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titleEnglish

English

The study of units 1 and 2 follows the requirements established by the VCAA. The course broadens the skills used in the dimensions of speaking, reading and writing. The essence of the English study is the analysis of a range of texts (both print and non-print) to promote critical thinking about ideas and how they are conveyed.  Therefore, responding to texts and expressing ideas in a variety of forms is intrinsic to the study of English. The course also examines ways in which the media treats and presents particular issues. The texts are selected by the English faculty staff and include fiction, non-fiction and media texts. The underlying aim is to enable students to become conscious and conscientious of their language development, nurturing confidence and skill in understanding and using language effectively.

Units 1-4

The study of units 1-4 requires analytical responses to print/non-print and media texts. This is essential to understanding the ways in which authors create meaning, and shows how texts can be interpreted in different ways. The units require students to develop competence in critically responding to the texts studied, writing, oral presentations, and creating texts. There is also a need to clearly explain the reasons for their choices when writing. In order to achieve and demonstrate these skills, it is important to use language effectively in classroom interactions, participate in discussions and activities, and complete and submit preparatory work for feedback.  This is intrinsic to gaining confidence and developing skills to a higher level.

Assessments

Unit 1 Assessment

Following the criteria set out by the VCAA, assessment occurs within the school. The writing of analytical essays and responding to ideas/themes raised in texts is a major part of the course. In years 11 and 12 students are required to write and deliver an oral presentation. It must be presented publically to the teacher and class on the allotted day. Failure to do so will result in an ‘N’ result for that outcome. Internal assessment is conducted during the year. There are three SACs (school-assessed coursework).  Each one contributes towards the subject score that is part of the ATAR.

Outcome 1: Analytical response to text

 Outcome 1b: Creative response to text

Outcome 2: Persuasive oral

 

Unit 2 Assessment

Following the criteria set out by the VCAA, assessment occurs within the school.  The writing of analytical essays and responding to ideas/themes raised in texts is a major part of the course. Each one contributes towards the subject score that is part of the ATAR.

   Outcome 1: Comparative text essay

   Outcome 2: Analysis of persuasive text essay

  

 

Unit 3 Assessment

Following the criteria set out by the VCAA, assessment occurs within the school. The writing of analytical essays and responding to ideas/themes raised in texts is a major part of the course.  The oral presentation of the understanding of one part of the course is also part of the study of English. Internal assessment is conducted during the year. There are four SACs.  Each one contributes towards the subject score that is part of the ATAR.

   Outcome 1:Text response essay

   Outcome 2: Analytical essay on the way the media presents an issue

   Outcome 3: Oral presentation on the way we encounter conflict in our society

   Outcome 4: Creating and presenting essays/creative pieces based on a prompt

 

Unit 4 Assessment

Following the criteria set out by the VCAA, assessment occurs within the school.  The writing of analytical essays and responding to ideas/themes raised in texts is a major part of the course. Each one contributes towards the subject score that is part of the ATAR.

   Outcome 1: Text response essay

   Outcome 2: Creating and presenting an essay/creative piece based on a prompt

   There is also an examination set by the VCAA and assessed externally.  There will be opportunities for students to practise for this.

 

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titleEnglish Language

The study of English Language enables students to further develop and refine their own skills in reading, writing, listening to and speaking English. Students learn about personal and public discourses in workplaces, fields of study, trades or social groups.  

In this study students read widely in order to develop their analytical skills and understanding of linguistics. Students are expected to study a range of texts, including publications and public commentary about language in print and multimodal form. Students also observe and discuss contemporary language in use, as well as consider a range of historical and contemporary written and spoken texts.  

Knowledge of how language functions provides a useful basis for further study or employment in numerous fields such as arts, sciences, law, politics, trades and education. The study supports language - related fields such as psychology, the study of other languages, speech and reading therapy, journalism and philosophy. It also supports study and employment in other communication-related fields, including designing information and communications technology solutions or programs.  

This study enables students to:  *

  • describe and analyse the structures, features and functions of spoken and written English language, using an appropriate metalanguage 
*
  • investigate language acquisition, use, variation, and change over time 
*
  • reflect critically on attitudes to language in both its historical and contemporary contexts, with particular focus on identity, social cohesion and the distinctiveness of Australian language 
*
  • explore and analyse the interplay between convention and creativity in language use 
*
  • develop an awareness of their own critical, selective and innovative use of language and apply it to their own writing and speaking 
*
  • demonstrate, in the creation of their own texts, effective and competent use of Standard Australian English to meet the demands of further study, the workplace, and their own needs and interests. 

 

STRUCTURE 

STRUCTURE 

The study is made up of four units: *

  • Unit 1: Language and communication 
*
  • Unit 2: Language change
*
  • Unit 3: Language variation and social purpose
*
  • Unit 4: Language variation and identity
 

Each unit deals with specific content contained in areas of study and is designed to enable students to achieve a set of outcomes for that unit. Each outcome is described in terms of key knowledge and key skills. 

 

ENTRY 

There are no prerequisites for entry to Units 1, 2 and 3. Students must undertake Unit 3 prior to undertaking Unit 4. Units 1 to 4 are designed to a standard equivalent to the final two years of secondary education. All VCE studies are benchmarked against comparable national and international curriculum.