More Information About This Class

Singapore’s transformation into a knowledge-based economy,
the rapid developments in technology, the generational shift in
home language and an increasingly competitive international
environment are some factors that make proficiency in English
necessary for pupils. A proficient command of the language will
enable pupils to access, process and keep abreast of information,
and to engage with the wider and more diverse communities
outside of Singapore.

The syllabus aims to develop students to communicate effectively in English and enable candidates to achieve the following outcomes:

(a) Listen, read and view critically and with accuracy, understanding and appreciation, a wide range of literary and informational/functional texts from print and non-print sources.

(b) Speak, write and represent in internationally acceptable English (Standard English) that is grammatical, fluent, mutually intelligible and appropriate for different purposes, audiences, contexts and cultures.

(c) Understand and use internationally acceptable English (Standard English) grammar and vocabulary accurately and appropriately as well as understand how speakers/writers put words together and use language to communicate meaning and achieve impact.



The foundation of language learning will be strengthened through: • a greater focus on oral communication (listening and speaking skills) using show-and-tell, debates, speech and drama, and oral presentations for all levels and courses. • a focus at the Lower and Middle Primary levels on the enjoyment of language before pupils formally learn the metalanguage and grammatical items associated with texts. There will be systematic and explicit instruction of grammar, with a focus on word, phrase and sentence level grammar before a gradual incorporation of text level grammar at the Upper Primary and Secondary levels. • attention to phonemic awareness, phonics and early literacy skills at the start of Primary 1 to lay the foundation for acquiring reading fluency, comprehension and viewing skills and strategies at all levels.

• the development of word study skills to build and use vocabulary knowledge at all levels. • the development of writing skills and learner strategies for idea generation, selection, development, organisation and revision.