The new English/English as an Additional Language Study Design which will begin with the implementation of Units 1 and 2 in 2023 will allow for both English and English as an Additional Language (EAL) students at PHSC to complete the study in a combined English/EAL classroom.

Students who are unfamiliar with the English language because they are from non-English-speaking backgrounds or who are deaf or hard of hearing may have access to (EAL) status. Please email (peterss@phsc.vic.edu.au) or see Ms Peters in the main staffroom 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.

However, to apply for EAL status in Units 3 and 4 students must meet the VCAA eligibility criteria. Each student is also required to submit an Application for Enrolment in English as an Additional Language Units 3 and 4 form to the school. 

More information can be found about eligibility criteria by clicking on the link below:

https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/administration/vce-vcal-handbook/sections/Pages/06AdministrativeInformationStudents.aspx


The outcomes and assessments for both cohorts of students – VCE English and English as an Additional Language (EAL) – are closely aligned which will allow us to once again accommodate EAL students.


CATEGORY I – Students from a non-English speaking background. Tick which of the following apply:

You have not resided in Australia or another predominantly English-speaking country for a total period of more than seven years prior to 1 January of the year you will begin Units 3 & 4. This period of seven years is calculated cumulatively over your whole life.

You have been enrolled in schools where English has been the major language of instruction for a total period of seven years or less over the period of your education.

Applications for students whose country of origin is Singapore or India must be submitted to the VCAA for assessment.

You are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person whose first language is not English.

You have had minimal primary school education and/or have had material interruptions to schooling.

CATEGORY II – Students who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Students who are applying to seek EAL status in Units 3&4 must meet one of the three criteria outlined in the following table.

1
  • will not have resided in Australia or another predominantly English-speaking country for a total period of more than seven years prior to 1 January in the year the student will be undertaking Units 3 and 4 EAL (The period of seven years is to be calculated cumulatively over the student’s whole life. The calculation of time spent in Australia is made from the date of last arrival plus any previous periods of time spent in Australia or any predominantly English-speaking country. Time spent out of Australia during school holidays should be included in the accumulation towards the seven years because there would have been no disruption to education during these periods) and
  • has been enrolled in schools where English has been the student’s major language of instruction for a total period of seven years or less over the period of their education (Schools must sight the student’s overseas school reports to confirm that the language of instruction was not English during this period)
2
  • A student is an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person whose first language is not English
3
  • A student is deaf or hard of hearing and meets the eligibility requirements


What is it and why should I do it?

What will I do in class?

How much homework will I have?

How do I satisfactorily complete the unit?