English

Empowered Voices: Communicate with Confidence, Purpose, and Heart

At River Valley Primary School (RVPS), the EL Department is committed to nurturing thinkers and leaders who communicate with confidence, purpose, and heart. Aligned with our Applied Learning Programme (ALP) outcomes and the strategic thrust of “Nurturing Thinkers and Leaders”, we empower students to use language effectively and empathetically — not only to express themselves but also to advocate for the good of their community.

By fostering Active Learning, Curiosity, Critical Thinking, and Team Learning, we create a opportunities for students to listen, read, and view content with an open mind, engage in discussions, and collaborate in knowledge-building. Through oracy lessons and application of thinking routines, students learn to ask questions, articulate ideas clearly, and develop a strong sense of social responsibility.

With language as a powerful tool, we guide students in understanding diverse perspectives, honing their communication skills, and becoming self-directed learners. By anchoring learning in values and real-world connections, we aspire to cultivate confident communicators and adaptive leaders who will make a meaningful impact.

Cultivating Critical Thinkers Through Thinking Routines

Thinking Routines are integral to our teaching and learning strategies, helping students develop critical thinking, reasoning, and idea-generation skills. This approach encourages them to explore ideas, make connections, and synthesise information, making them more reflective and adaptable learners.

For instance, See-Think-Wonder (STW) and See-Think-Wonder-Connect (STWC) are used to develop observation skills, encourage predictions, and generate ideas for writing. Similarly, Know-Want to Know-Learned (KWL) stimulates curiosity and engagement with information texts. To deepen comprehension, Claim-Support-Question (CSQ) guides students to justify their interpretations with evidence, while Colour-Symbol-Image (CSI) helps them distil complex ideas visually.

By embedding these routines, we empower students to think critically, communicate effectively, and approach learning with curiosity and confidence.

The Reading Programme – Thursday Tales

At RVPS, we believe that reading enriches minds, builds confidence, and fosters a lifelong love for language. Thursday Tales is a platform where students share stories with their peers, making reading an engaging and communal experience.

On scheduled Thursdays, students take the stage in the morning to read aloud stories or excerpts in the School Hall. Additionally, pre-recorded readings are played in the School Library during recess, ensuring accessibility for all. By placing students at the heart of storytelling, we cultivate a vibrant reading culture beyond the classroom.

English Language Week: Celebrating the Joy of Language

English Language Week is a highlight of the school year, bringing the English language to life through immersive activities. With a unique theme each year, students participate in interactive assembly programmes, hands-on class activities, and recess engagements, all designed to deepen their appreciation for language and storytelling.

A key feature of the week is Characters Come Alive Day, where students and staff dress as their favourite storybook characters, transforming the school into a literary wonderland. This experience ignites excitement for reading and reinforces the power of stories in shaping imagination and learning.