What is it and why should I do it?
2023 will be the first new year of implementation of the new English (and EAL Study Design). In many ways English is a continuation of the sort of work you have completed in Years 7 to 10 in this subject, but the new Study Design allows for greater student voice and agency. At least one English subject (English, EAL, English Language, Literature) is compulsory at VCE.
Unit 1
In Area of Study 1 you will study a text titles 'Convenience Store Woman'. The focus for this text study will be on personal connections to the story and crafting an analytical response during the SAC. You will develop analytical responses by interpreting texts through a considered lens, drawing on prior knowledge and contextual understanding. These ideas will be refined and structured using formal essay conventions.
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 the film text Lion to build your skills in viewing and responding analytically. You will examine the ways in which the text explores themes, issues and ideas, and analyse how the filmmaker uses narrative and film techniques to construct meaning. Your understanding will be demonstrated through a written analytical interpretation of the text, developed in response to a prompt.
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?
1) Complete all tasks assigned by your teacher.
These may include reading and annotating texts, filling in tables or graphic organisers on themes, characters, or textual elements, writing short or extended creative, informative, persuasive or hybrid responses, analytical paragraphs or essays, personal reflections, and formalised written activities such as structured handouts or guided analyses.
2) Actively participate in class discussions to deepen your understanding of the text and share interpretations.
Satisfactorily complete all School Assessed Coursework (SACs). Below are possible tasks for assessment:
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