English Language & Literature Department

English Language and Literature Department

Vision

Skilled, Empathetic Communicators

Mission

To develop students into reflective learners who effectively communicate meaning and achieve impart in standard English.

English Language Curriculum

By the end of the Secondary 4 year at Crescent, a student should be able to:

• communicate clearly, accurately and effectively in speech and writing that is appropriate for purpose, audience, context and culture;

• think critically and evaluate what they read to be critical and independent thinkers;

• analyse a variety of complex texts in different forms and styles;

• appreciate the nuances of language and how language works in different contexts;

• use language to demonstrate understanding of world issues.

Special Programmes

Secondary 1 English Programme
The Secondary One English Language programme focuses on equipping students with various skills that  help them to become confident, skilled communicators. Learner-centred experiences allow students to explore how the language is used as a tool for self-expression. Students are exposed to authentic texts in various forms such as blogs, videos, podcasts, personal recounts, emails and letters. In exploring these texts, they are taught a wide range of skills which help them appreciate the art of written and spoken communication. There are numerous opportunities for collaborative work in the classroom to strengthen their foundation in standard English that is grammatical, fluent, intelligible and appropriate for different purposes, audiences, contexts and cultures.

Focus: Personal Response, Recounts, Narratives, Oral Communication

Secondary 2 English Programme
The Secondary 2 programme aims to deepen students’ reading skills, introducing them to Expository texts and the semiotic features of mutlimodal texts. They are also encouraged to analyse texts and apply their understanding to create texts.  

In tandem with the Department’s focus on Effective Communication, students are exposed to the art of persuasion and given the platform for public speaking, which includes delivering a persuasive speech. Various formative assessments including peer assessments are used to help students grasp and incorporate techniques learnt in the classrooms into their speeches.

Focus: Persuasive Speech, Visual Literacy, Speech Writing

Secondary 3 English Programme
The Secondary Three programme has a strong emphasis on Expository Writing, and aims to sharpen students’ skills in developing convincing arguments. They are given opportunities to hone their reading, listening, speaking and writing skills to develop into  critical thinkers and effective users of the language.

‘Talk Like Ted’ a public speaking programme designed for the cohort based on the book of the same title. It encourages students to build on their self-identity through exploration of their passion and, combined with the public speaking strategies introduced in the book, develops students into convincing speakers with a cause. This programme is also augmented by an enrichment workshop that further hones students’ Inventive and Adaptive Thinking through the learning of persuasive speaking skills.     

Focus: Persuasive Writing and Speaking, Public Speaking Skills

English Literature Curriculum

The aims of the English Literature Curriculum at Crescent are:

• To widen students’ breadth of literary experience by exposing them to a wide range of genres of writing;

• To enable students to understand and analyse the effectiveness of the various literary works; 

• To provide opportunities for students to write creatively and enhance their ability to understand the processes behind the creation of literary works;

• To provide students with a platform to explore themes which touch on a wide range of human concerns that encourage an understanding of moral and ethical issues and foster an awareness of the world they live in;

• To hone students’ skills of literary appreciation and for the development of perceptive and logical thinking.

Special Programmes

Lower Secondary English Literature Programme
Crescent’s Lower Secondary Literature programme is designed to immerse students in a profound exploration of a range of literary works focusing on the novel and poetry. Students are encouraged to respond to literary texts in a holistic manner to cover the 5 different Areas of Study (Plot and Structure; Character; Themes; Style and Setting and Atmosphere). Also incorporated in the curriculum is the use of multimedia tools to explore historical contexts relevant to the literary works being studied to enhance students’ learning experience. The programme hopes to foster in the students a deep appreciation of language, inspire critical thinking and to empower them to read text and the world in different ways and with discernment.

For the Secondary 1 Literature programme, the students explore three genres:
1 - Short Stories
2 - Short Plays
3 - Unseen Poetry (by local and international poets)

For the Secondary 2 Literature programme, the students explore two genres:
1 - Novel: The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne
2 - Unseen Poetry (by local and international poets)

Our students also participate in events and competitions such as the National Schools

Literature Festival, a literary festival for students in Singapore, to provide them with a powerful platform to develop their passion and love for literature.

Upper Secondary English Literature Programme
The Upper Secondary Literature programme comprises two major categories:

Paper 1: Set Text (Novel/ Short Stories) – The Chrysalids by John Wyndham and Unseen Poetry
Paper 2: Set Text (Drama) – A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry

Central to the study of Literature in the Upper Secondary is the holistic approach to the subject as well as developing in students the ability to respond critically to the text by building on their understanding of the five Areas of Study. At the Upper Secondary level, they are also exposed to texts that allow them to explore and make relevant connections to their own lives. Students will engage in a variety of tasks that will help them critically appreciate how the Areas of Study impact the readers’ experiences and to articulate their ideas in a clear and coherent way.

To enhance their learning experience, students participate in the National Schools Literature Festival, a national event which provides students from different schools studying similar texts with a platform to apply their knowledge of the text through debates. Such invaluable experiences enable students to hone their critical thinking and analytical skills as well as communication skills.

Achievements

2023

National Schools Literature Festival 2023
Unseen Debate: Winners
Commonwealth Essay Competition 2023
2 Bronze

2022

ACJC Orator’s Trophy Junior Category 2022
Champion
Commonwealth Essay Competition 2022
1 Bronze

2021

ACJC Orator’s Trophy Junior Category 2021
3rd
National Schools Literature Festival 2021
Drama Trailer: Gold
Choral Speaking: Commendation Award
Commonwealth Essay Competition 2021
1 Silver, 1 Bronze
Live On Festival Design Competition 2021
1 Distinction

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