In the English course, students learn about the English language: how it works and how to use it effectively. Language plays a central role in human life: It provides a vehicle for communication, a tool for thinking, a means of creativity and a source of pleasure.
Through language, humans shape understanding of themselves and their world. An understanding of a language and the ability to use it effectively empowers students. It gives them access to knowledge, enables them to play an active part in society and contributes to their personal growth. Students will begin their upper school course in English at a unit level appropriate to their performance.
The English ATAR course is a rigorous and challenging program designed to meet the demands of modern society and prepare students for tertiary study and future academic pathways. The course focuses on developing analytical, creative, and critical thinking skills across all language modes.
Students engage with a carefully selected range of contemporary and relevant texts that reflect the issues and ideas impacting this generation. These include classic novels such as The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and Cloudstreet by Tim Winton, the historical graphic novel The Complete Maus by Art Spiegelman, and modern Australian-focused texts such as Utopia. Students also study works by Maxine Beneba Clarke, Ray Bradbury, and Shaun Tan, alongside feature films including The Dressmaker and Don’t Worry Darling. These texts are chosen to engage students, broaden perspectives, and support the development of analytical, creative, and critical thinking skills, while fostering a lifelong love of reading.
Every lesson and assessment is designed using only the most effective teaching strategies, ensuring alignment with ATAR exam requirements and supporting students to achieve their best outcomes. Through close study, wide reading, viewing, and listening, students develop the ability to analyse and evaluate the purpose, stylistic qualities, and conventions of texts, as well as to create imaginative, interpretive, persuasive, and analytical responses. The course equips students with the knowledge and skills needed for success in ATAR exams and prepares them for tertiary study and future academic pathways.
Pre-requisites: Strong C Grade or better in Year 10 English, Band 8+ in Year 9 NAPLAN, or Cat 3 Reading and Writing in OLNA.
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” – Dr. Seuss
The English General course is designed to pique students’ interest and provide opportunities to develop competency, confidence, and engagement in modern communication. Students learn to express themselves clearly, apply formality and professionalism in written expression, and communicate effectively in contemporary contexts.
The course focuses on real-world applications, helping students engage with texts for entertainment and analysis. Students learn to extrapolate key ideas and messages, interpret meaning, identify persuasive techniques, and examine perspective and bias in a wide variety of texts. This includes novels, films, short stories, feature articles, and speeches. Support is provided for students needing remedial assistance or OLNA preparation, ensuring all learners have the tools to succeed.
Through these experiences, students strengthen their analytical skills, broaden their understanding of language, and develop the ability to communicate thoughtfully and effectively in the modern world.
Pre-requisites: Completion of Year 10 English.
