English Language
OP1 Curious Minds at Work Through Inquiry in the English Classroom
Date: 26 March 2026
Time: 1000 - 1130
Venue: Nanyang Primary School
Teacher: Ms Ho Siew Gek Catherine (Nanyang Primary School)
This open classroom invites participants to see how Kath Murdoch’s cycle of inquiry can come alive in a Primary English lesson designed for high-ability learners (HAL). The session takes teachers through the full journey—from how the lesson was planned to how each phase of the inquiry cycle is enacted with students. Throughout the lesson, the design keeps the characteristics and needs of HAL in mind, offering challenge, choice, and plenty of opportunities for thinking, talking, and exploring ideas. Teachers will get to observe how inquiry can naturally build engagement and motivation in English, while supporting both the cognitive and psychosocial development of HAL. The session aims to provide practical takeaways and simple entry points for any teacher looking to infuse more inquiry, curiosity, and joy into their English classroom.
Ms Catherine Ho is a Lead Teacher for Learning Needs (High-Ability Learners) at Nanyang Primary School. With nearly 30 years of English teaching experience and 18 years in the Gifted Education Programme, she is passionate about the psychosocial development of HAL and designing inquiry-rich learning experiences. She facilitates NLCs and contributes to the AST HAL Chapter.