English

Empowered Learners, Reflective Inquirers, Empathetic Communicators

Student Outcomes

We envision our students to be:

● Articulate and empathetic communicators

Students communicate ideas clearly, thoughtfully and purposefully in speech and writing, demonstrating sensitivity to audience, context and purpose across print, digital and multimodal platforms.

● Insightful readers and interpreters of texts

Students engage critically with literary and non-literary texts, appreciating language and literary craft while interpreting themes, characters and perspectives that reflect diverse human experiences and cultures.

● Reflective and creative meaning-makers

Students respond to texts with imagination and insight, make connections across texts and contexts, and reflect on how language and literature shape understanding of self, society and the world.

Curriculum

At CHIJ Secondary, our English Language curriculum develops confident communicators, discerning readers and creative inquirers. Students engage with a wide range of multimodal texts — print, visual, digital and hybrid — to interpret the world in new ways and strengthen critical and media literacy skills. Through differentiated instruction and tech‑enabled pedagogy, learning is tailored to engage all students deeply.

Students also embark on authentic, real-world tasks that show the power of language in everyday life. Examples include dining with family or friends and submitting a food review, or articulating their views on current issues through a letter to The Straits Times Forum. These experiences spark joy in learning while building confidence in using English meaningfully beyond the classroom.

Our Literature Reading Programme exposes students to texts beyond the classroom, broadening their reading experiences and introducing diverse voices, themes and perspectives. It promotes discussion, allowing students to share interpretations, appreciate varied responses, and reflect on their own learning.

Through Literature Alternative Assessment tasks, students explore texts in their social, historical and cultural contexts, developing global awareness and connecting literature to real-world experiences. Students may dramatise and film key scenes or write diaries/journals from a character’s perspective, demonstrating understanding of characterisation, themes, and collaboration. These tasks cultivate both creative and analytical skills, helping students make meaningful connections between the text and the wider world.

Signature Programmes

IJ FLAIR

Our signature programme, IJ FLAIR – A Festival of Language and the Arts in Rhythm, is a week-long celebration of students’ creativity and expression. The festival brings together the English, Art and Music departments in a collaborative effort to provide meaningful platforms for students to explore and showcase their talents in language and the arts.

Festival highlights include a Pyjama Party, Movie Night, Character Parade, mini TED-style talks, storytelling and choral reading. IJ FLAIR also features the e-publication of poems and essays written by students in our Creative Arts Programme (CAP@IJ), a talent development initiative that nurtures students with a passion for creative writing.

Learning Journey

As part of our Lower Secondary English Language curriculum, students take part in a Learning Journey that brings descriptive writing beyond the classroom. Exploring Singapore’s vibrant heritage precincts, they experience first-hand the colours, sounds and atmosphere of places rich in history and culture.

As they walk through these lively districts, students observe their surroundings closely and record sensory details that help them craft vivid descriptions. The experience encourages them to look more carefully at the world around them and to translate their observations into engaging pieces of writing.

Through this Learning Journey, students strengthen their descriptive writing skills while gaining a deeper appreciation of Singapore’s multicultural heritage.

Interclass Debating Competition

The Interclass Debating Competition is a highly anticipated level-wide activity held during the post-examination period for the Secondary 3 students. It provides students with an engaging platform to apply the argumentative and persuasive speaking and writing skills developed in their English Language lessons.

Through this friendly interclass competition, students are given a valuable opportunity to express their views, engage respectfully with differing opinions and articulate their ideas with confidence.

Creative Arts Programme @ IJ

The Creative Arts Programme @IJ (CAP@IJ) is a talent development initiative that nurtures students with a passion and flair for writing. Students are selected based on their demonstrated interest and potential in creative writing. Through the programme, they are given opportunities to attend writing workshops, hone their craft, and deepen their appreciation of the literary arts. CAP@IJ students also represent the school in various writing competitions, providing them with meaningful platforms to develop their voice and showcase their creativity.

Our Students

IJ FLAIR- A Festival of Language and the Arts in Rhythm

Sec 2 Learning Journey

Sec 3 Interclass Debating Championships

CAPIJ- Creative Arts Programme @ IJ

Achievements & Accolades

2023

2024

2025

Achievement

School of the Year for Live On Festival 2024 – Essay Competition (Junior) award

Live On Festival 2024

Commonwealth Essay Writing Competition

Secondary 3 Interclass Debates