The English learning area is dedicated to teaching students about the English language. It aims to develop students critical understanding of how this language works and how it can be used effectively.The study of English is essential for developing students literacy and communication skills. Learning across all areas of the curriculum is enhanced as a result.
Students in years 8,9 and 10 complete a lower school English course that is currently based on A-E grades; with A being the highest grade obtainable. The course focuses on the four strands of learning that include: Reading, Writing, Viewing and Speaking/Listening.
Students need to satisfy a level of competence in the following learning outcomes:
1. Conventions
Students use the conventions of Standard Australian English with understanding and critical awareness.
2. Processes and Strategies
Students select from a repertoire of processes and strategies when listening, viewing, reading, speaking and writing by reflecting on their understanding of the way language is used.
3. Use of Texts
Students demonstrate increasing variety and control when making and conveying meaning through spoken, visual and written texts.
4. Contextual Understandings
Students develop a critical awareness of the ways language varies depending on the context it is used in.
ENGLISH COURSES OF STUDY
An English Course of Study is studied over two years and consists of semesterised units organised into two-unit combinations. It is expected that students will undertake two units in year 11 followed by two units in year 12. When choosing English subjects students should take into account:
•Their level of achievement in Year 10 English.
•Whether they are considering tertiary entrance (i.e. university) and any course prerequisites that might apply. This information can be obtained from the university handbooks.
•The level of English required for TAFE entry or on the job training.
Students should talk to their English teacher is they are unsure about which units would be appropriate.
YEAR 11 COURSES
ENGLISH 1A and ENGLISH 1B are designed for students who have generally not progressed beyond a C grade in year 10 English. These units are best suited to students who are bound for TAFE or for Employment after completing Year 12. This is a stage 1 course and students do not sit exams for a stage 1 course.
ENGLISH 1C and ENGLISH 1D build on developing and consolidating student achievement to move them from a C grade to a higher one. Typically, these units are designed for students who are working at a C grade or higher. These units are best suited to students who are unsure of whether they are TAFE or University bound after completing year 12. This is a stage 1 course and students do not sit exams for a stage 1 course.
ENGLISH 2A and ENGLISH 2B are designed for students who are entering upper school and who have obtained A or B grades in year 10 English. These units are best suited to students who are University bound after completing year 12.
YEAR 12 COURSESENGLISH 1C and 1D are designed for students who are continuing from Year 11 units
1A and 1B, and are ideally suited for entry to TAFE or for those looking for employment.
ENGLISH 2C and 2D are designed for students who are continuing from Year 11 units and are ideally suited for those students who would like the choice of entry to TAFE or to University after completing year 12. It is generally for those students wanting to obtain University entrance.
ENGLISH 3A and 3B are designed for students who are continuing from Year 11 units (generally completion of year 11 2A/2B) and are ideally suited to those students who are entering University courses. This is the most academic stream and the course is quite rigorous.
