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English Language & Literature
English Language & Literature
Mission
The
English Department aims to develop innovative and critical thinkers who are
independent, avid readers with a global outlook, and an appreciation and love
of the English language.
Key Programmes
Developing confident and
effective communicators
Developing effective and confident
communicators is a strong focus of the department. Students are given opportunities to hone
their oral presentation skills through oral presentation practices, alternative
oral assessment at lower secondary, and class debates on gender, social,
sports, environment, ethical issues, particularly related to science, at upper
secondary. Other than raising critical
awareness of language use and other methods of persuasion, the learning of useful
public speaking skills and techniques also help students to express themselves
with poise and confidence.
Assessment for Learning
Informal and alternative modes of assessment to
encourage developmental and formative assessments have been firmly established
as our department best practice. The department leverages on assessment for
learning to further develop effective communicators of the 21st
century, focusing on identifying students’ specific strengths and weaknesses,
with an emphasis on writing and speaking in an authentic environment, with
specific descriptive feedback and suggestions for improvement given as
well.
Reading & Literature
Appreciation
and love of the English Language and Literature within the school is developed
by inculcating in students a love of
reading, broadening their horizon, and helping them see more perspectives of
the world. Exposed to a range of texts
in the form of expository essay, journalism, creative non-fiction, poetry,
fiction, and drama, students learn the various insights that different critical
approaches to these texts can yield.
While strengthening the intellectual power of every student, this
knowledge of language and literature provides each with an understanding of
human nature as made manifest through the written word. The department aims to turn
students into enlightened, literate, and thoughtful people who are able to
articulate their ideas effectively and confidently.
In the future, the
English Department aims to continue to develop the linguistic and communicative
competency of every Zhonghuarian, maximising the potential of each, thus
equipping them to thrive in a fast-changing and highly-connected world.

