Writers Studio is an English enrichment school in Singapore that focuses on helping students improve their language skills through personalised learning. Catering to both primary and secondary students, their programs are designed to match each student’s ability and learning style. With small class sizes and a curriculum that covers key areas like creative writing, comprehension, and oral communication, Writers Studio aims to support students in reaching their academic goals, including preparing for exams like the PSLE and O-levels, while fostering confidence in their communication abilities.
We spoke to Carean Oh, Founder of Writers Studio School of English, to learn more about her journey, the inspiration behind establishing a school focused solely on English education, and how her passion for language has shaped the unique teaching approach at Writers Studio. Read on to find out more.
Interview with Carean Oh, Founder of Writers Studio School of English
1. Can you tell us more about your background and what inspired you to set up Writers Studio School of English specialising in teaching English only instead of expanding to other subjects like Maths and Science?
Carean Oh: I was a Science and English specialist and was chosen by my principal from the Gifted Education branch at the Ministry of Education to study science teaching methods in New York. I later led the science department at a local primary school. Although I excelled in science, my true passion lay in English. This led me to pursue a master’s in creative writing in the US.
Initially, I began with two subjects—English and Science. The science students consistently achieved high grades, earning A and A*. However, as I developed innovative materials and effective training methods for English, it became clear my focus should shift entirely to this subject. After ensuring my final batch of science students attained ideal scores and secured placements in prestigious schools, I decided to concentrate exclusively on English. This shift allowed me to create a specialised environment to help students excel in various aspects of English, fostering their growth and success in a subject I am deeply passionate about.
2. How do you go about designing the syllabus and teaching materials for various levels and ensuring the quality of teaching is consistent across all levels?
Carean Oh: My team and I stay consistently informed about the latest educational trends. With over 22 years of experience teaching English, I ensure that our syllabus and teaching materials have relevant learning objectives for each level. Our curriculum is designed to gradually build students’ skills, with ample practice sessions to reinforce and further develop their understanding of key concepts.
Over time, we have expanded our programme offerings to better meet the diverse needs of our students. This focus allows us to maintain the quality of our curriculum. Currently, we offer the following programmes:
- Twinkle STARS: K2
This programme focuses on building foundational reading and writing skills through engaging activities. Students learn grammar, spelling, and vocabulary. Since its launch in 2012, many of our younger students have benefited from this programme and continued with us as long-term learners. - STELLAR Integrated Creative Writing: Primary 1 – Primary 6
Developed in 2010, this programme was created for students who went on to achieve distinctions in their PSLE. It takes a comprehensive approach to learning, improving creative writing while also enhancing grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, sentence structure, spelling, and word awareness. This method empowers students to write well-structured pieces aligned with specific themes. - STARBRIGHT Creative Writing: K2 – Primary 6
This creative writing programme helps children craft personalised writing pieces using structured guidelines, guided by our teachers. It is designed for students interested in reading and writing, those aspiring to be writers, students who struggle with generating ideas, and those who wish to benefit from creative writing. - STARLITE Online Creative Writing: Primary 2 – Primary 5
This online programme uses stimulating and interactive exercises to strengthen children’s creative writing abilities. As they develop their writing skills, their vocabulary is enriched, and they learn to craft personalised works that reflect their unique voices. By focusing on reading and writing, the programme fosters imagination and helps students confidently bring their ideas to life, empowering them to create original, meaningful pieces.
- STARDREAM: Secondary 1 – Secondary 4
This programme continues the journey by deepening students’ language comprehension and strengthening their skills in preparation for tertiary education. We have a large secondary school cohort. With intricate teaching and mentoring efforts by our dedicated Secondary School teachers, our students are able to obtain places in their ideal junior colleges and tertiary institutions when they graduate. Within a year of their enrolment, the scores of our students usually improve and their performance in school stabilised with more consistency. This enables them to tackle other subjects with a peace of mind.
See here for more information on our courses: https://www.writerstudio.com.sg/courses/
We maintain the consistency and quality of our teaching and materials through teacher training, regular reviews, lesson observations, and feedback systems.
3. What is heart-based education and why do you think this is the way to go for the future generations?
Carean Oh: At Writers Studio School of English, we prioritise a personalised, heart-centred approach to education. Our passionate teachers provide attentive instruction, creating a nurturing and dynamic environment where children can thrive academically and emotionally.
In Singapore’s primary school system, our MOE-registered teachers understand the unique needs and challenges faced by young learners. We focus on building a strong foundation in English and creative writing, going beyond traditional methods by tailoring our approach to each child. This allows us to address individual learning gaps and provide targeted guidance.
Our aim is to equip students with the skills to excel in English and creative writing, while fostering confidence and a love for language. Through compassionate teaching and a deep understanding of primary education, we help students express themselves creatively and effectively.
4. How do you create an educational eco-system with Writers Studio School of English and ensure that students will benefit and achieve success from this system?
