The common elements of the course in English are interactive and focus on strengthening students’ social and general critical-thinking skills, such as synthesis, inference and the ability to order facts and present opinions effectively. To this end, as a class, students read certain texts in English so as to be able to discuss them as a whole group and then complete written assignments on the texts in their Language As.
The College engages qualified marking tutors in the relevant Language A to mark, assess and give feedback on students’ work on a regular basis. The Marking Tutors, appointed by the College are carefully selected on the basis of their experience and expertise. The College heavily subsidises the costs incurred in employing these Marking Tutors. However, there is an additional charge of S$400 per year to cover part of the cost of providing this service.
Course content
In First Language, students will work individually on communication and research skills. By taking responsibility for their own learning, students are also developing self-management in their Language A. To this end, students are responsible for selecting (with the help of their marking tutors) appropriately challenging texts in their mother tongues. They also complete written assignments on these literary works. This work is meant to prepare them for IB Language A courses.
Genres studied: Language A texts (short story, drama, novel)
Texts in English: Selected short stories – A View from the Bridge, The Kite Runner
Skills developed
ability to express ideas clearly and fluently, both orally and in writing
ability to substantiate and justify ideas with relevant examples
understanding of the ways in which cultural values are expressed in texts
understanding of text structure, style and the writer’s technique
ability to compare and contrast the form, style and content of texts
understanding of individual literary works as representatives of genre and period
Assessment
essay writing
speaking and listening in discussions
oral presentations on Language A texts