English Language & Literature

Department Focus

At the core of the English Department is our commitment to nurturing articulate, thoughtful, and empathetic individuals. Through the study of English Language and English Literature, we empower students to develop a deep appreciation for language as a tool for communication, inquiry, and reflection.

Through the English Language curriculum, we aim to nurture students who are empathetic communicators, able to express themselves clearly and respectfully, with sensitivity to diverse audiences. We also seek to cultivate discerning readers who are adept at critically evaluating and interpreting a wide range of texts with insight and depth. At the same time, we encourage students to be creative inquirers: curious, imaginative thinkers who approach ideas with confidence and a spirit of innovation.

Through the study of English Literature, we deepen students’ understanding of the human condition by engaging them with texts that explore timeless personal and societal themes. Literature offers a lens to appreciate diverse perspectives and the richness of cultural, historical, and social contexts. Our curriculum fosters empathy, global awareness, and a sensitivity to the power of language in shaping meaning and emotion. Students develop reflective habits of mind, learning to embrace complexity, consider multiple interpretations, and construct well-reasoned, evidence-based analyses of texts.

Curriculum

English Language

Our English Language curriculum is designed to build students’ confidence and competence across the four key domains of communication: reading, writing, speaking and listening. Through engagement with a diverse range of authentic and literary texts, students develop critical literacy, analytical reasoning and expressive clarity.

Lessons are structured to foster creativity, encourage collaboration and develop independent thought. Students gain a strong foundation in grammar and vocabulary while learning to adapt their communication for different purposes and audiences. The curriculum equips them with the skills to thrive in both academic settings and real-world interactions.

English Literature

The English Literature curriculum offers students a rich and immersive experience with texts from various genres, cultures, and historical periods. Through the close study of poetry, prose, and drama, students sharpen their interpretive and analytical skills while deepening their understanding of the human condition.

Students are encouraged to engage personally and intellectually with texts, exploring themes, character development, and stylistic techniques. Discussion, debate and creative response tasks promote empathy, imagination, and a deeper awareness of social and moral complexities. Ultimately, the curriculum fosters a lifelong appreciation of literature as both art and inquiry

Assessment

To foster student engagement and ownership of learning, and obtain a snapshot of student achievement, the department integrates both Assessment for Learning and Assessment of Learning into its evaluative framework.

Syllabus Links

• English Language - Express & Normal (Academic)

• English Language - Normal (Technical)

Signature Programmes

• English Language Day

• Sec 1 Public Speaking Workshop

• Tune In to Win It

Achievements

Competitions & Highlights

• Raffles Dialogue 2025

• Prov It! Competition 2025

• Unity Writers’ Festival 2025

• Live-On Festival 2025

• Inter-schools National Scrabble Competition 2024

• Unity Writers’ Festival 2024

• M.E.S.H. Learning Journey to Little India 2023

• English is Fun Assembly Programme 2023

• Participation in A Day In Court Student Seminar 2022

• Singapore Secondary Schools Debating Championships 2019

• Sec 1 In-House Drama Workshop with Guest Speaker, Dr Geraldine Song

• Sec 2 In-House Choral Reading Workshop with Guest Speaker, Dr Dennis Yeo

• Sec 2 National Gallery Literature Learning Journey