Carean Oh: To build a thriving educational environment and ensure student success, we prioritise high-quality teaching and strong parental involvement.
Our method combines teaching English fundamentals with mentoring, focusing on practical knowledge application. We guide students in applying what they learn, viewing this as equally important as teaching the content. Our teachers, all holding degrees in English or Literature, are carefully selected for their expertise. Our educators share a consistent philosophy, promoting excellence. All teachers complete rigorous training to address diverse student needs. Teaching methods are adaptable to help each student reach their full potential.
We value parental involvement, maintaining regular communication through parent-teacher meetings, detailed class reports, and social media updates. This collaboration enhances the learning experience and supports student success.
5. In your opinion, what are some of the most important qualities for a teacher to possess in order to be effective in the classroom? How do you develop and help your teaching team cultivate those qualities over time?
Carean Oh: Key qualities for an effective teacher include patience, adaptability, passion, strong communication skills, and empathy. Patience allows teachers to recognise students’ varying needs and learning speeds, fostering a calm, supportive atmosphere where students can progress without fear of mistakes. Adaptability helps teachers adjust their methods to fit different learning styles and classroom dynamics, ensuring every student benefits. Passion for teaching and the subject inspires students, making even difficult topics engaging. Strong communication skills are crucial for conveying information clearly, providing feedback, and building positive relationships with students and families. Empathy enables teachers to understand students’ challenges and offer the emotional support needed for success. These qualities create a positive, motivating environment for learning.
To nurture these traits, we focus on ongoing professional development and mentorship. Teachers receive continuous training in pedagogy and classroom management, refining their adaptability and communication skills. Peer collaboration encourages sharing of practices, challenges, and successes, fostering collective growth. Regular feedback sessions promote self-reflection, helping teachers improve empathy and patience. We also prioritise teachers’ emotional well-being, recognising its influence on their ability to connect with and inspire students. Continuous learning and personal growth build a passionate, empathetic teaching team.
6. Can you describe your approach to working with parents to ensure that their children receive authentic English enrichment? How do you engage with parents and get them involved in the learning process?
Carean Oh: Our approach to engaging parents centres on open communication, collaboration, and shared goals, ensuring that children receive effective English enrichment. A strong partnership between teachers and parents is vital for holistic student development. We provide frequent updates on children’s progress through meetings, detailed reports, and informal check-ins, allowing parents to remain informed about academic strengths and areas for improvement. Messaging platforms facilitate consistent updates on classroom activities and upcoming lessons. Additionally, we offer personalised feedback that highlights academic achievements and growth in creative writing, language comprehension, and critical thinking, assisting parents in understanding their child’s specific needs.
We actively engage parents by providing suggestions and resources for home support, including reading recommendations and language exercises, ensuring that learning extends beyond the classroom. Transparency is promoted by sharing our teaching methodologies and curriculum design, fostering trust in the authenticity of English enrichment. We also offer guidance on how parents can support language development through reading, creative writing, and vocabulary discussions. Our social media platforms and blogs keep parents informed and engaged, as we regularly share helpful content, including recommended books and writing strategies that can be easily implemented at home. For example, during the recent PSLE period, we shared a variety of tips from English paper tips to tips for managing PSLE Exam Anxiety.
In summary, our approach at Writers Studio School of English prioritises collaboration with parents, ensuring well-rounded and tailored English enrichment for each child. This partnership creates a comprehensive support system that fosters continuous growth in language skills.
7. In your experience, why do you think that writing is such an important skill for children to develop, and how can it benefit them in their academic and personal lives?
Carean Oh: Writing is a vital skill for children to develop, as the ability to express ideas clearly and coherently influences various aspects of their education and equips them with skills that extend beyond the classroom. Academically, writing assists children in organizing their thoughts and articulating ideas in a structured manner, enhancing their ability to communicate effectively across all subjects. It encourages critical thinking, information analysis, and solution development. Through writing, children learn to reason, form opinions, and provide evidence to support their ideas.
The relationship between writing and reading is significant; as children engage in writing, they become better readers, which expands their vocabulary, understanding of grammar, and overall language proficiency, thereby reinforcing their language development. Strong writing skills are essential for success in examinations (e.g., PSLE and O’Levels), essays, and reports as students progress through their education, enabling them to express complex ideas, which is crucial for high school, college, and beyond.
On a personal level, writing allows children to express their emotions, thoughts, and imagination. Whether through creative writing, journaling, or storytelling, it serves as an outlet for personal expression and nurtures creativity. As children enhance their writing skills, they gain confidence in their ability to communicate and express themselves, which can improve self-esteem and motivate them to embrace new challenges. Writing also helps children develop the ability to organize their ideas logically, teaching them to structure their thoughts, a skill that is useful in all areas of life.
