English

ENGLISH LEARNING AREA

Overview

The study of English from years eight to twelve involves the development of skills both of communication and of critical literacy.

Courses centre on the four Learning  Outcomes of  Listening and Speaking, Viewing, Reading and Writing.

Reading and Viewing

Students are challenged to develop from basic skills of comprehension at entry level to the complex deconstruction of  Reading and Viewing texts in Year Twelve. This involves gaining and understanding of the way language functions to position a reader to the core values and attitudes within a text and also an appreciation of some of the cultural ideologies which inform our reading. A balance of popular, transactional, viewing and literary texts are studied at each year level. Literature in Year Eleven and Twelve is the only course which does not have a Viewing component.

Writing

Writing skills are developed through offering opportunities for both creative and analytical expression. This is supported by the teaching of the grammatical structure of the language and the accepted generic conventions of a variety of forms of written expression. These may vary from autobiographical and personal essay forms in the earlier years to complex academic discourses in the Senior School. All Upper School courses now retain a focus on creative writing and the fostering of individual talent is seen as an important focus for the department.

Listening and Speaking

In addition to the traditional oral presentation students engage in more interactive types of presentation such as panel discussions and forums. The English department is also keen to promote inter- school  Debating as a extra- curricular activity

Classes

Support level classes are offered for those who need extra help in developing their literacy skills but at the other end of the spectrum, extension classes are offered to promote the talents of the most able students. Weekly homework help sessions are held in order to support students who need help interpreting assignments or honing their literacy skills.

Upper School

In Upper School  units are offered at Stages One, Two and Three and well as Year Eleven and Twelve Literature. This enables students to select courses which are relevant both to their vocational needs and level of ability.

Year Ten Units

Recent innovations in the Year Ten programme include units in both "Men's and Women's Stories", World Literature and  Vocational English amongst others. These are designed to prepare students for the units on offer in year Eleven.