What is it and why should I do it?
In many ways Units 1 and 2 EAL is a continuation of the sort of work you have completed in Years 7 to 10 in English. English and English as an Additional Language (EAL) students at PHSC to complete the study in a combined English/EAL classroom. The outcomes and assessments for both VCE English and English as an Additional Language (EAL) students are very similar - if you come from a non-English speaking background or are deaf or hard of hearing you may be eligible and benefit from differentiation and adjustments to tasks appropriate to an EAL learner (please email daviesje@phsc.vic.edu.au or see Ms Davies in the main staff room if you think you qualify for Units 1 and 2 EAL).
In Units 1 and 2, the determination of the status of an EAL learner is a school-based decision. VCAA recommends EAL students have demonstrated achievement at C3 or above on the Victorian F-10: EAL. However, to apply for EAL status in Units 3 and 4 students must meet the VCAA eligibility criteria.
Unit 1
In Area of Study 1 you will study a text (or extracts from the set 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). You are not restricted to writing in a particular genre. 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 set text (or extracts from the set 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. 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. i
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, and learn about the conventions of oral presentation for persuasive purposes.
What will I do in class?
In class you will be involved in a combination of whole class or small group discussion focusing on activities such as close reading, viewing and listening of a variety of written, visual, audio and audio-visual texts, analysing text and language, or essay planning and writing. You will also complete short and extended analytical and creative, informative, persuasive and/or hybrid written tasks.
How much homework will I have?
Students are expected to read (or view film texts) and annotate texts before the school year begins and to re-read (or view film texts) during the school year. You can also expect that there will be homework at the end of each English lesson. This could be unfinished class work or additional work set by the teacher. In the lead up to SACs, the focus will be on practice essays.
How do I satisfactorily complete the unit?
Complete tasks set by teacher. These may include filling in tables based on themes and characters in texts, reading and annotating texts, short and extended creative, informative, persuasive or hybrid responses, short analytical responses and analytical essays.
Participate in class discussions.
Satisfactorily complete all School Assessed Coursework (SACs). Below are possible tasks for assessment:
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