled with literary excitement and creative discovery.
As the final mystery was solved, students departed with renewed appreciation for the power of storytelling and collaborative learning. We eagerly anticipate next year’s ELLE Day, where new themes and adventures await to further ignite our students’ passion for the written word.
Shakespeare in the Park: Macbeth
Our Upper Secondary students had the chance to watch Shakespeare come alive at Fort Canning Park, where the tragic tale of Macbeth unfolded under a canopy of stars. Sprawled comfortably on picnic mats amidst nature’s embrace, students witnessed ambition, betrayal, and madness play out in vivid theatrical splendour. The enchanting outdoor performance brought dramatic elements to life, transforming their classroom understanding of Shakespeare into an unforgettable sensory experience that resonated long after the final curtain call.
Highlights and Achievements:
24th Inter-School National Scrabble Championship
Our school proudly participated in the 24th Inter-School National Scrabble Championship with one individual participant in B Division and three teams competing across C Division (1 team) and B Division (2 teams). This prestigious competition provided an excellent platform for students to sharpen their strategic thinking and vocabulary skills whilst connecting with fellow word enthusiasts from schools across the nation. The championship served as an inspiring avenue for our participants to challenge themselves and celebrate their passion for language.
ACJC Orator’s Trophy
Ashrie made her debut at the prestigious ACJC Orator's Trophy 2025, a national public speaking competition for Secondary Schools and Pre-U institutions. She delivered two compelling speeches, showcasing eloquence and poise before distinguished judges. We commend her remarkable bravery in taking on this challenging competition, demonstrating true courage and determination.
Republic Polytechnic Media Challenge
Our students participated in the Republic Polytechnic Media Challenge, a dynamic 2-day hackathon where teams tackled real-world problem statements from actual clients. This year, participants conceptualised a Kiss92 branding campaign aimed at increasing listenership and engaging with the target audience, presenting their innovative proposals to both clients and faculty members. We are thrilled to announce that one of our teams clinched the prestigious 'Best Big Idea' Award, showcasing exceptional creativity and strategic thinking in this competitive arena.
The winning team comprises of:
Chandelle Chia
Ezen Bu Yu En
Josephine Chin Xin Yee
Myat Yamone Aye
Muhammad Ilyas Bin Saifudin
During the Media Challenge, my teammates and I were tasked with creating a pitch to Kiss92 FM – providing an authentic opportunity to not only hear and learn from real-life DJs and the officials from a proper live-radio station, but also to share our ideas to them. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience taking up this challenge, especially with the planning and execution of our pitch with my friends and our mentors. The Media Challenge also gave us a glimpse into the School of Business in Republic Polytechnic (Diploma in Mass Communication) through other fun activities such as a treasure hunt and sharing around the whole campus. Our team also managed to win the ‘Best Big Idea’ Award – definitely a testament to our creativity and teamwork. If the opportunity arises to participate in the Media Challenge again, I would definitely do so!— Chandelle Chia
