General Paper | Literature

General Paper

General Paper (GP) is a subject that aims to train students to develop maturity of thought, independent thinking and the proficient use of the English language.

MI GP Department trains students to focus on the skills needed to tackle the subject and at the same time update students with current knowledge using research projects and reading programmes.

Seated, from left: Mr Andrew Andeny, Mr Lee Kuang Shiun, Mr P Thomas Benjamin (Left MI), Mr Kelvin Yew Yeu Weng,  Mr Mohd Idris Mohd Haniffa, Mr Samuel Wong, Mr Ang Wee Ngee Rion

Second Row, from left: Mrs Apetroaie Gabriela, Ms Cho Chan Ying, Ms Mariya Bte Ahmad, Mdm Ong Yuan Shin, Mdm Lee Siew Leng, Mdm Nuryani Suneh, Ms Siti Arfah Meslan, Ms Quek Si Min, Ms Ong Minyu Sharie, Ms Lee Nian Tjie, Ms Jamaliah Othman, Ms Gaynor Teh, Mdm P Manimegalai, Mrs Joanne Leong-Lee Yi Ting, Mdm Mesenas Elizabeth Claire

Supplementary programmes are also offered to students in addition to their normal curriculum to bring their skills and content knowledge to a higher level. Some examples of these programmes are learning journeys to places related to the current topics taught, inter-class and inter-school debates, PU Seminars, Asia-Europe Classroom Network projects and many other initiatives that spearhead the learning interests of MI students.

The aims as stated in the syllabus are as follows:

• Understand better the world in which they live by fostering a critical awareness of continuity and change in the human experience
• Demonstrate their understanding of the nature of knowledge by appreciating the interrelationship of ideas from across disciplines
• Broaden their global outlook while enabling them to remain mindful of shared historical and social experiences both within Singapore and regionally
• Develop maturity of thought and apply critical reading and creative thinking skills
• Develop the skills of clear, accurate and effective communication
• Develop the skills of evaluation of arguments and opinions
• Promote extensive and independent reading and research.

The assessment objectives and skills required are as follows:
The candidate will be expected to demonstrate:

A broad and mature understanding of a range of subject matter from the humanities and culture as well as science and technology, including some issues of significance
to Singapore. This includes the ability to:

• acquire knowledge and understanding of diverse topic areas through extensive reading and independent study
• analyse and evaluate issues across disciplines, showing awareness of their significance and implications for the individual and society
• express understanding as well as critical and creative thinking through informed personal responses
• formulate cogent arguments.

Comprehension, interpretation and application of a range of subject matter. This includes the ability to:

• comprehend the text in detail and as a whole
• infer relevant information
• summarise information
• evaluate information
• make observations of patterns and relationships
• apply understanding and interpretation in a task derived from the text(s).

Effective communication and proficient use of language appropriate to candidates at this level. This includes the ability to:

• use the accepted conventions of spelling, punctuation and grammar
• use a variety of linguistic styles and expressions appropriate to the context, task and audience
• use and demonstrate understanding of a range of vocabulary
• present information clearly

Literature

The English Department offers H1 and H2 English Literature syllabus under the new JC curriculum.

The aims as stated in the syllabus are as follows:

To develop in students

• a love of reading and the ability to read critically
• an appreciation of literacy works and the ability to make an informed personal response
• the interdependent skills of reading, analysis and communication
• the ability to communicate ideas effectively, persuasively and appropriately.

Our Instructional Programme

• A careful selection of texts and elective paper offered - students appreciate literary works from different periods and genres.
• Predominantly tutorial based lessons - students will enjoy a more engaging setting for learning.

Our Enrichment Programme

• Bridging courses - for first time Literature students
• Enrichment Journeys - to expand literary appreciation by allowing for learning to be experiential and exploratory.
• Workshops and Guest Lecturers - to provide our students with alternative perspectives to issues and make learning more interactive.
• Overseas/ Local Projects - to provide an authentic learning experience and application of knowledge to the real world.