English Department

We are a vibrant team, passionate about using the English Language for effective communication, critical thinking, and creative expression. Our materials and programmes are carefully curated to enable our students to achieve linguistic and communicative competence, adaptability, and flexibility. We hope to train our students to possess the values, dispositions and skills needed to be empathetic communicators, discerning readers, and creative inquirers.

Approach & Pedagogy

The BDS English Language and Literature programme approaches the teaching of texts thematically in alignment with the Instructional Materials from Curriculum Planning & Development Division (CPDD), with the intentional use of CLEARR pedagogical strategies to encourage exploration of ideas, reflection, and greater focus on the writing process rather than just the end product. Our lessons are designed based on the principles of e-pedagogy and blended learning and the principles and processes of EL teaching and learning. Teachers facilitate Assessment for Learning (AfL) in classrooms to identify students’ readiness, interests and learning profiles and check their progress. Our teachers adapt the instructional strategies to develop students with different strengths and needs.

Literature

Our literature programme aims to increase student engagement with literature through interactive activities such as BDS Literature Symposium and participating in the National Schools Literature Festival. We also strive to broaden our students’ world view and develop multiple perspectives by providing opportunities for students to explore texts in other forms through learning journeys like musical or play productions.

o Customised Resource files

o Literature texts

§ Books: Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed; Wonder; A Hundred Flowers, Boom

§ Selection of global and local poems curated by the Literature Department

Reading Programme

The Reading Programme encourages students to discover the joy of reading through scheduled library visits and book recommendations by teachers and/or peers. Students in our school are encouraged to read as widely as possible from our physical collection at Oasis@BDS (school library). With the implementation of the PLD programme in 2022, students are further encouraged to use their devices to tap on the digital resources that are available on the NLB website and via our morning reading website ‘Take Your Pick!’ You can click here to view the materials that are curated according to themes, students’ interest, and profiles. Through monthly library activities which are organised in tandem with various stakeholders, we hope to engage our students in thematic activities and learn new skills. We aim to nurture our students to become life-long readers and continue to develop multi- perspectives, global awareness, and critical thinking skills.

The programme aims to:

(i) Develop lifelong readers by encouraging students to read and view critically and with accuracy, understanding and appreciation of a wide array of print and digital materials.

(ii) Widen students’ horizons of the world around them.

(iii) Learn new skills through library activities.

Some of our activities in 2022:

1) Nagomi Art Workshop

2) Fan Fiction Workshop

3) Upcycling Workshop

4) Paper Craft Workshop

5) Mental Wellbeing Workshop

6) Yarn Doll Making Workshop

English Talent Management Programme

The BDS Talent Management Programme is a literacy programme that provides students with opportunities to develop intellectual rigour and critical thinking in their use of the English Language. Each year, we give opportunities for our students to participate in both local and international events with the aim to develop in our students’ genuine curiosity regarding real-world global and social issues, such that they become innovative problem-solvers who are able to confidently defend their views in front of an audience.

Events & Awards:

§ Singapore Schools’ Debating Championship

§ Unity Young Writers Festival – 2^nd place in Flash Fiction Category

§ Live On Festival – Merit Award for Essay Category

§ World Scholars’ Cup – Individual and Team Gold & Silver Award Winners for all categories in both Junior & Senior Divisions

§ Write for Kindness

§ International Debating Championships