“With globalisation, there is a need to speak a widely used language, and this should be learnt well from a young age,” said Mdm Lim Chwee Lian, Head of Department (HOD) of English Language at Seng Kang Primary School. ITEA_Seng Kang Primary School_4
To raise the standard of English Language proficiency in her school, Mdm Lim has been developing and implementing a programme over the past four years. By encouraging reading habits, creating opportunities for public speaking and planning teachers’ professional development, Mdm Lim has been creating a culture of good English in the school. For her good work, she recently received the Inspiring Teacher of English Award 2014 for the Leadership Award category.
Reading as the foundation for learning Believing that reading is the foundation for learning a language, Mdm Lim spearheaded the redesign of the school library into a ‘fairyland’ to attract students and give them a conducive environment for reading. Visiting the school library is a treat for students, especially when there are storytelling sessions by teachers and parent volunteers.
Reading widely also helps students understand and communicate better. For example, science teachers would choose science-related texts for their storytelling sessions, to help students learn the related vocabulary. Students are then better able to understand science questions and express themselves in their answers. Speaking well and with confidence Understanding the demands of the working world that students will face in the future, Mdm Lim also initiated activities such as poetry recitations, show and tell, and drama to build up their public speaking skills.
Gradually, students overcame their initial apprehension and fear. They progressed from small scale class presentations, to larger platforms such as the school stage or, for those who are more proficient, inter-school storytelling competitions. Mdm Lim has also gone the extra mile to help the school’s security guards and canteen vendors with simple sentences that they can use when speaking to students or visitors. Leading teachers “As a leader, I look into students’ progress but I also have to look into fellow teachers’ professional expertise, because they help to deliver the programme,” said Mdm Lim.
For the English teachers, Mdm Lim would conduct sharing sessions or bring in professionals for workshops on pedagogy and English-related topics. Once a month, during staff meetings, she would also share fun bite-sized tips on common English mistakes. After 35 years in education, Mdm Lim’s passion still burns bright and she hopes to continue developing interesting programmes and teaching methods, to capture the excitement and interest of students in learning the English language.