English language & literature
Developing empathetic communicators, discerning readers and creative inquirers through English Language and Literature.
Vision
Empathetic Communicator, Discerning Reader, Creative Inquirer
The English Language serves as a common medium of communication for us to understand others and to be understood. At the local level, English is the common language that facilitates bonding among the different ethnic and cultural groups. At the global level, English allows our students to tap into a knowledge-based economy where English is the main lingua franca of the Internet, of science and technology, and of world trade. In line with the school vision of “Reflective Learners, Caring Changemakers”, we seek to develop our students with the competencies to be Empathetic Communicators, Discerning Readers, Creative Inquirers through the teaching and learning of the English Language.
Literature is a subject that nurtures both the head and the heart. Our Literature programme at lower secondary introduces students to the different literary genres and devices. The school offers Literature in English for students who wish to pursue their interest at upper secondary. It encourages students to build personal and critical responses to texts and the world around them. The subject inspires and moulds students to become empathetic and global thinkers, creative readers, creative meaning-makers and convincing communicators, all important skills we need to navigate the world.
Achievements & Highlights
Level Programmes
Secondary 2 – Poetry Slam Workshop, Read@Lianhua
Secondary 3 – Inter-class Debate Competition
Signature Programmes
School Library Activities
Reading @ Hillgrove (Click on the link to access information about the School Library and useful reading resources https://hgvreads.my.canva.site/main
Competitions
2025 National Schools Literature Festival
Flash Fiction (Gold Award)
Book Trailer (Gold Award)
38th YMCA Plain English Speaking Awards (2025) - 5 Certificates of Participation
Live On Festival 2025 (Essay Competition) - 3 Certificates of Participation
2023 National Schools Literature Festival
Lower Sec Book Trailer (Commendation)
Upper Sec Unseen Debate – Sec 3 Team (Winner)
Upper Sec Unseen Debate – Sec 4 Team (Winner)
2019
Sec 3 Unseen Poetry Debate (Winner)
2018
Lower Secondary Book Trailer (Sec 1 Team – 3rd)
Sec 4 Set Text Debate (winner)Sec 4 Set Text Debate (winner)