What is STELLAR 2.0 in the context of the MOE SEAB PSLE Syllabus Curriculum?

The ability to communicate effectively in English is an essential skill in our globalised world. The Ministry of Education in Singapore (MOE) has recognized this, and has developed a comprehensive syllabus designed to equip students with robust literacy skills. An essential part of this syllabus is the STELLAR 2.0 programme.

The latest PSLE MOE Comprehension syllabus as of 2023 here

Question 1: What is STELLAR 2.0 in the context of the MOE SEAB PSLE Syllabus Curriculum? Answer: STELLAR 2.0 is a programme in the MOE SEAB PSLE Syllabus Curriculum, standing for ‘Strategies for English Language Learning And Reading’. It aims to improve language acquisition and foster strong reading habits and critical thinking skills among students.

Question 2: What is the main goal of STELLAR 2.0? Answer: The primary objective of STELLAR 2.0 is to provide “A Strong Foundation and Rich Language for All,” equipping students with robust literacy skills.

Question 3: What is the ‘Whole Part Whole’ approach in STELLAR 2.0? Answer: This pedagogical approach starts with the introduction of a text that students will listen to, read, and view with teacher assistance, ensuring students enjoy the text and understand its purpose.

Question 4: How does STELLAR 2.0 support the transition from lower to mid primary? Answer: As students progress to mid primary, the texts become more complex, with fewer illustrations. However, strategies such as shared reading continue to aid in understanding the text, making this transition smoother.

Question 5: Does STELLAR 2.0 promote independent learning? Answer: Yes, STELLAR 2.0 emphasizes individual reading and writing, thereby nurturing self-directed learners.

Question 6: What skills does the STELLAR 2.0 curriculum focus on? Answer: The curriculum aims to develop the four primary language skills – listening, speaking, reading, and writing – and also focuses on social skills development.

Question 7: What types of texts are included in the STELLAR 2.0 curriculum? Answer: The STELLAR 2.0 curriculum exposes students to a wide range of text types for different purposes, enhancing their comprehension and critical thinking skills.

Question 8: What is the role of drama in the STELLAR 2.0 curriculum? Answer: Drama and literature-in-action techniques are integrated into the curriculum to augment language learning, developing linguistic skills, and enhancing learners’ creativity and expressiveness.

Question 9: How does STELLAR 2.0 assess students’ progress? Answer: STELLAR 2.0 uses a range of assessment tasks to evaluate students’ competence in speaking, reading, listening, writing, and language use. These tasks align with the curriculum’s objectives and include engaging and interactive tasks.

Question 10: Is parental support important in the STELLAR 2.0 programme? Answer: Yes, parental support plays a critical role in a child’s language acquisition journey. Encouragement and involvement from parents can enhance a child’s motivation and enthusiasm towards learning English.

Question 11: What does STELLAR 2.0 stand for? Answer: STELLAR 2.0 stands for ‘Strategies for English Language Learning And Reading.’

Question 12: How are social skills developed in the STELLAR 2.0 programme? Answer: The programme encourages oral interaction among peers, cooperative work, and respect for others during class discussions, thereby developing students’ social skills.

Question 13: What are some examples of literature-in-action techniques used in STELLAR 2.0? Answer: Techniques such as ‘Hot-Seating’, ‘Freeze Frame’, and ‘Readers’ Theatre’ are used to enhance language learning in STELLAR 2.0.

Question 14: How are students’ linguistic skills developed in the STELLAR 2.0 programme? Answer: STELLAR 2.0 develops students’ linguistic skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) through a learner-centred approach that includes various tasks and activities.

Question 15: How is the STELLAR 2.0 programme implemented in the classroom? Answer: STELLAR 2.0 is delivered using the whole part whole approach, with each unit of work starting with an introductory text that students read, listen to, and view with the teacher’s support.

Question 16: How does STELLAR 2.0 facilitate students’ transition from lower to middle primary? Answer: As students move from lower to mid primary, they continue to be exposed to a variety of texts for different purposes through the STELLAR curriculum, aiding in the smooth transition.

Question 17: How is the ‘Shared Book Approach’ used in STELLAR 2.0? Answer: The ‘Shared Book Approach’ is introduced at lower primary levels, with teachers supporting students as they read and derive meaning from texts.

Question 18: What skills are assessed in the P2 Holistic Assessment Tasks? Answer: The P2 Holistic Assessment Tasks assess students’ speaking, reading, listening, writing, and language use skills.

Question 19: How does STELLAR 2.0 develop students’ independent learning skills? Answer: STELLAR 2.0 promotes independent learning through individual reading and writing activities, fostering a sense of responsibility and self-reliance in students.

Question 20: What strategies are employed in the STELLAR 2.0 programme to improve students’ reading skills? Answer: Strategies like the shared book approach and guided reading, where students read with teacher assistance, are used to improve reading skills.

