ENGLISH

CHIJ (Katong) Primary uses both STELLAR (the national English Language curriculum) and our school-based curriculum to achieve the outcomes specified by MOE’s English Language Syllabus.

The English Language Syllabus focuses on the development, reinforcement, and extension of language skills in the primary years through an enjoyment of the language and the promotion of extensive reading, leveraging on listening, oracy, reading and writing skills to develop knowledge and independent use of the language.

STELLAR (Strategies for English Language Learning and Reading)

To nurture children who love reading and have a strong foundation in the English Language, the school uses the STELLAR approach. Through the use of STELLAR, we strengthen their language and reading skills as well as promote a positive attitude towards learning. The programme uses research-based teaching strategies and age-appropriate materials to engage children in the learning of English.

We aim to develop effective and affective language use in students in the following ways:

Listen to, read, and view critically and with accuracy, understanding and appreciating a wide array of literary and informational texts in Standard English from print, non-print and digital networked sources.
Speak, write, and represent in Standard English that is grammatical, fluent, intelligible and appropriate for different purposes, audiences, contexts and cultures.
Use Standard English grammar and vocabulary accurately and appropriately, and understand how speakers/writers put words together and use language to communicate meaning and achieve impact.
Use English with impact, effect and affect.

School-based curriculum

To build a strong foundation and rich language for all, we use a variety of print and non-print resources, as we broaden our students’ language exposure and learning experiences so that they will develop an appreciation for the use of language in various contexts according to the purpose, audience and culture. We continuously strive to enhance our teaching to enrich learning for our students, and we carry out our school-based curriculum and Applied Learning Programme (ALP) to complement STELLAR.

Learning Journeys

Over the years, students will have opportunities to go on several learning journeys. This enables students to learn beyond the classroom, engaging in hands-on and real-life experiences, e.g. watching a play, visiting Gardens by the Bay, Asian Civilisations Museum and the Singapore Zoological Gardens.

Joy of Learning

Teachers strive to make lessons interesting for students by making lessons Relevant, Applicable and Personal.

Speaking Platforms

Students are given various platforms to apply the skills that they have acquired. Some of these include performances during EL Week, emceeing for school assembly programmes or school concerts, and our P1 & P2 concert.

Literacy Support Programmes

We have various literacy programmes to cater to girls who require additional support. These include Learning Support Programme (LSP - P1 & P2), Reading Remediation Programme (RRP - P3 & P4) and School-based Dyslexia Remediation (SDR - P3 & P4). These programmes are conducted by trained teachers who are equipped with skills to provide the necessary remediation for reading through comprehensive teaching packages and guidelines developed by the Reading Unit of EL Curriculum Planning and Development Division (CPDD).

Talent Management

Students who are good in verbal and writing skills are identified, nurtured, and given showcase opportunities through competitions such as the PESA, Creative Writing Competitions, HAIKU Poetry Writing Competitions, National Spelling Championship, National Lit Quiz, and Wits and Words.

Identified students attend enrichment programmes to further hone their skills. These include programmes like Reading Circle, Journalism for Kids and Debating Skills.