English Week 2026

English Week 2026: Celebrating the Power of Stories

English Week 2026 brought the college community together in a vibrant celebration of language, creativity, and expression. Held in Term 2, Week 1, this year’s theme, “Stories”, invited students to reflect on the many ways narratives shape perspectives, identities, and connections through a dynamic line-up of programmes.

The week opened with the Inter-House Oratorical Competition, where JC2 students delivered compelling speeches on thought-provoking issues. Drawing on personal experiences and social observations, participants demonstrated how stories, when thoughtfully crafted and delivered, can engage, persuade, and inspire. Their performances showcased clarity of thought, rhetorical flair, and strong critical thinking skills.

Throughout the week, Morning Sharings offered students a daily opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the English language. These sessions focused on three key areas—song lyrics, word play, and the evolution of words—encouraging students to reflect on how language continues to develop and how it can be enjoyed in creative and meaningful ways.

Students also explored written expression through the annual INKit! Writing Competition, which featured categories in Prose, Poetry, and Opinion. Winning entries were displayed across the college, highlighting a rich diversity of voices and perspectives, and demonstrating the many forms stories can take on the page.

The celebrations concluded with an English Carnival held outside the library, alongside an Open Mic session indoors. Student-run booths, featuring activities such as rhythm-based word challenges, storytelling, and word games, provided interactive and engaging ways for participants to experience language. At the Open Mic, both staff and students took to the stage to share music, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

English Week 2026 ultimately celebrated the enduring power of stories—told through speech, writing, and performance—to connect individuals, inspire reflection, and give voice to diverse experiences within the college community.