Teennagers 
At JGCL, teenagers express themselves at their best
JGCL's programmes for teenagers promote not only EduDrama skills of vocal and written expression, but enable teenagers to talk to their peers about the pressures of school, family expectations and growing up, free from the pressure of academic achievement. Their role model? An energised facilitator trained to tap teenagers' attitudes and creativity.
Teenager programmes cover all aspects of our EduDrama (speech, drama, language skills) programmes but it does so with the dual goals of assisting in the development of the teenager's confidence, and as a liberal arts platform from which a teenager may begin a lifelong love of a subject, author, or discipline.
Teens' Club
Activities include: voice and speech development, communication skills, acting and performance skills, improvisation, creative writing (including narrative, poetry, reports and script writing), story telling, presentation skills and debate.
Each session is designed to stimulate the imagination with many tasks requiring students to think on their feet. Students learn to improve individually and in teams,to problem solve, think and write critically, use expressive language to a high degree, and persuade others to their point of view. Material used is appealing and relevant to teenagers today, whilst also challenging them to contribute their thoughts and ideas about topical issues and current affairs.
Think'n Ink
This programme is designed to cater to the needs of teenage students to develop their competence in oral and written English. It focuses on skills to improve and enhance performance in English language and literature. Our classes provide a challenging and affirming environment through interactive activities.
It is a programme designed to develop students' competence and confidence in written English. It develops critical thinking, creativity and language skills. It is interactive, supportive and fun and it delivers results.
Our Lower Secondary Programme combines the study of English language and literature. Sessions enhance students' ability to understand and analyse text and to develop a distinctive voice, both orally and on paper. We concentrate on helping secondary one students to bridge the gap between primary and secondary school expectations.
Our Upper Secondary Programme prepares students for the written and oral components of 'O' Level examinations in English. In addition we challenge students to develop inferential skills, to write in a clear and appropriate style, to develop an argument and to read widely.
How are sessions structured?
Each session starts with a section of text relating to the theme for the term. Discussion, role-play, word games, vocabulary lists and writing exercises are used to understand, analyse and respond to what has been read.
What are the benefits of Think'n Ink classes?
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Improved understanding of and responses to text
- Increased vocabulary and ability to decode unfamiliar words
- Development of creative and expository writing styles
- Improved accuracy of spoken and written Standard English
- Personalised support by an expert in the subject.
Teaching methodology
Our classes provide a challenging, affirming environment where students are exposed to quality literature and a variety of text types. We foster interest and enthusiasm for English language and literature so that our students will take greater responsibility for their own learning. Sessions are interactive and interesting and stress the importance of both depth and precision in written answers.
Think'n Ink is currently only available in Singapore.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the aims of the programme?
Students learn skills that improve their performance in English language and literature. They learn to read with greater understanding, to systematically develop their vocabulary, to write with greater clarity and precision, to speak more confidently and to derive greater enjoyment from English language and literature.
Who are the teachers?
Our teachers are qualified English language and literature specialists who come from Singapore, New Zealand and Myanmar. They have taught in top Singaporean schools, international schools and in New Zealand and Australia. Our teachers are positive and encouraging and have additional qualifications in the teaching of Speech and Drama and in Debating.
How will I know that progress is being made?
A portfolio of work, with constructive tips from the teacher, documents progress. Our teacher will phone parents at least once a term to discuss progress and will give feedback on what is covered in class through regular emails. We also issue term-end reports. Parents notice, over time, that their son or daughter tackles school tasks more confidently and successfully.
Do students receive homework?
To maximize the benefits of our programme students are required to do some independent reading, to revise vocabulary and to occasionally complete a written task at home. Because we know their school workload is heavy, we do not burden them with time-consuming tasks.
How is the programme different from school?
Maximum group sizes of 12 ensure that students develop the confidence to express themselves in a supportive environment. Our teachers give individual feedback and encouragement.
How is the programme different from other tuition or enrichment centres?
At lower secondary level we cover skills essential for students of literature alongside those needed for the study of English Language. Julia Gabriel Centre for Learning is well known for its expertise in EduDrama which also permeates these classes, making them lively and engaging.
Do you follow the Ministry of Education syllabus?
Yes. We cover all aspects of the MOE syllabus.
What if my child's school doesn't follow the 'O' Level syllabus?
Our classes develop confident speakers, expressive, coherent writers and comprehending, analytical readers. These abilities are as relevant for those in a school offering an integrated programme as they are for those studying towards 'O' Levels. We encourage our students to think, question, infer and articulate their ideas.
Is too much time spent on literature?
No. A range of quality writing must be presented to students if they are to become keen readers and excellent writers. Literature is presented in class as stimulus for a variety of oral and written tasks which develop language skills. For example, students may be asked to write a personal account of a similar experience or a formal letter of complaint; we may debate ideas raised in a story or write the opening paragraph of an argumentative essay. In the course of a term students are exposed to many text types.
How is this programme different from Teens' Club?
The primary focus of our Think'n Ink classes is the development of a written voice, while the primary focus of our
Teens' Club is the development of an expressive spoken voice. There is a small area of overlap in our methodology.