Additionally, writing has therapeutic benefits, allowing children to process their feelings and experiences. It improves their ability to communicate effectively with others, enhancing social interactions and relationships. In conclusion, developing strong writing skills provides children with academic advantages, fosters personal growth, and prepares them for future success in their personal and professional lives. Writing is a powerful tool that empowers children to think critically, express themselves confidently, and communicate effectively with the world around them.
8. Can you describe your approach to supporting students who may have difficulty with English and or writing, or who may not be as interested in these subjects?
Carean Oh: Assisting students who may experience difficulties with English or demonstrate a lack of interest in the subject necessitates a customised and compassionate approach. Our strategy for supporting students who struggle with or show minimal enthusiasm for English includes providing personalised assistance, employing engaging learning methods, and concentrating on fostering confidence and relevance. By addressing the unique needs of each student, making lessons enjoyable, and establishing a positive learning environment, we enable students to overcome challenges and discover the value of the subject.
9. As a sole woman founder in the already saturated education industry, can you share with us what makes you decide to take up the challenge and enter into this industry?
Carean Oh: We did not originally intend to enter a saturated education market; rather, it was a serendipitous journey. Writers Studio School of English commenced as a mobile tutoring service, where we visited students’ homes to provide personalised instruction. The initial students we worked with achieved top grades in their schools, which resulted in increasing interest from parents within the community.
Our strategically located centre attracted more families, and as we continued to enrol students, we maintained a strong emphasis on quality teaching methodologies. Our insightful approach ensured that all students, whether local, Korean, or from neighbouring schools, consistently attained high scores over the following three years.
Currently, we do not regard the saturation of the education market as a concern. Our commitment to delivering high-quality lessons, carefully selected materials, and a focus on current educational trends enables us to exceed the expectations set by the Ministry of Education for the PSLE and O’Levels. We are dedicated to not only keeping pace but also leading in the field of education.
10. What sets your school apart from others in the industry? What are the factors that you believe your school’s educational services are important and of value to parents and children?
Carean Oh: What distinguishes our school from others in the field is our heart-centred approach to education. We prioritise personalised learning, emphasising a robust mentorship philosophy and nurturing creativity in every child. Our collaboration with parents ensures that each child achieves their full potential. We place great importance on the holistic development of our students, aiming not only for academic achievement but also for instilling a deep appreciation for the English language and self-expression. Our dedication to establishing strong foundational skills in English, alongside encouraging a love for the language, equips children for long-term success.
11. Can you share any success stories or notable achievements of your school and your students who have benefited from your school?
Carean Oh: In 2010, 100% of our students obtained distinctions in their PSLE English after a year of exposure to our programme, that later developed into our STELLAR Integrated Creative Writing programme. Since then, Writers Studio School of English has consistently produced students who demonstrate continuous excellence in examinations.
You can read more about our success stories here: https://www.writerstudio.com.sg/writers-studio-reviews/
12. Lastly, is there anything else you’d like to add and what would you like to say to our readers who are looking forward to send their children to Writers Studio School of English?
Carean Oh: I would like to extend two invitations to our readers.
First, we warmly invite you to experience our trial classes in a paired lesson arrangement. We offer a total of four trial lessons, allowing students to familiarise themselves with our teaching methods.
In addition to these trial lessons, parents have the opportunity to book a complimentary review session. During this session, our teachers will mark and grade the student’s work, followed by a free one-to-one evaluation. This evaluation will provide a detailed explanation of the student’s strengths and areas for improvement. Our teacher will also offer insights into what our lessons entail, enabling the student to make an informed decision about continuing with Writers Studio School of English.
We believe this approach helps students feel more comfortable and confident when choosing a class, especially when they are new to our school.
Next, we are excited to welcome the month of October with an enchanting blend of magic, stories, and writing! Though October is typically a busy time with exams, there is a special weekend dedicated to all children in Singapore. If you are in the vicinity of Beauty World Centre, do drop by and join us for our exclusive Children’s Day Carnival.
Children can participate in short creative writing lessons, be mesmerised by an animal magic show, or enjoy a heart-warming story on diversity and inclusion brought to life through animation by a local ventriloquist. There will also be captivating performances by the visually impaired, and for those who love a good challenge, we welcome you to compete in sports games and win prizes, with the chance to participate alongside your siblings or best friends. For creative students, there will be craftwork stations where you can make special mementoes to bring home. Our food booths will also be available for those in need of a little treat!
Parents are more than welcome to join in the fun too. The shows are free, while affordable booth coupons can be purchased for other activities. A portion of the proceeds will go towards the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped, in support of visually impaired children in Singapore. Every guest will receive a voucher booklet worth over $200, courtesy of us and our event sponsors.
The event will take place from 2 to 6 October, between 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM, at the Beauty World Centre, Indoor Atrium (Level 1, near passenger lift). Do not miss the special magic show on 5 October, and ventriloquist performances and storytelling sessions on 5 and 6 October.
For more information, visit Event Details.
