English Literature

English Literature

Why Literature Matters

At its heart, Literature is about stories—those that capture the human experience, spark imagination, and connect us to ideas and emotions beyond our own. At Swiss, we believe in the transformative power of Literature to help students see the world through fresh eyes and develop a deeper understanding of themselves and others. By engaging with diverse literary texts, students learn to navigate life’s big questions, express their thoughts with confidence, and appreciate the beauty and power of words.

What Makes the Swiss Literature Programme Unique?

Our English Literature programme offers students in the Express and Normal Academic courses a rich and dynamic experience. From Lower to Upper Secondary, we nurture students’ critical thinking, creativity, and appreciation for the written word. Here’s what you can expect:

• A Gateway to the World of Stories: Students explore poetry, prose, and drama, encountering texts from around the globe, including works rooted in Singapore’s culture and heritage.

• Skills for Life: Beyond academics, students learn to read independently, analyze critically, and express personal responses to the themes and ideas in texts. These skills are invaluable in helping them navigate life’s complexities.

• Connections to Real Life: Through reflection, collaboration, and discussion, students relate the ideas in texts to their own experiences, fostering empathy and a richer understanding of the world

Lower Secondary: A Journey of Discovery

In Lower Secondary, students begin their Literature journey by exploring the three main genres—poetry, prose, and drama. The programme is designed to spark curiosity and creativity through:

• Hands-On Experiences: Engaging activities like performance tasks, explorative discussions, and even theatre exposure bring texts to life.

• Guided Appreciation: Students are taught to notice the nuances of language and meaning in texts, helping them enjoy Literature with fresh insight.

• Exciting Informal Assessments: From creative projects to thought-provoking questions, assessments are designed to make learning meaningful and fun.

Upper Secondary: Mastering the Art of Interpretation

As students progress to Upper Secondary, the focus shifts to deep analysis and independent thinking. Key features of the programme include:

• Critical Engagement: Thinking routines help students craft thoughtful, well-supported interpretations of texts.

• Collaborative Learning: Group discussions, online forums, and dramatic readings encourage students to share perspectives and co-construct responses.

• Confident Expression: By engaging deeply with texts, students develop the confidence to articulate and defend their views with clarity and conviction.

Why Choose Literature at Swiss?

The study of Literature at Swiss goes beyond academics—it’s an invitation to discover new worlds, understand diverse perspectives, and find joy in the written word. Our programme equips students with the skills, confidence, and creativity they need to navigate life and make meaningful connections with others.

Year 1 – Introduction to Literature as a Discipline

• Close-Reading Skills and Literary Analysis

  • Appreciation of Stories

  • Appreciation of Poetry

Year 2 – Introduction to Drama and Poetry

• Close-Reading Skills and Literary Analysis

  • Appreciation of Drama

  • Appreciation of Poetry

  • Theatre Exposure

Year 3 and 4 – Preparation for the N and O levels

• Prose and The Unseen

• Drama (For Pure Literature Students Only)

• Theatre Exposure

• Enrichment (Targetted Seminars, Workshops)

The English Literature unit is a small cohesive unit made up of the following committed and dynamic teachers.