Question 21: How is writing taught in STELLAR 2.0? Answer: Writing is encouraged through both group and individual writing tasks, fostering creativity and promoting communication skills.

Question 22: How is listening taught in STELLAR 2.0? Answer: Students are exposed to various listening tasks, including listening to instructions and identifying blending sounds, improving their listening skills.

Question 23: How does STELLAR 2.0 help in developing speaking skills? Answer: The programme uses tasks such as pick-and-tell, interaction, and giving opinions to help students develop their speaking skills.

Question 24: How does the STELLAR 2.0 programme foster a love for reading? Answer: By exposing students to a wide range of texts and engaging reading activities, STELLAR 2.0 helps to foster a love for reading among students.

Question 25: What types of texts are introduced as part of the STELLAR 2.0 programme? Answer: A wide variety of texts are introduced to cater to different purposes, ranging from instructional texts to narrative stories, further enhancing the comprehensive nature of the STELLAR 2.0 curriculum.

What is STELLAR 2.0?

STELLAR 2.0 is an acronym for ‘Strategies for English Language Learning And Reading.’ As part of the “Primary MOE SEAB English Syllabus,” it is an initiative aimed at enhancing language acquisition in children by cultivating strong reading habits and developing critical thinking skills. The core tenet of STELLAR 2.0 is its focus on providing “A Strong Foundation and Rich Language for All.”

The pedagogical approach employed in STELLAR 2.0 underscores the role of the learner at the heart of the teaching process. It incorporates multi-literacies, metacognition, and inquiry through dialogue, fostering empathetic communicators, discerning readers, and creative inquirers. This approach, known as the ‘Whole Part Whole’ approach, commences with the introduction of a text that the students will listen to, read, and view with the assistance of their teachers. The goal is to ensure students not only enjoy the text but also understand its purpose.

As students progress from lower primary to mid primary, the texts become more complex, with fewer illustrations to support them. However, strategies such as shared reading continue to be used to aid meaning-making during reading. It’s noteworthy that the STELLAR 2.0 programme places a particular emphasis on cultivating independent learning. It encourages individual reading and writing, thereby nurturing self-directed learners.

The STELLAR 2.0 Curriculum

The STELLAR 2.0 curriculum, which continues from lower primary to middle primary, exposes students to a broad range of text types for different purposes. Each STELLAR unit aims to develop the four primary language skills – listening, speaking, reading, and writing – in a well-integrated and systematic manner.

But language learning isn’t confined to the acquisition of these skills. The STELLAR 2.0 curriculum also focuses on the development of social skills. It creates non-threatening situations for oral interaction among peers, promotes cooperative work, and emphasizes the importance of turn-taking and respect for others during class discussions. It’s these nuances that make the curriculum a holistic learning experience.

A notable aspect of the STELLAR 2.0 curriculum is the integration of literature-in-action and drama, notably in Primary 2. Techniques such as ‘Hot-Seating’ (interviewing and questioning for deeper understanding), ‘Freeze Frame’ (creating a “living photo” of a moment in the story), and ‘Readers’ Theatre’ (expressive reading aloud) are used to augment language learning. This not only develops linguistic skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) but also enhances learners’ imagination and creative expression.

Assessing Progress in STELLAR 2.0

The STELLAR 2.0 programme understands the importance of continuous, holistic assessment for effective learning. It adopts a wide range of assessment tasks designed to evaluate students’ competence in speaking, reading, listening, writing, and language use. These tasks are designed according to the STELLAR 2.0 units, ensuring alignment with the curriculum’s objectives.

These assessments aren’t confined to pen-and-paper tests. They include engaging and interactive tasks such as ‘Pick-and-Tell’, ‘Readers’ Theatre’, and ‘Stimulus-based Conversation’. Additionally, students are assessed on their spelling and dictation abilities weekly.

The Role of Parents in STELLAR 2.0

While STELLAR 2.0 offers a robust framework for language learning in schools, parental support plays a pivotal role in a child’s language acquisition journey. Children need encouragement and support, and parents are instrumental in providing that. Parental involvement can make the difference between a child who merely goes through the motions of learning and one who genuinely enjoys and benefits from the process.

However, support doesn’t always mean insisting on completing numerous worksheets and homework. Instead, it could mean reading together, engaging in constructive conversations, or simply showing interest in what they’re learning. Such positive association can bolster children’s motivation and enthusiasm towards learning English.

Conclusion

STELLAR 2.0, as part of the “Primary MOE SEAB English Syllabus,” provides a comprehensive, balanced, and engaging approach to English Language teaching and learning. It goes beyond the traditional boundaries of language instruction, integrating a wide range of activities and strategies designed to foster a love for reading, enhance comprehension skills, and develop confident communicators. With the support of teachers and parents alike, students can leverage the STELLAR 2.0 programme to become competent and confident users of the English language.