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 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.
Five SACs and an end of year exam:
SAC 1 Creative response to a text and written explanation (7.5%)
SAC 2 Analytical response to a text (7.5%)
SAC 3 Comparative analysis essay of several persuasive texts (10%)
SAC 4 Oral presentation (7.5%) plus statement of intention (2.5%)
SAC 5 Comparative text analysis essay (15%)
End of year exam (50%)
To pass any VCE unit you need to demonstrate that you have met the Outcomes.