English is a continuation of the sort of work you have completed in Years 7 to 10 and particularly in Units 1 & 2 in this subject. Much 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 ideas. Although most responses will be analytical you will also be able to write creatively on one of the individual texts. The rest of the course will focus on a comparative 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.
All Unit 3 and 4 subjects require 3-5 hours of study per week.
Students are expected to read (or view film texts) and annotate texts and to complete designated homework before the school year begins. You are also expected to re-read (or view film texts) during the school year. You can 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 and the end of year exam the focus will be on practice essays.
Five SACs and an end of year exam:
SAC 1 Analytical response to a text (40 marks, 10%)
SAC 2 Written piece about Protest and written commentary (40 marks and 20 marks, 15%)
SAC 3 Written analysis of a written persuasive text and a visual/audio-visual text (40 marks, 10%)
SAC 4 Oral presentation: persuasive/point of view speech (20 marks, 5%)
SAC 5 Analytical response to a text (40 marks, 10%)
End of year exam (50%)
To pass any VCE unit you need to demonstrate that you have met the Outcomes. In English you meet the Outcomes primarily through completion of coursework, participation in class discussions and SACs.
UNIT 3 OUTCOME 1: Reading and responding to texts
On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse explicit and implicit ideas, concerns and values presented in a text, informed by vocabulary, text structures and language features and how they
make meaning.
UNIT 3 OUTCOME 2: Creating texts
On completion of this unit the student should be able to demonstrate effective writing skills by producing their own texts, designed to respond to a specific context and audience to achieve a stated purpose;
and to explain their decisions made through writing processes.
UNIT 4 OUTCOME 1: Reading and responding to texts
On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse explicit and implicit ideas, concerns and values presented in a text, informed by vocabulary, text structures and language features and how they
make meaning.
UNIT 4 OUTCOME 2: Analysing Argument
On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse the use of argument and language in persuasive texts, including written text (print or digital) and text in another mode (visual, audio and/or
audio visual); and develop and present a point of view text.