English Language & Literature

Last updated 21 September 2026

Group of 12 people posing in a library; five seated in front and seven standing behind bookshelves.

Vision

Every JYian an effective communicator using Standard English.

Mission

To achieve value-added results by equipping JYians with lifelong learning skills and values.

Overview

In the English Language & Literature department, our teachers aim:

Our ELL Department focuses on developing our students into confident and competent communicators.

EL Reading Programme and English Language Week

Our department actively promotes reading through carefully curated magazine subscriptions and monthly reading materials that enhance students' general knowledge and cultivate good reading habits.

During our annual English Language & Literature Week, students participate in engaging activities that spark their love for reading and writing. Popular events include the Choral Reading Competition, Great Riddle Challenge and Two-Liner Stories Competition. The highlight of the week is Book Character Day, where students bring literary characters to life through creative presentations.

EL Intensive Programme (Graduating Classes)

We provide comprehensive support for our graduating students through targeted examination preparation during term time and school holidays. This programme equips students with specific skills needed for the GCE 'O' and 'N' level examinations, boosting their confidence and motivation to excel in their national examinations.

English Enrichment and Grammar Programmes

Our students benefit from a series of topical enrichment lectures. These sessions cover diverse contemporary topics ranging from education to environmental issues, helping students develop the knowledge and language skills essential for the national examinations.

Literature Learning Journeys

To deepen our students' understanding of Literature beyond the classroom, Secondary 1 students participate in learning journeys, watching the double-billing of 'Don't Know, Don't Care' and 'Perfecting Pratas'. Secondary 3 students watch 'Secondary the Musical', witnessing how literary elements such as character development, plot structure, and thematic exploration are brought to life on stage. By experiencing Literature in performance, students gain a richer understanding of textual analysis and develop stronger interpretive skills.

Offering Literature as an Elective in Secondary 3

The department offers Upper Secondary G3 English Literature as an Elective. Through the study of compelling texts like ‘Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry’ and unseen poetry, students develop analytical and critical thinking skills. Literature at Upper Secondary provides students with more opportunities to explore complex themes and engage with challenging moral questions. Through Literature, students understand themselves and others better in a multicultural, complex and interconnected world by exploring the depth and breadth of the human experience.

Applied Learning Programme (ALP)

Our department works closely with ALP to deliver a comprehensive public speaking programme across the school. For example, graduating students receive comprehensive preparation for their post-secondary education through specialised workshops focusing on both oral and written communication. Students develop interview and writing skills which prepare them for immediate post-secondary applications and for future academic and professional endeavours.