Language Arts

LA Dept Writeup for Website 2025

LA Department Philosophy, Mission, Vision

Philosophy

The LA Dept believes that language is the vehicle of thought. Language is not just a tool for thinking, learning and sharing of learning, it is also a means for socializing, articulating our opinions and expression our identities and relationship with the world around us. In an increasingly globalized world where rapid development in information technology is part of our lives, there is an even greater need for linguistic and communicative competence. The teaching of literacy and linguistic skills in English needs to include multiliteracies so that students can respond to and effectively use multiple modes of communication, with audience, purpose and context in mind.

Mission

The Language Arts programme aims to develop students’ ability to communicate effectively by developing their receptive skills (listening, reading and viewing), productive skills (speaking, writing and representing) and thinking skills in a progressive way. Students will recognize that text and language choices are based on audience, purpose and context. Through our programme, students become empathetic communicators, discerning readers and critical thinkers.

Vision

To empower students to think critically, express themselves confidently, accurately and fluently and communicate and collaborate well with others.

LA Programme and Electives

LA Talent Development Opportunities

Students who have displayed aptitude in our discipline may be identified for talent development. Here is an overview of our Talent Development Opportunities:

Writer’s Circle

A mentorship programme run by NJC for JH students, focused on creative writing.

·        Participants will meet fellow members in monthly or bi-monthly workshops and engage in creative writing activities and feedback/critique sessions.

·        They will participate in and submit polished drafts/portfolios to competitions, The Creative Arts Programme, and open calls.

Students get the opportunity to share/feature  their writing in NJC, whether in an online zine or in a performance event, and contribute to the reading and writing culture in NJC and beyond.

Writing Competitions

All students are invited to write creatively and analytically and many platforms are available within the college as well as externally for students to share and showcase their work. Some writing competitions include the Royal Commonwealth Essay, Torrance Creative Writing, Foyle Young Poets, A*STAR Science Chronicles, and more.

National Schools Literature Festival (NSLF)

Held biannually, the National Schools Literature Festival (NSLF) is a literary festival for students in Singapore and has provided a powerful platform to develop students’ passion and love for literature. Students get to take part in activities such as choral speaking, flash fiction writing, unseen debate and book trailer!

Plain English Speaking Competition (PESA)

Students who are proficient in speaking and are keen to hone their public speaking skills may be selected to take part in PESA. The objectives of PESA are:

1. To promote public speaking as an important social and academic skill

2. To provide an avenue for students to sharpen their speaking skills and to build confidence in public presentation

3. To provide opportunity to learn by observing other proficient speakers

4. To develop a personal voice ("Believe in what you are saying and enjoy speaking. Let your own voice be heard.")

Creative Arts Programme (CAP)

Secondary 2-3 students who have submitted good portfolios and are selected will attend

• writing workshops which give young writers the chance to work with other young writers and learn from established writers;

• enrichment sessions which expose participants to interesting and relevant issues on writing and the arts;

• performance workshops which offer participants the opportunity to learn an art form under the charge of an arts practitioner and come up with a performance which may be chosen for showcase

Literature Seminar (organised by MOE GEB)

• Literature Seminar is an annual event held in August. It comprises literary enrichment workshops by prominent writers or academics of Literature in Singapore, as well as presentations on literary research projects by secondary school students. It provides participants with a better understanding of the breadth of literary studies. This is typically offered to upper JH students offering Advanced Language Arts.

Humanities and Social Sciences Research Programme (HSSRP) (organised by MOE GEB)

• HSSRP offers Secondary 3 and 4 students in Integrated Programme (IP) schools a valuable opportunity to engage in humanities and social sciences research under the guidance of academic researchers.

Moot Parliament Programme (MPP) (organised by MOE GEB)

• MPP offers students insights into how public policies and legislative bills are passed in Singapore. Participants will research community and national issues and learn about Bill crafting under the guidance of expert-mentors from the legal profession.

Thinking

Critical thinking is incorporated and taught throughout the 4 years in Language Arts lessons. Students are introduced to Richard Paul’s Wheel of Reason to help them to analyse, understand and evaluate the texts and issues that they encounter.

From JH1, students are made aware of the processes involved in critical thinking when they are exposed to inference and assumptions, two of the elements of reasoning in ‘The Elements of Thought’. As they move up the levels, they will be exposed to more/all elements of reasoning and be given ample opportunities to apply their critical thinking and reasoning in class, through their work and under assessment conditions.

For upper JH students who enjoy critical thinking, they may be offered an elective called Man and Ideas (MI). Using inquiry as the approach to learning, MI engages students in questioning, challenging assumptions and known knowledge, exploring what they do not yet know, and in so doing, make them better thinkers and decision-makers.