Literature at Bukit Batok Secondary

In BBSS, the sec 1 and 2 students study Matilda by Roald Dahl and A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens respectively. The upper sec students study Tell Tales by Gwee Li Sui and Boom by Jean Tay for two years.

There is no whole-school approach to teaching literature and teachers are given free reign over pedagogical methods. Literature lessons are allocated only two 45-minute periods a week for the lower sec classes, and four 45-minute periods for the upper sec classes.

The literature department however tries to make teaching and learning innovative and engaging through vistas like infusing graphic adaptations of the literary works, like graphic novels and various movie adaptations, into the lessons. The Drama Club CCA is putting on the play Boom.

Intensive work shops and enrichment classes are organised occasionally.

Practical criticism of poetry and prose (unseen) are done in blocks now and then it seems, and skills and knowledge of literary devices are usually taught at these times.

It is heartening to hear (during an interview) that most students (usually girls) possess a hunger to read and study literature, and that they devour notes and recommended books. I personally feel that the teaching and learning of literature is pitched at a level that is accessible and that students can understand. A lot of scaffold is done in terms of internal questioning (reflection) and critical thinking through various formats of formative assessments.

Last year, the school achieved 70% O’Level distinctions for literature, and I was told this is attributed to a sole beginning teacher who “mothers her students”.