Overview

In Kent Ridge, the teaching of English Language and Literature is based on a clear vision and a sense of mission in ensuring that the young passing through our portal will become readers, writers and self-reliant thinkers who employ language and literature to enrich their lives. The department provides
a multitude of opportunities for students to develop their language skills and proficiency through daily classroom activities and both internal and external competitions.

Our staff is now exploring different ways to motivate students in their learning in line with the school thrust of Student-Centred Learning. In thus doing, our teachers are continuing to promote a deeper interest and love for English Language and Literature through engaging activities and by encouraging critical thinking.

Our department will strive to provide the best and most conducive environment for learning and mastering of English Language and Literature and to stay relevant in the age of IT. It is our mission that our students after four years of education, graduate as competent young people who imbibe the Heart of a Saint, Passion of an Inventor and Will of an Olympian, exuding Fitness of mind and Body, Integrity in Word and Deed, Respect for self, community and the environment and Excellence in all their endeavours.

Programmes and Activities

The English Language curriculum is broad-based and encompasses the basic skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. In the process of imparting these lifelong skills, the finer aspects of oral, aural and written communication are covered. The teaching of grammar and incorporating of National Education, thinking skills and socio-emotional competencies are part and parcel of the curriculum.

The Literature curriculum includes the three main genres of poetry, drama and prose. The students are exposed to literature from around the world and are taught the skills of analysing the writer’s intention, diction and the various elements that make up a literary text.

Reading Programme

READ @ KR, the reading programme endeavours to nurture the love of reading and to develop reading proficiency as well as to increase awareness to general world issues and current affairs. Its rigor is seen in weekly reading of the national newspaper, The Straits Times by the whole school population, the wide spectrum of texts across levels and streams for the lower secondary students and the array of magazines subscribed by the upper secondary students.

Enrichment Programmes

A varied range of enrichment activities were organised to expose our students to more learning experiences:

• Scrabble Competition
• Boggle Competition
• Creative Writing
• Reflection & Learning Journals on Commemorative events
• Pen-a-Thot
• Debates
• Oratorical Competition - Speak In Character
• Kent Ridge Trail
• Australian EL Competition
• Speech & Drama Workshop

Progress and Achievements

The department has seen a continuous improvement in the GCE ‘O’ and ‘N’ Level results in English Language. The overall percentage pass has been above expectations as compared to selection of similar schools.

5th Inter-School National Scrabble Championship

• 'Scrabble Bowl' Trophy Challenge - 3rd Position
• Fair-Play Trophy