English
Characters Come Alive!
The English department organised a special programme during the third week of Term 3 to ignite the joy of reading among students. On Monday, 8 July 2024, teachers and students came to school dressed as their favourite storybook characters, creating a lively atmosphere. In addition to sharing interesting facts about their characters in class, students participated in storytelling activities and Bingo games in the library. This event allowed students to explore a variety of books recommended by their peers, fostering a love for reading.
WONDERS
Play pedagogy is an educational approach that uses play as a fundamental method for enhancing learning and development in students. We incorporate Play Pedagogy through our ‘WONDERS’ programme, which encourages teachers to design activities that blend play with curriculum objectives, making learning more interactive and enjoyable for students. By integrating play into the educational process, we aim to foster creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. This approach creates a more engaging and holistic learning environment, helping students develop essential life skills alongside their academic knowledge.
Staff Professional Development and Bonding Day
Watching musicals can provide educators with creative insights and inspiration that enhance their teaching practices and engage students in new ways. On 28 March, the EL department colleagues went on a learning journey to watch the musical “Matilda” at Marina Bay Sands. This musical is based on Roald Dahl’s novel, Matilda. It was a great opportunity for the teachers to learn about the different aspects of drama and adapt the ideas during the Reader’s Theatre lessons.
Primary 1 and 2 Show and Tell
Show and Tell fosters communication skills by allowing students to share their interests and experiences in a supportive environment. It provides an opportunity for students to practice academic vocabulary, pronunciation, and expression to help them become confident speakers.
Primary 4 Theatre Experience
Experiencing live theatre immerses children in a dynamic environment that enhances their appreciation for the arts and nurtures their emotional intelligence. A live theatrical performance engages children in a way that a movie cannot, exposes them to performing arts, ignites their imagination, and develops empathy. This year, the Primary 4 pupils had the opportunity to watch an interactive musical—Errol’s Garden—at the Singapore Theatre Company. Students learnt about theatre etiquette, the importance of nature, and how dreams can come true if everyone works together.
Primary 3 and 4 Reader’s Theatre
Reader’s Theatre enhances students' reading fluency and comprehension by encouraging them to engage with texts in a dynamic way. This collaborative approach also builds confidence in public speaking and fosters teamwork skills. Reader’s theatre is a style of performing in which the students collaborate to present dramatic readings of narrative material confidently without costumes, props, scenery, or special lighting.
Read and Enjoy
Publishing students' creative writing provides a valuable opportunity for them to express themselves and take pride in their work, fostering both confidence and a love for writing. The ‘Read and Enjoy’ publication is an excellent platform for students to showcase their literary talents and explore their imagination. It features diverse written works, including narratives, diary entries, poems, and book reviews, all crafted by students. This publication not only fosters a culture of creativity and self-expression within Yangzheng but also empowers students to hone their writing skills and share their unique voices, instilling a sense of confidence and empowerment.
English Department ACE Programme
Stretching academically advanced students is essential for nurturing their potential and preparing them for future challenges. The English Department ACE Programme is designed to extend the capabilities of academically advanced students while fostering their holistic development. A key focus of the programme is enhancing reading, writing, and speaking skills, as strong communication abilities are fundamental for future academic success. These skills are cultivated through an enriched curriculum and a variety of activities that challenge learners to think critically, express themselves clearly, and engage with complex ideas.
Building Blocks
Infusing LEGO play into the English curriculum enhances creativity and collaboration while making learning engaging and hands-on. The Primary 1 to Primary 6 pupils participate in a fun activity where they use their creativity and imagination to build structures with LEGO bricks. Working in teams, the pupils design and construct their ideas, fostering teamwork and communication skills. They also utilize the SLS platform to write about their creations and prepare presentations. During these presentations, students describe their ideas and share the stories behind their designs, further reinforcing their public speaking skills and building confidence.
