Page History

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 publicly 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):

Outcome 1a: Analytical response to text

Outcome 1b: Creative response to text

Outcome 2: Persuasive oral presentation

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. There are two SACs:

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 three SACs.  Each one contributes towards the subject score that is part of the ATAR.

Outcome 1a: An analytical essay on a selected text

Outcome 1b: A creative response to a different selected text with a written explanation of decisions made in the writing process and how these demonstrate understanding of the text

Outcome 2: An analysis and comparison, in written form, of argument and the use of persuasive language in 2 - 3 texts that present a point of view on an issue

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 There are two SACs and each one contributes towards the subject score that is part of the ATAR.

Outcome 1: Essay - a detailed comparison in written form of how two selected texts present ideas, issues and themes

Outcome 2: Construct and deliver a sustained and reasoned point of view on an issue currently debated in the media with a written statement of intention.

There is also an end of year examination set by the VCAA which is assessed externally and will contribute fifty percent to the students' score.  There will be opportunities for students to practice for this.