What is it and why should I do it?
2023 will be the first new year of implementation of the new English (and EAL Study Design). In many ways English is a continuation of the sort of work you have completed in Years 7 to 10 in this subject but the new Study Design allows for greater student voice and agency. At least one English subject (English, EAL, English Language, Literature) is compulsory at VCE.
Unit 1
In Area of Study 1 you will study a text such as a novel, play, film, short story collection or memoir. The focus for this text study will be on personal connections to the story. You will draw on your own personal experience and understanding in developing your writing about a text, and work to shape your ideas into formal essay structures.
In Area of Study 2 you will craft your own writing which can be imaginative, persuasive, informative or hybrid) with a focus on a stated context, purpose and audience. You will build your knowledge of what makes writing effective and your skills in this area through the exploration, discussion and study of mostly short mentor texts such as short stories, speeches or monologues (with transcripts), poetry/songs, feature articles (including a series of blog or social media postings) and memoirs and biographies (these may be entire texts or extracts). There is also scope for students to provide ideas and negotiate additional mentor texts that best fit the needs and interests of the class.
Unit 2
In Area of Study 1 you will study a text such as a novel, play, film, short story collection or memoir. This text will be a different text type to that studied in Unit 1. Approximately two thirds of the course focuses on the study of texts such as novels, plays, films, short story collections or memoirs. While two of these are studied as individual texts the remaining two texts require you to make comparisons between both. You will explore both the themes and ideas of the text and analyse how the creator has used literary or film devices to convey their message. Although most responses will be analytical you will also be You will write a formal analytical essay on this text.
In Area of Study 2 you will read, view and listen to a range of persuasive texts in the media on a current local and/or national issue. You will explore the structure of these texts, including contention, sequence of arguments, use of supporting evidence and persuasive strategies. You will closely examine the language and the visuals employed by the author, and analyse the intended effect on an audience in essay form.
You will also apply your knowledge of argument to create your own point of view text for oral presentation able to write creatively on an individual text. The rest of the course will focus on the analysis of how writers use argument and written and visual language to persuade readers to share their point of view. You will also use these skills to write and deliver your own speech and to write an extended persuasive response.
Click here to watch Ms Ridgway-Faye and Kara Thompson 11E discuss Year 11 English.
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