English
English is taught to students from Years 7-12 extending their language skills through speaking and listening, reading and writing effectively for a range of audiences and purposes.
Core - English
Year 7 (included in Integrated Studies)
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
Year 11 VCE Unit 1/2 or VCAL Literacy
Year 12 VCE Unit 3/4 or VCAL Literacy
Electives
Year 9 Literature
Year 10 VCE Pathway Literature
Year 10 Public Speaking
Year 11 VCE Unit 1/2 Literature
Year 12 VCE Unit 3/4 Literature
Areas of Study in English
While there are specific skills and units of work taught at each year level, the core English subjects involve the same areas of study. Students work out of a folder with dividers corresponding to the following areas:
Text
Reading of text refers to any novel, short story collection, poem, media item, film or play which is read and studied in class. Some texts are purchased as part of the booklist, while others are available as class sets or videos to be booked out of the library. Any work based on the class text is a 'text response.' Students are expected to study a minimum of one text per term.
Writing
In the writing folio section of their folders, students will gradually build up a collection or 'folio' of their own writing encompassing many different styles. The writing folio may contain plans, drafts and finished pieces of writing. Students are encouraged to consider the importance of purpose and audience in their writing. They are also encouraged to see writing as a process and to utilize the drafting and editing. Students are expected to complete a minimum one folio piece per term.
Speaking and Listening
Oral presentations afford the English teacher many opportunities to present students with challenging and rewarding tasks. The overall goal should be to have students frequently and actively engaged in a range of oral tasks in class. These could vary from informal discussions and small group work to formally prepared and delivered oral presentations. Students are expected to complete at least one oral activity per term.
Wide Reading
The objective of wide reading is to have students understand the value and pleasure they can get from reading. Students are encouraged to read widely and to pick literature that is suitably challenging. As a general rule, students should be reading substantial fiction and non-fiction books rather than magazines, picture books, comic or newspapers.
Skills
Students should be encouraged to see vocabulary and mechanical skill development in English as empowering them as effective communicators, not just in the English classroom, but in all facets of their lives.
Convenor: Anne O'Dwyer