English Language & Literature

Vision

To create a culture where students are articulate and confident in the use of the English Language

Mission

To develop students into critical thinkers, effective communicators, and empathetic readers through engaging and thoughtfully designed English Language and Literature programmes. We aim to nurture a love for language and empower students to express themselves with clarity, confidence, and purpose in both academic and real-world contexts.

Curriculum

English Language

In PLMGS(S), we aim to develop our students into confident and articulate speakers, avid readers and creative writers. To achieve this, we provide an enabling environment and meaningful platforms that challenge our students to strive for higher standards of language use.

We adopt a multi-pronged approach to develop language mastery, taking into account students’ diverse abilities, interests, and needs. Through our curriculum, students apply Emerging 21st Century Competencies such as Critical, Adaptive and Inventive Thinking, Communication, Collaboration and Information Skills as well as Civic, Global and Cross-Cultural Literacy. These competencies are integrated into lessons and oral communication platforms, supporting the development of Empathetic Communicators, Discerning Readers and Creative Inquirers.

The effective use of English is built on a strong foundation and enriched learning experiences for all. Our department aligns closely with the English Language Syllabus 2020 in the design and delivery of our programmes.

Literature in English

The study of Literature in English at PLMGSS deepens students’ understanding of the language and nurtures their appreciation of diverse literary genres. Our goal is to develop our students into Critical Readers, Creative Meaning-makers, Convincing Communicators, as well as Global and Empathetic thinkers.

Our Literature curriculum is anchored in the Literary Response Framework, which guides students in Experiencing the Story, Appreciating Style and Interpreting Theme. Through discussion and writing, teachers actively foster students’ engagement and personal response to texts.

Subjects offered

At lower secondary level,

• English (G1, G2 & G3)

• Literature in English (G2 & G3)

At upper secondary level,

• English (G1, G2 & G3)

• Pure Literature (G3)

• Elective Literature (G2 & G3)

Our Pedagogical Approach

The department places a strong emphasis on Intentional Questioning to cultivate deeper thinking, develop thinking competencies and promote effective communication.

• English Language

  • In response to the evolving English Language (EL) teaching and learning landscape, our curriculum is designed to strengthen students’ multiliteracies, metacognitive skills and exploratory talk. These elements support the development of 21st Century Competencies across all aspects of language learning.

• Literature in English

  • Students explore the three main literary genres—prose, poetry, and drama—which encourage both breadth and depth of reading. Literature lessons are rich in discussion and written expression, providing a dynamic environment where meaningful dialogue unfolds. Teachers guide students in connecting texts to their own lives and the broader world, deepening both literary appreciation and critical thinking.

Assessment

Effective teaching begins with a clear understanding of students’ evolving needs, abilities and interests. Teachers use these insights to adapt their methods and provide targeted feedback that supports continuous learning and growth.

Assessments are aligned to the syllabus aims and learning outcomes. A wide range of both formal and informal assessment modes are used to develop diverse skills, learning strategies, attitudes and behaviours. Assessment tasks are designed with consideration of students’ varied strengths, challenges and learning goals.

The range of assessment modes and activities include:

• Informal tests and quizzes

• Interactive classroom activities (e.g. exploring genres through song, creating symbolic artefacts, debates)

• Integration of e-pedagogy to foster perspective-taking

• Performance tasks (e.g. oral presentations, role plays)

• Portfolios of written work, multimedia pieces, and learning logs or journals

• Understanding checks through checklists, classroom observations, and self-evaluations

• Teacher-student conferencing to guide improvement in written work

Signature Programmes & Enrichment

Our department provides students with diverse opportunities to take part in national and international competitions, empowering them to use language meaningfully beyond the classroom setting:

• ACJC Orator's Trophy

• Raffles U14 Debates

• Singaporean Secondary School Debating Championship (SSSDC)

• YMCA Plain English Speaking Awards (PESA)

• Methodist Schools Thoburn Cup

• Creative Arts Programme (CAP)

• Commonwealth Essay Writing Contest (QCEWC)

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