English

ENGLISH

Vision

The vision of the English Department is to ensure that every Bendemeer student becomes a confident and competent communicator. To realise this vision, the department has planned a six-year, progressive programme that develops a strong language foundation and provides rich, meaningful learning experiences.

Our mission is to inspire a love for learning through engaging learning activities and positive role modelling. To achieve this, the English Department has adopted Strategy-Based Instruction as our core pedagogical approach and has also incorporated Thinking Routines to deepen students’ meaning-making, strengthen their reasoning skills, and nurture reflective, independent learners.

Programmes

STELLAR (Strategies for English Language Learning and Reading)

STELLAR’s vision is for all children to develop a love for reading and hence the use of interesting and engaging stories in the STELLAR curriculum. The lower primary STELLAR strategies are the Shared Book Approach (SBA), the Modified Language Experience Approach (MLEA) and Learning Centres. The strategies at the Upper Primary are Guided Reading, Supported Reading, KWL and Retelling.



Different learning station activities and games help cultivate a love for the language.

Texts that spark critical thinking and connect to real-world issues — our students engaging in a meaningful discussion on the ‘Paralympic Games’.

Our students engaged in activities that encourage and inspire the love for English. Students made sandwiches in class and wrote about their experience.

Reading

Reading is crucial to a child’s success across all contexts in school. The school has embarked on the “I Read, You Read, We Read” approach to reading where teachers positively role model reading. One period in the weekly timetable is set aside for reading. The objective of the reading period is to inculcate in students a love of reading. During the reading period, teachers weave in discussions based on Critical Literacy, and use newspapers to share about current affairs as well as visit the library to be immersed in the wonderful world of books. Other reading programmes include:

Book Talk: Primary 1 to Primary 5 Students are encouraged to write a synopsis of a book read. Then they would stand in front of their classmates and share what they have written. This also fosters confidence building and student-student relationship.


Our students enjoying a good book in our school library.


Our students at the library completing their I Love Reading Booklet!	A book talk conducted to inspire others to read on our annual Come as a Book Character Day.

Book Stop: To build a strong reading culture, Book Stop, which features the school mascot driving a mini-library of books, is brought to the canteen. By creating a print-rich environment in school, students are encouraged to read avidly at every opportunity.

Writing

A spiral progression of skills is key to systematic teaching and learning of writing. Building on the principles of the Modified Language Experience Approach (MLEA) at the Lower Primary, the Writing Process Cycle (WPC) continues to provide students with guidance in planning, writing and reviewing their work at the Middle and Upper Primary levels.

In addition, Bendemeer Otter Times is the school’s annual publication that showcases good English compositions by our very own budding writers. In each issue, readers follow Ben, the school mascot, on an adventure to get inspiration and tips for good writing. In the process, our students are also inspired to adopt a Growth Mindset, taking concrete steps to improve their writing.



Writing is so much fun in Bendemeer!

Celebrate Writing through our Bendemeer OTTER Times

We celebrate our young authors with our very own Otter Times. The attractive format of the publication inspires students to write well while earning a chance to be featured.

Volume 1(2022)
Issue 1
Issue 2

Volume 2 (2023)
Issue 1
Issue 2

Volume 3 (2024)
Issue 1

Volume 4 (2025)
Issue 1

Flipbooks for Lower Primary Students

Let’s explore the stories written by our Primary 1, Primary 2 and Primary 3 students through flipbooks.

Stories By Our Primary 1 Writers 2024
Stories By Our Primary 2 Writers 2024
Stories By Our Primary 3 Writers 2024

Stories By Our Primary 1 Writers 2025
Stories By Our Primary 2 Writers 2025

A Pocketful of Phrases

The EL department has also come up with a compilation of useful words and phrases for students to widen their vocabulary for speech and writing.

A Pocketful of Phrases (P4 to P6)

Oracy

The objectives of the Bendemeer Oracy Programme are to build confident and competent communicators who 1) understand the key features of spoken language; and 2) can craft presentations using a variety of skills and strategies, according to the purpose, audience, context and culture.

Learning oracy through fun and authentic ways!

Our Superspeaker Programme provides our students with opportunities to hone their speaking and presentation skills as they present to their classmates and school!

A Vibrant English Environment

Come as a Book Character Day

On 24 April, the school came alive in a vibrant celebration of imagination and creativity as students participated in our much anticipated Come as a Book Character Day, themed “Genres Come Alive.” From beloved classic figures to contemporary heroes, students arrived dressed as their favourite literary characters, transforming the school into a colourful tapestry that reflected the richness and diversity of stories. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as students eagerly shared about their characters, bringing narratives to life through their voices and expressions.

Book characters came alive as both staff and students stepped into the shoes of their favourite literary figures

A key highlight of the celebration was the exploration of literary genres. Through peer sharing and thoughtfully designed activities, students were introduced to a wide range of genres, including fantasy, adventure, mystery, folklore and non-fiction. These experiences deepened their understanding of genre characteristics and themes, while nurturing a genuine curiosity about the world of books.

Our talented teacher-actors, who truly brought their characters to life!

Throughout the week, students engaged in interactive activities such as storytelling sessions led by the Principal, Vice-Principals and parent volunteers, as well as hands-on book-making experiences in the Maker’s Space. These platforms provided meaningful opportunities for students to express their ideas, think creatively and collaborate with their peers. In the process, they developed essential communication, collaboration, adaptability and social awareness.

Beyond the festivities, the event played a significant role in cultivating a sustained love for reading. Students demonstrated enthusiasm in discussing stories, making connections across texts and embracing diverse perspectives. The immersive nature of the activities encouraged them to step into different roles and viewpoints, strengthening their adaptability and confidence as learners.

Students dressed as the book characters

Come as a Book Character Day was more than a celebration - it was a powerful reminder of how stories can inspire, connect and shape young minds. It underscored the school’s commitment to nurturing reflective, curious and future-ready learners through meaningful and engaging literacy experiences.

Superspeaker Programme

The EL Department aims to build a culture of communication and conversation within the classroom. This is done in order to give students voice and build their confidence. We believe that by providing platforms for students to present in class as well as by giving them autonomy in the topics they would like to talk about, we can build their confidence in speaking to an audience. Every child will have an opportunity to present to their class in this programme that aims to nurture and culture of conversation within the classroom.