‘I am not a teacher, but an awakener.’ Robert Frost
Subject Overview
The aim of English in Years K–10 is to enable students to understand and use language effectively. Students learn to appreciate, reflect on and enjoy language, and make meaning in ways that are imaginative, creative, interpretive, critical and powerful.
Students study language in its various textual forms, which develop in complexity, to understand how meaning is shaped, conveyed, interpreted, and reflected.
Students engage with literature from Australia, including the rich voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and from across the world and in doing so, broaden their experiences and become empowered to express their identities, personal values and ethics.
Students develop foundational literacy skills in the early years and progressively build on these skills. This enables them to learn about and control language in a range of increasingly sophisticated contexts.
Through interrelated practices and experiences in understanding and creating texts, students learn about the power, purpose, value and art of English.
In Year 11 and 12, courses available include: English Studies, English Standard, English Advanced, English Extension (1 and 2).
Faculty Goals
- To create safe classroom spaces in which students are willing to share critical and creative ideas.
- To empower students in their thinking about text/s and consequently, the world both within and around them.
- Provide scaffolding and support for all students to become skilled writers and reach the next level of potential in their written communication.
- To plan activities that support students in becoming empowered and confident literate communicators.
Stage 4:
In Stage 4 English students participate in a variety of topics to build on the foundational skills developed in the earlier years to support their growing knowledge, understanding and skills in the areas of reading, viewing and listening to texts, understanding and responding to texts and expressing ideas and composing texts. In Year 7 students examine a range of poetry, consider how fairytales and myths/legends have been reinvented over time, complete a novel study and explore a drama text that has been transformed into film. In Year 8, students consider the representation of identity through both a novel and poetry before moving into the study of a speculative fiction film, concluding the year with a drama study.
Stage 5:
In Stage 5, students extend upon the skills learned in previous years and engage more meaningfully with complex texts so that their writing becomes more sophisticated. They start to master the analytical, imaginative, persuasive, discursive and reflective forms as a key milestone in preparation for Stage 6. In Year 9, students are encouraged to be creative and learn the resilience required to draft and edit their work through a portfolio. They then complete a novel study (making comparisons to film) followed by the study of poetry. Following this, they consider which English pathway is best for them in Stage 6 and this informs their placement in Year 10 English classes. Year 10 prepared students for the rigour required in Year 11 and 12 through the completion of various essays, a portfolio of writing and a formal examination.
Stage 6:
In Stage 6 students elect their English pathway as it is best suited to their post-school goals. Students who are eager to enter the workforce or learn English skills relevant to becoming a young adult participate in English Studies (which has an optional examination to gain an ATAR). English Standard and English Advanced are also offered for the more rigorous study of English and prepare students for success in the HSC and university level academic writing. Extension courses are also available for students who possess a love for the subject and wish to explore this further.
Link to English Syllabus
Faculty Achievements:
- The Secretary’s Award for School Achievement (given for the faculty’s efforts in improving assessment processes and as such, student attainment)