English and English Literature

English and English Literature

Introduction

Language is at the heart of how our students connect with the world and discover who they are. In today’s fast-paced, digital age, we don't just teach grammar and books; we help every student find their unique voice and the confidence to express it. Our department believes in nurturing empathetic, independent thinkers. By guiding students to understand how words shape the world around them, we empower them to move from just scrolling through information to actively making a positive impact with their own ideas.​

​BDS English and Literature in English curriculum aims to provide every student with the opportunity to acquire vital literary and linguistic skills, developing the competency needed to communicate effectively in a dynamic world. Through a diverse curation of texts and resources, students explore varied customs, traditions, and belief systems, deep-diving into different ways of seeing and making sense of the world. By integrating learner-centred strategies with rich classroom discussions, the curriculum delivers authentic experiences that highlight the true power of language. Ultimately, students are engaged within and beyond the classroom to develop critical thinking, global awareness, and media literacy, while finding unique opportunities to collaborate, innovate, and create.​

The BDS English Language and Literature Experience ​

1. Student Outcomes

We aim for every BDS English student to leave us as a:​

Confident Voice: Someone who shares their thoughts and feelings respectfully and clearly, whether they are speaking, writing, or creating media.​

Sharp Thinker: A student who doesn't just accept everything they read online, but looks deeper to understand the author's real intent and question the facts.​

Independent Learner: A self-starter who takes charge of their own growth, knowing how to plan, check their own work, and learn from mistakes.​

Global Citizen: A team player who works beautifully with others and respects different cultures, backgrounds, and viewpoints.​

Media-Savvy Creator: Someone who safely and smartly navigates the digital world, reading between the lines of the media they consume every day​

2. Pedagogical Approach​

We believe that learning English should be an exciting, non-linear journey rather than a series of repetitive drills. Because our students join us from various primary schools, we deliberately design our classrooms to be safe, interactive spaces where transition is seamless and learning is deeply connected.​

• Building a Confident Foundation ​

• Immersing Students in Rich Language​

• Bringing Lessons to Life Intentionally ​

• Shaping Classrooms around Every Unique Learner

3. Department Programmes and Achievements​

Stretch Programme​: EL Talent Management Programme​

The BDS Talent Management Programme is a literacy programme that provides students withopportunities to develop intellectual rigour and critical thinking in their use of the English Language. Through our Debate and Writing units, we aim to develop in our students life-long values, skills and competencies that help them acquire global awareness and develop their communication, collaborative and critical thinking skills.​

The programme aims to: ​
(i)  Develop independent, confident and effective users of the language through varied activities that help to hone their communication skills,​
(ii)  Inculcate an intellectual curiosity of real-world global and social issues, and be  innovative problem-solvers in approaching such issues​
(iii) Collaborate as a team through active participation in various competitions and events​

​Events & Awards:​

• National Schools Debating Championship (semi-finalists)​

• Singapore Secondary Schools’ Debating Championships​

• Commonwealth Essay Competition​

• Unity Young Writers Festival​

• Live On Festival – Merit Award for Essay Category​

• Write for Kindness​

• International Debating Championships​

• National Secondary Schools Translation Competition​

• National Schools Literature Festival​

BDS debater delivering her speech in front of a judge

BDS debaters holding their champion trophies  ​

Reading Programme

Discover the Joy of Reading at Our School

Welcome to our Reading Programme, where we inspire a love for reading in every student!

Our Approach

At our school, we believe reading opens doors to new worlds and ideas. Our programme is designed to:

1.Foster lifelong readers who can critically engage with a variety of print and digital materials

2.Broaden students’ perspectives on the world around them

3.Develop skills through engaging library activities

What We Offer

•Regular library visits to our vibrant Oasis@BDS (our school library)

•Book recommendations from teachers and fellow students

•Access to digital resources via the National Library Board (NLB) website

•A dedicated morning reading site on Student Learning Space (SLS) with curated materials

Resources

•Browse our curated resources for students here. (You will need to log in with a valid student account to access the resources.)

•Explore School E-Resource Repository (SERR) here.

•Explore DiscoveReads by NLB (Recommended reading list by NLB)

New Arrivals display is refreshed regularly to engage our frequent borrowers.

4. Tips for Parents

To enjoy learning English, it is important for you to encourage your child to:

1.   Be an active and inquisitive learner in the classroom to participate in activities and ask questions when in doubt. 

2. Understand the scientific concepts instead of memorising them without understanding. This will help in applying these concepts to novel questions and in interpreting data such as graphs or tables.

3. Practise questions consistently and actively seek feedback from teachers.