English
ENGLISH
Vision and Mission
The vision of the English Department is to ensure that every student of Bendemeer is a confident and competent communicator. In order to realise this vision, the department has planned a six-year programme to provide our students with a strong foundation and exposure to rich language. The mission of the English Department is to inspire the love of learning through rich learning activities and positive role modelling. The English department has also embarked on Strategy-based instruction as its key approach to teaching EL.
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.
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Different learning station activities and games help cultivate a love for the language.
Students wrote an invitation to their teachers and Principal to attend a class party which everyone thoroughly enjoyed!
A debate on ‘Should Zoos still exist?’ based on the STELLAR title: Willy and Hugh
Our students engaged in activities that encourage and inspire the love for english
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.
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.jpg) Making of bookmarks by the students. |
.jpg) A book talk conducted to inspire others to read. |
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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.
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Students visit the Book Stop to read during recess
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 pupils with guidance in planning, writing and reviewing their work at the Middle and Upper Primary levels. Students practise writing on their free writing journals and tailored Writing Packages. 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.
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Celebrate Writing through our Bendemeer OTTER Times
We celebrate our young authors in our very own Otter Times. The attractive format of the publication inspires students to write well while earning a chance to be featured.
A Pocketful of Phrases
The EL department has also come up wit a compilation of useful words and phrases for students to widen their vocabulary for speech and writing.
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.
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Leaning oracy through fun and authentic ways!
A Vibrant English Environment
English Week
The objectives of English Week are to:
· Arouse pupils’ interest in English Language through fun, engaging activities
· Provide students with a platform to showcase their productions in various forms and to engage in purposeful communication with their teachers and peers
· Engage students in various areas of English language learning (speaking, writing, reading, listening) through modes beyond the scheme of work e.g. literature appreciation and language games.
It is truly a week where students enjoy the wonders of the English Language.
Speak Good English at BPS
The school’s very own Good English speaking mascot- Grammar Grandma makes her appearance once a term to remind students on the importance of speaking well. In addition to her highly entertaining yet educational talks there are quizzes for both staff and students on the right way to speak English!
Our students’ very own reader’s theatre performance with their handmade character masks.
Resources
Otter Times
Issue 1
Useful Links
Good for online stories and games
https://www.storylineonline.net/
https://www.abcya.com/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/
http://www.roythezebra.com/
Good for downloading poems and teaching poetry http://www.poetry4kids.com
Good for downloading Children’s Songs http://www.songsforteaching.com/animalsongs.htm
Good for teaching reading through phonics http://www.starfall.com
Reference Resources
Dictionaries http://dictionary.reference.com/ (Good pronunciation feature)
Good for advice on Teaching English and Reading
http://www.rif.org/
http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/
http://www.pbs.org/launchingreaders/
NLB online catalogue http://www.nlb.gov.sg/