English

English Language and Literature Department 

Empathy, Expression and Experiential Learning

The English Language & Literature Department remains committed to nurturing effective communicators, thoughtful readers and individuals with a strong sense of empathy. In 2025, our programmes across levels focused on authentic learning, creative expression and the development of students’ socio-emotional understanding. Three signature initiatives—at Sec 1, Sec 2 and Sec 3—stood out as highlights for 2025. 

Sec 1 “Walk in Your Shoes” Project
Building Empathy in a New School Environment

As part of their transition into secondary school, our Sec 1 students embarked on the “Walk in Your Shoes” project, an initiative designed to develop empathy, perspective-taking and emotional awareness.

Through guided discussions, scenario-based activities and reflective tasks, students explored what it means to understand the feelings and experiences of their peers—especially as they navigate new classes, routines and social dynamics.

The project culminated in two deliverables, which forms part of their assessment

• a student-produced video demonstrating ways empathy can be shown in everyday school interactions

• a poster advocating practical strategies for practising empathy in classrooms, corridors and online spaces

The project not only strengthened students’ expressive skills but also fostered a more inclusive and supportive cohort environment.

Sec 2 Experiential Learning
Sensory Imagery Through Local Flavours

A major highlight of the year was the Sec 2 Experiential Learning Programme on sensory imagery, anchored around the magical world of Willy Wonka as well as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. 

Students engaged in a series of immersive sensory stations that activated all five senses—sight, sound, smell, taste and touch. These stations featured a range of locally inspired ingredients, including pandan, gula melaka and even chilli crab. Students were also exposed to flavours of tropical spices and fruits like ginger, lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves. 

Armed with rich sensory experiences, students were then tasked to conceptualise and write about their own locally inspired chocolate creation. This descriptive writing assignment required them to apply sensory vocabulary, vivid imagery and narrative creativity.

Teachers observed stronger lexical precision, improved use of descriptive devices and heightened engagement, making this one of the year’s most memorable learning experiences for the cohort.

Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition - Sec 3s
A Record Achievement of 20 Awards

Our Sec 3 students continued to shine on the international stage through their participation in the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition (QCEC). This platform encouraged them to articulate informed opinions on global issues while developing depth and nuance in their writing.

Their efforts resulted in an outstanding total of 20 awards, including:

• 3 Gold Awards

  • Isaac Hung Shi Jie (3E)

  • Jay Andrian Radzwan (3E)

  • Mohammad Nazril Ilham Bin Md Yuszeni (3F)

• 2 Silver Awards

  • Chloe Huang Yun Ning (3F)

  • Maniego Vinvent Tyrone (3C)

• 15 Bronze Awards

  • Karaca Eren (3E)

  • Nur Qurnia Atiqah Binte Abdullah (3E)

  • Nuryn Mohamed Hezri (3E)

  • Rosella Koh An Qi (3E)

  • Sofia Moehammad Ariffin (3E)

  • Ang Wee Leng (3F)

  • Bing Hong Lau (3F)

  • Elayne Sia Yi En (3F)

  • Nguyen Pham Phuong Nghi (3F)

  • Rio Then Seng Lot (3F)

  • Ayra Alysha Nazry Isa (3C)

  • Dacaimat Mischa Angela Soto (3C)

  • Nur Fitri Aleesay Johari (3C)

  • See Toh, Desiree (3C)

  • Yu Zhi Ya, Kayla (3C)

The strong showing reflects our students’ growing confidence as global thinkers and communicators, as well as the department’s emphasis on critical inquiry and expressive clarity.

Conclusion

Across all levels, the department’s programmes this year have centred on authentic learning, empathy-building and meaningful expression. Whether stepping into another’s shoes, crafting imaginative descriptions from lived sensory experiences, or writing for an international audience, our students have demonstrated curiosity, creativity and maturity.

The English Language & Literature Department looks forward to building on these successes as we continue to nurture students who read with insight, write with purpose and communicate with empathy.