English Language & Literature

Overview of the English Language Programme

Taking reference from the EL Syllabus 2020, the KC English Language Programme aims to develop effective and affective language use in students through exposure, empowerment, and enactment opportunities, nurturing students to become:

• Discerning & Critical Readers

• Inquirers & Meaning Makers

• Empathetic & Convincing Communicators

Lower Secondary EL Programme

The lower secondary programme is designed to deepen student’s speaking, writing, reading and listening skills in the English language, through a critical exploration and appreciation of a wide variety of multi modal, literary and informational texts. Students are also guided to understand and respond to purposes, audiences, contexts and cultures.

Upper Secondary EL Programme

The upper secondary programme further deepens students’ affective and effective language use and sharpens their receptive and productive language skills, so that they are able to communicate with self-expression, a sense of social awareness and responsibility, and socio-cultural sensitivity.

Overview of the Literature Programme

The KC Literature Programme consists of a lower secondary exposure programme with the option for students to offer the discipline as either a full or elective subject at the O levels.

In Katong Convent, we approach literature as a skills-based discipline that facilitates the development of empathy and perspective. Students are equipped with the aesthetic and intellectual skills necessary to appreciate, analyse and interpret a text independently, and respond critically and coherently. Through immersion in a range of local and canonical works, students develop an understanding of the human condition and the role of their own values, beliefs and biases. Students are also trained to think like a writer, a pedagogical approach to literature that utilises creative writing as a means to develop an understanding of, and sensitivity to, writer’s craft.

Lower Secondary Literature Foundation Programme

Through this comprehensive programme designed to entice and make accessible a completely new subject, students are introduced to the fundamentals of literary analysis through the close reading of bite-size unseen texts before progressing to longer, full-length work. Over the course of two years, students will be exposed to local and foreign poetry, speculative fiction, and the Shakespearean play.

Upper Secondary Literature Programme

The upper secondary programme deepens students’ critical appreciation to the artistic decisions of the literary form through a metacognitive and inquiry-based approach to texts. Students are trained to acknowledge and consider multiple perspectives whilst developing a greater acceptance for ambiguity and open-endedness. Students learn to be convincing communicators of their own interpretations in their active engagement with the text. Elective students have the opportunity to study local writing and poetry from different countries. In addition, and in counterpoint to the former, Full Literature students will also study the Shakespearean text.

Signature Programmes

ELL Talent Management - The WOW (Words, Oracy, Writing) Programme

We warmly invite students who have a natural flair and strong interest in speaking or writing to join our programme. It offers exciting opportunities to grow their confidence and sharpen their communication skills through specially designed workshops.

Students passionate about speaking will receive training in effective communication techniques, including how to engage and manage an audience. These skills prepare them to take on roles such as master of ceremonies at various school events, where they can truly shine on stage.

Those who love writing will get the chance to work with established writers and explore the creative process more deeply. They'll learn how to express themselves clearly and creatively.

For both speaking and writing, selected students may also have the chance to represent the school in national or even international competitions—challenging themselves, gaining valuable experience, and building their confidence along the way.