English

Our Philosophy

At MCS, we believe that every child can grow to be competent and confident users of the English language. We deliver an enriched curriculum that teaches our students to appreciate the nuances of the English language, develop critical thinking skills and equip them with the necessary competencies that are essential for communicating in the real world.

Our Approach

We use Strategies for English Language Learning and Reading (STELLAR) as our primary approach to deliver the national curriculum. Lessons are further enriched by our school-based programmes that integrate listening, speaking, reading, viewing and writing into the language learning process.

1. Reading @ MCS
Reading is the cornerstone of acquiring language skills. Students are encouraged to engage in book exploration during their reading and library periods.

Our school library hosts games and activities that excite our students to read and share their love for books with their peers. We organise book talks by authors, who share the process behind writing good stories.

At the Upper Primary levels, the study of current affairs is integrated into the curriculum where students read about world news. They reflect on these and express their thoughts through journal writing.

2. Writing @ MCS
Writing is an important form of communication. At MCS, we focus on teaching writing as an iterative process. Students are guided through the different stages of writing (ideation, drafting, receiving feedback, editing, publishing) as we believe that the rigour of the process is as important as the final product.

3. Oracy @ MCS
Communicating effectively is a key competency of the 21^stCentury. The aim of the Applied Learning Programme (ALP) at MCS seeks to achieve this desired outcome for every student. The ALP helps students appreciate the relevance and value of what they are learning in the English Language and provide authentic and meaningful contexts for students to explore and learn.  

MCS Reading Programme

This programme aims to introduce students to different genres and inculcate in them a love for reading. Through a series of lessons, students will read for enjoyment and explore the common features and thematic elements of various genres. The lessons are designed not only to engage, delight and entertain pupils, but also to teach and reinforce values.

Termly English Book Sharing

In each term, we introduce new genres and recommend good reads to our students. The focus of each term is as follows.

Term 1: Graphic Novels Genre
Term 2: Books on the Environment
Term 3: Books by Local Authors
Term 4: Realistic Fiction Genre

The books that we recommend can be found in our school library so that students have access to them. More information on MCS’ library programmes may be found at the following link: https://marymountconvent.moe.edu.sg/marymount-experience/mcs-library

Our English Talent Development Programmes

Our Philosophy

• We believe that every student is endowed with talent in specific domains and can be developed to her fullest potential;

• We strive to enable each student to discover and develop her core academic talents;

• We believe in empowering every student to enhance their strengths and pursue their passions for lifelong learning.

Our Approach

Our English Talent Development Programme aims to provide opportunities for P3 – P6 students who have the passion and desire in English to:

• Explore and deepen their interest in the English language;

• Broaden their exposure in English-related disciplines;

• Become creative, imaginative writers;

• Interact and collaborate with other budding English talents.

The programme seeks to develop students who

• Demonstrate a keen interest in the English language (e.g. through active participation in English-related enrichment activities, projects or competitions);

• Obtain excellent results in school-based English assessments; and

• Have a good record in their conduct. 

As part of their development, students in our English Talent Development Programme can look forward to participation in the following:

Our Department Programmes

Live@MCS! - Love your voice, share your story

Live@MCS! is a weekly student platform where students are given opportunities to speak confidently, share their ideas, and grow as ladies of eloquence. Students may present through live sharings at the hall or through our new vlog/video platform. This programme aims to create a supportive platform where students gain confidence in their own voice and abilities by speaking in front of peers.

P4 Public Speaking Workshop
As part of the post-exam programme, P4 students will develop the skills to speak confidently and effectively while representing their ideas according to purpose, audience, and context. Through engaging activities, students will learn to use positive body language — including posture, gestures, and eye contact — to support their message and engage their audience meaningfully. They will also develop E21CC competencies such as critical and adaptive thinking as they learn to present ideas clearly, logically, and coherently.

P3 Storytelling Workshop
As part of the post-exam programme, P3 students will develop the skills to express ideas and emotions clearly and confidently through storytelling. Students will learn to use body language, facial expressions, appropriate tone, volume, and pace to engage their audience and convey emotions effectively. Working collaboratively in groups, they will apply the storytelling techniques learnt to present engaging stories. Through these group activities, students will also strengthen E21CC competencies such as effective collaboration, teamwork, and conflict management.

Experiential Learning (Lower & Middle Primary)

The ALP integrates experiential learning into the Lower and Middle Primary English curriculum, where students engage in meaningful hands-on experiences to deepen their understanding of texts while developing confidence in communication.

For example, while reading the Stellar Reader Roti Prata, P2 students learn to make prata themselves, bringing the story to life through an authentic tactile experience. They then present their learning and reflections clearly and confidently using Kolb’s Reflective Cycle.

P1 students, through the Stellar Unit Ants in a Hurry, explore the fascinating world of ants via an Ant Museum specially set up in school. Through observation and inquiry, students discover more about ants before confidently sharing their observations and learning using Kolb’s Reflective Cycle.

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Through the Stellar Unit Unusual Plants, P3 students investigate how insectivorous plants detect and capture insects by examining their unique traps and sensory hairs. This hands-on learning experience at the Science Centre allows students to better appreciate how these plants adapt and survive in their environment. Students express their scientific observations clearly and confidently using descriptive and factual language, present their findings orally with appropriate tone, posture, and vocabulary, and engage in peer questioning and reflection with clarity and confidence.

Aligned with the Stellar Unit Life of a Vet, P4 students attend a Talk by a Vet, where they learn practical ways to support animal welfare in Singapore. They subsequently share their learning and reflections clearly and confidently using Kolb’s Reflective Cycle.

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These experiential learning opportunities promote collaboration and provide students with meaningful platforms to share their learning and experiences with their peers. Through authentic real-world experiences, students develop foundational communication and teamwork skills while nurturing curiosity, confidence, and a deeper appreciation for the English Language.